bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe y cultura en algunos documentos eclesiales actuales: Evolución y perspectivas.
Authors: Niño de Zepeda Rafael
Published: November 2016

This article presents a general view on the relationship between faith and culture in the most significative ecclesiastic documents, from Vatican II Concilium onwards, stressing on documents from Episcopal Conferences from Latin America. This development is sustained by the hypothesis that evolving can be identified in the treatment of faith and culture. Following this, from Vatican II, the relationship between faith and culture has been deepening and contextualizing into latin american reality. But this evolution of sorts, was interrupted in the last Episcopal Conference, at Aparecida. It no longer continues with the inculturation idea with the same strenght as the Conference before, at Santo Domingo. Instead, the faith's transmission idea dominates, where the situation of the new culture, globalized, imposes itself, eroding the catholic substratum of our peoples.
Brand schematicity moderates the effect of aesthetic brands on brand accessories purchase intentions
Authors: Jeon Joo-Eon , Lee Jieun
Published: November 2016

We empirically tested the relationship between aesthetic brands and evaluation of their accessories, and also explored the moderating roles of functional complementarity and brand schematicity on this relationship. Participants were 260 undergraduate students in Korea, who took part
in an online experiment. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the evaluation of accessory products depending on the level of functional complementarity to the focal brand. Participants were significantly more likely to purchase an accessory of a high, compared
to low, aesthetic brand when functional complementarity was moderate. Further, brand-schematic, compared to brand-aschematic, participants were more likely to purchase an accessory of high aesthetic brands, even when the functional complementarity was low. This demonstrates that when brand-aschematic
participants acquired an aesthetically pleasing brand, they were motivated to buy additional accessories. Marketers may use our findings to develop strategies to increase the extendability of brand accessories.
Priming effect of computer game violence on children's aggression levels
Authors: Zheng Jia-Kun , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2016

We investigated how aggression resulting from playing violent computer games varies by gender and trait aggressiveness level. In Study 1, 220 children rated 2 video games in terms of pleasantness, excitement, violent content, violent images, fear, interest, and reality. Results indicated
that Virtual Cop2 and Fight Landlord games were perceived as violent and nonviolent, respectively. In Study 2, 240 different children responded to the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, played either Virtual Cop2 or Fight Landlord, and completed a semantic classification task involving
rating whether 60 words were aggressive or nonaggressive. Results showed that boys, but not girls, displayed stronger aggression after playing Virtual Cop2, compared to Fight Landlord. Further, children with high trait aggressiveness exhibited strong aggression after playing Virtual Cop2,
whereas those with moderate or low trait aggressiveness did not. Overall, our results indicate that gender and trait aggressiveness both affect aggression among children who play violent video games.
Dairy farm households, processor linkages and household income: the case of dairy hub linkages in East Africa
Authors: Rao Elizaphan J.O. , Omondi Immaculate , Karimov Aziz A. , Baltenweck Isabelle
Published: November 2016

In this study we have analysed the effects of household linkages to milk market via dairy hubs currently implemented under the East African Dairy Development project. Our analyses show that participation in dairy hubs increases dairy revenues by USD 1,022 on average. Impacts are higher for households participating in hubs supplying exclusively to processors (USD 1,673) relative to ones supplying hubs that pursue mixed-linkage approach. Moreover, participation in dairy hubs also yields significant effect on household income. Appropriate measures should be undertaken to widen the reach of such processor linkages while also safeguarding existing gains, more so as the processing sector becomes more concentrated.
GLIMPSE 2.0: a framework to feed the world
Authors: Connolly Aidan J. , Sodre Luiz R. , Phillips-Connolly Kate
Published: November 2016

