bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Effects of chronic use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on endothelial markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Santi Daniele , Giannetta Elisa , Isidori Andrea M , Vitale Cristiana , Aversa Antonio , Simoni Manuela
Published: October 2014

Objective

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with endothelial dysfunction, reducing nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation, and increasing production of pro-inflammatory factors, leading to an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular disease. As the effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) on endothelial function have not been systematically investigated, we conducted a meta-analysis of available randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Design

A thorough search of the literature was carried out. Relevant studies were considered according to RCT study design, enrollment of men with type 2 DM, chronic administration of PDE5i, and evaluation of endothelial function through both hemodynamic and endothelial inflammation-related parameters.

Results

Fifteen studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria but only six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for 476 diabetic men, 239 randomized to Sildenafil, and 237 to placebo respectively. Four RCTs evaluated flow-mediated dilation (FMD), demonstrating a weighted mean increase of 2.19% (95% CI 0.48 to 3.90). This result showed a high heterogeneity (I2: 98%). Thus, a further sub-group meta-analysis was performed and this analysis confirmed a significant, Sildenafil-related FMD improvement. Sildenafil improved endothelin 1 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein by ∼−0.94 pg/ml and −0.36 mg/l, respectively, not reaching statistical significance (P=0.69 andP=0.22 respectively). Finally, Sildenafil administration significantly reduced serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6, −0.82 pg/ml; 95% CI −1.58 to −0.07).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of chronic PDE5i administration on endothelial function. Chronic Sildenafil administration seems to improve hemodynamic (FMD) and serum pro-inflammatory makers (IL6) in diabetic men. Larger studies are needed to confirm the effects of chronic PDE5i on endothelial function.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Application Timing for Chipping Potato Cultivar Atlantic
Authors: Zotarelli Lincoln , Rens Libby R. , Cantliffe Daniel J. , Stoffella Peter J. , Gergela Douglas , Fourman Dana
Published: October 2014

Guidelines for N fertilizer management of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) that include application timing and rates are fundamental to minimize yield reduction risks. The study objectives were to determine the effect of N fertilizer rate, applied at the plant emergence and tuber initiation stages, on N use efficiency and yield of cultivar Atlantic chipping potato. Fertilizer rates of 0, 56, 112, 168 kg ha−1were applied at plant emergence, and 56 and 112 kg ha−1were applied at tuber initiation as a side‐dress in a factorial randomized complete block design with four replicates in three consecutive years at three commercial farms. All treatments received 56 kg ha−1of N at pre‐plant. Total N fertilizer applied ranged from 112 to 370 kg ha−1. Applied N rates influenced the levels of soil inorganic N. The maximum daily N uptake occurred between 55 and 70 d after planting, coinciding with the onset of the tuber bulking stage. Potato yield was similar between N rates applied at emergence with the exception of one farm in 2010 due to high precipitation. Average tuber yield ranged from 15 to 33, 29 to 41, and 33 to 39 Mg ha−1in 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. Tuber yield and plant N uptake were similar with N rates above 56 kg ha−1applied‐at tuber initiation. There was an increased residual concentration of soil N at harvest with higher N application; however, this did not correlate to an increase in potato yield.
Breakeven Cost of Irrigating Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, and Orchardgrass Hay Production in Tennessee
Authors: Zhou Xia “Vivian” , Boyer Christopher N. , Larson James A. , Leib Brian G.
Published: October 2014

Little is known about the economic feasibility of irrigating cool‐ and warm‐season grass species for hay production in the southeastern United States. The objective of this study was to determine the breakeven cost of irrigating bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., formerly Festuca arundinacea Schreb.], and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) for hay production in Tennessee. Yield response to three irrigation levels during three harvest periods was estimated for the three grass species using data obtained from a 5‐yr study in a mixed model analysis. Partial budgets were developed to calculate annual net returns for irrigated and unirrigated hay production and to calculate the annual breakeven cost of irrigation for each grass. Orchardgrass and tall fescue hay yields negatively responded to irrigation during the spring harvest but positively responded for the summer and fall harvests. Similarly, bermudagrass hay yield positively responded to irrigation during the summer and fall harvests. For all three grass species, hay yield was greatest at the highest irrigation level (3.05 cm wk−1) during the fall harvest only. The breakeven costs of irrigation for hay production ranged between US$59 and US$87 ha−1 for orchardgrass, between US$66 and US$136 ha−1 for tall fescue, and between US$222 and US$335 ha−1 for bermudagrass. Results suggest that a producer would be more likely to increase net returns by irrigating bermudagrass than irrigating cool‐season grass species in the southeastern United States.
Predicting Corn Grain Yield Using Silage Starch Content and Crop Adjuster Methods
Authors: Lauer J. G. , Roth G. W. , Zarnstorff M.
Published: October 2014

