bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the effects of group therapy for the visually impaired
Authors: Naylor Paige D , Labbé Elise E
Published: January 2017

Individuals with visual impairments may experience varying levels of stress due to their vision loss. This study investigated the effectiveness of a brief stress management group therapy intervention for visually impaired individuals. The measure for evaluating participants’ stress levels was the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C-SOSI), and overall well-being was measured via the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS). The study evaluated 36 participants, all experiencing varying levels of vision loss, recruited from a regional vision rehabilitation center. Approximately half of the participants were men (16) and half were women (20). The mean age of participants was 48.2 years (standard deviation [ SD] = 12.9 years). This was a predominately African American sample (72%). The C-SOSI was administered before and after participation in an 8-week stress management group. The ORS was administered at every session. Well-being was significantly increased during the first round of the intervention ( p = .02). No statistically significant decreases for stress during the first round of the intervention were observed. Those that enrolled in the intervention for a second round of treatment had a significant decrease for stress ( p = .001), but not for well-being. Overall, hypotheses were partially supported. Stress scores decreased during both rounds of the intervention; a significant reduction in stress scores was found for those individuals in the second round of the intervention. Well-being also increased during both rounds of the intervention; a significant increase was found only for the first round of the intervention. These results may suggest that individuals need approximately 16 weeks of the intervention to experience significant reductions in their stress levels. The results and implications of the current treatment protocol are discussed.
Social-emotional competences in very young visually impaired children
Authors: Lang Markus , Hintermair Manfred , Sarimski Klaus
Published: January 2017

Social-emotional competences are an important developmental domain for children with a visual impairment (VI). Therefore, early diagnosis in this regard is needed to ensure that VI children receive appropriate support. In this study, we used two preliminary German versions of the Infant–Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) and the Social-Emotional Assessment/Evaluation Measure (SEAM) to assess social-emotional competences in 92 VI infants and toddlers aged 12–36 months. Our results indicate that both instruments provide valid, reliable data and are suitable for use in practice. The results still reveal that understanding the emotions of other persons, paying attention to things around them and engaging with their environment, in addition to relating to other peers, seem to be the most important challenges for early intervention in VI toddlers. An additional disability is yet another condition that poses a specific challenge for VI education. The data also corroborate well-known findings from other research on the education of children with different conditions; in particular, the role of parental responsivity for the development of social-emotional competences is confirmed. Overall, the results suggest that the two instruments employed provide important information for educational practice, but further research is needed to demonstrate their full value.
“Kids like me, we go lightly on the head”: Experiences of children with a visual impairment on the physical self-concept
Authors: de Schipper Tessa , Lieberman Lauren J , Moody Brigitte
Published: January 2017

There has been limited research published investigating the experiences of the children with a visual impairment in physical activity and sports. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of children with a visual impairment on their physical self-concept (PSC). A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed to investigate the experiences of children with a visual impairment. Qualitative interviews were conducted with six children between 10 and 12 years, followed by a thematic content analysis. Within the framework of the PSC, four themes emerged: (1) adaptations, (2) friends, (3) bullying, and (4) eyes and glasses. Findings suggest that children with a visual impairment despite the occurrence of bullying or lack of adaptations in sports of physical activity are satisfied with their physical self and global self-esteem.
Sense of place in the changing process of house form: Case studies from Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Gokce Duygu , Chen Fei
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to investigate the impact of typomorphological changes of residential environments on residents’ sense of place’. Seven housing developments representing different types introduced in Ankara, Turkey since the late 19th-century are selected as case studies. Their morphological characters at the building, street and neighbourhood scales are examined, and typological transformations among the cases in terms of the degrees of continuity are identified. The paper proposes a conceptual model consisting of ten indicators to assess sense of place at the building, street and neighbourhood scales of the residents of the seven cases. The scores of sense of place are generated through structured interviews with the residents and analysed in SPSS. The results show that sense of place is negatively affected by typomorphological changes over time, particularly when mutational changes occur. Continuity in typomorphological transformation helps to maintain sense of place at a desirable level. Furthermore, physical changes at the street and neighbourhood scales have larger impact on sense of place than that at the building scale. The research thus suggests that planning and design should be responsive to traditional types in residential development, particularly at the street and neighbourhood scales to maintain residents’ sense of place.
Exploring an integrated urban carbon dioxide (CO2) emission model and mitigation plan for new cities
Authors: Liu Chao , Huang Sen , Xu Peng , Peng Zhong-ren
Published: January 2017