Five years ago a new acronym GLIMPSE was proposed in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review to summarize the seven barriers faced by agriculture in its quest to feed the world, based on interviews of 25 agribusiness experts. Through an iterative, grounded theory methodology the original research that led to the GLIMPSE framework was validated, deepened and expanded. The new research made minor revisions to the original GLIMPSE, but confirmed it as an effective framework to explain to an interested public how agriculture can tackle the planet’s nutritional requirements if certain constraints are addressed. Specifically, international policy makers, governments, non-governmental organization, charities, industry organizations, integrated food companies and farmers often struggle to explain the complex challenges agribusiness faces, and in this respect the GLIMPSE framework allows all stakeholders to describe the main challenges agriculture faces on its journey to feed almost 10 billion people by 2050.
Performance of small and medium-sized food and agribusiness enterprises: evidence from Indian firms
Authors: Ali Jabir
Published: November 2016

This paper analyses the size of food and agribusiness firms in India in relationship to business enterprise characteristics, performance, and obstacles through surveying 515 food and agribusiness firms operating in different regions of India using the World Bank's Enterprise Survey 2014. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and analysis of variance were used to evaluate data using statistical software. Chi-square statistics identify significant differences in enterprise characteristics through examining firm size, location, gender ownership, type and age. An analysis of variance indicates significant differences in business performance across small, medium and large enterprises in term of input and output ratios. Obstacles facing firms are largely similar regardless of firm size in eleven of the sixteen business-obstacles surveyed. Results reveal that large enterprises perceive more challenges with telecommunication services, customs, trade regulations, and corruption, while small and medium firms face greater constraints gaining access to land and finance. This study is useful in helping to design policies that can efficiently support small and medium food and agribusiness enterprise development.
The perceptions and nature of service delivery innovation among government employees: An exploratory study
Authors: Martins Nico , Ledimo Ophillia
Published: November 2016

Innovation has become prominent within the leadership literature as an underlying and important aspect of service delivery. This study set out to determine the perceptions and nature of service delivery innovation among employees of a South African government department, using a sample of 289 participants. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyse the data which indicate that innovation is an important aspect of service delivery. This study suggests that to enhance service delivery employees should be encouraged to be innovative. The implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.
The potential for reducing youth unemployment through informal business development in the eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Authors: Mashau Pfano , Houghton Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Youth unemployment is a problem that requires different diagnoses from different stakeholders, and informal business is important for local economic development. However, the youth are not much involved in the informal sector. Youth involvement in the informal sector will help address youth unemployment. This article aims to evaluate the impact of informal business development on reducing youth unemployment in the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Through in-depth interviews with eThekwini Municipality officials, business support organisations and unemployed youth, assessment of supporting documents and site visits, enough data were collected to support the notion that informal business development can work to address unemployment in the municipality. The findings showed that the informal economy does not have a significant impact on completely mitigating the unemployment problem in the municipality. However, the sector is very important for economic growth and development, as well as job creation, which will begin to alleviate the unemployment problem. Thus both the formal and informal sectors of the economy need to be examined as potentially providing the first steps to achieving the long-term employment goals for the eThekwini Municipality.
Exploring economic structure and drivers of economic growth in Botswana
Authors: Makoni Patricia Lindelwa
Published: November 2016

This article set out to analyse the economic structure and main economic drivers in Botswana. Botswana, a country in sub-Saharan Africa, is a relatively small economy, hugely dependent on its diamond mineral wealth. Concerns have arisen in recent years that the diamond deposits will soon be depleted and the country therefore needs to embark on a diversification programme to broaden its economic base. In order to understand the Botswana economy, its economic structure and current domestic sectorial performance were evaluated, as well as its trends in imports and exports. An analysis of the data shows that, regardless of the awareness of the sensitivity to external shocks of commodity prices, as well as the obvious future depletion of diamond reserves, the Botswana economy continues to rely on diamonds, at the expense of attracting international capital flows to enhance and maintain sustainable economic growth, through investments in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. It is therefore recommended that the Government of Botswana becomes proactive and implements recommended policies to diversify its economy, so that it can sustain or improve its economic growth by becoming a prime destination of international capital and domestic private sector investment, thereby increasing employment and trade opportunities.
Complications of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and their Management
Authors: Thapa Neeraj , Shris Sachin , Pokharel Nabin , Tambay Yeshwant Gajanan , Kher Jayant R , Acharya Sumnima
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Increasing global prevalence of nephrolithiasis has resulted in the development of new minimally invasive techniques and has also led to the resurgence of established methods such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This procedure is now recommended as the first option for the treatment of single large or multiple renal stones and those in the inferior calyx. This study was done to assess the complications of PCNL and their management, in our centre.