Multi‐peril crop insurance (MPCI) requires that if corn (Zea mays L.) is insured for grain and the producer wants to use it for another purpose, that is, silage, the producer must have the corn grain yield appraised before corn silage harvest. This appraisal requires an adjuster to determine the weight of grain corn, and based on stage of maturity, apply a factor to convert the determined weight to the weight of mature corn at 155 g kg−1 moisture. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that corn grain yield can be estimated accurately before grain is combine harvested using the USDA–Risk Management Agency (RMA) methods and routine silage quality measurements for starch. Corn was established at two locations from 2006 to 2008. Management factors involving planting date, hybrid, and harvest timing were applied to create a range in yield and forage quality. Both RMA methods and the starch‐based method underestimated combine grain yield by 4 to 36% at silage harvest stages between 75 and 25% kernel milk (KM). At silage harvest, the starch method estimated final combine grain yield more accurately than the RMA maturity line weight (MLW) method, but when applied after silage harvest or just before grain harvest, the RMA Weight method was the better predictor of final combine grain yield. With careful assessment, starch‐analysis of silage theoretically could produce an equitable estimate of grain yield for insurance adjustments.
An analysis of the effect of currency mismatch on a country’s default risk
Authors: Jankovic Irena , Zivkovic Bosko
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is the measurement of currency mismatch for a selected
group of developing and frontier markets in the Central and Eastern Europe
and Western Balkan regions and the analysis of the effects of aggregate
currency misbalances on particular countries? risk of default. The empirical
tests provided confirm the positive effect of currency mismatch on default
risk, which is reflected in the behaviour of yield spreads on the government
bonds of the countries under consideration. The higher the negative currency
misbalances are, the higher the EMBI spreads appear to be, and vice versa.
Investigation of Co-doped PZT films deposited by rf-magnetron sputtering
Authors: Gheorghiu Felicia , Apetrei Radu , Dobromir Marius , Ianculescu Adelina , Luca Dumitru , Mitoseriu Liliana
Published: October 2014

The focus of the present paper is to describe the preparation procedure and
to investigate the microstructural characteristics and the electrical
properties of Co-doped PZT films deposited by rf-sputtering by using a
?mixture? target system onto Au-electroded Al2O3 ceramic substrates. The
X-ray diffraction patterns of the Co-doped PZT thin films as a function of
the annealing temperature confirmed the formation of pure perovskite phase
started with temperatures of 600?C, but a perfect crystallization was
achieved at a temperature of ~700?C. The microstructures strongly depend on
the thermal treatment temperature and indicated a discontinuous surface
without large pores and with a bimodal grain size distribution. The XPS
analysis demonstrated that the dopant element is present mainly in its Co2+
state. The macroscopic P(E) hysteresis loops were recorded in different
locations of the films surface and demonstrated ferroelectric behaviour with
a resistive leakage contribution.
Interpolative Boolean algebra based multicriteria routing algorithm
Authors: Jeremic Marina , Rakicevic Aleksandar , Dragovic Ivana
Published: October 2014

In order to improve the quality-of-service of distributed applications, we
propose a multi-criteria algorithm based on interpolative Boolean algebra for
routing in an overlay network. We use a mesh topology because it can be
easily implemented, and it makes addressing of the cores quite simple during
routing. In this paper, we consider four criteria: buffer usage, the distance
between peers, bandwidth, and remaining battery power. The proposed routing
algorithm determines the path which satisfies quality-of service requirements
using interpolative Boolean algebra; the decision at each node is made based
on the ranking of available options considering multiple constraints. The
simulation shows that the proposed approach provides better results than the
standard shortest path routing algorithm.
Teacher Learning in the In-between: Encountering an ‘Invisible Barrier’
Authors: Henderson Linda
Published: October 2014

Since early childhood has become the focus of national and supranational political spaces, issues around teacher learning have also gained a firm position in the debates. This has seen the literature on teacher learning largely being positioned within a managerial/alternative dichotomy, arising from a resistance to technical-rationalist discourses present in contemporary policy. This article examines data from a participatory action research project investigating the learning of three early childhood teachers working in an early childhood centre located in an independent school in Australia. It illustrates shifts in data analysis methods, which permitted teacher learning to be understood outside of this dichotomy and instead as that which is always already taking place in the in-between. Working with Deleuze and Guattari's concepts of lines and forces, the in-between became an intensive space of affect where teacher learning was produced in/through the circulation of multiple discourses that were always already leaking.
Perezhivanie: What Have We Missed about Infant Care?
Authors: Brennan Margaret
Published: October 2014

Evidence indicates that the nature of adult–infant attachments will impact on the quality of care the infant receives, although findings are often couched in outcomes for children rather than adult concerns. In this article, the argument is made that the adult's experience of caregiving is also an important area for investigation. Vygotsky's theoretical concept of perezhivanie is offered as a unit of analysis that allows the researcher a window into the caregiving experience, but from the perspective of the caregiver. Employing perezhivanie presents both theoretical and methodological challenges, yet allows researchers to examine subjective experience within sociocultural frameworks and, most importantly, to grapple with the affective nature of caring for infants.
Liver Glycogen Reduces Food Intake and Attenuates Obesity in a High-Fat Diet–Fed Mouse Model
Authors: López-Soldado Iliana , Zafra Delia , Duran Jordi , Adrover Anna , Calbó Joaquim , Guinovart Joan J.
Published: October 2014