Mitigating carbon emission efforts in urban planning and design phase have become increasingly popular due to climate change. However, it is difficult to verify whether the carbon mitigation target could be achieved for a new city in the absence of quantitative analysis methods. About 100 new cities have emerged every year in the past decades, yet few of them employed low carbon strategies within proper prediction methods. In response, this paper offers an integrated analysis method of assessment and mitigation for urban carbon dioxide (CO2) of new cities. Building sector, transportation sector, and green land sector are considered as urban CO2 sources and sink. Life cycle analysis was employed in building sector to estimate its emissions. Based on the current and predicted emission data, a mitigation goal was then set and allocated efficiently through different sectors. To elaborate on this process, a case study of Shanghai Lingang New City was presented. The urban low carbon roadmap was planned and a variety of recommendations concerning policy were offered to assist the local government and policy makers in order to achieve the low carbon development goal as well.
Data imputation in a short-run space-time series: A Bayesian approach
Authors: Pforte Lars , Brunsdon Chris , Cahalane Conor , Charlton Martin
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses a project on the completion of a database of socio-economic indicators across the European Union for the years from 1990 onward at various spatial scales. Thus the database consists of various time series with a spatial component. As a substantial amount of the data was missing a method of imputation was required to complete the database. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach was opted for. We describe the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method in detail. Furthermore, we explain how we achieved spatial coherence between different time series and their observed and estimated data points.
Strengthening Space Trusses by Diagonal Removal
Authors: Tabatabaei Mousa , Marsh Cedric
Published: January 2017

Ideally a space truss is composed of bars each of which is suited to the load it carries. In practice, however, it is more convenient to use a limited number of bar sizes, thus only a few of the members will be fully stressed when the maximum load capacity of the space truss is reached. In order to effect a more equitable distribution of forces between chords of equal size such that more chord members are loaded close to their capacity, selected diagonals are removed to control the path followed by the shear forces, and thereby control the forces entering the chords. In this paper the effect of diagonal removal on space trusses is demonstrated and a method for selection of the diagonals whose removal gives optimum increase in the load carrying capacity of a space truss is described.
Meta-Morphological Technique for a Multi-Parameter Design Index
Authors: Lalvani Haresh
Published: January 2017

Complex design and morphologic problems, consisting of multiple parameters, can be described, modelled and indexed using a meta-morphological technique presented here. All design and morphologic variables can be mapped in Euclidean n-dimensional space, where n is the number of variables. This meta-space contains all the possible solutions to the problem and each point in this solution n-space is a candidate solution. The desired solution, represented by a specific point in this space and coded (addressed) by its n-dimension Cartesian co-ordinates, is ranked by the hyper-distance of this point from the origin. The hyper-distance itself provides a design index (or hyper-index) of the solution and can be determined by the known hyper-Pythagorean theorem.

The procedure is recursive and applies to complex design problems which are hierarchical and composed of problem-within-problem-within-problems. Here the parameters are composed of subparameters, and the solutions are correspondingly mapped in a recursive, fractal n-cube composed of sub-cubes composed of sub-sub-cubes. The total composite index is determined by the recursive application of the hyper-Pythagorean theorem and represents a quantification of the morphological complexity of the design.

The model is independent of the design problem, and has attractive possibilities for application in computer-aided design environments. The application is shown with the hypothetical selection of a space frame from a number of alternatives.
Decorative Means in Forming Crystal Domes and Shells
Authors: Gogoleva N.A.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the conceptual design of decorative crystalline domed structures. The application of the structure itself as a decorative element in combination with three ways of shape-forming: spatial, structural and geometrical, is a feature of such composite shape formation of crystalline domed shells.

The author developed a computer-aided design procedure for decorative means of forming crystalline dome-and-shell structures. The procedure can be applied to preliminary multiple-alternative geometrical modelling of ornamental-decorative constructural forming of networks as well as designing the decorative finish to domed shell surfaces.
Sparse Plate-Trusses
Authors: Alpar-Engelhardt Livna , Vilnay Oren
Published: January 2017

Strategies of reducing the number of bars of a sparse plate-truss, while increasing structural height and improving structural performance are considered. Four strategies are presented by considering seven plate-trusses. The morphological and structural properties of each of the plate trusses with reduced number of bars are discussed. An approximate and quick method to find the stiffness coefficients of a periodic unit of the plate-truss is presented and an equivalent single stiffness coefficient is introduced. The stiffness coefficients enable the designer to understand the existing relationship between the morphology of a truss and its structural ability. They are very useful for a comparison of structural ability of different sparse-trusses and permit a determination of the relative structural efficiency of each strategy of reducing the bar density.
An Evolutionary Approach for Layout Optimisation of Truss Structures
Authors: Kwan A. S. K.
Published: January 2017

A new approach is presented in this paper for optimisation of framework structures where the number of joints and bars, as well as their locations, are allowed to change. Only the positions of loads and supports need to be provided, and the optimisation process is allowed to propose any suitable structural configuration based on a set of given quantifiable criteria. No underlying grid is used, thus neither topology nor geometry is restricted to a predefined array. The approach is based on, but is also distinct from, the principles of Genetic Algorithms. Two illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate the potential of the present approach.
High pressure–low flow remodeling of the rat saphenous vein wall
Authors: Hetthéssy Judit R , Tőkés Anna-Mária , Kérész Sándor , Balla Petra , Dörnyei Gabriella , Monos Emil , Nádasy György L
Published: January 2017

Objective

To better understand factors that may play a role in the development of varicosities.

