bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory Distal Ulcerative Colitis: Is Proctocolectomy Always Necessary?
Authors: Carvello Michele , Montorsi Marco , Spinelli Antonino
Published: December 2014

Refractory distal ulcerative colitis (RDUC) is defined as persistence of symptoms caused by endoscopically proven colonic inflammation located at the rectum or left colon despite oral/topical steroids and 5-ASA. RDUC affects a small subset of patients and is associated with chronic disabling symptoms and increased social/medical costs. Moreover, patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC) carry an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer and colonic mucosa high-grade dysplasia. Alternative medical strategies in steroid refractory disease are unlikely to provide durable remission in all patients, carry potential severe side effects and, as immunosuppressants, the risk of other neoplasms, and may increase the short-term complication rate when surgery is finally required. Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (RP-IPAA) allows the complete removal of the diseased rectum and colon, virtually eliminating the risk of malignant transformation and reestablishing intestinal continuity with continence preservation. Since the introduction of this surgical procedure, morbidity and mortality rates have been drastically reduced. Despite the still notable rate of surgical complications, long-term quality of life assessment has shown excellent results in nearly all patients who have undergone RP-IPAA, comparing well with the general population. Furthermore, when performed for distal UC, RP-IPAA produces similar surgical outcomes with respect to pancolitis. In conclusion, RP-IPAA should always be considered in patients with RDUC, and multidisciplinary counseling should provide patients clear information about the advantages of surgery and possible complications as well as the chance to achieve disease remission with medical therapy.
Dynamics of Macular Hole Closure in Gas-Filled Eyes within 24 h of Surgery Observed with Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Kikushima Wataru , Imai Akira , Toriyama Yuichi , Hirano Takao , Murata Toshinori , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: To investigate the dynamics of macular hole (MH) closure in gas-filled eyes starting 20 min after vitrectomy using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods: Twenty consecutive eyes with MH underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade. SS-OCT imaging was performed approximately 20 min after the operation, and then once a day, until MH closure was confirmed. The correlation between the base, top and minimum hole diameters and the duration required for MH closure was investigated. Results: MH closure in gas-filled eyes was confirmed in 1 eye on day 0, 10 eyes on day 1, 2 eyes on day 2, and 3 eyes on day 3, at which times face-down posturing was discontinued without MH recurrence. SS-OCT revealed a distinct closure pattern within the first 24 h postoperatively. MHs closing by day 1 had a significantly smaller minimum diameter (312.5 ± 105.2 µm) than holes closing on day 2 or later (510.8 ± 153.5 µm; p = 0.019). Conclusions: SS-OCT enables tomographic images of MH in gas-filled eyes immediately postoperatively, thus permitting early discontinuation of, or no necessity for, face-down positioning upon confirmation of MH closure.
Nitrogen balance and milk composition of dairy cows fed urea and soybean meal and two protein levels using sugar cane based diets
Authors: Conti Luís Henrique Andreucci , Jesus Elmeson Ferreira de , Pereira Angélica Simone Cravo , Arcari Marcos André , Junior Kleber Da Cunha Peixoto , Rennó Francisco Palma , Santos Marcos Veiga dos
Published: December 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de dois teores de proteína bruta (PB) (baixa: 142 g de PB/kg de MS e alta: 156 g de PB/kg de MS) e de duas fontes nitrogenadas (farelo de soja e ureia) na dieta de vacas leiteiras, alimentadas com cana-de-açúcar como volumoso sobre a síntese de proteína microbiana, composição da fração nitrogenada do leite, balanço de nitrogênio (N) e parâmetros sanguíneos. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas Holandesas com produção média de 22,0 ± 2,3 kg leite/dia, no terço final de lactação (235 ± 40 dias em lactação), agrupadas em três quadrados latinos balanceados e contemporâneos 4x4, com período experimental de 21 dias, dos quais 14 para adaptação as dietas e os demais para coleta de amostras. A excreção total de urina (L/dia), o NUL e a ureia sanguínea foram maiores para as dietas com alta PB, independentemente da fonte nitrogenada. A eficiência de utilização do N foi maior para as vacas alimentadas com dietas com baixa PB. Vacas no terço final da lactação podem ser alimentadas com dietas com teores reduzidos de PB, independentemente de a fonte nitrogenada ser farelo de soja ou ureia, sem influenciar a síntese de proteína microbiana, a composição da fração nitrogenada do leite e obter maior eficiência de utilização do N da dieta.
Sun Buer: Early Quanzhen Matriarch and the Beginnings of Female Alchemy
Authors: Komjathy Louis
Published: December 2014

This article is the first detailed historical study of the life, teachings, and practices of Sun Buer (1119–83), the only female member of the so-called Seven Perfected of Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) Daoism. Drawing upon the earliest hagiographical accounts, this study provides an accurate picture of the historical Sun, with particular attention to her personal life and social location in the early Quanzhen movement. It includes complete annotated translations of the only extant writings reasonably attributed to Sun Buer.
Annotated catalogue of Australian weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea)
Authors: PULLEN KIMBERI R. , JENNINGS DEBBIE , OBERPRIELER ROLF G.
Published: December 2014

