bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Diabetes Screening in Pregnancy and Perinatal Morbidity in Infants of Mothers with Mild Impairment in Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Mestman Jorge H
Published: December 2014

Pregnant women attending the regular prenatal clinic at Los Angeles County (LAC)/Women's Hospital received a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). Upper limits for the test are a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dl (serum glucose 110 mg/dl), 1 h 170 mg/dl (200 mg/dl), 2 h 130 mg/dl (150 mg/dl), and 3 h 120 mg/dl (130 mg/dl). The incidence of overt diabetes (fasting hyperglycemia) was 3.5% and of Class A diabetic women (abnormal test but normal fasting glucose value) it was 8.8%. The incidence of abnormal tests is greater in obese patients, potential diabetic patients (family history of diabetes or abnormal obstetrical history), and with increasing age. However, it was 3.4% in a group of patients below age 20 yr and without an abnormal medical or obstetrical history. The perinatal mortality in uncomplicated Class A diabetic women is as low as in the general population. Patients with Complicated Class A (previous stillbirth or who develop preeclampsia) and those patients who develop fasting hyperglycemia should have medical and obstetrical surveillance. Twenty-five percent of the infants of Class A diabetic mothers experience some morbidity. Long-term follow-up of mothers with abnormal tests in pregnancy is indicated, since the incidence of subsequent carbohydrate abnormality is 40%. As a screening procedure, pregnant women should have a 2-h serum glucose following the administration of 100 g of a glucose solution. In patients with a value of over 140 mg/dl, a GTT should be performed. In patients with a screening value of less than 140 mg/dl, it should be repeated by 34 wk gestation.
Insulin Therapy in the Diabetic Surgical Patient: Metabolic and Hormone Response to Low Dose Insulin Infusion
Authors: Goldberg Neil J , Wingert Terence D , Levin Seymour R , Wilson Samuel E , Viljoen John F
Published: December 2014

We examined carbohydrate metabolism and endocrine responses during elective abdominal surgery in nondiabetic and in insulin-treated diabetic patients. The diabetic patients were divided into two groups: those receiving preoperative subcutaneous (s.c.) insulin and those receiving continuous, low dose intravenous (i.v.) insulin infusions. Glucose, glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone, and insulin levels were measured preoperatively, intraoperatively, and for up to 6 h postoperatively. In the nondiabetic subjects glucose levels rapidly rose at initiation of surgery and continued to increase slowly, reaching a peak of 269 ± 26 (SEM) mg/dl at 60 min into the recovery period. Insulin levels also slowly increased throughout surgery, peaking at 103 ± 32.6 (SEM) uU/ml at 60 min into the recovery period, which was followed by a prompt decline in glucose levels. Glucagon levels remained relatively stable during surgery, but increased steadily during the recovery period to 300 ± 59 (SEM) pg/ml at the end of the observation period. Both cortisol and growth hormone rose during surgery, with growth hormone reaching a peak at 45 min [31.1 ± 13.8 (SEM) ng/ml], while cortisol continued to increase, plateauing during the recovery period at about 30 μg/dl. In the diabetic patients there were no differences in preoperative glucose, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone levels between the two treatment groups, and only the glucose level was different from the nondiabetic group. During surgery, there were trends toward lower plasma glucose levels in the early intraoperative phase in the diabetic patients receiving the continuous, low dose i.v. insulin infusion compared with those who received conventional preoperative s.c. insulin. There was no difference in the timing or magnitude of the rise of the measured hormones between the two groups. We conclude that a continuous, low dose i.v. insulin infusion at the dose used (1 U/h) is as effective in the treatment of the diabetic surgical patient as conventional preoperative s.c. insulin administration. Endocrine and metabolic responses to surgery are not different in the two forms of insulin administration.
Comparison of Methods for Blood Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Reeves Michael L , Forhan Sarah E , Skyler Jay S , Peterson Charles M
Published: December 2014

Seven testing methods for self-monitoring of blood glucose were compared with standard reference methods. All of the methods examined showed reasonably close correlation with the reference methods. There was a general trend toward greater absolute and percentage deviation with higher plasma glucose values. Nevertheless, for clinical purposes, accuracy is sufficient to permit use of any of the methods tested.
Lack of Effect of Refining on the Glycemic Response to Cereals
Authors: Jenkins David J A , Wolever Thomas M S , Taylor Rodney H , Barker Helen M , Fielden Hashmein , Gassull Miguel A
Published: December 2014

The blood glucose response to feeding whole and fiber-depleted cereals and cereal products was studied in healthy volunteers. No difference was seen between white and wholemeal bread and spaghetti or between white and brown rice. This lack of effect of cereal fiber on postprandial blood glucose levels suggests that the reported beneficial long-term effects of cereal-based, “natural,” high fiber diets on diabetic control must be due to other aspects of the diet or to a different effect of fiber.
Long-Term Retention of Vision Following Vitrectomy in Diabetic Patients
Authors: L'Esperance Francis A , James William A , Friedman Eli A , Feinroth Mary V , Mondschein Lawrence G
Published: December 2014