Methods

We induced combined flow-pressure disturbance in the saphenous system of the rat by performing chronic partial clipping of the main branch. Biomechanical and quantitative histological testing was undertaken.

Results

A rich microvenous network developed. Bloodflow decreased to 0.65 ± 0.18 µl/s (control side, 3.5 ± 1.4 µl/s) and pressure elevated to 6.8 ± 0.7 mmHg (control side, 2.3 ± 0.2 mmHg, p < 0.05). Involution of the wall and lumen was observed (16.5%, 28.7% and 35.5% reduction in outer diameter, wall thickness and wall mass respectively, p < 0.05). Elevated macrophage (CD68) and cell division (Ki67) activity was observed. Elastic tissue and smooth muscle actin became less concentrated in the inner medial layers.

Conclusions

Low-flow induced morphological shrinking of the lumen in veins may override pressure-induced morphological distension. Loosening of the force-bearing elements during flow-induced wall remodeling may be an important pathological component in varicosity.
Localism and the environment: A critical review of UK Government localism strategy 2010–2015
Authors: Eagle Robin , Jones Aled , Greig Alison
Published: January 2017

From 2010 to 2015, the UK coalition government sought to reduce the influence of central government and follow a strategy of localism. Devolution, bringing people closer to democratic process and strengthening communities, became a key point of emphasis. The belief was that localism and devolution would empower socially, help instigate economic innovation and lead to the establishment of greener, more environmentally conscious behaviour. The findings of this paper challenge this rationale. Through an analysis of community energy policy, this paper highlights how the strategy of localism that emerged during the coalition government’s tenure, did not allow pro-environmental schemes, such as community energy, to flourish. The significant scaling back of state funding and structure, which became a feature of the coalition government’s approach to localism, restricts the ability and desire for communities to positively affect their surroundings. It is the recommendation of this paper that future governments should look to emerging ‘eco-localism’ literature, and establish a model of localism that moves away from existing neoliberal perspectives of governance.
Clinical practice with anti-dementia drugs: A revised (third) consensus statement from the British Association for Psychopharmacology
Authors: O’Brien John T , Holmes Clive , Jones Matthew , Jones Roy , Livingston Gill , McKeith Ian , Mittler Peter , Passmore Peter , Ritchie Craig , Robinson Louise , Sampson Elizabeth L , Taylor John-Paul , Thomas Alan , Burns Alistair
Published: January 2017

The British Association for Psychopharmacology coordinated a meeting of experts to review and revise its previous 2011 guidelines for clinical practice with anti-dementia drugs. As before, levels of evidence were rated using accepted standards which were then translated into grades of recommendation A–D, with A having the strongest evidence base (from randomised controlled trials) and D the weakest (case studies or expert opinion).

Current clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia have sufficient accuracy to be applied in clinical practice (B) and both structural (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and functional (positron emission tomography and single photon emission computerised tomography) brain imaging can improve diagnostic accuracy in particular situations (B). Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) are effective for cognition in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (A), memantine for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (A) and combination therapy (cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) may be beneficial (B). Drugs should not be stopped just because dementia severity increases (A). Until further evidence is available other drugs, including statins, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin E, nutritional supplements and Ginkgo biloba, cannot be recommended either for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (A). Neither cholinesterase inhibitors nor memantine are effective in those with mild cognitive impairment (A). Cholinesterase inhibitors are not effective in frontotemporal dementia and may cause agitation (A), though selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may help behavioural (but not cognitive) features (B). Cholinesterase inhibitors should be used for the treatment of people with Lewy body dementias (both Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies), and memantine may be helpful (A). No drugs are clearly effective in vascular dementia, though cholinesterase inhibitors are beneficial in mixed dementia (B). Early evidence suggests multifactorial interventions may have potential to prevent or delay the onset of dementia (B). Though the consensus statement focuses on medication, psychological interventions can be effective in addition to pharmacotherapy, both for cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms. Many novel pharmacological approaches involving strategies to reduce amyloid and/or tau deposition in those with or at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease are in progress. Though results of pivotal studies in early (prodromal/mild) Alzheimer’s disease are awaited, results to date in more established (mild to moderate) Alzheimer’s disease have been equivocal and no disease modifying agents are either licensed or can be currently recommended for clinical use.
An online survey of tobacco smoking cessation associated with naturalistic psychedelic use
Authors: Johnson Matthew W , Garcia-Romeu Albert , Johnson Patrick S , Griffiths Roland R
Published: January 2017