This catalogue presents the first-ever complete inventory of all described taxa of Australian weevils, including both valid and invalid names. The geographical scope spans mainland Australia and its continental islands as well as the subantarctic Heard and McDonald Islands, the Pacific Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands and the Indian-Ocean Christmas Island. 4111 species in 832 genera (including one extinct species and one fossil) are recognised as occurring in this territory, distributed over seven families, 20 subfamilies and 94 tribes. The families and subfamilies are arranged in a currently accepted phylogenetic sequence but the tribes, genera and species in alphabetical order. Introductory chapters outline the discovery and composition of the Australian weevil fauna, the burden of synonymy, the format and conventions of the catalogue and the taxonomic and nomenclatural changes proposed. Sixteen new genera and six new species are described, two new names and 25 new generic and 72 new species synonymies and 189 new combinations are proposed and 46 type species designations are effected. The records of 356 taxa are annotated to justify or explain various taxonomic and nomenclatural acts and issues, covering descriptions of new taxa, new synonymies and generic combinations, artificial taxon concepts, changes in classification and a number of nomenclatural matters. The catalogue of the taxa present in Australia is followed by a list of 19 species incorrectly recorded from Australia or introduced as biocontrol agents but not established, and by one species inquirenda. All these records are also annotated. Two appendices list the 102 species introduced into Australia, both accidental and deliberate (as weed control agents). A bibliography with full references of all original descriptions and pertinent other citations from the literature is provided, and an index to all names concludes the catalogue.
Winter Climate Extremes over the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada and Teleconnections with Large-Scale Modes of Climate Variability*
Authors: Ning Liang , Bradley Raymond S.
Published: December 2014

The relationship between winter climate extremes across the northeastern United States and adjacent parts of Canada and some important modes of climate variability are examined to determine how these circulation patterns are related to extreme events. Linear correlations between 15 extreme climate indices related to winter daily precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature, and three dominant large-scale patterns of climate variability [the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern, and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)] were analyzed for the period 1950–99. The mechanisms behind these teleconnections are analyzed by applying composite analysis to the geopotential height, sea level pressure (SLP), moisture flux, and wind fields. Pressure anomalies and associated airflow patterns related with the different modes of climate variability explain the patterns of temperature and precipitation extremes across the region. The responses of the daily scale climate extremes to the seasonally averaged large-scale circulation patterns are achieved through shifts in the probability distributions.
Intrinsic Variability of Sea Level from Global Ocean Simulations: Spatiotemporal Scales
Authors: Sérazin Guillaume , Penduff Thierry , Grégorio Sandy , Barnier Bernard , Molines Jean-Marc , Terray Laurent
Published: December 2014

In high-resolution ocean general circulation models (OGCMs), as in process-oriented models, a substantial amount of interannual to decadal variability is generated spontaneously by oceanic nonlinearities: that is, without any variability in the atmospheric forcing at these time scales. The authors investigate the temporal and spatial scales at which this intrinsic oceanic variability has the strongest imprints on sea level anomalies (SLAs) using a ° global OGCM, by comparing a “hindcast” driven by the full range of atmospheric time scales with its counterpart forced by a repeated climatological atmospheric seasonal cycle. Outputs from both simulations are compared within distinct frequency–wavenumber bins. The fully forced hindcast is shown to reproduce the observed distribution and magnitude of low-frequency SLA variability very accurately. The small-scale (L < 6°) SLA variance is, at all time scales, barely sensitive to atmospheric variability and is almost entirely of intrinsic origin. The high-frequency (mesoscale) part and the low-frequency part of this small-scale variability have almost identical geographical distributions, supporting the hypothesis of a nonlinear temporal inverse cascade spontaneously transferring kinetic energy from high to low frequencies. The large-scale (L > 12°) low-frequency variability is mostly related to the atmospheric variability over most of the global ocean, but it is shown to remain largely intrinsic in three eddy-active regions: the Gulf Stream, Kuroshio, and Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Compared to its ¼° predecessor, the authors’ ° OGCM is shown to yield a stronger intrinsic SLA variability, at both mesoscale and low frequencies.
Spectral Kurtosis–Based Method for Weak Target Detection in Sea Clutter by Microwave Coherent Radar
Authors: Jin Yan , Chen Zezong , Fan Lingang , Zhao Chen
Published: December 2014

A new method is proposed to detect small targets embedded in sea clutter for land-based microwave coherent radar using spectral kurtosis as a signature from radar data. It is executed according to the following procedures. First, the echoes of radar from each range gate are processed by the technique of short-time Fourier transform. Then, the kurtosis of each Doppler channel is estimated from the time–Doppler spectra. Last, the spectral kurtosis is compared to a threshold to determine whether a target exists. The proposed method is applied to measured datasets of different sea conditions from slight to moderate. The signal from a small boat is detected successfully. Furthermore, the detection performance of the proposed method is analyzed by the way of Monte Carlo simulation. It demonstrates that the spectral kurtosis–based detector works well for weak target detection when the target’s Doppler frequency is beyond the strong clutter region.
“If you compress the spring, it will snap back hard”: The Ukrainian crisis and the balance of threat theory
Authors: Bock Andreas M , Henneberg Ingo , Plank Friedrich
Published: December 2014

