bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self assessment test: Selecting ear drops for dogs with otitis externa
Authors: Bond Ross
Published: July 2012

Otitis externa is one of the most common conditions presenting in canine practice. Ear disease often reflects a combination of predisposing, primary, perpetuating and secondary factors. While the animal health industry has provided veterinary surgeons with a wide array of safe, effective and licensed topical products, simply dispensing ear drops will not satisfactorily resolve otitis externa in a significant proportion of cases. Veterinary use of antimicrobial drugs is currently under intense scrutiny, prompting the BVA to produce an eight‐point plan on responsible use. This article discusses the use of antimicrobial products in canine otitis externa in relation to these guidelines, with emphasis on rational product selection and minimising antimicrobial use where appropriate.
Peripartum problems in mares 1. Prepartum problems
Authors: Crabtree James
Published: July 2012

Complications in late gestation are a challenging problem for the equine clinician and are a cause of considerable distress to owners. While a pregnant mare can suffer from the same problems as a non‐pregnant mare (colic, lameness, viral disease), this two‐part article discusses some of the specific problems encountered in the late gestation and postpartum mare. The ability to diagnose and treat the conditions discussed successfully assumes a detailed knowledge of normal anatomy and the features of a normal equine pregnancy, as well as competence in the necessary diagnostic procedures. Part 1 describes the general diagnostic approach to the prepartum mare, and reviews some of the major conditions that can arise. The second part, to be published in the September issue of In Practice, will review conditions of the postpartum mare.
Influence of cigarette smoking on coronary artery and aortic calcium among random samples from populations of middle-aged Japanese and Korean men
Authors: Hirooka Nobutaka , Kadowaki Takashi , Sekikawa Akira , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Choo Jina , Miura Katsuyuki , Okamura Tomonori , Fujiyoshi Akira , Kadowaki Sayaka , Kadota Aya , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Maegawa Hiroshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Masaki Kamal , Sutton-Tyrrell Kim , Kuller Lewis H , Curb J David , Shin Chol
Published: July 2012

Background

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor of coronary heart disease. Vascular calcification such as coronary artery calcium (CAC) and aortic calcium (AC) is associated with coronary heart disease. The authors hypothesised that cigarette smoking is associated with coronary artery and aortic calcifications in Japanese and Koreans with high smoking prevalence.

Methods

Random samples from populations of 313 Japanese and 302 Korean men aged 40–49 years were examined for calcification of the coronary artery and aorta using electron beam CT. CAC and AC were quantified using the Agatston score. The authors examined the associations of cigarette smoking with CAC and AC after adjusting for conventional risk factors and alcohol consumption. Current and past smokers were combined and categorised into two groups using median pack-years as a cut-off point in each of Japanese and Koreans. The never-smoker group was used as a reference for the multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The ORs of CAC (score ≥10) for smokers with higher pack-years were 2.9 in Japanese (p<0.05) and 1.3 in Koreans (non-significant) compared with never-smokers. The ORs of AC (score ≥100) for smokers with higher pack-years were 10.4 in Japanese (p<0.05) and 3.6 in Koreans (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking with higher pack-years is significantly associated with CAC and AC in Japanese men, while cigarette smoking with higher pack-years is significantly associated with AC but not significantly with CAC in Korean men.
Estimating EQ-5D utility values for major health behavioural risk factors in England
Authors: Maheswaran Hendramoorthy , Petrou Stavros , Rees Karen , Stranges Saverio
Published: July 2012

Background

Major behavioural risk factors, namely obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity negatively impact on self-reported quality of life. However, little is known about their impact on preference-based measures of health-related quality of life commonly used to inform economic evaluations.

Methods

Preference-based health-related quality of life outcomes associated with major behavioural risk factors were estimated using the EuroQol EQ-5D responses of 14 117 participants, aged ≥16 years, in the 2008 Health Survey for England. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the relationship between the five risk factors and EQ-5D utility scores. In addition, logistic regression was used to model their relationship to dichotomous reports of problems for each of the five EQ-5D dimensions.

Results

Only one-third of participants had a body mass index within normal range, never drank alcohol, consumed at least five portions of fruit or vegetable/day or exercised regularly, while nearly half of participants were smokers or ex-smokers. In the fully adjusted multivariable analyses, reductions in EQ-5D utility scores (95% CI) of 0.105 (0.072 to 0.137), 0.062 (0.042 to 0.082) and 0.142 (0.129 to 0.155) were estimated for a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2, heavy smoking (≥20 cigarettes/day) and physical inactivity, respectively. Hazardous alcohol consumption (men >4 and ≤8 units/day; women >3 and ≤6 units/day) and daily fruit and vegetable intake between three and less than five portions were associated with small positive effects on EQ-5D utility scores (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The high prevalence and substantial utility loss associated with obesity, smoking and physical inactivity highlight the potential impact that interventions aimed at their prevention or alleviation may have on population health.
Anticipated human population and climate change effects on algal blooms of a toxic haptophyte in the south-central USA1This article is derived from a special session entitled “A New Hydrology: Inflow Effects on Ecosystem Form and Functioning” that took place at the February 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Roelke Daniel L. , Brooks Bryan W. , Grover James P. , Gable George M. , Schwierzke-Wade Leslie , Hewitt Natalie C.
Published: July 2012