Data suggest psychedelics such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may hold therapeutic potential in the treatment of addictions, including tobacco dependence. This retrospective cross-sectional anonymous online survey characterized 358 individuals (52 females) who reported having quit or reduced smoking after ingesting a psychedelic in a non-laboratory setting ⩾1 year ago. On average, participants smoked 14 cigarettes/day for 8 years, and had five previous quit attempts before their psychedelic experience. Of the 358 participants, 38% reported continuous smoking cessation after psychedelic use (quitters). Among quitters, 74% reported >2 years’ abstinence. Of the 358 participants, 28% reported a persisting reduction in smoking (reducers), from a mode of 300 cigarettes/month before, to a mode of 1 cigarette/month after the experience. Among reducers, 62% reported >2 years of reduced smoking. Finally, 34% of the 358 participants (relapsers) reported a temporary smoking reduction before returning to baseline smoking levels, with a mode time range to relapse of 3–6 months. Relapsers rated their psychedelic experience significantly lower in personal meaning and spiritual significance than both other groups. Participants across all groups reported less severe affective withdrawal symptoms (e.g. depression, craving) after psychedelic use compared with previous quit attempts, suggesting a potential mechanism of action for psychedelic-associated smoking cessation/reduction. Changes in life priorities/values were endorsed as the most important psychological factor associated with smoking cessation/reduction. Results suggest psychedelics may hold promise in treating tobacco addiction as potentially mediated by spiritual experience, changed priorities/values, and improved emotional regulation.
Multiple protocadherins are expressed in brain microvascular endothelial cells and might play a role in tight junction protein regulation
Authors: Dilling Christina , Roewer Norbert , Förster Carola Y , Burek Malgorzata
Published: January 2017

Protocadherins (Pcdhs) are a large family of cadherin-related molecules. They play a role in cell adhesion, cellular interactions, and development of the central nervous system. However, their expression and role in endothelial cells has not yet been characterized. Here, we examined the expression of selected clustered Pcdhs in endothelial cells from several vascular beds. We analyzed human and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) lines and primary cells, mouse myocardial microvascular endothelial cell line, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We examined the mRNA and protein expression of selected Pcdhs using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunostaining. A strong mRNA expression of Pcdhs was observed in all endothelial cells tested. At the protein level, Pcdhs-gamma were detected using an antibody against the conserved C-terminal domain of Pcdhs-gamma or an antibody against PcdhgC3. Deletion of highly expressed PcdhgC3 led to differences in the tight junction protein expression and mRNA expression of Wnt/mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway genes as well as lower transendothelial electrical resistance. Staining of PcdhgC3 showed diffused cytoplasmic localization in mouse BMEC. Our results suggest that Pcdhs may play a critical role in the barrier-stabilizing pathways at the blood–brain barrier.
Behavior Risk Factors Among Russian Students
Authors: Anischenko Aleksander , Arhangelskaya Anna , Klenov Michael , Burdukova Ekaterina , Ogarev Valrii , Ignatov Nikolay , Osadchenko Irina , Gurevich Konstantin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To analyze the prevalence of risk factors among Russian students.

Methods

In this study, 834 students were included from five Federal universities which were localized in four Federal regions of Russian Federation. Future doctors, school teachers, and wellness trainers were included in this study. Students were specifically asked about smoking, physical activity International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and food preference. Waist, hip, weight, and height were measured.

Results

The region of study and ethnic group were not influenced with respect to age and body mass index ( p > .1), while all other factors had a significant influence ( p < .05). High levels of smoking, hypodynamia, and motivation to intake of unhealthy food were found in medical students in comparison with those in future teachers and wellness instructors ( p < .05). The indicators of central obesity (due to levels of body mass index and waist–hip ratio) were found in medical students.