The narrative of an aggressive and neo-imperialist Russia that has dominated analyses of the 2014 Ukrainian crisis lacks theoretical rigour. We argue that a sustainable transformation of the Ukrainian crisis requires an accurate analysis of the context of the conflict, which should include an understanding of Moscow’s perception of the threats to its interests. This policy brief develops a theoretical understanding of the Ukrainian crisis through the lens of Stephen M. Walt’s balance of threat theory. We conclude that a realist analysis will help to explain Russian actions.
Performance investigation of liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger under low solution/air heat capacity rates ratio conditions
Authors: Kassai Miklos , Simonson Carey J
Published: December 2014

Liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger is a novel membrane base energy exchanger, which allows both heat and moisture transfer between air and a salt solution. The heat and mass transfer performance of a single one is significantly dependent on two dimensionless parameters: number of heat transfer units and the ratio of heat capacity rates between solution flow and air flow (Cr*). The performance of liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger under high Cr* (i.e. Cr* ≥ 1) has been comprehensively investigated experimentally and numerically in previous research. In this study, the effectiveness of a small-scale liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger under low Cr* conditions (i.e. Cr* < 1) is experimentally tested. Good agreement between the experimental and numerical results is achieved under low Cr* cases.

Practical application: The ideal energy exchanger is one that can transfer both heat and moisture because during hot and humid conditions such an exchanger is capable of transferring up to four times as much energy as an exchanger that can transfer sensible heat only. It is beneficial if the exchanger can transfer heat and moisture also between remote supply and exhaust airstreams, as this may minimize the ducting required and reduces contaminant transfer from one airstream to the other. This is very important for applications such as hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities, where slight cross contamination can cause serious health effects.
Comparison of 4D CT, Ultrasonography, and 99mTc Sestamibi SPECT/CT in Localizing Single‐Gland Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Suh Yong Joon , Choi June Young , Kim Su‐jin , Chun In Kook , Yun Tae Jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Kim Ji‐hoon , Cheon Gi Jeong , Youn Yeo‐Kyu
Published: December 2014

Objective

The present study was designed to evaluate 4D computerized tomography (CT) as a means of localizing abnormal parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT).

Study Design

Case series with expertized image review.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 38 patients were recruited for study, all of whom had undergone focused parathyroidectomy for single‐lesion primary HPT between June 2011 and September 2013. In each patient, 3 imaging procedures were performed: cervical ultrasonography (US), 99mTc‐sestamibi SPECT/CT (SeS), and 4D CT. Collective imaging data were blindly reviewed and compared.

Results

4D CT outperformed US and SeS in terms of sensitivity (P =. 27), specificity (P =. 01), positive predictive value (PPV) (P <. 01), negative predictive value (NPV) (P =. 19), and accuracy (P <. 01). In 7.9% (3/38) of patients, 4D CT provided specific anatomic information that was unaffordable by US and SeS. Localization by 4D CT correlated with tissue parathyroid hormone level (P =. 02), maximum diameter (P =. 01), and volume (P <. 01) of abnormal parathyroid glands.

Conclusion

4D CT proved helpful in localizing target parathyroid glands of primary HPT that were missed by traditional imaging.
Effects of whole body vibration on pain, stiffness and physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Pu , Yang Xiaotian , Yang Yonghong , Yang Lin , Zhou Yujing , Liu Chuan , Reinhardt Jan D , He Chengqi
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To assess the effects of whole body vibration for pain, stiffness and physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Data sources:

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and EMBASE (up to October 2014) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. The outcome measures were pain, stiffness and physical functions.

Review methods:

Two investigators identified eligible studies and extracted data independently. The PEDro score was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the selected studies. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.

Results:

A total of five randomized controlled trials involving 170 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the inclusion criteria. Only four studies involving 144 patients were deemed to be good quality trials (PEDro score = 6–7). Meta-analysis revealed that whole body vibration has a signiﬁcant treatment effect in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index physical function score (SMD = −0.72 points, 95% CI = −1.14 to −0.30, P = 0.0008), 12 weeks whole body vibration improved the 6-minute walk test (SMD 1.15 m, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.80, P = 0.0006) and balance (SMD = −0.78 points, 95% CI −1.40 to −0.16, P = 0.01). Whole body vibration was not associated with a signiﬁcant reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index pain and stiffness score.

Conclusion:

Eight-week and 12-week whole body vibration is beneficial for improving physical functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis and could be included in rehabilitation programs.
Change in physiological variables in the last 2 weeks of life: An observational study of hospital in-patients with cancer
Authors: Taylor Paul , Crouch Simon , Howell Debra A , Dowding Dawn W , Johnson Miriam J
Published: December 2014

Background:

Recognising dying remains a difficult clinical skill which has gained increasing importance in the United Kingdom since the Neuberger review. Clinical and research methods exist to aid recognition of dying but do not exhibit the level of accuracy required for such an important decision.