Effects of inflow on phytoplankton dynamics and assemblage structure have long been an interest of ecologists and resource managers, especially when they are linked to the incidence of harmful algal blooms. The frequency and magnitude of Prymnesium parvum bloom-preventing inflows likely in a drier landscape of south-central USA was explored, along with the relative importance of various factors important to blooms. We show that the number of large inflow events necessary to prevent blooms might decrease between 25% and 65% under drier conditions likely for this region. Long duration inflow events that are critical to lake flushing could nearly disappear, with inflow events lasting longer than 20 days decreasing 40-fold. These findings suggest that the frequency of P. parvum blooms and fish-kill events might increase in this region with human population and climate change. Multivariate analyses of monitoring data from multiple lakes indicate that other factors may be equally important to bloom occurrences. Inverse trends between toxic bloom events and nutrient concentrations, cyanobacteria, and lower pH are apparent. During periods when P. parvum populations were not toxic, an inverse relationship with zooplankton was observed. These other factors might be harnessed to mitigate P. parvum blooms in the future when inflows are reduced.
Sounds from seismic air guns: gear- and species-specific effects on catch rates and fish distribution
Authors: Løkkeborg Svein , Ona Egil , Vold Aud , Salthaug Are
Published: July 2012

Previous studies found that sounds generated by seismic air guns led to pronounced reductions in commercial catches from trawls and longlines and the displacement of fish from fishing grounds. In contradiction to these findings and fishermen’s concerns, we demonstrate here that gillnet catches were doubled for redfish ( Sebastes norvegicus ) and Greenland halibut ( Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ) during seismic shooting on a Norwegian fishing ground (86% and 132% increase, respectively, compared to preshooting levels). However, longline catch rates fell (16% for Greenland halibut, 25% for haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus )). These contradictory results were explained by greater swimming activity versus lowered food search behaviour in fish exposed to air-gun sound emissions. Changes in catch rates of all species studied (including saithe (i.e., pollock, Pollachius virens ) and ling ( Molva molva )) were found, indicating that these species all responded to air-gun sounds. Except for saithe, acoustic mapping of fish abundance did not suggest displacement from fishing grounds. Less intense sound exposure compared with previous studies and strong habitat preference in some species may explain this finding.
Interannual variation in larval survival of snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, Sparidae) is linked to diet breadth and prey availability
Authors: Murphy Hannah M. , Jenkins Gregory P. , Hamer Paul A. , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: July 2012

Larval snapper ( Chrysophrys auratus , Sparidae) sampled over 7 years had different diets and feeding strategies between years with lower versus higher larval and 0+ abundances. We analysed stomach contents of snapper larvae from each year to determine diet composition, prey selectivity, prey quality, and trophic niche breadth and compared larval diet with prey availability. Snapper larvae from higher abundance years were specialized foragers selecting for calanoid nauplii at 2–4 mm standard length (SL) and calanoid copepodites and cladocerans at >4 mm SL. These larvae were characterized by either a constant or dome-shaped trophic niche breadth and an increase in prey quality (size of consumed prey) with increasing larval size. Snapper larvae from lower abundance years were generalist foragers characterized by an increase in trophic niche breadth, but not prey quality, with increasing larval size. Changes in foraging strategies were concordant with changes in the prey environment, with low zooplankton densities corresponding with generalist diet (lower larval abundance) years and high zooplankton densities with specialist diet (higher larval abundance) years. These findings suggest that snapper larval survival and juvenile recruitment strength is linked to changes in larval diet that relate to prey abundance and composition.
Concordant estimates of countergradient growth variation in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using comparative life-history data
Authors: Rypel Andrew L.
Published: July 2012

Latitudinal growth compensation (i.e., countergradient growth) is increasingly suspected to be pervasive across diverse taxa. However, a major challenge limiting wider exploration of this topic lies in the difficulty of quantifying these relationships. Common garden experiments, and ideally genetics, remain the only true methods for understanding the genetic basis for compensatory growth. However, previous research suggests that comparative life-history data might produce concomitant, albeit nonconfirmatory, results on countergradient growth variations. However, there have been no evaluations of the precision of such estimates against those that are experimentally derived. I examined countergradient growth variations using comparative size-at-age data for striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ), a species for which experiments have already quantified countergradient growth patterns, and compared results derived from both techniques. The slope of the growth–latitude relationship for striped bass in eastern North America as measured with comparative data was virtually identical to that produced from experiments. Furthermore, comparative estimates of countergradient growth variations developed using a variety of metrics produced highly concordant results with one another. Comparative life-history data are not a replacement for experiments, but do provide valuable information on countergradient growth variations, especially for species and hypotheses not amenable to experimentation.
ON THE SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LATEST PAMELA RESULTS IN ASTROPARTICLE PHYSICS
Authors: SAU GOUTAM , BHATTACHARYYA S.
Published: July 2012