Perspective

Special programs to prevent the most common behavior risk factors in future medical doctors have to be designed.
Chilean underground mine dataset
Authors: Leung Keith , Lühr Daniel , Houshiar Hamidreza , Inostroza Felipe , Borrmann Dorit , Adams Martin , Nüchter Andreas , Ruiz del Solar Javier
Published: January 2017

This article presents a robotic dataset collected from the largest underground copper mine in the world. The sensor measurements from a 3D scanning lidar, a 2D radar, and stereo cameras were recorded from an approximately two kilometer traverse of a production-active tunnel. The equipment used and the data collection process is discussed in detail, along with the format of the data. This dataset is suitable for research in robotic navigation, as well as simultaneous localization and mapping. The download instructions are available at the following website http://dataset.amtc.cl .
Characterization of frictional multi-legged equilibrium postures on uneven terrains
Authors: Or Yizhar , Rimon Elon
Published: January 2017

Quasistatic legged locomotion over uneven terrains requires characterization of the legged robot equilibrium postures as well as an understanding of the non-static motion modes that can develop at the contacts. This paper characterizes the frictional multi-legged equilibrium postures on a generic class called ‘tame stances’, which satisfy a generalized support polygon principle. To characterize the equilibrium postures, the paper lumps the legged mechanism’s kinematic structure into a rigid body having a variable center of mass and maintaining the same contacts with the terrain. The equilibrium postures associated with a given set of contacts correspond to the locations of the center of mass at which the body is supported in static equilibrium by the same contacts under the influence of gravity. This paper thus characterizes the feasible equilibrium region of a rigid body having a variable center of mass and supported by multiple frictional contacts under the influence of gravity. The paper establishes that the feasible equilibrium region forms a convex set which has five types of boundary curves. These boundary curves are formulated analytically, illustrated with graphical examples, and associated with the onset of five non-static motion modes at the contacts. The paper also compares the analytical results against experimental measurements conducted on a legged mechanism prototype.
Multimodal learning and inference from visual and remotely sensed data
Authors: Rao Dushyant , De Deuge Mark , Nourani–Vatani Navid , Williams Stefan B , Pizarro Oscar
Published: January 2017

Autonomous vehicles are often tasked to explore unseen environments, aiming to acquire and understand large amounts of visual image data and other sensory information. In such scenarios, remote sensing data may be available a priori, and can help to build a semantic model of the environment and plan future autonomous missions. In this paper, we introduce two multimodal learning algorithms to model the relationship between visual images taken by an autonomous underwater vehicle during a survey and remotely sensed acoustic bathymetry (ocean depth) data that is available prior to the survey. We present a multi-layer architecture to capture the joint distribution between the bathymetry and visual modalities. We then propose an extension based on gated feature learning models, which allows the model to cluster the input data in an unsupervised fashion and predict visual image features using just the ocean depth information. Our experiments demonstrate that multimodal learning improves semantic classification accuracy regardless of which modalities are available at classification time, allows for unsupervised clustering of either or both modalities, and can facilitate mission planning by enabling class-based or image-based queries.
Magnetic control of continuum devices
Authors: Edelmann Janis , Petruska Andrew J , Nelson Bradley J
Published: January 2017

In this paper we apply Cosserat rod theory to catheters with permanent magnetic components that are subject to spatially varying magnetic fields. The resulting model formulation captures the magnetically coupled catheter behavior and provides numerical solutions for rod equilibrium configurations in real-time. The model is general, covering cases with different catheter geometries, multiple magnetic components, and various boundary constraints. The necessary Jacobians for quasi-static, closed-loop control using an electromagnetic coil system and a motorized advancer are derived and incorporated into a visual-feedback controller. We address the issue of solution bifurcations caused by the magnetic field by proposing an additional, stabilizing control method that makes use of system redundancies. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the model by performing 3D tip-position trajectories with root-mean-square distance errors of 2.7 mm in open-loop, 0.30 mm in closed-loop, and 0.42 mm in stabilizing closed-loop modes. The stabilizing controller achieved on average a factor of 1.6 increase in the restoring wrenches for the least stable direction.
Radiation absorbed dose estimates for 18F-BPA PET
Authors: Kono Yuzuru , Kurihara Hiroaki , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Yasui Naoko , Honda Naoki , Igaki Hiroshi , Itami Jun
Published: January 2017

Background

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a molecular radiation therapy approach based on the 10B (n, α) 7Li nuclear reaction in cancer cells. In BNCT, delivery of 10B in the form of 4-borono-phenylalanine conjugated with fructose (BPA-fr) to the cancer cells is important. The PET tracer 4-borono-2-18F-fluoro-phenylalanine (FBPA) has been used to predict the accumulation of BPA-fr before BNCT.

Purpose

To determine the biodistribution and dosimetric parameters in 18F-BPA PET/CT studies.

Material and Methods

Human biokinetic data were obtained during clinical 18F-BPA PET studies between February and June 2015 at one institution. Nine consecutive patients were studied prospectively. The internal radiation dose was calculated on the basis of radioactivity data from blood, urine, and normal tissue of the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and other parts of the body at each time point using OLINDA/EXM1.1 program. We compared our calculations with published 18F-FDG data.