Aim:

To explore change in key clinical parameters as cancer patients near the end of life.

Design:

This is a retrospective cohort study of terminally ill patients. Data were collected from hospital case-notes. Case-note data were analysed using multilevel modelling to explore absolute values and rates of change of given variables.

Setting/participants:

Hospital in-patients who died from solid-tumour malignancies within a 3-month period in 2009 formed the cohort. The setting was an acute hospital trust in the North of England.

Results:

A total of 15,337 data points from the case-notes of 102 patients were analysed. There was a clinically and statistically significant deterioration in respiratory function and renal function over the last 2 weeks of life. Heart rate and serum sodium also changed but did not vary greatly from normal limits. White cell parameters, haemoglobin and albumin showed evidence for change over longer periods.

Conclusion:

Results demonstrate statistically and clinically significant change in routinely measured respiratory and renal function variables during the final 2 weeks of life in people dying with cancer. Although useful in acute early warning scores, in a terminally ill patient, relative haemodynamic stability should not be interpreted as reassuring. Further work is needed to understand how these findings apply to the individual or inform other prognostic work.
Adapting to domiciliary non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Gale Nicola K , Jawad Maryam , Dave Chirag , Turner Alice M
Published: December 2014

Background:

Domiciliary non-invasive ventilation may be used in palliative care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although there is uncertainty regarding effect on quality of life.

Aim:

Explore experiences of domiciliary non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to understand decision-making processes and improve future palliative care.

Design:

Qualitative interview study, based on constructivist grounded theory, and using the framework method for data management and analysis.

Participants:

20 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, 4 carers and 15 healthcare professionals.

Results:

Most patients had very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data were categorised into four domains – clinical, technical, socio-economic and experiential. Healthcare professionals felt uncertain regarding clinical evidence, emphasising social support and tolerance as deciding factors in non-invasive ventilation use. Conversely, patients reported symptomatic benefit, which generally outweighed negative experiences and led to continued use. Healthcare professionals felt that patients chose to be on non-invasive ventilation; however, most patients felt that they had no choice as healthcare professionals recommended non-invasive ventilation or their poor health mandated it.

Conclusions:

Our study identifies ‘adapting to non-invasive ventilation’ as the central process enabling long-term use in palliative care, although the way in which this is approached by healthcare professionals and patients does not always converge. We present ideas emerging from the data on potential interventions to improve patient experience and adaptation.
The Governance of Visibility
Authors: Latham Robert
Published: December 2014

This article explores the relationship between information and mobility as it is manifest at the Mexico-US border and understands that border to be one, although very important, site of information processing and production. Within the electronic as well as the physical spaces of the Mexico-US borderlands, it is argued that practices of evasion and exposure produce specific forms of politics. These forms bear on the militarization of the border, particular bourgeois anxieties, various instances of violence, the pursuit of survival strategies and recognition, and the emergence of resistance and countertactics. Also considered are possibilities for alternatives to the ways mobility is governed and challenged in the borderlands especially as it bears on the lives of migrants.
From Communism to Capitalism
Authors: Andreescu Florentina C.
Published: December 2014

The article identifies a historical shift in the representation of the worker hero in the narratives of Romanian movies after the 1989 revolution. While the prerevolutionary narratives were organized around the state, postrevolutionary narratives are organized around the market. Moreover, while the prerevolutionary narratives were structured around masochistic/passive fantasies of the satisfaction of the desire of the worker through the body of the state, the postrevolutionary narratives do not offer any scenarios of satisfaction—rather they encircle the historical trauma of 1989, a trauma of rapid and swift social dislocation from the order of the state to the order of the market. Under these conditions from a powerful, young, idealistic character during communism, the image of the worker hero shifts to a middle-aged, cynical, and insecure character fighting to survive in a rapidly changing world.
Understanding Service Utilization in Cases of Elder Abuse to Inform Best Practices
Authors: Burnes David , Rizzo Victoria M. , Gorroochurn Prakash , Pollack Martha H. , Lachs Mark S.
Published: December 2014

Elder abuse (EA) case resolution is contingent upon victims accepting and pursuing protective service interventions. Refusal/underutilization of services is a major problem. This study explored factors associated with extent of EA victim service utilization (SU). Data were collected from a random sample of EA cases ( n = 250) at a protective service program in New York City. In cases involving financial abuse, higher SU was associated with females, poor health, perceived danger, previous help-seeking, and self or family referral. In physical abuse cases, higher SU was associated with family referral and previous help-seeking; lower SU was related to Hispanic race/ethnicity, being married, and child/grandchild perpetrator. In emotional abuse cases, higher SU was associated with self or family referral, victim–perpetrator gender differential, perceived danger, and previous help-seeking; lower SU was related to child/grandchild perpetrator. Findings carry implications for best practices to retain and promote service use among elder victims of abuse.
Perspectives on Parenteral Micronutrient Shortages
Authors: Mirtallo Jay M.
Published: December 2014