In continuation of their earlier measurements, the PAMELA group reported data on antiproton flux and [Formula: see text] ratios in 2010 at much higher energies. In the past we had dealt with these specific aspects of PAMELA data in great detail and each time we captured the contemporary data-trends quite successfully with the help of a multiple production model of secondary antiprotons with some nonstandard ilk and with some other absolutely standard assumptions and approximations. In this work we aim at presenting a comprehensive and valid description of all the available data on antiproton flux and the nature of [Formula: see text] ratios at the highest energies reported so far by the PAMELA experiment in 2010. The main physical implication of all this would, in the end, be highlighted.
ON NIL SKEW ARMENDARIZ RINGS
Authors: Habibi M. , Moussavi A.
Published: July 2012

Antoine [Nilpotent elements and Armendariz rings, J. Algebra319 (2008) 3128–3140] studied the structure of the set of nilpotent elements in Armendariz rings and introduced nil-Armendariz rings. When the set of nilpotent elements of a ring R with an α-condition, namely α-compatibility, forms an ideal, we observe that R satisfies a nil Armendariz-type property, in the context of Ore extension R[x;α, δ]. For a 2-primal ring R with a derivation δ, R[x] is nil [Formula: see text]-skew Armendariz, and for a 2-primal ring R, R is nil α-skew Armendariz if and only if R[x] is nil [Formula: see text]-skew Armendariz, where α is an endomorphism of R with αk = id R, for some positive integer k. Moreover, we prove that a ring R is nil (α, δ)-skew Armendariz if and only if the n-by-n skew triangular matrix ring Tn(R, σ) is nil [Formula: see text]-skew Armendariz, for each endomorphism σ, with σ(1) = 1. A rich source of rings R, for which R[x] is nil [Formula: see text]-skew Armendariz, is provided.
FURTHER GEOMETRIC RESTRICTIONS ON JORDAN STRUCTURE IN MATRIX FACTORIZATION
Authors: Johnson Charles R. , Lewis Drew , Zhang YuLin
Published: July 2012

It is known that a nonsingular, nonscalar, n-by-n complex matrix A may be factored as A = BC, in which the spectra of B and C are arbitrary, subject to det (A) = det (B) det (C). It has been shown that when two matrices have eigenvalues of high geometric multiplicity, this restricts the possible Jordan structure of the third. We demonstrate a previously unknown restriction on the Jordan structures of B and C. Furthermore, we show that this generalized geometric multiplicity restriction implies the already known geometric multiplicity restriction, show that the new more restrictive condition is not sufficient in general but is sufficient in a situation that we identify.
ON VARIETIES OF RINGS WHOSE FINITE RINGS ARE DETERMINED BY THEIR ZERO-DIVISOR GRAPHS
Authors: Kuzmina A. S. , Maltsev Yu. N.
Published: July 2012

The zero-divisor graph Γ(R) of an associative ring R is the graph whose vertices are all nonzero zero-divisors (one-sided and two-sided) of R, and two distinct vertices x and y are joined by an edge if and only if either xy = 0 or yx = 0. In the present paper, we study some properties of ring varieties where every finite ring is uniquely determined by its zero-divisor graph.
DISCREPANCY ESTIMATES FOR ROTATION SEQUENCES AND OSCILLATION SEQUENCES
Authors: Niederreiter Harald , Shahverdian Ashot Yu.
Published: July 2012

Two kinds of sequences, which are of interest in problems of uniform distribution and dynamical systems, are considered. The rotation sequences (or Kronecker sequences) (KS) are closely related to the orbits of the rotation map and the oscillation sequences (OS) are a discrete-time form of orbits of the simplest oscillators. The discrepancy of these sequences, which is a measure of deviation of the empirical distribution of a sequence from the ideal uniform distribution, is studied.
KERNEL IDEALS IN ALMOST DISTRIBUTIVE LATTICES
Authors: Sambasiva Rao M. , Rao G. C.
Published: July 2012

The concepts of ⋆-congruences and kernel ideals are introduced in a pseudo-complemented almost distributive lattice (ADL). A necessary and sufficient condition for a congruence to become a ⋆-congruence is derived. Some equivalent conditions for every ideal of a pseudo-complemented ADL to become a kernel ideal are derived. Prime kernel ideals are characterized in terms of minimal prime ideals. Properties of kernel ideals are observed in Stone ADLs.
THE MULTIPLIER AND THE COVER OF DIRECT SUMS OF LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: Salemkar Ali Reza , Edalatzadeh Behrouz
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we prove that the Schur multiplier of the direct sum of two arbitrary Lie algebras is isomorphic to the direct sum of the Schur multipliers of the direct factors and the usual tensor product of the Lie algebras, which is similar to the work of Miller (1952) in the group case. Also, a cover for the direct sum of two Lie algebras in terms of given covers of them will be constructed.
ACTION OF THE INVERSE SEMIGROUP OF SLICES
Authors: Tabatabaie Bahman , Zebarjad Seyed Mostafa
Published: July 2012