Life-term analysis of 117 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery showed that immediate improvement in vision postoperatively was demonstrated in 66% of the patients. This visual acuity, designated usable vision, persisted throughout a 7-yr follow-up period in 46% of the original patients undergoing surgery. It was concluded that vitrectomy surgery can be useful in the preservation of vision if the cases are carefully selected for the operation.
The Myth of the Diabetic Personality
Authors: Dunn Stewart M , Turtle John R
Published: December 2014

Since Daniel's comprehensive literature review in 1935, there have been 7 major review articles and 28 empirical studies of the personality characteristics of the diabetic patient. The results have been contradictory and inconclusive. A critical review of the methodologic problems in the literature leads to the conclusion that sampling bias invalidates the generalization of specific findings from these studies to the diabetic population as a whole. The clinical heterogeneity of diabetes is matched by the psychological heterogeneity of its sufferers.
Examination of Current Dietary Recommendations for Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Arky R , Wylie-Rosett J , El-Beheri B
Published: December 2014

The dietary recommendations recently published by the American, British, and Canadian diabetes associations reflect unanimity among the organizations as regards decreasing the fat content and increasing the carbohydrate with fiber content in diabetic meal plans. Each organization suggests that moderation in sodium intake is appropriate. Furthermore there is agreement that dietary strategies for the two major clinical classes of diabetes differ.
Milestones in the 60-Year History of Insulin: (1922–1982)
Authors: Forsham Peter H
Published: December 2014

Important events in the discovery of insulin and in its 60-yr history are presented.
A Double-Blind Crossover Trial Comparing Human Insulin (recombinant DNA) with Animal Insulins in the Treatment of Previously Insulin-treated Diabetic Patients
Authors: Clark Adrian J , Wiles Philip G , Leiper James M , Knight Graham , Adeniyi-Jones Rodney O , Watkins Peter J , Ward John D , MacCuish Angus C , Keen Harry , Jones Richard H
Published: December 2014

Ninety-four diabetic patients established on treatment with pork (N = 47) or beef insulin (N = 47) took part in a double-blind crossover trial in which 6-wk treatment periods of their animal insulin were compared with similar periods on human insulin (recombinant DNA). Six patients withdrew during the trial—in three cases for hypoglycemia while taking human insulin. In patients initially treated with beef insulin there was no significant change in the mean blood glucose, the ‘M’ index, the total daily insulin dose, or the frequency of hypoglycemic attacks after the change to human insulin. Home blood glucose sample values were greater before the morning and evening insulin injection on human insulin (morning: 12.8 mmol/L [beef] versus 14.2 mmol/L [human insulin] [P < 0.05]; evening: 10.0 mmol/L versus 11.6 mmoi/L [P = 0.05]). In pork insulin-treated patients greater values while on human insulin were found for mean glucose (9.0 mmol/L [pork] versus 9.7 mmol/L [human insulin], P = 0.05), ‘M’ index (65.0 [pork] versus 79.6 [human insulin], P < 0.025), and total daily insulin dose (50.9 U/day [pork] versus 52.5 U/day [human insulin], P < 0.001). The early morning glucose sample was also greater on human insulin (9.6 mmol/L [pork] versus 12.1 mmol/L [human insulin], P < 0.001). No significant differences in either insulin antibody levels or E. coli protein antibody levels were found between either of the animal-insulin treatment periods and human insulin treatment periods. While human insulin appears to be a safe alternative to beef and pork insulins, it seems likely that pharmacokinetic differences may account for the apparent differences in glycemia and insulin requirement. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage and proportions of short-acting and long-acting insulin formulations in order to obtain maximum benefit from human insulin.
Clinical Pharmacologic Studies with Human Insulin (recombinant DNA)
Authors: Galloway J A , Root M A , Bergstrom R , Spradlin C T , Howey D C , Fineberg S E , Jackson R L
Published: December 2014

Normal fasting subjects were used to study the pharmacokinetics of human insulin (recombinant DNA). Purified pork insulin (PPI) was used as a control agent. There was no difference in serum concentrations between neutral regular human insulin and PPI after intravenous administration. When given subcutaneously, peak concentrations are occasionally higher for human insulin than for PPI. The bioavailability indices for the two insulins are essentially the same. NPH human insulin produced a slightly higher serum concentration after 4 h than did NPH PPI. Studies with 70/30 NPH-regular mixtures suggest that the affinity of protamine for human insulin is less than that for PPI. The serum insulin concentrations after lente human insulin and PPI were not different. These studies, and a review of the published clinical pharmacologic literature, indicate that when present the differences between human insulin and PPI are minimal.
The U.S. “New Patient” and “Transfer” Studies
Authors: Galloway John A , Bruce Peck F , Edwin Fineberg S , Thomas Spradlin C , Marsden John H , Allemenos Debra , Ingulli-Fattic Joann
Published: December 2014