Micronutrients are essential components of parenteral nutrition (PN). Problems related to deficiency and toxicity occur during routine practice, which could be related to the content of commercial sources, inadequate prescribed doses, and the high frequency of at‐risk patients receiving PN. Shortages of commercial products result in increased risk of deficiency. Even though there are recommendations to conserve supplies for those at highest risk, practices that provide no micronutrients or doses less than desired are not safe. This article reviews the evidence describing patients at risk for micronutrient deficiency, the rationale for micronutrient product reformulation, and characteristics of deficiency observed during shortages of micronutrient products.
Termite resistance of wood–plastic composites treated with zinc borate and borax
Authors: López-Naranjo Edgar J , Alzate-Gaviria Liliana M , Hernández-Zárate Galdy , Reyes-Trujeque Javier , Cruz-Estrada Ricardo H
Published: December 2014

It has been reported that pinewood residue/recycled high density polyethylene composites with 40 wt% of wood were attacked by termites native to the Yucatan Peninsula ( Nasutitermes nigriceps). Thus, this article gives account of how effective environmentally friendly borates are (i.e. borax and zinc borate) to protect this kind of composites. Before biotic exposure, composites’ samples were subjected to 1000 and 2000 h of accelerated weathering, using a ultraviolet-type accelerated tester equipped with UVA-340 fluorescent lamps and respectively impregnated with 1, 2, and 3% aqueous solutions of both borates, following the ASTM D 1413 standard test method as reference. A reduction in the treated samples’ weight loss was observed, which indicated that they increased their resistance to termite attack. No weight losses occurred when the solutions with 3% of both borates were respectively used. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy revealed that these solutions did not damage the composites’ surface. The results show that both borates experimented with have the potential to be used as termiticides for wood–plastic composites without damaging the environment.
Bacterial loads of Ureaplasma parvum contribute to the development of inflammatory responses in the male urethra
Authors: Deguchi Takashi , Shimada Yasushi , Horie Kengo , Mizutani Kohsuke , Seike Kensaku , Tsuchiya Tomohiro , Yokoi Shigeaki , Yasuda Mitsuru , Ito Shin
Published: December 2014

Ureaplasma parvum, which has been recognised as a coloniser in the male urethra, is detected in some men with non-gonococcal urethritis. In this study, we quantified the 16 S rRNA genes of U. parvum by a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based assay in first-voided urine from 15 symptomatic and 38 asymptomatic men who were positive only for U. parvum. We also determined the leukocyte counts by automated quantitative urine particle analysis in their first-voided urine. Positive correlations were observed between copies of the 16 S rRNA genes of U. parvum/ml and the leukocyte counts/µl in first-voided urine ( p = 0.0019). The loads of ≥104 copies of the 16 S rRNA gene/ml, corresponding to ≥5 × 103 cells of U. parvum/ml, were significantly associated with the presence of ≥12.5 leukocytes/µl in first-voided urine that might document the presence of inflammatory responses in the urethra. However, a large portion of the subjects (83.0%) had bacterial loads of <5 × 103 cells of U. parvum/ml, and 79.5% of them showed <12.5 leukocytes/µl. The ambiguity of the pathogenic role of U. parvum in non-gonococcal urethritis could, in part, be due to its low bacterial loads, which might not give rise to inflammatory responses in the male urethra.
Prevalence and Determinants of Overweight, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Jan Mohamed Hamid Jan B. , Yap Roseline Wai Kuan , Loy See Ling , Norris Shane A. , Biesma Regien , Aagaard-Hansen Jens
Published: December 2014

This systematic review aimed to examine trends in overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Malaysian adults, and to identify its underlying determinants. A review of studies published between 2000 and 2012 on overweight, obesity, and T2DM was conducted. The Cochrane library of systematic reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, Scopus, and MyJurnal digital database were searched. According to national studies, the prevalence of overweight increased from 26.7% in 2003 to 29.4% in 2011; obesity prevalence increased from 12.2% in 2003 to 15.1% in 2011, and T2DM prevalence was reported as 11.6% in 2006 and 15.2% in 2011. Distal determinants of increased risk of overweight, obesity, and T2DM were as follows: female, Malay/Indian ethnicity, and low educational level. The limited number of studies on proximal determinants of these noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) indicated that an unhealthy diet was associated with increased risk, whereas smoking was associated with decreased risk. However, more studies on the proximal determinants of overweight, obesity, and T2DM within the Malaysian context are needed. Overall, our findings provide insights for designing both future investigative studies and strategies to control and prevent these NCDs in Malaysia.
The effect of anatomic site and age on detection of Staphylococcus aureus in pigs
Authors: Linhares Leticia L. , Yang My , Sreevatsan Srinand , Munoz-Zanzi Claudia A. , Torremorell Montserrat , Davies Peter R.
Published: December 2014