The main goal of this paper is to present an example of inverse semigroup actions which is intrinsic to every etale groupoid. We therefore fix an etale groupoid G from now on which is denoted by S(G) the set of all slices in G.
Impact of Tat Genetic Variation on HIV-1 Disease
Authors: Li Luna , Dahiya Satinder , Kortagere Sandhya , Aiamkitsumrit Benjamas , Cunningham David , Pirrone Vanessa , Nonnemacher Michael R. , Wigdahl Brian
Published: July 2012

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter or long-terminal repeat (LTR) regulates viral gene expression by interacting with multiple viral and host factors. The viral transactivator protein Tat plays an important role in transcriptional activation of HIV-1 gene expression. Functional domains of Tat and its interaction with transactivation response element RNA and cellular transcription factors have been examined. Genetic variation withintatof different HIV-1 subtypes has been shown to affect the interaction of the viral transactivator with cellular and/or viral proteins, influencing the overall level of transcriptional activation as well as its action as a neurotoxic protein. Consequently, the genetic variability withintatmay impact the molecular architecture of functional domains of the Tat protein that may impact HIV pathogenesis and disease. Tat as a therapeutic target for anti-HIV drugs has also been discussed.
Clinical Experience Using Vitamin D and Analogs in the Treatment of Myelodysplasia and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Harrison Jonathan S. , Bershadskiy Alexander
Published: July 2012

Despite progress in understanding the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and despite advances in treatment, the majority of patients with AML die from the disease. The observation that Vitamin D can induce AML blast cellsin vitroto differentiate along the monocytic lineage was made 30 years ago; however, it remains to translate this into a clinically meaningful strategy. This is a review of published clinical experience regarding the use of Vitamin D and its analogs, either alone or in combination with other agents, to treat AML. In many of these reports, investigators included patients with myelodysplasia (MDS) as well as AML patients in their treatment cohorts; therefore reports of Vitamin D and its analogs in treating MDS are included. This review documents heterogeneity in selection criteria for patients treated in these studies, the spectrum of Vitamin D analogs used in various studies, and the differing dosing strategies employed by investigators. Despite examples of occasional clinical efficacy, barriers remain to the successful application of Vitamin D in the treatment of MDS and AML. These include the lack of definition of a particularly sensitive target population, and the as yet unknown optimal choice of Vitamin D analog and dosing schedule.
Medical Ethnobotany in Europe: From Field Ethnography to a More Culturally Sensitive Evidence-Based CAM?
Authors: Quave Cassandra L. , Pardo-de-Santayana Manuel , Pieroni Andrea
Published: July 2012

European folk medicine has a long and vibrant history, enriched with the various documented uses of local and imported plants and plant products that are often unique to specific cultures or environments. In this paper, we consider the medicoethnobotanical field studies conducted in Europe over the past two decades. We contend that these studies represent an important foundation for understanding local small-scale uses of CAM natural products and allow us to assess the potential for expansion of these into the global market. Moreover, we discuss how field studies of this nature can provide useful information to the allopathic medical community as they seek to reconcile existing and emerging CAM therapies with conventional biomedicine. This is of great importance not only for phytopharmacovigilance and managing risk of herb-drug interactions in mainstream patients that use CAM, but also for educating the medical community about ethnomedical systems and practices so that they can better serve growing migrant populations. Across Europe, the general status of this traditional medical knowledge is at risk due to acculturation trends and the urgency to document and conserve this knowledge is evident in the majority of the studies reviewed.
HCV-Related Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Monaco Salvatore , Ferrari Sergio , Gajofatto Alberto , Zanusso Gianluigi , Mariotto Sara
Published: July 2012

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with a wide spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations, affecting different organ systems. Neurological complications occur in a large number of patients and range from peripheral neuropathy to cognitive impairment. Pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for nervous system dysfunction are mainly related to the upregulation of the host immune response with production of autoantibodies, immune complexes, and cryoglobulins. Alternative mechanisms include possible extrahepatic replication of HCV in neural tissues and the effects of circulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
TP53Mutation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, and Stemlike Features in Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Coradini Danila , Fornili Marco , Ambrogi Federico , Boracchi Patrizia , Biganzoli Elia
Published: July 2012