Results

Adult patients (3 men, 3 women; age range, 28–68 years) had significantly smaller absorbed doses than pediatric patients (3 patients; age range, 5–12 years) ( P = 0.003). The mean effective dose was 57% lower in adult patients compared with pediatric patients. Mean effective doses for 18F-BPA were 25% lower than those for 18F-FDG presented in International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP) publication 106.

Conclusion

We found significant differences in organ absorbed doses for 18F-BPA against those for 18F-FDG presented in ICRP publication 106. Mean effective doses for 18F-BPA were smaller than those for 18F-FDG in the publication by 0.5–38% (mean difference, 25%).
Association of VDR polymorphisms (Taq I and Bsm I) with prostate cancer: a new meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Sheng , Cai Hairong , Cheng Weisong , Zhang Haitao , Pan Zhengbo , Wang Dongguo
Published: January 2017

Objective

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that poses a serious risk to human health. Epidemiological studies suggest that it may be associated with vitamin D receptor gene ( VDR) polymorphisms. Previous work investigated potential risks between Taq I (rs731236) and Bsm I (rs1544410) VDR polymorphisms with prostate cancer in humans; however, results are inconsistent.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis to retrieve genetic association analyses of rs731236 and rs1544410 polymorphisms with prostate cancer from studies published between 2006–2016. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess genetic associations, and heterogeneity was assessed by Q and I2statistics.

Results

Our findings suggest a significant association between rs731236 and prostate cancer risk in Asians and African Americans, but rs1544410 was not associated with prostate cancer under three genetic models.

Conclusion

Future studies including larger sample sizes and the analysis of gene functions are needed to help develop prostate cancer treatment.
Serum betatrophin levels are increased and associated with insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Qu Qinglan , Zhao Dongmei , Zhang Fengrong , Bao Hongchu , Yang Qiuhua
Published: January 2017

Objective

Betatrophin is a newly identified circulating protein that is significantly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), adiposity, and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether betatrophin levels and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were associated.

Methods

Circulating betatrophin levels were measured in 162 patients with PCOS and 156 matched control females using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Correlations between betatrophin levels and PCOS incidence as well as multiple key endocrine PCOS parameters were analyzed using multiple statistical methods.

Results

Betatrophin levels were significantly increased in patients with PCOS (685.3 ± 27.7 vs. 772.6 ± 42.5 pg/ml). When sub-grouping all investigated subjects according to the presence of insulin resistance, women with PCOS and insulin resistance exhibited markedly higher betatrophin concentrations. Furthermore, betatrophin levels were significantly correlated with fasting insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance only in females with PCOS ( r = 0.531 and r = 0.628, respectively).

Conclusion

We provide the first report that betatrophin is strongly associated with PCOS. This study suggests that betatrophin may potentially serve as an independent predictor for the development of PCOS in at-risk women, especially those with insulin resistance.
Analgesic effects of ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block using different volumes and concentrations of local analgesics after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Şahin Ayça Sultan , Ay Necmiye , Şahbaz Nuri Alper , Akay Mehlika Kocabaş , Demiraran Yavuz , Derbent Abdurrahim
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effects of an ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane (US-TAP) block used for postoperative pain relief by comparing the efficacy of two different volumes/concentrations of the local anaesthetic bupivacaine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

Methods

This randomized study enrolled patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomies. They were randomized to two groups: group A received a 20 ml US-TAP block (50 mg bupivacaine +10 ml saline solution) and group B received a 30 ml US-TAP block (50 mg bupivacaine + 20 ml saline solution). The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, the requirement for postoperative rescue analgesics, patient satisfaction scores, postoperative complications, and postoperative pain as measured by a visual analogue scale at 20 min, 12 h, and 24 h were recorded.

Results

A total of 60 patients enrolled in the study. There were no differences between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics, duration of anaesthesia and patient satisfaction scores. The intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, postoperative VAS scores (20 min, 12 h and 24 h) and the requirement for postoperative analgesics were all significantly lower in group B who received a larger volume but a lower concentration of local anaesthetic solution compared with group A.

Conclusion

A US-TAP block can form part of a balanced postoperative analgesic regimen following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
An Ultrastructural Analysis of Osteochondritic Growth Plate Cartilage in Growing Swine
Authors: Farnum C. E. , Wilsman N. J. , Hilley H. D.
Published: January 2017