Despite active research into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pigs since 2004, the ecology of the susceptible ancestral organism has been neglected. A longitudinal study of pigs in 2 intensive production systems was conducted to investigate the effects of age and anatomical site on detection of S. aureus. Sampling was replicated in 2 cohorts per farm, with swabs collected from the nares, tonsils, skin (axilla), and rectum in lactating sows, suckling, weaned, and market-age pigs, plus the vagina of sows. No MRSA were isolated, but S. aureus was detected in a least 1 site in 175 (91.1%) out of 192 pigs. Pig-level prevalence did not differ among the age groups, but the proportion of positive samples (all sites) was higher in market-age pigs (75.2%) and nursery-age pigs (63.2%) than in sows (40.7%) and suckling piglets (38%). Prevalence did not differ among nasal (67.9%), skin (62.3%), and tonsil (61.7%) swabs, but was lower in rectal (42%) and vaginal swabs (39.6%). Multiple multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and spa types were found in both production systems, but all isolates were of ST398, ST9, or ST5. These MLST lineages have been variably predominant among reports of MRSA in pigs on 3 continents, and the presence of methicillin-sensitive variants in several countries raises the likelihood that MRSA in pigs has likely resulted from independent acquisition of the mecA gene by multiple S. aureus lineages that have been adapted to swine over the long term, rather than recent introduction of novel clones into swine populations.
Equine pancreatic disease
Authors: Newman Shelley J.
Published: December 2014

Equine pancreatic disease is considered rare, and successful treatment is limited. Additionally, antemortem diagnosis of equine pancreatitis is difficult because of the lack of definitive diagnostic tests. Although a paucity of information exists on this entity in the horse, pancreatic disease has typically been shown to be secondary to other gastrointestinal, hepatic, and endocrine conditions. No predisposition based on age, sex, or breed appears to exist, but several conditions predispose a horse to pancreatitis, including grain overload, endocrine disease, and parasite migration. A retrospective search of cases within the archive of the University of Tennessee necropsy database revealed only 4 cases during a 9-year period (2005–2014). In only 1 case was pancreatic disease considered primary, and in the other 3, pathologies often seen concurrently with pancreatic lesions were identified. These included cecal rupture, colonic displacement, neoplasia (lymphocytic leukemia), and pituitary adenoma. A review of available historical data and associated laboratory results are included with the gross and histologic characteristics of pancreatic lesions, in these 4 newly reported cases.
Enhancing vibration suppression in a periodically excited flexible beam by using a repetitive model predictive control strategy
Authors: Lin Chi-Ying , Huang Yi-Huan
Published: December 2014

This experimental study was conducted for the purpose of enhancing vibration suppression in periodically excited flexible structures by using model predictive control (MPC), an advanced optimal-control method that can be used to handle system constraints at all sampling steps. The Hildreth optimization solver was used to examine two MPC strategies, a basic MPC strategy and a repetitive MPC (RMPC) strategy, and the active vibration-control design and performance of the strategies were evaluated. The disturbance-rejection performance of the applied MPC methods was specifically investigated by using periodic input signals to excite a piezoelectric flexible beam. These comparative studies performed together with parameter analysis offer a design guideline for achieving satisfactory vibration-suppression performance and further demonstrate that the applied RMPC method can effectively suppress the vibration of a flexible-structure system.
Taking animal news seriously: Cat tales in The New York Times
Authors: Ehrlich Matthew C
Published: December 2014

‘Cute cat videos’ are often vilified for representing everything journalism is not and should not be. However, news about cats – cute and otherwise – has been fodder for The New York Times for more than 140 years. This article critically examines the Times’ cat tales in the context of the cultural history of journalism and the academic study of human–animal relations, also known as anthrozoology. Trends and themes in the coverage indicate that cats have been used and portrayed as commodities, heroes, villains, victims, women’s best friends, and urban symbols. The stories demonstrate how and why animal news should be taken seriously by journalism scholars. Not only does it offer insight into our evolving relationships with animals, it also provides a provocative means of thinking about where journalism has been and where it is heading.
Elevated serum glucose levels and survival after acute heart failure: A population-based perspective
Authors: Helfand Benjamin KI , Maselli Nicholas J , Lessard Darleen M , Yarzebski Jorge , Gore Joel M , McManus David D , Saczynski Jane S , Goldberg Robert J
Published: December 2014

Background:

Limited data are available about the characteristics, treatment and survival in patients without diabetes mellitus (DM), previously diagnosed DM and patients with hyperglycaemia who present with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Our objectives were to examine differences in these endpoints in patients hospitalized with ADHF.

Methods:

Patients hospitalized with ADHF during 1995, 2000, 2002 and 2004 comprised the study population.

Results:

A total of 5428 non-diabetic patients were hospitalized with ADHF, 3807 with diagnosed DM and 513 with admission hyperglycaemia. Patients with admission hyperglycaemia experienced the highest in-hospital death rates (9.9%) compared to those with diagnosed DM (6.5%) and non-diabetics (7.5%). Patients with diagnosed DM had the greatest risk of dying after hospital discharge.