Altered p53 protein is prevalently associated with the pathologic class of triple-negative breast cancers and loss of p53 function has recently been linked to the induction of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of stemness properties. We explored the association betweenTP53mutational status and expression of some genes involved in the canonical TGF-βsignaling pathway (the most potent EMT inducer) and in two early EMT associated events: loss of cell polarity and acquisition of stemness-associated features. We used a publicly accessible microarray dataset consisting of 251 p53-sequenced primary breast cancers. Statistical analysis indicated that mutant p53 tumors (especially those harboring a severe mutation) were consistent with the aggressive class of triple-negative cancers and that, differently from cell cultures, surgical tumors underexpressed some TGF-βrelated transcription factors known as involved in EMT (ID1, ID4, SMAD3, SMAD4, SMAD5, ZEB1). These unexpected findings suggest an interesting relationship between p53 mutation, mammary cell dedifferentiation, and the concomitant acquisition of stemlike properties (as indicated by the overexpression ofPROM1andNOTCH1genes), which improve tumor cells aggressiveness as indicated by the overexpression of genes associated with cell proliferation (CDK4, CDK6, MKI67) and migration (CXCR4, MMP1).
Is BAC Transgenesis Obsolete? State of the Art in the Era of Designer Nucleases
Authors: Beil J. , Fairbairn L. , Pelczar P. , Buch T.
Published: July 2012

DNA constructs based on bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) are frequently used to generate transgenic animals as they reduce the influence of position effects and allow predictable expression patterns for genes whose regulatory sequences are not fully identified. Despite these advantages BAC transgenics suffer from drawbacks such as complicated vector construction, low efficiency of transgenesis, and some remaining expression variegation. The recent development of transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) has resulted in new transgenic techniques which do not have the drawbacks associated with BAC transgenesis. Initial reports indicate that such designer nucleases (DNs) allow the targeted insertion of transgenes into endogenous loci by direct injection of the targeting vector and mRNA/DNA encoding the predesigned nucleases into oocytes. This results in the transgene being inserted at a specific locus in the mouse genome, thus circumventing the drawbacks associated with BAC transgenesis.
Increasing Public Awareness of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: Health Care Access, Internet Use, and Population Density Correlates
Authors: Finney Rutten Lila J. , Gollust Sarah E. , Naveed Sana , Moser Richard P.
Published: July 2012

Uncertainty around the value of and appropriate regulatory models for direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing underscores the importance of tracking public awareness of these services. We analyzed nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey in 2008 (n=7,674) and 2011 (n=3,959) to assess population-level changes in awareness of DTC genetic testing in the U.S. and to explore sociodemographic, health care, Internet use, and population density correlates. Overall, awareness increased significantly from 29% in 2008 to 37% in 2011. The observed increase in awareness from 2008 to 2011 remained significant (OR=1.39) even when adjusted for sociodemographic variables, health care access, Internet use, and population density. Independent of survey year, the odds of awareness of DTC genetic tests were significantly higher for those aged 50–64 (OR=1.64), and 65–74 (OR=1.60); college graduates (OR=2.02); those with a regular source of health care (OR=1.27); those with a prior cancer diagnosis (OR=1.24); those who use the Internet (OR=1.27); and those living in urban areas (OR=1.25). Surveillance of awareness—along with empirical data on use of and response to genetic risk information—can inform public health and policy efforts to maximize benefits and minimize risks of DTC genetic testing.
CRT-D Therapy in Patients with Decompensated NYHA Class-Four CHF
Authors: Zaeem Faisal , Giedriemiene Dalia , Coleman Craig , Crespo Eric , Radojevic Joseph , Zweibel Steven , Kluger Jeffrey , Clyne Christopher A.
Published: July 2012

Background. ACC-HRS Guidelines for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ICD implantation (CRT-D) do not include patients with advanced nonambulatory NYHA class-four CHF due to an expectation of limited survival. There is little data available from these large multicenter randomized studies to support or refute this claim.Purpose. We evaluated the outcomes of patients with advanced nonambulatory NYHA class-four CHF who received CRT-D devices as an attempt to improve the clinical status and promote hospital discharge.Methods. Sixteen (of our six hundred and seventy CRT-D patients) were classified as advanced nonambulatory NYHA Class four inotrope/vasodilator/diuretic-dependent patients. These patients were analyzed retrospectively for weaning success to oral medications, hospital discharge, hemodynamic stability, and survival over eighteen months.Results. Thirteen of sixteen patients were discharged to home within two weeks of implantation. The survival to hospital discharge, as well as at six, twelve, and eighteen months was positive (ninety-four percent, seventy-five percent, sixty-nine percent, sixty-nine percent, resp.). The groups showed significant improvements in systolic blood pressure, renal function, left ventricular ejection fraction, and CHF class.Conclusion. CRT-D in advanced nonambulatory NYHA four patients proved feasible and beneficial. These findings suggest that the strategy merits further study.
Postpartum Depression: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management Programs 2000 through 2010
Authors: Yawn Barbara P. , Olson Ardis L. , Bertram Susan , Pace Wilson , Wollan Peter , Dietrich Allen J.
Published: July 2012