The large-scale clinical trials of human insulin (recombinant DNA) in the United States consisted of a “New Patient” study and a “Transfer"study. The “New Patient” study involved 101 patients (38% type I) who have never received insulin and who were treated with human insulin and followed for 6 mo using NPH insulin alone or in combination with Neutral Regular Insulin (NRI). Shortly after treatment, serum glucose and total glycohemoglobin concentration fell. No patients developed insulin lipoatrophy or insulin allergy. Two patients developed insulin hypertrophy; in one, it was transient. Intradermal tests to varying dilutions of human insulin did not change over 6 mo. In addition, there was no evidence of development of antibodies to Escherichia coli polypeptide. Two-hundred-and-forty-three patients, 91% of whom had type I diabetes, were transferred in a controlled double-blind study from mixed beef-pork or purified pork insulin (PPI) either to human insulin or back to their previous insulin treatment and followed for 3 mo. While insulin dosage did not change, there was a slight increase in fasting serum glucose and a statistically significant increase in fasting ketonuria. There was no change in the frequency of the complications of insulin treatment. These limited data are consistent with the conclusion that NPH human insulin is slightly shorter acting than its animal insulin counterparts. Overall, human insulin is a safe, effective insulin.
Treatment with Human Insulin (recombinant DNA) in Diabetic Subjects Pretreated with Pork or Beef Insulin: First Results of a Multicenter Study
Authors: Beyer J , Enzmann F , Lauerbach M , Althoff P , Bachmann W , Brandstetter K , Cordes U , Dannehl A , Düntsch G , Haas R , Heun K , Kerp L , Lotz N , Mehnert H , Mitzkat H-J , Petersen K , Rosak C , Sailer D , Schlüter K , Schöffling K , Schröder K E , Schumm P , Weber T
Published: December 2014

In two double-blind studies 66 insulin-dependent diabetic subjects pretreated with pork insulin were changed to human insulin (recombinant DNA) or a purified pork insulin preparation (regular and NPH insulin). Sixty-five patients previously pretreated with beef insulin were transferred, in a randomized, double-blind fashion, to human insulin and purified beef insulin of the same preparations (regular and NPH insulin). Patients’ metabolic control, as demonstrated by fasting and 1-h postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, and daily insulin dosage, over 4 mo was unchanged in our four groups compared with the values before changing insulin preparation. No severe hypoglycemic attacks or skin reactions were reported.
Insulin Allergy Treated with Human Insulin (recombinant DNA)
Authors: De Leeuw I , Delvigne C , Bekaert J
Published: December 2014

Two insulin-dependent diabetic subjects treated with pork and beef insulin during a period of 6 mo developed severe local reactions. Both patients had an important allergic history (asthma, urticaria, drug reactions, rhinitis). Skin-testing revealed type I allergy to beef and pork insulin. Specific IgE-insulin binding was demonstrated with both insulins. After negative skin testing with NPH Lilly human insulin (recombinant DNA), treatment was started with this compound and remained successful during a period of 6–9 mo. In one patient a local reaction occurred when regular human insulin (recombinant DNA) was added to NPH in order to obtain better control. Skin testing with regular human insulin was positive, but not with NPH human insulin alone. The mechanism of this phenomenon remains unsolved.
Successful Treatment of Immune-mediated Insulin Resistance by Human Insulin (recombinant DNA)
Authors: Maneschi Franco , Edwin Fineberg S , Kohner Eva M
Published: December 2014

An 82-yr-old woman with type II diabetes developed antibody-mediated insulin resistance while on mixed pork-beef insulin concomitantly with a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Insulin resistance was initially treated with highly purified pork insulin, but this was unsuccessful. Treatment with human insulin (recombinant DNA) was associated with marked decrease of both insulin requirement and high-affinity antibodies, increase of free insulin levels, and improvement of diabetic control. This patient's case shows that human insulin can be considered as an alternative treatment for immune-mediated insulin resistance.
Treatment of a Diabetic Vegetarian with Human Insulin (recombinant DNA): A Case Report
Authors: Scarpello J H B
Published: December 2014

A patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is described. He refused treatment with conventional (animal-derived) insulin since it would have compromised his principles as a vegetarian. Therapy was successfully instituted with human insulin (recombinant DNA).
Search for the Most Practical Regular/NPH Mixtures for Type I Diabetic Patients
Authors: Renner R , Vocke K , Hepp K D
Published: December 2014

After 2 wk of good control 9 type I diabetic patients were hospitalized and treated in a randomized fashion with different human insulin mixtures (regular: NPH), containing 10, 15, or 20% regular insulin. In the case of the 15:85% mixture, mean blood glucose was found to be in the range of 70–150 mg/dl. Significant differences occurred at certain time points between the curves obtained with the 10:90% and the 15:85% mixtures, and the 10:90% and the 20:80% preparations, respectively. Prolongation of the interval between hormone injection and start of breakfast from 30 to 45 min abolished the postprandial glucose excursion in the 15:85% and the 20:80% mixture, but not the 10:90% mixture.
Increased Insulin Receptor Binding to Monocytes from Insulu-dependent Diabetic Patients After a Low-Fat, High-Starch, High-Fiber Diet
Authors: Pedersen O , Hjøllund E , Lindskov H O , Helms P , Sørensen N S , Ditzel J
Published: December 2014