Conclusions:

Patients with elevated blood glucose levels at hospital admission are more likely to die acutely. After resolution of the acute illness, patients with previously diagnosed DM need careful monitoring and enhanced treatment.
A Market-Based Model of State Supreme Court News: Lessons from Capital Cases
Authors: Vining Richard L. , Wilhelm Teena , Collens Jack D.
Published: December 2014

In this article, we present and test a market-based model of news content about state courts of last resort. We test our theory by examining newspaper coverage of decisions in death penalty cases. Our empirical results indicate that news elements of drama, novelty, and sensationalism influence coverage of state high courts' death penalty cases rather than traditional indicators of legal salience. News content either anywhere in a newspaper or on its front page is influenced by similar factors, but front-page coverage is more sensitive to dramatic conviction reversals and the rarity of executions in a given state. Our results suggest that traditional explanations of the relationship between crime and newsworthiness have limited impact on media attention given to state supreme courts. Media coverage of state high courts is instead associated primarily with the behavior of the court and its justices.
Rapid isolation of gluten-digesting bacteria from human stool and saliva by using gliadin-containing plates
Authors: Berger Martina , Sarantopoulos Christos , Ongchangco Deryn , Sry Jeremy , Cesario Thomas
Published: December 2014

The number of individuals with gluten intolerance has increased dramatically over the last years. To date, the only therapy for gluten intolerance is the complete avoidance of dietary gluten. To sustain a strictly gluten-free diet, however, is very challenging. Therefore, there is need for a non-dietary therapy. Any such treatment must appreciate that the immunogenic part of gluten are gliadin peptides which are poorly degraded by the enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic therapy and oral enzyme therapy containing gluten-degrading bacteria (GDB) and their gliadin-digesting enzymes are possible new approaches for the treatment of gluten intolerance, however effectively isolating GDB for these treatments is problematic. The goal of this study was to develop an easy technique to isolate GDB rapidly and efficiently with the hope it might lead to newer ways of developing either probiotics or traditional medicines to treat gluten intolerance. Several researchers have already isolated successfully GDB by using gluten minimal or limited agar plates. Although these plates can be used to isolate bacteria which can tolerate gluten, further assays are needed to investigate if the same bacteria can also digest gluten. The agar plates we developed can detect bacteria which cannot only tolerate gluten but are able to digest it as well. Therefore, we were able to combine two steps into one step. Using such technologies, we were able to isolate five GDB from saliva and stool, and identified three bacterial reference strains with gluten-degrading activity. The technique we developed to isolate bacteria with gluten-degrading activity is fast, effective, and easy to use. The GDB isolated by our technology could have potential as part of a probiotic or enzymatic therapy for people with gluten intolerance.
Trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis: is bone union necessary for a good outcome?
Authors: Smeraglia F. , Soldati A. , Orabona G. , Ivone A. , Balato G. , Pacelli M.
Published: December 2014

We present a retrospective study of 107 cases of thumb carpometacarpl joint arthrodesis. The aim of our study was to analyse our population and to compare the outcomes of patients who obtained bone union with the patients who did not. There were no statistical differences in most of the clinical outcomes (DASH score, visual analogue scale, Kapandji test, grip, and key pinch) between the two groups of patients; there were fewer cases of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid arthritis in the group that did not obtain bone union. We conclude that the bone union is not necessary for a good outcome.

Level IV of evidence
Sudden post-traumatic sensorineural hearing loss reverted to normal by sneezing
Authors: Yenigun Alper
Published: December 2014

An 11-year-old child with sudden post-traumatic sensorineural hearing loss regained his hearing functions after sneezing. This case report is a first in medical literature in describing recovery from hearing loss by sneezing. The therapeutic implications of this rare case deserve further investigation.
Influence of deposition pressure on texture of pyrolytic graphite during chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Zhu P. , Zhang M. Y. , Huang Q. Z. , Tong K. , Chen J. X. , Chen G. F.
Published: December 2014

To investigate the influence of deposition pressure on the texture of pyrolytic graphite, a series of experiments were carried out. The pyrolytic graphites were fabricated at 2000°C with propylene as the carbon source and nitrogen as the carrier gas in a system pressure from 1·1 to 1·8 kPa. Results show that lowering the deposition pressure will increase the density and thin the growth cones. The reduce of deposition pressure will also cause an increasing in the degree of graphitisation extracted from X-ray diffraction patterns and the value of ( IG/ ID) in Raman spectra. Therefore, lower deposition pressure is more inclined to yield high texture pyrolytic graphite. Finally, the deposition mechanism was discussed.
TIDEL-II: first-line use of imatinib in CML with early switch to nilotinib for failure to achieve time-dependent molecular targets
Authors: Yeung David T. , Osborn Michael P. , White Deborah L. , Branford Susan , Braley Jodi , Herschtal Alan , Kornhauser Michael , Issa Samar , Hiwase Devendra K. , Hertzberg Mark , Schwarer Anthony P. , Filshie Robin , Arthur Christopher K. , Kwan Yiu Lam , Trotman Judith , Forsyth Cecily J. , Taper John , Ross David M. , Beresford Jennifer , Tam Constantine , Mills Anthony K. , Grigg Andrew P. , Hughes Timothy P.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Using imatinib to treat CML first-line, with selective nilotinib switching, leads to excellent molecular response and survival. This strategy may be preferable to universal first-line use of more potent agents, considering efficacy, toxicity, and economic factors.
How I use fibrinogen replacement therapy in acquired bleeding
Authors: Levy Jerrold H. , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: December 2014