We generated mice that overexpress protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) in the liver (PTGOE), which results in an increase in liver glycogen. When fed a high-fat diet (HFD), these animals reduced their food intake. The resulting effect was a lower body weight, decreased fat mass, and reduced leptin levels. Furthermore, PTG overexpression reversed the glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia caused by the HFD and protected against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis. Of note, when fed an HFD, PTGOE mice did not show the decrease in hepatic ATP content observed in control animals and had lower expression of neuropeptide Y and higher expression of proopiomelanocortin in the hypothalamus. Additionally, after an overnight fast, PTGOE animals presented high liver glycogen content, lower liver triacylglycerol content, and lower serum concentrations of fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate than control mice, regardless of whether they were fed an HFD or a standard diet. In conclusion, liver glycogen accumulation caused a reduced food intake, protected against the deleterious effects of an HFD, and diminished the metabolic impact of fasting. Therefore, we propose that hepatic glycogen content be considered a potential target for the pharmacological manipulation of diabetes and obesity.
Does Cardiac Rehabilitation After an Acute Cardiac Syndrome Lead to Changes in Physical Activity Habits? Systematic Review
Authors: ter Hoeve Nienke , Huisstede Bionka M.A. , Stam Henk J. , van Domburg Ron T. , Sunamura Madoka , van den Berg-Emons Rita J.G.
Published: October 2014

Background

Optimal physical activity levels have health benefits for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and are an important goal of cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to systematically review literature regarding short-term effects (<6 months after completion of CR) and long-term effects (≥6 months after completion) of standard CR on physical activity levels in patients with ACS.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro were systematically searched for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published from 1990 until 2012.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials investigating CR for patients with ACS reporting physical activity level were reviewed.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Results were summarized with a best evidence synthesis. Results were categorized as: (1) center-based/home-based CR versus no intervention, (2) comparison of different durations of CR, and (3) comparison of 2 types of CR.

Data Synthesis

A total of 26 RCTs were included. Compared with no intervention, there was, at most, conflicting evidence for center-based CR and moderate evidence for home-based CR for short-term effectiveness. Limited evidence and no evidence were found for long-term maintenance for center-based and home-based CR, respectively. When directly compared with center-based CR, moderate evidence showed that home-based CR has better long-term effects. There was no clear evidence that increasing training volume, extending duration of CR, or adding an extra intervention to CR is more effective.

Limitations

Because of the variety of CR interventions in the included RCTs and the variety of outcome measures in the included RCTs, pooling of data was not possible. Therefore, a best evidence synthesis was used.

Conclusions

It would appear that center-based CR is not sufficient to improve and maintain physical activity habits. Home-based programs might be more successful, but the literature on these programs is limited. More research on finding successful interventions to improve activity habits is needed.
Prognostic value of intrathecal heme oxygenase–1 concentration in patients with Fisher Grade III aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Kuo-Chuan , Tang Sung-Chun , Lee Jing-Er , Lai Dar-Ming , Huang Sheng-Jean , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Tu Yong-Kwang
Published: October 2014

Object

Experimental studies have demonstrated the crucial role of posthemorrhagic erythrocyte catabolism in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors of this study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of a series of CSF biomarkers linked to heme metabolism in SAH patients.

Methods

Patients with Fisher Grade III aneurysmal SAH undergoing early aneurysm obliteration were enrolled. The levels of heme oxygenase–1 (HO-1), oxyhemoglobin, ferritin, and bilirubin in intrathecal CSF were measured on the 7th day posthemorrhage. The associations of functional outcome with clinical and CSF parameters were analyzed.

Results

The study included 41 patients (mean age 59 ± 14 years; 16 male, 25 female), 17 (41.5%) of whom had an unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≤ 3) 3 months after SAH. In terms of the clinical data, age > 60 years, admission World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade ≥ III, and the presence of acute hydrocephalus were independent factors associated with an unfavorable outcome. After adjusting for clinical parameters, a higher level of HO-1 appeared to be the most significant CSF parameter related to an unfavorable outcome among all tested CSF molecules (OR 0.934, 95% CI 0.883–0.989, p = 0.018). Further analysis using a generalized additive model identified a cutoff HO-1 value of 81.2 μM, with higher values predicting unfavorable outcome (82.4% accuracy).

Conclusions

The authors propose that the level of intrathecal CSF HO-1 at Day 7 post-SAH can be an effective outcome indicator in patients with Fisher Grade III aneurysmal SAH.
Trends and outcome predictors after traumatic brain injury surgery: a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Shi Hon-Yi , Hwang Shiuh-Lin , Lee I-Chen , Chen I-Te , Lee King-Teh , Lin Chih-Lung
Published: October 2014

Object

The authors sought to analyze trends in hospital resource utilization and mortality rates in a population of patients who had received traumatic brain injury (TBI) surgery.

Methods

This nationwide population-based cohort study retrospectively analyzed 18,286 patients who had received surgical treatment for TBI between 1998 and 2010. The multiple linear regression model and Cox proportional hazards model were used for multivariate assessment of outcome predictors.