To determine if the insulin sparing effect of a low-fat, high-starch, and high-fiber diet might be mediated through changes of cellular insulin receptor binding, we have in a clinically controlled diet study examined insulin receptors on erythrocytes and monocytes from 40 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes meilitus. Twenty diabetic subjects were treated with a weight-maintaining, low-fat, high-starch, and highfiber diet for 4 wk (alternative diet group) while a comparable group of another 20 diabetic subjects was treated with a conventional high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet (control diet group). In the alternative diet group the intake of starch increased by 56% (P < 0.001) with unchanged intake of simple carbohydrates, the intake of indigestible carbohydrates (fibers) increased by 90% (P < 0.001), the intake of saturated fat was reduced by 32% (P < 0.01) with unchanged intake of polyunsaturated fat, and the cholesterol consumption decreased by 39% (P < 0.01). Food intake remained constant in the control diet group. During the first 2 wk after change of diet the patients in the alternative diet group had frequent clinical signs of increased insulin sensitivity (hypoglycemia) demanding significant reductions (about 25%) of insulin requirement (P < 0.005 after week 1 and P < 0.001 after weeks 2-4). In the same group of diabetic subjects insulin binding to monocytes at insulin tracer concentration increased 25% (P < 0.05) after week 2 and 34% (P < 0.01) after week 4. In contrast insulin receptors on erythrocytes were unchanged. Moreover, significant reductions were shown in fasting plasma concentrations of free insulin (P < 0.02 after weeks 3 and 4) and ketone bodies (P < 0.05 after week 3 and P < 0.01 after week 4), and fasting serum concentration of total cholesterol (P < 0.001 after weeks 2 and 4). No significant changes occurred in the alternative diet group in the following quantities: fasting plasma and 24-h urine glucose concentrations, percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting plasma concentrations of FFA, or fasting serum concentration of triglyceride. No significant changes in any of the measured variables were found in the control diet group. We conclude that the insulin sparing effect of a low-fat, high-starch, high-fiber diet in insulin-dependent diabetic subjects may be partly mediated through an increased insulin binding. Improved metabolic control was obtained as judged by the significant fall of the plasma concentration of ketone bodies while glycemia and glucosuria were unchanged.
The Effect of Postprandial Exercise on Meal-related Glucose Intolerance in Insulin-dependent Diabetic Individuals
Authors: Caron D , Poussier P , Marliss E B , Zinman B
Published: December 2014

Although exercise is a central therapeutic modality in insulin-dependent diabetic patients, its prescription and expected effects have remained far less precise than the concurrent modalities of insulin and diet. To quantify the potential benefit of exercise on meal glycemic excursions, eight insulin-dependent diabetic subjects were studied on two separate days during breakfast and lunch, with and without 45 min of moderate exercise, starting 30 min after breakfast. All other variables were kept constant, including their usual insulin doses, which were given subcutaneously in the abdomen. Fasting glycemias were brought to comparable levels by overnight insulin infusion (rest day: 110 ± 9 mg/dl; exercise day: 105 ± 9 mg/dl). Postprandial exercise reduced peak glycemia for breakfast (270 ± 22 versus 203 ± 22 mg/dl) and lunch (270 ± 16 versus 170 ± 20 mg/dl, P < 0.05) for the group as a whole on rest day and exercise day, respectively. Three types of individual responses were seen. Five subjects showed an improved glycemic excursion with exercise during both breakfast and lunch. In two subjects only the lunch response was significantly improved. One subject showed no effect of exercise. The failure to demonstrate a lowering of glycemia with breakfast appears to be related to the persistent use of fatderived fuels in these subjects. This is suggested by a lower respiratory quotient (RQ), and elevated free fatty acid and 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Plasma “free” insulin and glucagon concentrations could not account for these observations. Thus, the majority of subjects showed improved glucoregulation related to exercise performed postprandially. If adequately insulinized, conventionally treated diabetic individuals can benefit from strategically timed exercise.
Open-Loop Intravenous Insulin Waveforms for Postprandial Exercise in Type I Diabetes
Authors: Poussier P , Zinman B , Marliss E B , Albisser A M , Perlman K , Caron D
Published: December 2014

To obtain optimal metabolic control in diabetic individuals receiving open-loop insulin infusion, waveforms appropriate for exercise must be developed. The present study describes the responses of four nonobese type I diabetic individuals to a specific insulin waveform derived for postprandial exercise during intravenous open-loop insulin infusions. The open-loop system consisted of a silastic rubber reservoir, a programmable flow-rate controller, and a peristaltic pump connected by a silicone rubber catheter inserted into abranch of the external jugular vein. The basal insulin infusion rate (15 ± 0.5 mU/min) was adjusted to achieve fasting euglycemia (87 ± 7 mg/dl), and a three-step insulin infusion waveform to normalize the glycemic response to breakfast (peak glucose 127 ± 12 mg/dl at 45 min) was established. The three-step (each defined as S1, S2, S3) insulin waveform consisted of: S1, 30 ± 4 mU/min for 15 ± 3.5 min; S2, 58.7 ± 6.6 mU/min for 60 ± 4 min; S3, 33.7 ± 2.5 mU/min for 65 ± 12 min. When 45 min of moderate exercise (65 ± 6 W) wasperformed 30 min after the start of breakfast, symptomatic hypoglycemia occurred in all subjects (lowest mean glucose 49 ± 4 mg/dl) at varying times (65, 115, 180, and 180 min). The meal insulin waveform was then modified so that the infusion rate returnedto the premeal basal rate with the onset and for the duration of exercise, while at the conclusion of exercise, the remaining meal waveform was reinitiated. Under these circumstances, hypoglycemia was prevented and the meal glycemic excursion was entirely normalized.”Free“ immunoreactive insulin levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) during exercise, consistent with the reduction in the infusion rate to basal with the modified meal insulin waveform. This insulin infusion waveform appears appropriate to normalize the glycemic response to postprandial exercise with open-loop intravenous insulin replacement.
Clinical Features of Brittle Diabetic Patients Unresponsive to Optimized Subcutaneous Insulin Therapy (Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion)
Authors: Pickup John , Williams Gareth , Johns Patricia , Keen Harry
Published: December 2014