 

Methods: Medical records of 144 patients who underwent PCNL at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, during the last one year were reviewed. The demographic data, size, tract number and location of the calculi, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. The various parameters of the calculi were evaluated. Descriptive analysis with frequencies was done.

 

Results: Complications occurred in 13 (9.02%) patients. Post operative bleeding occurred in seven (4.8%) patients, out of which one patient developed pseudoaneurysms and the other developed arteriovenous fistula. One patient developed hypovolemic shock immediately after surgery. Frequent blockage of urine, excessive drainage of urine from the drain site, hemothorax and colonic perforation was seen in one  patient each. One patient had mortality due to post operative bleeding. Complications increased with the number and size of stones and number and site of the tracts.

 

Conclusion: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has low complication rate in experienced hands and complications depend upon stone size, history of open stone surgery, tract number, and tract location.
Intraperitoneal Hydrocortisone plus Bupivacaine versus Bupivacaine alone for Pain Relief after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sharma Mahesh , Kharbuja Kalpana , Sharma Nil Raj
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been the gold standard in the treatment of gallstones since last decades. Beside several benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with open surgery, postoperative pain is still a frequent melancholy.  Hence, pain management is utmost regarding patients' comfort. The main objective of the study was to compare the effect of intraperitoneal hydrocortisone plus bupivacaine with bupivacaine alone on pain relief following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

 

Methods: A randomized study was conducted from December 2015 to August 2015 that included 100 patients aged 20 to 60 years of both genders who were found to have symptomatic gallstones and were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Lumbini Medical College. Patients randomly received 100 mg hydrocortisone plus 100 mg bupivacaine in 200 ml normal saline (group A) or 100 mg bupivacaine in 200 ml normal saline (group B) into the peritoneum. Post-operative abdominal and shoulder pain were evaluated using Visual Analog Score (VAS). The patients were also followed up for postoperative analgesic requirements, and recovery variables. Data were collected, tabulated and analyzed statistically using SPSS version 19.

 

Results: Total number of patients in this study were 100. Age and gender among both groups were comparable. VAS scores for pain was significantly lower for group A as compared to group B at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Time of oral intake in hrs for liquids and solids was statistically significant in Group A compared to Group B. Rescue analgesic requirement was also significantly low in Group A compared to Group B. Hospital stay in both group were comparable.

 

Conclusion: Combination of hydrocortisone plus bupivacaine can relieve pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy better compared to bupivacaine alone when administered intraperitoneally.
On (non)universality of color experience
Authors: Tadic Jovan
Published: November 2016

In this article we analyze the problem of philosophical interpretation of the
colors as a secondary quality (qualia) in the context of their universality.
The overview of the basic theories of color and the problem of color
reduction is provided, as well as a contribution to the debate about the
possibility of the inverted spectrum, in a wider sense also applicable to
other qualia. It was shown that experimentally is not possible to prove the
identity of color experiences, because all comparative statements which could
probably be used to identify differences in individual perception of any
qualia, alse also qualia, and even if there was such a possibility, the
possibility that alternative isomorphic spectra (masked by the rules of
language) exist would remain. The article represents a synthetic experimental
and review analysis of the problem from the standpoint of philosophy,
anthropology and biophysics.
Wittgenstein on knowledge, certainty and scepticism
Authors: Davidovic Aleksandra
Published: November 2016