Results

The prevalence rate of surgical treatment for patients with TBI gradually but significantly (p < 0.001) increased by 47.6% from 5.0 per 100,000 persons in 1998 to 7.4 per 100,000 persons in 2010. Age, sex, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index score, hospital volume, and surgeon volume were significantly associated with TBI surgery outcomes (p < 0.05). Over the 12-year period analyzed, the estimated mean hospital treatment cost increased 19.06%, whereas the in-hospital mortality rate decreased 10.9%. The estimated mean time of overall survival after TBI surgery (± SD) was 83.0 ± 4.2 months, and the overall in-hospital and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 74.5%, 67.3%, 61.1%, and 57.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

These data reveal an increased prevalence of TBI, especially in older patients, and an increased hospital treatment cost but a decreased in-hospital mortality rate. Health care providers and patients should recognize that attributes of the patient and of the hospital may affect hospital resource utilization and the mortality rate. These results are relevant not only to other countries with similar population sizes but also to countries with larger populations.
The impact of dynamic factors on surgical outcomes after double-door laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine
Authors: Maruo Keishi , Moriyama Tokuhide , Tachibana Toshiya , Inoue Shinichi , Arizumi Fumihiro , Daimon Takashi , Yoshiya Shinichi
Published: October 2014

Object

Laminoplasty is the preferred operation for most patients with cervical myelopathy due to multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Recent studies have demonstrated several significant risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after laminoplasty, including older age, lower preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, postoperative change in cervical alignment, cervical kyphosis, and high occupying ratio of the OPLL (that is, the ratio of the greatest anteroposterior thickness of the OPLL to the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal at the same level on a lateral image). However, the impact of dynamic factors on clinical outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of dynamic factors on the clinical outcome after laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients who underwent laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL between 2003 and 2009 was retrospectively reviewed. The indication for laminoplasty at the authors' hospital included preoperative straight or lordotic alignment of the cervical spine and an occupying ratio of OPLL less than 60%. The JOA score and recovery rate were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. A poor clinical outcome was defined as a recovery rate of less than 50%. Patient factors examined along with outcome included age, preoperative JOA score, preoperative somatosensory evoked potentials, preoperative motor evoked potentials, body mass index, and presence of high intensity on MRI. Radiographic measures included the preoperative C2–7 lordotic angle, preoperative C2–7 range of motion (ROM), preoperative segmental ROM at the level of myelopathy, and the occupying ratio of OPLL.

Results

There were 45 patients (33 males and 12 females). The mean follow-up period was 4 years (range 2–6.8 years). The mean patient age was 66.9 years (range 50–85 years). The mean JOA score significantly increased from 9.1 before surgery to 13.1 at the final follow-up. The mean recovery rate was 51.2%. Nineteen patients (42%) had a recovery rate of less than 50%. Patient factors were not associated with surgical outcomes. Only the preoperative C2–7 ROM was significantly greater in the poor surgical outcome group (23.1° vs 14.1°). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal preoperative C2–7 ROM cutoff was 20°. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with a preoperative C2–7 ROM of greater than 20° had a 4.6 times higher risk (p = 0.021) of a poor clinical outcome, indicating that dynamic factors may have an impact on the surgical outcome of laminoplasty.

Conclusions

Fusion surgery may be a useful strategy in patients with preoperative hypermobility of the cervical spine.
Endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy without resection of nasal turbinates: clinical outcomes of 13 patients
Authors: Yen Yu-Shu , Chang Peng-Yuan , Huang Wen-Cheng , Wu Jau-Ching , Liang Muh-Lii , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Cheng Henrich
Published: October 2014

Object

The goal of the study was to report a series of consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy (ETO) without resection of nasal turbinates. The techniques for this minimally invasive approach are described in detail.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent ETO for basilar invagination. All the patients had myelopathy caused by compression at the cervicomedullary junction, which required surgical decompression. Preoperative and postoperative data, including those from radiographic and clinical evaluations, were compared. Morbidity and mortality rates for the procedure are also reported in detail.

Results

Thirteen patients (6 men and 7 women) with a mean age of 52.7 years (range 24–72 years) were enrolled. The basilar invagination etiologies were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5), trauma (n = 4), os odontoideum (n = 2), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 1), and postinfectious deformity (n = 1). The average follow-up duration was 51.2 months (range 0.3–105 months). One patient died 10 days after the operation as a result of meningitis caused by CSF leakage. Among the other 12 patients, the average postoperative Nurick grade (3.2) was significantly improved over that before the operation (4.1, p = 0.004). The mean (± SD) duration of postoperative intubation was 1.5 ± 2.1 days, and there was no need for perioperative tracheostomy or nasogastric tube feeding. There also was no postoperative velopharyngeal insufficiency. There were 6 (46%) intraoperative and 2 (15%) postoperative CSF leaks in the 13 patients in this series.