We examined the clinical features of 14 brittle diabetic patients, all of whom had failed to achieve near-normoglycemia during the ordinarily optimal treatment regimen of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. All patients were female. Seven patients had obvious family problems such as divorce or parental conflict. Type A (12 patients) suffered mainly from frequent, unpredictable episodes of ketoacidosis, necessitating many emergency admissions to a hospital; type B (two patients) complained of frequent, unpredictable, symptomatic hypoglycemia, short of coma and not requiring admission to a hospital. Type A brittle diabetic individuals were compared with 12 stable diabetic patients matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. The type A diabetic patients were young (mean age: 19.2 yr; range: 13–27 yr) with a wide range of duration of diabetes (2.5–23 yr) and brittleness (1–11 yr). Although their body mass index (BMI) was not significantly different from the stable diabetic subjects, many type A brittle patients were overweight, despite usually constant ketosis and hyperglycemia. The daily subcutaneous insulin dose was significantly higher than for stable diabetic individuals (mean ± SEM: 7.1 ± 2.6 versus 0.96 ± 0.12 U/kg), reflecting, perhaps, a subcutaneous absorption barrier in brittle patients. There was a significant correlation between age of onset of brittleness and age at menarche, with brittleness starting in most patients 2–5 yr after a normal-age menarche. This may implicate the hormonal and/or psychological changes at this time. Most type A brittle patients had secondary amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea at the time of study. Type B patients were older (32 and 38 yr) with long duration of diabetes (24 and 28 yr) and brittleness (20 and 28 yr). They were receiving a normal subcutaneous insulin dose (0.5 and 0.8 U/kg) and had a regular menses. Furthermore, brittleness appeared before menarche in these patients.
The Pittsburgh Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) Morbidity and Mortality Study: Case-Control Analyses of Risk Factors for Mortality
Authors: Dorman Janice S , Tajima Naoko , LaPorte Ronald E , Becker Dorothy J , Cruickshanks Karen J , Wagener Diane K , Orchard Trevor J , Drash Allan L
Published: December 2014

Although children with IDDM are at a sevenfold increased risk of dying when compared with nondiabetic individuals of the same age, the factors associated with the excess in mortality remain unclear. To investigate potential determinants of mortality among IDDM patients, a case-control study was conducted. These retrospectively obtained data indicated that shorter relative height at onset, frequent diabetes-related readmissions, the presence of diabetes complications, a family history of diabetes, premature familial mortality, no participation in school team sports, and a lower level of education were related to subsequent mortality among males. Among females, however, a shorter duration of diabetes clinic attendance and the presence of diabetes complications were the only significant associations to mortality.
Insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Orchard Trevor J
Published: December 2014

A review of case series of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) shows an excess frequency of cardiovascular death and probably myocardial infarction. The excess risk is not well quantitated, not clearly associated with poor control of hyperglycemia, and probably not explained by conventional heart disease risk factors. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are not consistently lower in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes. The relationship of described abnormalities of the coagulation system in diabetes to cardiovascular disease is unknown. Physiologic and pathologic abnormalities are seen in some younger patients without macrovascular disease, but their importance in relation to the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is obscure.
A Population-based Study of Diabetic Retinopathy in Insulin-using Patients Diagnosed Before 30 Years of Age
Authors: Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E K , Moss Scot E
Published: December 2014

In a population-based study of the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in southern Wisconsin, 1210 insulin-taking persons who were diagnosed to have diabetes before 30 yr of age and who were receiving primary medical care in the area were identified in 1979–80. From 1980 to 1982, 996 patients were examined. Fundus photographs revealed that 72% of diabetic women and 69% of diabetic men had retinopathy. More men (12%) than women (7%) had severe proliferative retinopathy. Longer duration of diabetes, higher glycosylated hemoglobin, older age at examination, higher diastolic blood pressure, male gender, and presence of proteinuria all contributed significantly to describing increasing severity of retinopathy.
Mechanical-Stress Analytical Modeling for the Design of Coils in Power Applications
Authors: Bellan D.
Published: December 2014