Fibrinogen is a critical protein for hemostasis and clot formation. However, transfusion guidelines have variable recommendations for maintaining fibrinogen levels in bleeding patients. An increasing number of studies support the practice of fibrinogen replacement therapy for acquired coagulopathies, and additional studies are underway. Fibrinogen therapy can be administered with cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrates, and clinical practice varies according to their availability and licensing status. Fibrinogen concentrate therapy has been studied in animal models and clinical trials and supports the critical role of fibrinogen repletion in bleeding patients. Point-of-care testing will have an important role in guiding fibrinogen replacement for hemostatic therapy in clinical settings such as cardiovascular surgery, postpartum hemorrhage, and trauma. Fibrinogen therapy is an important component of a multimodal strategy for the treatment of coagulopathic bleeding.
Open versus endoscopic bone resection of the dorsolateral calcaneal edge: a cadaveric analysis comparing three dimensional CT scans
Authors: Roth Klaus Edgar , Mueller Ramona , Schwand Eike , Maier Gerrit Stefen , Schmidtmann Irene , Sariyar Murat , Maus Uwe
Published: December 2014

Background

It has been claimed that endoscopic calcaneoplasty offers some advantages over open techniques in the surgical treatment of Haglund's deformity due to reduced postoperative complications like stiffness and pain. Bony over‐resection places patients at risk of these complications. The resulting question with regard to the quantitative differences of the extent of the bone removed using these two techniques has not yet been answered. The purpose of the study was to determine the resection volume of calcaneal bone for open and endoscopic surgical techniques.

Methods

16 feet obtained from body donors were operated on in equal parts using either open surgical or endoscopic techniques, with the technique selected on a random basis. High‐resolution CT scans were obtained before and after the interventional procedure and analysed to obtain 3‐D polygon models. Post‐operative models were subtracted from pre‐operative models to provide the volume change resulting from the intervention. This was then correlated with the bone mineral density (BMD) of the preparation.

Results

The extent of bony resection was greater in open surgical techniques than in endoscopic approaches. The average volume of bone resection was 0.80 (±0.34) cm3 in the endoscopic group and 3.04 (±2.91) cm3 in the group that underwent open surgery. After adjustment for bone mineral density the extent of the resection was significantly larger (p = 0.018) in the group undergoing open surgery. The two groups did not differ significantly with regard to BMD (p > 0.1). The extent of the resection fell by 0.011 cm3 per 1 mg/cm3 areal bone mineral density, i.e., a slightly lower degree of bone resection was associated with a higher bone mineral density.

Conclusions

Assuming that the resection volume was adequate to treat the patient's complaints a smaller resection volume seen in our study using an endoscopic technique might lead to fewer postoperative complaints and faster recovery.
Growth and dislocation studies of β-HMX
Authors: Gallagher Hugh G , Sherwood John N , Vrcelj Ranko M
Published: December 2014

Background

The defect structure of organic materials is important as it plays a major role in their crystal growth properties. It also can play a subcritical role in “hot-spot” detonation processes of energetics and one such energetic is cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine, in the commonly used beta form (β-HMX).

Results

The as-grown crystals grown by evaporation from acetone show prismatic, tabular and columnar habits, all with {011}, {110}, (010) and (101) faces. Etching on (010) surfaces revealed three different types of etch pits, two of which could be identified with either pure screw or pure edge dislocations, the third is shown to be an artifact of the twinning process that this material undergoes. Examination of the {011} and {110} surfaces show only one type of etch pit on each surface; however their natural asymmetry precludes the easy identification of their Burgers vector or dislocation type. Etching of cleaved {011} surfaces demonstrates that the etch pits can be associated with line dislocations. All dislocations appear randomly on the crystal surfaces and do not form alignments characteristic of mechanical deformation by dislocation slip.

Conclusions

Crystals of β-HMX grown from acetone show good morphological agreement with that predicted by modelling, with three distinct crystal habits observed depending upon the supersaturation of the growth solution. Prismatic habit was favoured at low supersaturation, while tabular and columnar crystals were predominant at higher super saturations. The twin plane in β-HMX was identified as a (101) reflection plane. The low plasticity of β-HMX is shown by the lack of etch pit alignments corresponding to mechanically induced dislocation arrays. On untwinned {010} faces, two types of dislocations exist, pure edge dislocations with b = [010] and pure screw dislocations with b = [010]. On twinned (010) faces, a third dislocation type exists and it is proposed that these pits are associated with pure screw dislocations with b = [010].