Conclusions

ETO is a viable and effective option for decompression at the ventral cervicomedullary junction. This approach is minimally invasive and causes little velopharyngeal insufficiency. The pitfall of this approach is the difficulty in repairing dural defects and subsequent CSF leakage.
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2: a prospective study of complications
Authors: Malham Gregory M. , Parker Rhiannon M. , Ellis Ngaire J. , Blecher Carl M. , Chow Fiona Y. , Claydon Matthew H.
Published: October 2014

Object

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2) in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is controversial regarding the reported complication rates and cost. The authors aimed to assess the complication rates of performing ALIF using rhBMP-2.

Methods

This is a prospective study of consecutive patients who underwent ALIF performed by a single spine surgeon and a single vascular surgeon between 2009 and 2012. All patients underwent placement of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage filled with rhBMP-2 and a separate anterior titanium plate. Preoperative clinical data, operative details, postoperative complications, and clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded for all patients. Clinical outcome measures included back and leg pain visual analog scale scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS) scores. Radiographic assessment of fusion was performed using high-definition CT scanning. Male patients were screened pre- and postoperatively regarding sexual dysfunction, specifically retrograde ejaculation (RE).

Results

The study comprised 131 patients with a mean age of 45.3 years. There were 67 men (51.1%) and 64 women (48.9%). Of the 131 patients, 117 (89.3%) underwent ALIF at L5–S1, 9 (6.9%) at L4–5, and 5 (3.8%) at both L4–5 and L5–S1. The overall complication rate was 19.1% (25 of 131), with 17 patients (13.0%) experiencing minor complications and 8 (6.1%) experiencing major complications. The mean estimated blood loss per ALIF level was 115 ml. There was 1 incidence (1.5%) of RE. No significant vascular injuries occurred. No prosthesis failure occurred with the PEEK cage and separate anterior screw-plate. Back and leg pain improved 57.2% and 61.8%, respectively. The ODI improved 54.3%, with PCS and MCS scores improving 41.7% and 21.3%, respectively. Solid interbody fusion was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months.

Conclusions

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a vascular access surgeon and spine surgeon, using a separate cage and anterior screw-plate, provides a very robust and reliable construct with low complication rates, high fusion rates, and positive clinical outcomes, and it is cost-effective. The authors did not experience the high rates of RE reported by other authors using rhBMP-2.
Behavioral Attitudes and Preferences in Cooking Practices with Traditional Open-Fire Stoves in Peru, Nepal, and Kenya: Implications for Improved Cookstove Interventions
Authors: Rhodes Evelyn , Dreibelbis Robert , Klasen Elizabeth , Naithani Neha , Baliddawa Joyce , Menya Diana , Khatry Subarna , Levy Stephanie , Tielsch James , Miranda J. , Kennedy Caitlin , Checkley William
Published: October 2014

Global efforts are underway to develop and promote improved cookstoves which may reduce the negative health and environmental effects of burning solid fuels on health and the environment. Behavioral studies have considered cookstove user practices, needs and preferences in the design and implementation of cookstove projects; however, these studies have not examined the implications of the traditional stove use and design across multiple resource-poor settings in the implementation and promotion of improved cookstove projects that utilize a single, standardized stove design. We conducted in-depth interviews and direct observations of meal preparation and traditional, open-fire stove use of 137 women aged 20–49 years in Kenya, Peru and Nepal prior in the four-month period preceding installation of an improved cookstove as part of a field intervention trial. Despite general similarities in cooking practices across sites, we identified locally distinct practices and norms regarding traditional stove use and desired stove improvements. Traditional stoves are designed to accommodate specific cooking styles, types of fuel, and available resources for maintenance and renovation. The tailored stoves allow users to cook and repair their stoves easily. Women in each setting expressed their desire for a new stove, but they articulated distinct specific alterations that would meet their needs and preferences. Improved cookstove designs need to consider the diversity of values and needs held by potential users, presenting a significant challenge in identifying a “one size fits all” improved cookstove design. Our data show that a single stove design for use with locally available biomass fuels will not meet the cooking demands and resources available across the three sites. Moreover, locally produced or adapted improved cookstoves may be needed to meet the cooking needs of diverse populations while addressing health and environmental concerns of traditional stoves.
Micronutrient Intakes among Children and Adults in Greece: The Role of Age, Sex and Socio-Economic Status
Authors: Manios Yannis , Moschonis George , Mavrogianni Christina , Bos Rolf , Singh-Povel Cécile
Published: October 2014