Modern electrical-power systems are often exploited for transmitting high-frequency carrier signals for communications purposes. Series-connected air-core coils represent the fundamental component allowing such applications by providing a proper filtering in the frequency domain. They must be designed, however, to withstand also the line short-circuit current. When a high-magnitude current flows through a coil, strong mechanical stresses are produced within the conductor, leading to possible damage of the coil. In this paper, an approximate analytical model is derived for the relationship between the maximum mechanical stress and the electrical/geometrical parameters of the coil. Such a model provides the guidelines for a fast and safe coil design, whereas numerical simulations are only needed for the design refinement. The presented approach can be extended to other applications such as, for example, the mechanical stress resulting from the inrush currents in the coils of power transformers.
FEM Analysis of Magnetic Field and Forces in Area ARC Fault of Autotransformer HV Winding
Authors: Koteras Dariusz
Published: December 2014

In this paper the electric arc fault in the high voltage winding turn of the power autotransformer has been investigated. 3D magnetic field distributions in the leakage domain and electrodynamic forces acting on high voltage winding have been calculated. Finite Element Method was used for the magnetic flux density simulation. The elctrodynamic force value under the fault exceed significantly the nominal mechanical stresses of the winding.
Searching for An Optimal Switched Reluctance Motor Design
Authors: Jażdżyński Wiesław , Majchrowicz Michał
Published: December 2014

An approach helpful when developing an optimized construction of a 6/4 type switched reluctance motor (SRM) is described in the paper. The analytical modeling procedure, based on the reluctance network method and analytical solution of an ordinary differential equation, enables applying a gradient optimization routine and better control of optimization process. The model allows for estimation of the efficiency, torque, and acoustic noise of the motor taking into account the magnetic non-linearity and the control algorithm to keep a constant input power. A bicriterial optimization routine has been applied to find optimal constructions. Eleven geometric and winding parameters are supposed to be the optimization quantities. Analyzed constructions – the initial one and the optimized ones, were validated by means of FEM calculations. The proposed approach can be employed in designing the SRM to be a drive motor in an electrical vehicle, at least as a first attempt.
„Dimitrie Brandza” Botanic Garden, Potential Centre for the Dispersal of Invasive Plants?
Authors: Nagodă Eugenia , Comănescu Petronela , Anastasiu Paulina
Published: December 2014

Botanic gardens are important centres for the conservation of plant diversity, but at the same time they can be responsible for plant invasions. As such it is paramount that botanic gardens evaluate their collections of exotic plants, monitor them and seek to minimise the risk of some species becoming invasive. In this context an evaluation of the collection of woody plants in the „Dimitrie Brandza” Botanic Garden, Bucharest, Romania was carried out, and it was established that although there are over 70 species with invasive potential, these do not represent a source of dispersal as the botanic garden is surrounded by artificial habitats undergoing regular maintenance. Nevertheless, indirectly, the Botanic Garden might have contributed to the process of invasion of some species as over the years it has offered vegetal material of plants known as invasive in international exchanges with other botanic gardens and even to the general public for private gardens.
Neophytes In Protected Areas. Case Study: The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Anastasiu Paulina , Negrean Gavril , Daniela Smarandache , Liţescu Sanda , Basnou Corina
Published: December 2014

The Danube Delta is a relatively young territory, formed about 14,000 years ago. It has quadruple status: Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar site, UNESCO World Heritage site, Natura 2000 site. Water and human activities are the most important factors influencing the flora of this area, including the penetration and spread of alien plants. The main goal of our research in this area was to inventory the alien plants and to identify those species which are invasive and potentially invasive in the natural and semi-natural ecosystems in order to propose measures for their prevention and mitigation. An inventory of these plants, conducted between 2009 and 2012 and based on bibliography and field research, comprises over 160 taxa. About half of them originated from America and less than a quarter of them from Asia. A relatively high number of species have unknown status in the Danube Delta; they were reported only from one or two localities and we did not record them during our extensive field work. In this category we also included some taxa of Xanthium without a very clear taxonomy. The taxa recorded as casual are usually ornamental plants escaped from cultivation; however among them there are some species which are known as invasive in other areas of Romania, as well as in Europe. There are 26 naturalised species, two of which established here over one hundred years ago. 37 invasive species were identified, many of them recorded in natural or seminatural places. In order to prevent and mitigate the spread of plants recognised as invasive, we propose the implementation of some measures such as providing relevant information to local communities and raising awareness about the damages caused by the alien species, and promoting further research on alien plant species in this protected area.
On the Monotonicity Property for the Sequence of Stancu Type Polynomials
Authors: Miclăuş Dan
Published: December 2014

This note presents the proof of the monotonicity property for the sequence of Stancu type polynomials, involving divided differences and convex functions. As an application we get the form of remainder term associated to the Stancu type operators applying the Popoviciu’s Theorem.
Effects of Catalysts on Emissions of Pollutants from Combustion Processes of Liquid Fuels
Authors: Bok Agnieszka , Guziałowska-Tic Joanna , Tic Wilhelm Jan
Published: December 2014