The value and appropriateness of universal postpartum depression (PPD) screening remains controversial in the United States. To date, several PPD screening programs have been introduced and a few have been evaluated. Among those programs that have been evaluated, most report screening rates, diagnosis rates, or treatment initiation rates. Only four studies included patient outcomes such as the level of depressive symptoms at 6 to 12 months postpartum, and only two reported success in improving outcomes. Program characteristics that appear to result in low rates of diagnosis and followup after PPD screening include requirements for a formal psychiatric evaluation, the need to refer women to another site for therapy, and failure to integrate the PPD screening into the care provided at the woman’s or her child’s medical home. The two programs that reported improved outcomes were both self-contained within primary care and included specific followup, management, and therapy procedures. Both resulted in the need for outside referrals in less than 10% of women diagnosed with postpartum depression. Future studies should be based on the successful programs and their identified facilitators while avoiding identified barriers. To affect policies, the future program must report maternal outcomes going beyond the often reported process outcomes of screening, referral, and therapy initiation rates.
FDG-PET in Follicular Lymphoma Management
Authors: Bodet-Milin C. , Eugène T. , Gastinne T. , Frampas E. , Le Gouill S. , Kraeber-Bodéré F.
Published: July 2012

18-Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography (FDG PET/CT) is commonly used in the management of patients with lymphomas and is recommended for both initial staging and response assessment after treatment in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Despite the FDG avidity of follicular lymphoma (FL), FDG PET/CT is not yet applied in standard clinical practice for patients with FL. However, FDG PET/CT is more accurate than conventional imaging for initial staging, often prompting significant management change, and allows noninvasive characterization to guide assessment of high-grade transformation. For restaging, FDG PET/CT assists in distinguishing between scar tissue and viable tumors in residual masses and a positive PET after induction treatment would seem to predict a shorter progression-free survival.
Flexible Dual-Frequency Applicator for Local Hyperthermia
Authors: Halheit Houda , Vander Vorst André , Tedjini Smail , Touhami Rachida
Published: July 2012

A flexible and dual-frequency microstrip applicator for microwave local hyperthermia is described. It is designed on conformal liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate and operating at ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) frequencies of 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz. To conform the body’s curvature, the applicator is bent on a cylindrical body. 3D electromagnetic CST Microwave Studio was used to determine the performance of the applicator and to evaluate the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution in cylindrical human body phantom. The results obtained show that the antenna can be used in curved situation for uniform and superficial treatment.
Simulating Displacement and Velocity Signals by Piezoelectric Sensor in Vibration Control Applications
Authors: Sheu G. J. , Yang S. M. , Huang W. L.
Published: July 2012

Intelligent structures with built-in piezoelectric sensor and actuator that can actively change their physical geometry and/or properties have been known preferable in vibration control. However, it is often arguable to determine if measurement of piezoelectric sensor is strain rate, displacement, or velocity signal. This paper presents a neural sensor design to simulate the sensor dynamics. An artificial neural network with error backpropagation algorithm is developed such that the embedded and attached piezoelectric sensor can faithfully measure the displacement and velocity without any signal conditioning circuitry. Experimental verification shows that the neural sensor is effective to vibration suppression of a smart structure by embedded sensor/actuator and a building structure by surface-attached piezoelectric sensor and active mass damper.
Acute Cardiac Failure in a Pregnant Woman due to Thyrotoxic Crisis
Authors: Okuda Nao , Onodera Mutsuo , Tsunano Yumiko , Nakataki Emiko , Oto Jun , Imanaka Hideaki , Nishimura Masaji
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Cardiac failure during pregnancy is usually related to preeclampsia/eclampsia, rarely to hyperthyroidism. While hyperthyroidism can easily lead to hypertensive cardiac failure and may harm the fetus, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish hyperthyroidism from normal pregnancy.Case Presentation. We encountered a case of 41-year-old pregnant woman with hypertensive cardiac failure. Because we initially diagnosed as pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, Caesarian section was performed. However, her symptoms still persisted after delivery. After thyroid function test results taken on the day of admission were obtained on the fourth day, we could diagnose that her cardiac failure was caused by thyrotoxic crisis.Conclusions. Hypertensive cardiac failure due to hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is rare and difficult to diagnose because of similar presentation of normal pregnancy. However, physicians should be aware of the risks posed by hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.
Communication P Systems on Simplicial Complexes with Applications in Cluster Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiyu , Xue Alice
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new kind of P systems on simplicial complexes. We present the basic discrete Morse structure, membrane structures on complexes, and communication rules. A new grid‐based clustering technique is described based on this kind of new P
systems. Examples are given to show the effect of the algorithm. The new P systems provide an
alternative for traditional membrane computing.
On Arc Connectivity of Direct‐Product Digraphs
Authors: Zhu Tiedan , Ou Jianping
Published: July 2012

Four natural orientations of the direct product of two digraphs are introduced in this paper. Sufficient and necessary conditions for these orientations to be strongly connected are presented, as well as an explicit expression of the arc connectivity of a class of direct‐product digraphs.
Polycation‐Capped CdS Quantum Dots Synthesized in Reverse Microemulsions
Authors: Lemke Karina , Koetz Joachim
Published: July 2012