The subject of this paper is Wittgenstein?s distinction and new undestarnding
of the concepts od knowledge and certainty in On certainty from which also
follows his novel critique od scepticism. He shows that the whole debate on
skepticism arises because both the traditional epistemologists like Moore and
the skeptic misunderstand the nature of the so-called Moorean propositions
which represent the content of our basic beliefs and our attitude towards
them. Wittgenstein claims that these propositions are neither true nor false
but that they function as rules and hence cannot be known or subject to
doubt. Our attitude towards them is not epistemic but is rather a reflection
of our practical ability to participate in linguistic practice.
Wittgenstein?s most convincing and most original argument against scepticism
demonstrates that the skeptic, in forming her doubts, brings into question
her own understanding of the words she thereby uses. In the end it is claimed
that Wittgenstein himself endorses naturalism of a Humean type.
Considering repressive tolerance
Authors: Visic Maroje
Published: November 2016

Author tries to re-examine Marcuse?s essay Repressive tolerance in the
context of Marcuse?s works and genealogy of thought. First, author addresses
critique and tries to demonstrate its fallacy by showing critics?
unfamiliarity with Marcuse?s early writings. Author then tries to demonstrate
the continuity between Repressive tolerance and Marcuse?s early writings such
as ?concrete philosophy? and critical theory. Lastly, author tries to
demonstrate twofold importance of the essay: first in an attempt of avoiding
fascism and secondly, as Marcuse?s indication toward new society.
Exhaust gas heat recovery through secondary expansion cylinder and water injection in an internal combustion engine
Authors: Nassiri Toosi , Kakaee Amir , Ebne-Abbasi Hazhir
Published: November 2016

To enhance thermal efficiency and increase performance of an internal combustion engine, a novel concept of coupling a conventional engine with a secondary 4-stroke cylinder and direct water injection process is proposed. The burned gases after working in a traditional 4-stroke combustion cylinder are transferred to a secondary cylinder and expanded even more. After re-compression of the exhaust gases, pre-heated water is injected at top dead center. The evaporation of injected water not only recovers heat from exhaust gases, but also increases the mass of working gas inside the cylinder, therefore improves the overall thermal efficiency. A 0-D/1-D model is used to numerically simulate the idea. The simulations outputs showed that the bottoming cycle will be more efficient at higher engines speeds, specifically in a supercharged/turbocharged engine, which have higher exhaust gas pressure that can reproduce more positive work. In the modeled supercharged engine, results showed that brake thermal efficiency can be improved by about 17%, and brake power by about 17.4%.
On-line mixing and emission characteristics of diesel engine with dimethyl ether injected into fuel pipeline
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Fang Xiaomin , Lao Liyun , Xu Lijun , Qian Lijuan
Published: November 2016

This article presents a new on-line dimethyl ether/diesel mixing method, researches its blend characteristics, and also validates combustion and emission effects on a light-duty direct injection engine. This new blend concept is that dimethyl ether is injected into the fuel pipeline to mix with local diesel as the injector stops injection, and this mixing method has some advantages, such as utilization of the original fuel system to mix dimethyl ether with diesel intensively, flexibility on adjustable mixing ratio varying with the engine operating condition, and so on. A device was designed to separate dimethyl ether from the blends, and its mixing ratios and injection quantity per cycle were also measured on a fuel pump bench. The results show that compared with the injected diesel, the percentages of dimethyl ether injected into fuel pipeline are 13.04, 9.74, 8.55, and 7.82% by mass as the fuel pump speeds increase, while dimethyl ether injected into fuel pipeline are 45.46, 35.53, 31.45, and 28.29% of wasting dimethyl ether. The power outputs of engine fueled with the blends are slight higher than those of neat diesel at low speeds, while at high speeds, its power outputs are a little lower. Smoke emissions of the blends are lower about 30% than that of neat diesel fuel at medium and high loads with hardly any penalty on smoke and NOx emissions at light loads. The NOx and HC emissions of the blends are slight lower than that of neat diesel fuel at all loads.
Boiling in volume of low temperature droplets of dispersed phase of liquid emulsions
Authors: Rozentsvaig Alexander , Strashinskii Cheslav
Published: November 2016