The aim of the present study was to report the usual nutrient intakes of sixteen micronutrients by schoolchildren, adults and the elderly in Greece and to further explore the role of age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) on meeting the recommended nutrient intakes. Dietary intake, demographic and SES data from three existing studies conducted in Greece (in 9–13-year-old children; 40–60-year-old adults; and 50–75-year-old women) were collected. The prevalence of study participants with inadequate micronutrient intakes were assessed using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method. Regarding sex and age differences, the highest prevalences of inadequate nutrient intakes occurred in post-menopausal women. In both sexes and all age groups, the prevalence of vitamin D intake below EAR reached 100%. Furthermore, nutrient intakes of 75% or more below EAR were found for vitamin E in all age groups, folate in women and for calcium and magnesium in post-menopausal women (p < 0.05). Regarding SES differences, the prevalences of inadequate calcium and vitamin C intakes were higher for children and postmenopausal women of lower SES compared to their higher SES counterparts (p < 0.05). The current study reported the highest prevalences of inadequate intakes for both sexes and all age and SES groups for calcium, folate and vitamins D and E. These findings could provide guidance to public health policy makers in terms of updating current dietary guidelines and fortifying foods to meet the needs of all population subgroups.
Serum Survival of Vibrio vulnificus: Role of Genotype, Capsule, Complement, Clinical Origin, and in Situ Incubation
Authors: Williams Tiffany , Ayrapetyan Mesrop , Ryan Heather , Oliver James
Published: October 2014

Virulence of the human pathogen, V. vulnificus, is associated with encapsulation, serum complement resistance, and genotype. The C-genotype of this bacterium is correlated (>90%) with virulence and with isolation source (clinical settings). E-genotype strains are highly correlated with environmental isolation (93%) but appear less virulent. In this study, we characterized the importance of genotype, encapsulation, serum complement, and in situ exposure to estuarine water on the survival of the two genotypes in human serum. Results confirmed the superior ability of C-genotype strains to survive exposure to human serum, as well as the significance of complement, and revealed that lack of capsule allowed serum killing of both C- and E-genotypes. Cells incubated in situ responded similarly to cells incubated in vitro with the exception of E-environmental strains. Interestingly, our studies found that those cells of the E-genotype, typically considered non-pathogenic, which were isolated from wound infections demonstrated serum survival similar to that of virulent, C-genotype, strains.
Infrared Retinoscopy
Authors: Chen Ying-Ling , Shi Lei , Lewis James , Wang Ming
Published: October 2014

Infrared RetinoscopyRetinoscopy could be a more effective and versatile clinical tool in observing a wide range of ocular conditions if modifications were made to overcome the inherent difficulties. In this paper, a laboratory infrared retinoscope prototype was constructed to capture the digital images of the pupil reflex of various types of eye conditions. The captured low-contrast reflex images due to intraocular scattering were significantly improved with a simple image processing procedure for visualization. Detections of ocular aberrations were demonstrated, and computational models using patients’ wavefront data were built to simulate the measurement for comparison. The simulation results suggest that the retinal stray light that is strongly linked to intraocular scattering extend the detection range of illuminating eccentricity in retinoscopy and make it more likely to observe ocular aberrations.
Effect of Bacteriophage Infection in Combination with Tobramycin on the Emergence of Resistance in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Coulter Lindsey , McLean Robert , Rohde Rodney , Aron Gary
Published: October 2014

Bacteriophage infection and antibiotics used individually to reduce biofilm mass often result in the emergence of significant levels of phage and antibiotic resistant cells. In contrast, combination therapy in Escherichia coli biofilms employing T4 phage and tobramycin resulted in greater than 99% and 39% reduction in antibiotic and phage resistant cells, respectively. In P. aeruginosa biofilms, combination therapy resulted in a 60% and 99% reduction in antibiotic and PB-1 phage resistant cells, respectively. Although the combined treatment resulted in greater reduction of E. coli CFUs compared to the use of antibiotic alone, infection of P. aeruginosa biofilms with PB-1 in the presence of tobramycin was only as effective in the reduction of CFUs as the use of antibiotic alone. The study demonstrated phage infection in combination with tobramycin can significantly reduce the emergence of antibiotic and phage resistant cells in both E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilms, however, a reduction in biomass was dependent on the phage-host system.
A staining protocol for identifying secondary compounds in Myrtaceae
Authors: Retamales Hernan A. , Scharaschkin Tanya
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Here we propose a staining protocol using toluidine blue (TBO) and ruthenium red to reliably identify secondary compounds in the leaves of some species of Myrtaceae.

• Methods and Results: Leaves of 10 species representing 10 different genera of Myrtaceae were processed and stained using five different combinations of ruthenium red and TBO. Optimal staining conditions were determined as 1 min of ruthenium red (0.05% aqueous) and 45 s of TBO (0.1% aqueous). Secondary compounds clearly identified under this treatment include mucilage in the mesophyll, polyphenols in the cuticle, lignin in fibers and xylem, tannins and carboxylated polysaccharides in the epidermis, and pectic substances in the primary cell walls.