In growing swine, ossification failure due to osteochondrosis has an incidence of nearly 100% in the distal ulna of animals at six months of age, yet the etiology of the disease is understood poorly. In this study, the ultrastructure of the chondrocyte and its pericellular matrix is analyzed in normal growth plates and in growth plates with lesions characteristic of osteochondrosis using aldehyde primary fixatives and osmium-ferrocyanide as the secondary fixative. Chondrocytes in lesion areas fail to undergo normal hypertrophic cell maturation, and they have an accumulation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets and mitochondria. These morphological changes are interpreted to be both variable and nonspecific for osteochondrosis. Within the pericellular matrix of chondrocytes from lesion areas, the most striking abnormality is the presence of a highly condensed matrix with an accumulation of large, irregularly shaped deposits of electron dense material. These morphological alterations are characteristic of a matrix which either is not secreted normally, or in which the highly ordered interactions of diverse macromolecules has been lost. These pericellular matrix changes have not been described in other diseases of growing cartilage. They may be significant in the failure of metaphyseal vascular penetration of the pericellular matrix which is characteristic of osteochondrosis.
Ocular and Orbital Cysticercosis in Hogs
Authors: Cárdenas-Ramirez L. , Celis-Salgado P. , Hernández-Jauregui P.
Published: January 2017

The prevalence of cysticercosis in hog muscles was correlated with oculo-orbital prevalence, and histologic characteristics of changes in the parasite and hog were observed. The orbital contents, globe, and eyelids of 39 hogs affected with Cysticercus cellulosae were examined. Thirty-seven parasites were found: 35 within the orbit and two intraocular. Twenty parasites with adjacent host tissue were studied histologically.

Inflammatory infiltrates ranging from diffuse lymphoplasmacytic to dense granulomas were seen in 16 cysticerci. The scolex was unaltered in all specimens.
Thyroglobulin and Calcitonin Immunoreactivity in Canine Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Moore F. M. , Kledzik G. S. , Wolfe H. J. , Delellis R. A.
Published: January 2017

Although thyroid gland neoplasms are well-recognized entities in dogs, the diagnosis and classification of these tumors often is difficult. In contrast to human thyroid carcinomas, which are predominantly of the papillary or follicular types, a relatively high proportion of the canine tumors contain compact cellular areas and resemble, to some extent, medullary thyroid carcinomas. In order to assess the value of immunohistochemical techniques in the identification and classification of these neoplasms, 21 canine thyroid carcinomas were examined, for the presence of thyroglobulin and calcitonin using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Four major patterns of thyroglobulin immunoreactivity were present in the tumors, including diffuse cytoplasmic positive reaction, apical staining in the cells bordering the neoplastic follicular lumens, intracytoplasmic droplet staining, and staining of intrafollicular colloid. All follicular and mixed compact cellular/follicular tumors contained immunoreactive hormone, while only four of six compact cellular carcinomas were thyroglobulin-positive. The extent of thyroglobulin reactivity was consistently greater in tumors of the follicular and mixed patterns than in carcinomas of the purely compact cellular type. Two of four metastases, each of which retained the mixed pattern of the primary tumors, were thyroglobulin-positive. No medullary thyroid carcinomas were identified, but scattered calcitonin-positive cells in one mixed and in one compact cellular tumor were interpreted as entrapped nonneoplastic C cells. Immunohistochemical localization of thyroglobulin should facilitate the diagnosis of canine tumors of suspected thyroid follicular cell origin, particularly those arising in ectopic sites ( i.e., heart base) and those presenting as metastases.
Double Outlet Left Ventricle in a Dog
Authors: Vos J. H. , Linde-Sipman J. S. Van Der , Stokhof A. A.
Published: January 2017

A four-month-old toy poodle bitch with growth retardation, coughing, decreased exercise tolerance and cyanotic mucous membranes had a systolic murmur and cardiomegaly. There was severe concentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle and both the aorta and pulmonic trunk originated from the left ventricle.
Antitubular Basement Membrane Autoantibody in a Dog with Chronic Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
Authors: Mezza L. E. , Seiler R. J. , Smith C. A. , Lewis R. M.
Published: January 2017

Linear deposition of immunoglobulin G was seen by direct immunofluorescence along the tubular basement membranes in the kidney of a dog with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis. Autoantibody eluted from the affected kidney bound to the tubular basement membrane of normal canine kidney, but not to several other normal canine basement membranes. The pathogenic significance of the autoantibody in this dog was not determined.
Cutaneous Lymphosarcoma and Leukemia in a Dog Resembling Sézary Syndrome in Man
Authors: Thrall M. A. , Macy D. W. , Snyder S. P. , Hall R. L.
Published: January 2017

A dog with a lymphoproliferative disease resembling the Sézary syndrome variant of mycosis fungoides in man had large numbers of circulating morphologically abnormal lymphoid cells, multicentric cutaneous nodules and plaques, and extracutaneous involvement of lymph nodes and viscera. The presence of Pautrier's microabscesses, intracutaneous hyper-chromatic cells, and leukemic cells with convoluted nuclei distinguished the disease from other types of cutaneous lymphoma.
Neuromuscular Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita in a Thoroughbred Foal
Authors: Mayhew I. G.
Published: January 2017