Mechanisms of droplets boiling in dispersed liquid-liquid systems differ significantly from more commonly studied and better understood mechanisms of vaporization in homogeneous fluids. For the analysis of boiling of liquid emulsions with low-temperature dispersed phase the theory of Labuntsov has been used, which was developed for boiling of homogeneous fluid near a solid wall. Model representations of more complex physical phenomena were substantiated using the similarity criteria, corresponding to the character of the heat exchange mechanisms with the dispersed droplets in the analogous conditions. A modified calculated dependence has been obtained for liquid emulsions with the low boiling dispersed phase. The results of the calculations are compared with the data of visual observations and experimental studies from the literature. It turned out that depending on the concentration of dis-persed phase heat transfer in emulsions is characterized by two regimes with different nucleate boiling mechanisms. Good agreement was indicated with measured data of heat flux at boiling of emulsions of water-in-oil type.
Thermal analysis in thin-film fluid regions of rectangular microgroove
Authors: Gui Xiaohong , Song Xiange , Nie Baisheng
Published: November 2016

The effects of contact angle and superheat on thin-film thickness and heat flux distribution occurring in a rectangle microgroove are numerically simulated. Accordingly, physical, and mathematical models are built in detail. Numerical results indicate that meniscus radius and thin-film thickness increase with the improvement of contact angle. The heat flux distribution in the thin-film region increases non-linearly as the contact angle decreases. The total heat transfer through the thin-film region increases with the improvement of superheat, and decreases as the contact angle increases. When the contact angle is equal to zero, the heat transfer in the thin-film region accounts for more than 80% of the total heat transfer. Intensive evaporation in the thin-film region plays a key role in heat transfer for the rectangle capillary microgroove. The liquid with higher wetting performance is more capable of playing the advantages of higher intensity heat transfer in thin- film region. The current investigation will result in a better understanding of thin- -film evaporation and its effect on the effective thermal conductivity in the rectangle microgroove.
Effect of concentration of metal inorganic salt on fiber diameter in electrospinning process: Mathematical model and experimental verification
Authors: He Chun-Hui , Liu Peng , Liu Hong-Yan
Published: November 2016

Electrospinning is used to produce polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers under various ferric chloride contents. Effect of the ferric chloride concentration on fiber diameter is investigated theoretically and experimentally. A critical value of the concentration is found, below which fiber diameter decreases with its concentration, and an opposite prediction is observed when the concentration is larger than the critical value.
Thermal modeling of multi-shape heating sources on n-layer electronic board
Authors: Monier-Vinard Eric , Nguyen Minh-Nhat , Laraqi Najib , Bissuel Valentin
Published: November 2016

The present work completes the toolbox of analytical solutions that deal with resolving steady-state temperatures of a multi-layered structure heated by one or many heat sources. The problematic of heating sources having non-rectangular shapes is addressed to enlarge the capability of analytical approaches. Moreover, various heating sources could be located on the external surfaces of the sandwiched layers as well as embedded at interface of its constitutive layers. To demonstrate its relevance, the updated analytical solution has been compared with numerical simulations on the case of a multi-layered electronic board submitted to a set of heating source configurations. The comparison shows a high agreement between analytical and numerical calculations to predict the centroid and average temperatures. The promoted analytical approach establishes a kit of practical expressions, easy to implement, which would be cumulated, using superposition principle, to help electronic designers to early detect component or board temperatures beyond manufacturer limit. The ability to eliminate bad concept candidates with a minimum of set-up, relevant assumptions and low computation time can be easily achieved.
Analysis of fractional non-linear diffusion behaviors based on Adomian polynomials
Authors: Wu Guo-Cheng , Baleanu Dumitru , Luo Wei-Hua
Published: November 2016

A time-fractional non-linear diffusion equation of two orders is considered to investigate strong non-linearity through porous media. An equivalent integral equation is established and Adomian polynomials are adopted to linearize non-linear terms. With the Taylor expansion of fractional order, recurrence formulae are proposed and novel numerical solutions are obtained to depict the diffusion behaviors more accurately. The result shows that the method is suitable for numerical simulation of the fractional diffusion equations of multi-orders.
Conformable heat equation on a radial symmetric plate
Authors: Avci Derya , Iskender Eroglu , Ozdemir Necati
Published: November 2016