The dynamic growth of the use of non-renewable fuels for energy purposes results in demand for catalysts to improve their combustion process. The paper describes catalysts used mainly in the processes of combustion of motor fuels and fuel oils. These catalysts make it possible to raise the efficiency of oxidation processes simultanously reducing the emission of pollutants. The key to success is the selection of catalyst compounds that will reduce harmful emissions of combustion products into the atmosphere. Catalysts are introduced into the combustion zone in form of solutions miscible with fuel or with air supplied to the combustion process. The following compounds soluble in fuel are inclused in the composition of the described catalysts: organometallic complexes, manganese compounds, salts originated from organic acids, ferrocen and its derivatives and sodium chloride and magnesium chloride responsible for burning the soot (chlorides). The priority is to minimize emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and carbon monoxide, as well as particulate matter.
Testing of Co-Fermentation of Poultry Manure and Corn Silage
Authors: Jędrczak Andrzej , Królik Dariusz , Sądecka Zofia , Myszograj Sylwia , Suchowska-Kisielewicz Monika , Bojarski Jacek
Published: December 2014

The development of the production of poultry meat is connected with an increase in the quantity of the manure. The chemical characteristics predisposes this waste to processing by methane fermentation method. This study investigated the influence of ammonia and volatile fat acids on mesophilic anaerobic digestion of poultry manure. The aim of the studies was: to determine the degree of biodegradation of the poultry manure as well as manure and corn silage mixed in various proportions in the process of mesophilic fermentation, to evaluate the impact of mineral nitrogen and volatile fat acids on the course of fermentation, and to establish optimum proportions of these types of waste. The tests confirmed the positive effect of co-fermentation of poultry manure with corn silage. The most favourable ratio for mixing the substrates is the equal percentage of their dry matter in the mixture. With such waste mixing proportions, the degree of degradation of organic substances contained in the manure amounted to 61.8% and was higher than in the mono-digestion of manure and corn silage.
Evaluation of Effectiveness Technological Process of Water Purification Exemplified on Modernized Water Treatment Plant at Otoczna
Authors: Jordanowska Joanna , Jakubus Monika
Published: December 2014

The article presents the work of the Water Treatment Plant in the town of Otoczna, located in the Wielkopolska province, before and after the modernization of the technological line. It includes the quality characteristics of the raw water and treated water with particular emphasis on changes in the quality indicators in the period 2002 -2012 in relation to the physicochemical parameters: the content of total iron and total manganese, the ammonium ion as well as organoleptic parameters(colour and turbidity). The efficiency of technological processes was analysed, including the processes of bed start up with chalcedonic sand to remove total iron and manganese and ammonium ion. Based on the survey, it was found that the applied modernization helped solve the problem of water quality, especially the removal of excessive concentrations of iron, manganese and ammonium nitrogen from groundwater.

It has been shown that one year after modernization of the technological line there was a high reduction degree of most parameters, respectively for the general iron content -99%, general manganese - 93% ammonia - 93%, turbidity - 94%. It has been proved, that chalcedonic turned out to be better filter material than quartz sand previously used till 2008. The studies have confirmed that the stage of modernization was soon followed by bed start-up for removing general iron from the groundwater. The stage of manganese removal required more time, about eight months for bed start-up. Furthermore, the technological modernization contributed to the improvement of the efficiency of the nitrification process.
Adsorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) from Aqueous Solutions on Different Sorbents
Authors: Smol Marzena , Włodarczyk-Makuła Maria , Włóka Dariusz
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the results of the possibility and effectiveness of PAHs removal from a model aqueous solution, during the sorption on the selected sorbents. Six PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene) listed by EPA for the analysis in the environmental samples were determined. Model aqueous solution was prepared with RESTEK 610 mix PAHs standard. After the sorption process, decrease in the concentration of individual hydrocarbons was observed. The removal percentage was dependent on the type of sorbent (quartz sand, mineral sorbent, activated carbon). The highest efficiency (98.1%) was observed for activated carbon.. The results shows that the sorption processes can be used in aqueous solutions treatment procedures.
The Use of the Image Analysis Method for the Segregation of Shredded Waste in An Air Classifier
Authors: Zagaj Irmina , Ulbrich Roman
Published: December 2014

Segregation of shredded waste is one of the technologies of waste management, along with issues related to manual segregation, while nowadays it starts to be associated with pneumatic classification. This paper discusses the use of an air classifier and image analysis techniques for the purposes of evaluation of segregation of shredded waste. This type of air classifier plays an important role due to the efficiency of the device and the characteristics of segregation. The authors report the results of research into image analysis of segregation of shredded waste on the basis of the use of image analysis.
Evaluation of Biodegradability of Waste Before and After Aerobic Treatment
Authors: Suchowska-Kisielewicz Monika , Jędrczak Andrzej , Sadecka Zofia
Published: December 2014

An important advantage of use of an aerobic biostabilization of waste prior to its disposal is that it intensifies the decomposition of the organic fraction of waste into the form which is easily assimilable for methanogenic microorganisms involved in anaerobic decomposition of waste in the landfill. In this article it is presented the influence of aerobic pre-treatment of waste as well as leachate recirculation on susceptibility to biodegradation of waste in anaerobic laboratory reactors. The research has shown that in the reactor with aerobically treated waste stabilized with recilculation conversion of the organic carbon into the methane is about 45% higher than in the reactor with untreated waste stabilized without recirculation.
Tourist Intensity in Capital Cities in Central Europe: Comparative Analysis of Tourism in Prague, Vienna and Budapest
Authors: Dumbrovská Veronika , Fialová Dana
Published: December 2014