• Conclusions: Potential applications of this protocol include systematic, phytochemical, and ecological investigations in Myrtaceae. It might be applicable to other plant families rich in secondary compounds and could be used as a preliminary screening method for extraction of these elements.
Dépendances sémantiques et syntaxiques : quatre cas de figure pour l' adjectif en français
Authors: Marengo Sébastien
Published: October 2014

Les adjectifs du français témoignent parfois de correspondances particulières entre relations sémantiques et syntaxiques. Ainsi, un actant sémantique d’un adjectif peut avoir des manifestations contraintes ( Paul est pressé de partir – *Paul en est pressé ) ou se présenter comme un dépendant syntaxique du nom qui gouverne l’adjectif ( le sport préféré de Paul ). Semblablement, certains adjectifs épithètes portent sur une composante spécifique prévue dans la définition du nom ( double meurtre ) ou ont trait à la catégorisation impliquée par le nom ( ancien clown ). L’article se penche sur la description de ces phénomènes dans un cadre formel.
L'épreuve de droit
Authors: Tricoire Agnès
Published: October 2014

Résumé New York, 1917. Marcel Duchamp se procure un urinoir chez Matt, un drugstore de Manhattan. Sous le pseudonyme de Richard Mutt, il le propose sans succès à une exposition libre de sculpture, après l’avoir intitulé Fountain et renversé, de sorte qu’il soit inutilisable dans sa fonction première. « Certains, écrit-il dans la revue The Blind Man , ont prétendu que c’était du plagiat » ; d’autres ont mis l’accent sur l’absence d’exécution personnelle. Pourtant, « que Mr Mutt ait fabriqué ou non la fontaine de (...)
Vingt ans après
Authors: Grelet Stany , Mangeot Philippe , Patouillard Victoire , Saint-Saëns Isabelle
Published: October 2014

Résumé Entretien avec Assane Ba.
Les choses de James Agee
Authors: Casanova Pascale
Published: October 2014

Résumé Pour qui refuse de choisir entre objectivité et subjectivité, photographie et écriture, art et science, ethnographie et journalisme, reportage et philosophie, réel et fiction, description de ce qui est et désir d’autre chose, Louons maintenant les grands hommes de James Agee est un manifeste en acte. Voyage sur la crête. « Là dans la petite poussière frileuse qui vivote sous les porches : clous rouillés, courbés, fourbus, un bouton en os, ses deux yeux déchirés à n’en plus faire qu’un ; l’envers percé (...)
La vrai légende de Stalker
Authors: Tiberghien Gilles A.
Published: October 2014

Résumé Les Stalker ne sont pas tout à fait des artistes. Pas vraiment des urbanistes non plus, ni des militants. En fait, ils ne sont pas autre chose que ce qu’ils font. Que font donc les stalker ? Ils arpentent. ils cherchent des itinéraires et des territoires, dans les villes et entre les villes, qui échappent aux cartographies connues et permettent d’en inventer d’autres. Pour les suivre, un jeu de pistes.
L'avant-gardisme médicosocial mutualiste : retour sur une page blanche de l'histoire de la Mutualité (1850-1945)
Authors: Siney-Lange Charlotte
Published: October 2014

Du milieu du xix e siècle jusqu’à la Seconde Guerre mondiale, le mouvement mutualiste a impulsé de nombreuses réalisations sanitaires et médicosociales : pharmacies, dispensaires, établissements antituberculeux, cliniques, etc. Cet article présente ces réalisations, appréhende les objectifs des mutualistes et décrit l’adaptation de ces établissements aux évolutions sociales, économiques et politiques de la France du premier xx e siècle.
Ensuring Content Integrity When Using Commercial Support
Authors: Lubejko Barbara G.
Published: October 2014

Preventing continuing education program bias when commercial support is used can be challenging. Standards have been developed by health care professional accreditation organizations that focus on independence, conflict of interest, appropriate management of commercial funds, content integrity, and disclosure to learners. Implementation of these standards can significantly reduce the risk of bias and improve dissemination of balanced clinical information.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(10):429–431.
Perinatal Nurses’ Perceptions of Competency Assessments
Authors: Maddox Brenda L. , Waller-Wise Renece , Weed Latricia D.
Published: October 2014

Competency assessment should be a changing and continuing process. In addition, it should be appropriate for the organization and the nursing staff. Nursing educators are challenged to provide a competency assessment process that is relevant and meaningful. This qualitative research study describes perinatal nurses’ perceptions of a change from a traditional testing competency assessment to a hands-on competency assessment. The setting was a medical center in southeastern Alabama. Thirteen nurses participated in the study. Focus groups were used to explore the new assessment method. Three themes were identified: I am learning, multidimensional learning together, and increasing professional confidence. As the medical center perinatal nursing competency assessment program continues to improve, the expectation is for other departments to assess and revise their competency assessment program.

J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2014;45(10):453–460.
Clinical Evaluation of the Ability of a Proprietary Scoliosis Traction Chair to De-Rotate the Spine: 6-month Results of Cobb Angle and Rotational Measurements
Authors: Stitzel Clayton J. , Dovorany Brian , Morningstar Mark W. , Siddiqui Aatif
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and 6-month effects of a scoliosis traction chair on scoliosis rotation and Cobb angle. The scoliosis traction chair has been used clinically for 10 years and has been part of previous studies, but has not been the focus of any previous study. Our goal was to test the scoliosis traction chair’s ability to de-rotate the spine to create scoliosis correction. Fifteen patient files were retrospectively selected for study. Patients were radiographically studied in a proprietary traction chair to evaluate impact on Cobb angle and apical vertebral rotation. Six-month follow-up results were recorded. Six-month results showed an average overall Cobb angle increase of about 7°. Patients with in-chair apical de-rotation showed 9° of Cobb angle improvement, while those with increased in-chair apical rotation showed an average 16° progression. Scoliotic curves whose apical rotation worsened on stress radiography showed deterioration of the curve at 6 months. Those with improved apical rotation showed Cobb angle corrections at 6 months. Since progression of scoliotic curvatures was observed in our cohort of patients after 6 months of home and clinical use, it is imperative that further studies attempt to qualify which patients and scoliosis curve patterns are best suited for the scoliosis traction chair.
No title, no name, nothing, maybe waste
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: October 2014