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita was studied in a newborn thoroughbred foal. The syndrome affected only the left hind limb allowing the right hind limb to serve as a reference. There was a significant depletion of large motor neurons from the ventral horn of the spinal cord from L3 to S4 on the affected side. Hypoplasia of nerves, muscles, and bones was present in the affected limb. Histologically, hypoplasia and degeneration of myofibers and nerve bundles were seen. No cause of the syndrome, which corresponds to most human cases, was determined. Neuromuscular arthrogryposis was diagnosed because of the difficulty in distinguishing primary neuropathic from primary myopathic forms of the disease.
Spontaneous Neoplasms of the Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Oral and Nasopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Betton G. R.
Published: January 2017

Eight spontaneous highly invasive oral and nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas were observed over an 18-month period in a breeding colony of the common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus). Affected marmosets were predominantly males over four years of age. The incidence of this tumor in the four-year-plus age group was 4.9%. The tumors were locally invasive through the palate to the nasal cavity, retrobulbar space and cranial cavity in some marmosets with lung metastases present in three cases.
A Survey of Parasitic Lesions in Wild-caught, Laboratory-maintained Primates: (Rhesus, Cynomolgus, and Baboon)
Authors: Abbott D. P. , Majeed S. K.
Published: January 2017

The lesions associated with parasitic infestation in 1156 wild-caught, laboratory-maintained nonhuman primates ( Macaca fascicularis, Macaca mulatta, and Papio spp) are described. The two most common parasites seen were lung mites ( Pneumonyssus spp) and nodular worms ( Oesophagostomum spp). In addition, in cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis) only, Nochtia nochti was a frequent pathogen. The etiology of mineralized fibrotic nodules in the mesentery of cynomolgus monkeys was thought to be infection with Paragonimus westermani, the oriental lung fluke.
Lesions of Gnotobiotic Calves Experimentally Infected with a Calicivirus-like (Newbury) Agent
Authors: Hall G. A. , Bridger J. C. , Brooker B. E. , Parsons K. R. , Ormerod E.
Published: January 2017

Fourteen gnotobiotic calves were killed 0.5 to ten days after infection with Newbury agent SRV-1 and the changes in small intestinal structure and function were assessed, qualitatively and quantitatively, by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, enzymology and xylose absorption.

The first enterocytes detected as infected by immunoperoxidase were those on the sides of villi at the base. Subsequently exfoliation of degenerate enterocytes resulted in stunted villi; mucosal β-galactosidase activity fell and there was xylose malabsorption. Small intestinal damage, first detected at 12 hours after infection but almost repaired by ten days, was restricted to the anterior half of the small intestine. In the distal small intestine, where no virus-induced damage occurred, villi lengthened—possibly due to increased mitosis of crypt cells stimulated by enteroglucagon release.
Studies on the Sequential Development and Pathogenesis of Citrinin Mycotoxicosis in Turkeys and Ducklings
Authors: Mehdi N. A. Q. , Carlton W. W. , Boon G. D. , Tuite J.
Published: January 2017

The toxic effects of citrinin in turkeys and ducklings was studied in four trials. Citrinin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide-70% ethanol solution (3: 1, volume/volume) was administered by gavage to male turkey poults and male white Pekin ducklings. When seven-day-old ducklings were given doses of citrinin between 30 to 110 mg/kg body weight, most of the treated ducklings which died (49/80) did so within four to 12 hours. Blood samples were collected sequentially at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration from seven-day-old ducklings given the single lethal dose (LD50). The alterations included hyperkalemia (P ≤ 0.01) and metabolic acidosis characterized by reduced blood pH (P ≤ 0.01) and base excess (P ≤ 0.01). Fourteen-day-old turkeys and ducklings given 56 or 57 mg/kg, respectively, were killed at 1,3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. The principal alteration in both species was nephrosis that was more severe in turkeys than in ducklings. Tubular necrosis was the dominant lesion at three to 72 hours in turkeys and at six to 24 hours in ducklings. Hepatic and lymphoid lesions occurred in both turkeys and ducklings treated with citrinin.
Altered Patterns of Mucin Secretion in Gastric Hyperplasia in Mice
Authors: Greaves P. , Boiziau J. -L.
Published: January 2017

Gastric hyperplasia occurred more frequently among densely housed mice than mice housed singly, and crowding stress may have been implicated in this increased prevalence. Affected stomachs had striking increases in sulfomucin secretion when compared with unaffected gastric mucosa. The mucin changes suggested incomplete maturation of mucous cells in this condition and were similar to those reported in association with early neoplastic or pre-neoplastic lesions in the stomach of both man and rodents.