The conformable heat equation is defined in terms of a local and limit-based definition called conformable derivative which provides some basic properties of integer order derivative such that conventional fractional derivatives lose some of them due to their non-local structures. In this paper, we aim to find the fundamental solution of a conformable heat equation acting on a radial symmetric plate. Moreover, we give a comparison between the new conformable and the existing Grunwald-Letnikov solutions of heat equation. The computational results show that conformable formulation is quite successful to show the sub-behaviors of heat process. In addition, conformable solution can be obtained by a analytical method without the need of a numerical scheme and any restrictions on the problem formulation. This is surely a significant advantageous compared to the Grunwald-Letnikov solution.
Availability as a dimension of energy security in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Pavlovic Boban , Ivezic Dejan
Published: November 2016

There is a range of modern approaches and models in literature for the
evaluation and determination of energy security, which are based on different
parameters and indicators. For most of them, a common characteristic is
emphasizing the availability of energy, as an important dimension for
ensuring energy security. In this paper, concise overview of Serbian energy
sectors is given and appropriate energy indicators are defined and
determined. Selected indicators provide insight into the main components that
characterize availability - security of supply, self-sufficiency,
diversification of energy sources, level of renewable energy use and
technological maturity. Besides calculation of energy indicators, the aim is
to investigate and establish the relationships among components of
availability of energy in Serbia, and to provide some recommendations for the
policy makers to develop efficacious measures for enhancing energy security.
Therefore Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology is applied to analyze
collected data, to reveal cause - effect relationships, and to prioritize
components of availability mutually. Conclusion is that the main activities
in Serbian energy sector should be directed to improvement of energy
efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources and diversification
of energy sources and energy imports directions.
Glomerular Endothelial Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is Essential and Characteristic of Diabetic Kidney Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Qi Haiying , Casalena Gabriella , Shi Shaolin , Yu Liping , Ebefors Kerstin , Sun Yezhou , Zhang Weijia , D’Agati Vivette , Schlondorff Detlef , Haraldsson Börje , Böttinger Erwin , Daehn Ilse
Published: November 2016

The molecular signaling mechanisms between glomerular cell types during initiation/progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remain poorly understood. We compared the early transcriptome profile between DKD-resistant C57BL/6J and DKD-susceptible DBA/2J (D2) glomeruli and demonstrated a significant downregulation of essential mitochondrial genes in glomeruli from diabetic D2 mice, but not in C57BL/6J, with comparable hyperglycemia. Diabetic D2 mice manifested increased mitochondrial DNA lesions (8-oxoguanine) exclusively localized to glomerular endothelial cells after 3 weeks of diabetes, and these accumulated over time in addition to increased urine secretion of 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine. Detailed assessment of glomerular capillaries from diabetic D2 mice demonstrated early signs of endothelial injury and loss of fenestrae. Glomerular endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with increased glomerular endothelin-1 receptor type A (Ednra) expression and increased circulating endothelin-1 (Edn1). Selective Ednra blockade or mitochondrial-targeted reactive oxygen species scavenging prevented mitochondrial oxidative stress of endothelial cells and ameliorated diabetes-induced endothelial injury, podocyte loss, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis. In human DKD, increased urine 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine was associated with rapid DKD progression, and biopsies from patients with DKD showed increased mitochondrial DNA damage associated with glomerular endothelial EDNRA expression. Our studies show that DKD susceptibility was linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, mediated largely by Edn1–Ednra in glomerular endothelial cells representing an early event in DKD progression, and suggest that cross talk between glomerular endothelial injury and podocytes leads to defects and depletion, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis.
The Effect of Canagliflozin, a Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor, on Glycemic End Points Assessed by Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rodbard Helena W. , Peters Anne L. , Slee April , Cao Anjun , Traina Shana B. , Alba Maria
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, on glycemic parameters and measures of glucose variability assessed by a 9-point self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles, and patient-reported outcomes as an add-on to insulin among participants with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind study, 351 participants received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo for 18 weeks. Change from baseline in daily mean glucose and SD was measured using a 9-point SMBG profile. In a subset of 89 participants who underwent CGM, the change from baseline in mean glucose, measures of glycemic variability (SD, coefficient of variation, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions), and time spent in glycemic ranges were assessed. Change in treatment satisfaction was evaluated using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (n = 328).