There is general agreement that the globe is facing a crisis of the Anthropocene. The crisis has taken on such dimensions that a new way of thinking has become necessary. Or maybe a new way of being has become necessary, or maybe a new way of being thought has become necessary. What transformations (Verwandlungen) are necessary to arrive at this way of being thought? Maybe Nietzsche’s three transformations can guide towards a new way of being thought towards the Übermensch of the Anthropocene.
Methane production and energy partitioning in sheep fedAndropogon gayanusgrass ensiled at three regrowth stages
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriel O. , Teixeira Alex M. , Velasco Frederico O. , Faria Wilson G. , Jayme Diogo G. , Maurício Rogério M. , Gonçalves Lúcio C. , McAllister Timothy A.
Published: October 2014

Ribeiro Jr., G. A., Teixeira, A. M., Velasco, F. O., Faria Jr., W. G., Jayme, D. G., Maurício, R. M., Gonçalves, L. C. and McAllister, T. A. 2015. Methane production and energy partitioning in sheep fed Andropogon gayanus grass ensiled at three regrowth stages. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 103–110. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of harvesting Andropogon gayanus at different regrowth stages (56, 84 and 112 d) on the nutritional value of silage and CH4emissions from sheep. Rams (n=18) were adapted to silages for 21 d after which intake and digestibility were measured over 5 d in a completely randomized design (six rams/treatment). Heat production and methane emissions from each ram were measured in a respiration chamber over 24 h. Silage dry matter (DM; 54.4 g kg−1BW0.75d−1) intake was not influenced (P>0.05) by silage regrowth stage, but apparent DM digestibility linearly decreased (P<0.05) from 526 to 380 g kg−1with increasing regrowth. Energy lost as a percent of gross energy intake (GEI) linearly increased with longer regrowth, yet no effect on CH4losses (as% GEI; g kg−1DM; g kg−1digestible DM) or heat production were observed. Ensiling A. gayanus grass at an earlier regrowth stage (56 d) will improve silage quality, but improvements in the energetic value are not due to a reduction in enteric CH4emissions as a% GEI.
Immune responses of porcine airway epithelial cells to poly(I:C), a synthetic analogue of viral double-stranded RNA
Authors: Yang Xiu-qin , Wang Liang , Li Hai-tao , Liu Di
Published: October 2014

Yang, X.-q., Wang, L., Li, H.-t. and Liu, D. 2015. Immune responses of porcine airway epithelial cells to poly(I:C), a synthetic analogue of viral double-stranded RNA. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 13–20. Swine respiratory disease (SRD) is one of the most economically important diseases affecting the pig industry. The main infectious agents that cause SRD are viruses, but the molecular pathogenesis of viral SRD has not been extensively studied. Here, using digital gene expression tag profiling, the global transcriptional responses to poly(I:C), a synthetic analogue of viral double-stranded RNA, was analyzed in porcine airway epithelial cells (PAECs). The profiling analysis revealed numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including unknown sequences in the porcine nucleotide databases. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in response to stress (GO: 0006950), of which, defense response is one sub-process. Poly(I:C) challenge induced a general inflammation response as indicated by marked upregulation of a variety of pathogen recognition receptors, interferon-stimulated genes, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, together with the significant downregulation of anti-inflammatory molecules. Furthermore, the antiapoptotic pathway was triggered, as demonstrated by the significant suppression of molecules involved in the induction of apoptosis, together with the significant stimulation of putative inhibitor of apoptosis. The results indicate that PAECs initiated defense against poly(I:C) challenge through the inflammation responses, whereas poly(I:C) can utilize antiapoptotic pathway to evade host defense.
Formation of polymer nanoparticles by self organized precipitation method
Authors: Enkhtuul S , Munkhshur M
Published: October 2014

Polymer nanoparticles have been investigated with great interest due to their potential applications in the fields of electronics, photonics and biotechnology. Here, we demonstrated the formation of polymer nanoparticles from a tetrafydrofuran/water mixture solution. Polymer nanoparticles remained as dispersed particles in the poor solvent (water) when good solvent (THF) is evaporated. Homogeneous nucleation and successive growth of polymer particles takes place during the dynamic nonequilibrium process of solvent evaporation. The size of the particles ranging from hundreds of nanometers to micrometers scale depends on the solvent mixing ratio. With suitable combinations of solvents, this procedure is applicable to a wide variety of polymers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjc.v14i0.195 Mongolian Journal of Chemistry 14 (40), 2013, p33-35