This paper is focused on the formation and recovery of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles in two different types of polycation‐modified reverse microemulsions using low molecular weight poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). Both polymers were incorporated in a quaternary w/o microemulsion consisting of water, toluene‐pentanol (1 : 1), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as well as in a ternary w/o microemulsion consisting of water, heptanol, and 3‐(N,N‐dimethyl‐dodecylammonio)‐propanesulfonate (SB). UV‐vis and fluorescence measurements in the microemulsion illustrate the capping effect of the polycations on the formation of the CdS quantum dots. The nanoparticles are redispersed in water and characterized by using UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, in combination with dynamic light scattering. From the quaternary microemulsion, only nanoparticle aggregates of about 100 nm can be redispersed, but, from the ternary microemulsion, well‐stabilized polycation‐capped CdS quantum dots can be obtained. The results show that the electrostatic interactions between the polycation and the surfactant are of high relevance especially in the solvent evaporation and redispersion process. That means only that in the case of moderate polycation‐surfactant interactions a redispersion of the polymer‐capped CdS quantum dots without problems of aggregation is possible.
Incidence and Spatial Distribution of Caribbean Yellow Band Disease in La Parguera, Puerto Rico
Authors: Soto-Santiago Francisco J. , Weil Ernesto
Published: July 2012

The incidence and spatial distribution patterns of Caribbean Yellow Band Disease (CYBD) on the important frame-builder coralMontastraea faveolatawere assessed by counting, tagging, and mapping all diseased and healthy colonies for one year in each of three 100 m2quadrats on two inner, mid-shelf, and shelf-edge reefs off La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Healthy colonies were checked every month from January to December of 2009 to monitor disease spread within each quadrant. Incidence increased significantly from winter (0.7±0.8% SE) to summer (1.5±1.1% SE,n=23, Sign Test;Z=2.40;P=0.01). Mid-shelf reefs had the highest host abundance and showed significantly higher CYBD incidence (2.1±1.4% SE,n=14) compared to the other zones (H=9.74; df=2;P=0.04). The increased incidence in the summer suggests that warmer months favor development of CYBD onM. faveolata. Results showed aggregated patterns of CYBD when all colonies (i.e., healthy + diseased) at the spatial scales sampled were analyzed on each reef. This suggests facilitation of disease spread between aggregated colonies within populations. Similar stressful conditions then might trigger the disease in susceptible, aggregated colonies harboring the potential pathogens.
Aortic Valve Fibroelastoma Masquerading as Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Gowland Penelope-Anne , Hasan Ragheb
Published: July 2012

The following paper is on a 49-year-old man who presented to accident and emergency department having experienced five hours of left-sided chest pain, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. He also reported paresthesia and an ache in the left arm. Further investigations revealed an aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma. Although histologically papillary fibroelastomas are described as benign, they carry with them considerable risk of morbidity and mortality. This patient experienced recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs’). He was taken to theatre on urgent basis to remove the papillary fibroelastoma. His aortic valve was preserved during the operation. The patient had an uneventful recovery following the surgery. His neurologic symptoms resolved following the operation. The operation was curative and no further symptoms were reported at followup.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Polyphenols-Rich Extract from Tea (Camellia sinensis) Flowers in Acute and Chronic Mice Models
Authors: Chen Bang-Tian , Li Wei-Xi , He Rong-Rong , Li Yi-Fang , Tsoi Bun , Zhai Yu-Jia , Kurihara Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

While beneficial health properties of tea leaves have been extensively studied, less attention is paid to the flowers of tea. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of hot water extract of tea (Camellia sinensis) flowers were investigated. Pharmacological studies found that administration of tea flowers extract (TFE) could effectively inhibit croton oil-induced ear edema and carrageenin-induced paw edema. Furthermore, administration of TFE also protected againstPropionibacterium acnes(P. ances) plus lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) induced liver inflammation by reversing the histologic damage and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase. Moreover, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-(TNF)-αand interleukin-(IL-) 1βmRNA in mouse liver were markedly suppressed after treatment with TFE in mice with immunological liver inflammation. These results indicated that tea flowers had potent anti-inflammatory effects on acute and immunological inflammationin vivo, and may be used as a functional natural food.
High Prevalence but Insufficient Treatment of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results of a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Ott Claudia , Liebold Anne , Takses Angela , Strauch Ulrike G. , Obermeier Florian
Published: July 2012