Urban tourism has become a significant phenomenon of tourism over the last decade. the importance of urban tourism has grown mainly due to the development of transport and information technologies. rapid advancement of low cost airlines and reduction of administrative barriers owing to the expansion of the schengen area caused not only the development of a number of urban destinations, including Prague, but also the growth of new source markets. this paper compares the development of urban tourism in Prague with the situation in Vienna and Budapest in the last decade. the aim of the paper is to describe the main trends of tourism development and the geographic distribution of tourism in Prague in comparison with culturally and historically similar cities - Vienna and Budapest. the analysis shows high load of tourism in Prague and its strong concentration in the old city. this causes congestion in the city centre and an extrusion of residential functions by the functions of tourism. As a result, a tourism ghetto has been formed in the centre of Prague and the urban society has been increasingly dualized.
Differentiation of the Demand for the Hunting Tourism in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kroupová Šárka , Navrátil Josef , Pícha Kamil , Hasman Milan
Published: December 2014

In the world scale, there are various forms of how the hunting tourism is carried out. there is a considerably specific situation in the czech republic originating in the historical development. the assessment of the diversification of the demand for tourist activities was chosen to be the aim of this article. this assessment is based on a questionnaire survey among tourism participants who consume the specific products of the hunting tourism in the tourist regions of Bohemian Forest and south Bohemia. A guided tour in a game enclosure with a professional commentary and wildlife observation showed to be the most interesting offer. the most important thing is the identification of five main segments of demand called “ordinary” gamekeeper's hunting, “occasional” gamekeeper's hunting, angling activities, hunting without the killing and complementary activities. the differences among the latter five segments were identified in the representation of respondents as far as their gender and their membership in a community of anglers or gamekeepers are concerned.
Successful Salvage Resection of Locoregional Colon Cancer Recurrence. Report of Four Cases
Authors: Emmanouilides C. , Karampola M. , Efthymiadis Ch. , Fotiadis P. , Tzeveleki J. , Basdanis G.
Published: December 2014

Locoregional colorectal cancer recurrence after curative resection remains a clinical problem despite improvements in surgical techniques. A surgical approach is usually preferred, although controversies exist. Retrospective studies have identified risk factors that may predict successful outcomes after reoperation. In the current manuscript, the experience of our tertiary oncology center involving cases with complicated locoregional recurrences is reported. Four such patients were identified, age 55-69 years old, who were treated with an aggressive surgical intervention in the setting of multimodality treatment including postoperative chemotherapy and radiation. Despite the presence of risk factors, such as involvement of adjacent structures, an excellent disease-free survival was achieved. We, therefore, propose that aggressive surgical approach supported by modern chemotherapy and occasionally radiotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer locoregional relapses should be considered in the setting of a multidisciplinary oncologic evaluation.
Nationalistic, Religious and Civil Components of Identity in Post-Soviet Georgia
Authors: Chelidze Ana
Published: December 2014

Deep economic and democratic changes in Georgian society in last 20 years have conditioned the transformation of social environment in such a way that people had to change their views on society and their place in the new social environment. Changing attitudes on social reality affected and transformed the whole system of social identity. Transformation processes were characterized with reduced trust and tolerance among people and different social groups and with increase/weakening of different aspects of basic identities. Difficulties emerging from the process of formation of identity system hinder the development integration processes in the society. For the society in transition in the conditions of normative uncertainty and devaluation of values actuality of such problems as are the lack of trust on every level of relationship and disorientation of people, is of high importance. Our starting issue is that nowadays in the framework of construction of social identity basic identity encompasses civil, national, confessional, ideological elements which determine the state of a person in the system of social coordinates. The subject of this sociological research was to study the role of religion and ethnicity in the modern configuration of identity in Georgian society.
Application of Computer Modeling for Planning Plastic Surgeries
Authors: Jamrozik Klaudia , Rusek Jakub , Szozda Dominik , Karbowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2014

The paper presents the application results of reverse engineering technology for planning the plastic surgery. First step is digitalization of the patient body. It is realized by 3D structured light scanner. The scanning data are transferred into 3dsMax software and used for planning plastic surgery. The planning effect is shown using stereoscopy visualization method.
A Qualitative Approach for Assessing Resiliency in Supply Chains
Authors: Nikookar Hassan , Takala Josu , Sahebi Daniel , Kantola Jussi
Published: December 2014

The ultimate goal of this study is to develop a comprehensive and competitive management system to enhance resilience capability of supply chains. In addition, the study aims to identify and eliminate barriers affecting resilience by identifying the factors may cause trouble in the near future. The theoretical framework was established to summarize the significant finding in the area of resilient supply chain and as a guideline for the empirical part. A qualitative approach based on multi criteria decision making process has been adopted in order to gather data through in-depth interviews. The developed method to evaluate resilience capability through supply chains piloted in a sample of five companies involved in an automotive supply chain.