Background. Iron-deficiency anemia is described to be a common problem in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is frequently associated with a reduced quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in a population-based cohort at time of first diagnosis and during the early course of the disease.Methods. As far as available, lab values of patients registered in the population-based “Oberpfalz cohort” were screened. In anemic patients, we further investigated all laboratory results to differentiate between iron deficiency and other reasons for anemia. All patients with any kind of anemia were interviewed separately according to symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia and administration of iron.Results. In total, we evaluated hemoglobin values of 279 patients (183 Crohn's disease, 90 ulcerative colitis, and 6 indeterminate colitis). Lab data which allowed further differentiation of the type of anemia were available in 70% of anemic patients, in 34.4% values of iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation had been measured. At time of first diagnosis, an iron-deficiency anemia was diagnosed in 26 of 68 patients with anemia (38.2%, 20 CD, 4 UC, and 2 IC patients), but only 9 patients (34.6%) received subsequent iron therapy. After one year, 27 patients were identified to have an iron-deficiency anemia (19 CD, 8 UC), 20 of them were treated with iron (71.4%). Of 9 patients with proven iron-deficiency anemia at time of first diagnosis and subsequent administration of iron, 5 (55.5%) had iron-deficiency anemia despite permanent treatment after one year. In total, 38 patients (54.3%) did not receive any iron substitution at all despite of proven iron-deficiency anemia, and only 13 patients of 74 patients were treated with intravenous iron (17.6%).Conclusion. We found a high prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia at different points during the early course of disease in this population-based cohort of IBD patients. Surprisingly, only in one-third of patients with proven anemia, further diagnostic approach was undertaken. Even patients with diagnosed iron-deficiency anemia were infrequently and inconsequently treated with iron preparations, despite the high impact on quality of life.
Psychosocial and Quality of Life in Women Receiving the 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay: The Impact of Decision Style in Women with Intermediate RS
Authors: Sulayman Nadiyah , Spellman Elizabeth , Graves Kristi D. , Peshkin Beth N. , Isaacs Claudine , Schwartz Marc D. , O’Neill Suzanne C.
Published: July 2012

Multigene assays such as the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) quantify risk for recurrence and potential benefit from chemotherapy in early-stage, ER+ breast cancers. Few studies have assessed the impact of testing on patient-reported outcomes such as cancer-related distress or quality of life. The few studies that have assessed these outcomes do not consider potential modifiers, such as the patients’ level of involvement in the treatment decision-making process. In the current study, 81 breast cancer patients who received the RS assay completed cross-sectional surveys. We used linear multiple regression to assess whether test result, decision-making role (passive versus shared/active), and their interaction contributed to current levels of distress, quality of life, and decisional conflict. There were no associations between these variables and test result or decision-making role. However, women who received an intermediate RS and took a passive role in their care reported higher-cancer-related distress and cancer worry and lower quality of life than those who took a shared or active role. These data should be confirmed in prospective samples, as these poorer outcomes could be amenable to intervention.
Existence of the Mild Solutions for Delay Fractional Integrodifferential Equations with Almost Sectorial Operators
Authors: Li Fang
Published: July 2012

This paper is concerned with the existence of mild solutions for
the fractional integrodifferential equations with finite delay and
almost sectorial operators in a separable Banach space X. We obtain existence theorem for mild solutions to the above‐mentioned equations, by means of measure of noncompactness and the resolvent operators associated with almost sectorial operators. As an application, the existence of mild solutions for some integrodifferential equation is
obtained.
Classification of Insomnia Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System: A Systematic Review
Authors: Poon Maggie Man-Ki , Chung Ka-Fai , Yeung Wing-Fai , Yau Verdi Hon-Kin , Zhang Shi-Ping
Published: July 2012

A systematic review was conducted to examine traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns commonly diagnosed in subjects with insomnia and clinical features associated with the TCM patterns, and an insomnia symptom checklist for TCM diagnostic purpose was developed based on the review. Two independent researchers searched the China Academic Journals Full-Text Database and 10 English databases. A total of 103 studies and 9499 subjects were analyzed. There was a wide variation in terminology relating to symptomatology and TCM pattern. We identified 69 patterns, with the top 3 patterns (i.e.,deficiency of both the heart and spleen, hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency, and liver-qi stagnation transforming into fire) and the top 10 patterns covering 51.8% and 77.4% of the 9499 subjects, respectively. There were 19 sleep-related, 92 non-sleep-related, 14 tongue, and 7 pulse features included as diagnostic criteria of the top 10 TCM patterns for insomnia. Excessive dreaming, dizziness, red tongue, and fine pulse were the most common sleep-related, non-sleep-related, tongue, and pulse features. Overlapping symptomatology between the TCM patterns was present. A standardized symptom checklist consisted of 92 items, including 13 sleep-related, 61 non-sleep-related, 11 tongue, and 7 pulse items, holds promise as a diagnostic tool and merits further validation.
A Hybrid Technique for Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Nyma Alamgir , Kang Myeongsu , Kwon Yung-Keun , Kim Cheol-Hong , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: July 2012

Medical image segmentation is an essential and challenging aspect in computer-aided diagnosis and also in pattern recognition research. This paper proposes a hybrid method for magnetic resonance (MR) image segmentation. We first remove impulsive noise inherent in MR images by utilizing a vector median filter. Subsequently, Otsu thresholding is used as an initial coarse segmentation method that finds the homogeneous regions of the input image. Finally, an enhanced suppressed fuzzy c-means is used to partition brain MR images into multiple segments, which employs an optimal suppression factor for the perfect clustering in the given data set. To evaluate the robustness of the proposed approach in noisy environment, we add different types of noise and different amount of noise to T1-weighted brain MR images. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other FCM based algorithms in terms of segmentation accuracy for both noise-free and noise-inserted MR images.