RESULTS

At week 18, reductions in daily mean glucose and SD measured using the 9-point SMBG profile were seen with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo. Reductions in mean glucose (−1.2, −0.7, and 0.6 mmol/L) and measures of glycemic variability assessed by CGM, such as changes in glucose SD (−0.3, −0.7, and 0.1 mmol/L), were also seen with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo, respectively. Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg were associated with increases in time spent within target (glucose >3.9 to ≤10.0 mmol/L) compared with placebo (11.6%, 10.1%, and −3.5%, respectively) and commensurate reductions in time spent above the target level (glucose >10.0 mmol/L; −12.7%,−7.6%, and 5.7%, respectively). Participants showed greater improvement in treatment satisfaction with canagliflozin versus placebo; reductions in insulin dose, SD of glucose, and body weight contributed to the relationship between canagliflozin and satisfaction change.

CONCLUSIONS

Canagliflozin improved indices of glycemic variability and was associated with improvement in treatment satisfaction versus placebo over 18 weeks among participants with type 1 diabetes. Although these data from this study demonstrate the potential benefits of canagliflozin in people with type 1 diabetes, canagliflozin is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes and should not currently be used in people with type 1 diabetes.
Differential Patterns of Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Recently Diagnosed Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Röhling Martin , Strom Alexander , Bönhof Gidon , Püttgen Sonja , Bódis Kálmán , Müssig Karsten , Szendrödi Julia , Markgraf Daniel , Lehr Stefan , Roden Michael , Ziegler Dan ,   for the German Diabetes Study Group
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Both impaired cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and heart rate variability (HRV) are predictors of mortality, but their relative roles in recent-onset diabetes are unknown. We determined to which extent CRF and HRV are reduced and interrelated in recent-onset diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants from the German Diabetes Study with type 1 (n = 163) or type 2 (n = 188) diabetes with known diabetes duration <1 year and two age-matched glucose-tolerant control groups (n = 40 each) underwent spiroergometry and HRV assessment during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp.

RESULTS

Compared with control subjects, patients with type 2 diabetes showed reduced VO2max (median [1st–3rd quartiles] 19.3 [16.5–22.9] vs. 25.6 [20.7–29.9] mL/kg body weight/min; P < 0.05), diminished VCO2max (23.0 [19.1–26.8] vs. 30.9 [24.5–34.4] mL/kg body weight/min; P < 0.05), blunted heart rate recovery after 2 min (−29.0 [−35.0 to −23.0] vs. −36.0 [−42.8 to −28.0] beats/min; P < 0.05), and reduced HRV in four of nine indices, whereas patients with type 1 diabetes had unaltered CRF but reduced HRV in three of nine indices (P < 0.05), indicating diminished vagal and sympathetic HRV modulation. HRV measures correlated with VO2max in patients with type 1 diabetes (r >0.34; P < 0.05) but not in those with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

CRF is reduced in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes but preserved in type 1 diabetes, whereas cardiac autonomic function is reduced in both diabetes types but is strongly associated with CRF only in type 1 diabetes. These results support the therapeutic concept of promoting physical fitness in the early course of diabetes.
Comparison of antibacterial effects among three foams used with negative pressure wound therapy in an ex vivo equine perfused wound model
Authors: Van Hecke Lore L. , Haspeslagh Maarten , Hermans Katleen , Martens Ann M.
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To compare antibacterial effects among 3 types of foam used with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in an ex vivo equine perfused wound model.

SAMPLES Abdominal musculocutaneous flaps from 6 equine cadavers.

PROCEDURES Each musculocutaneous flap was continuously perfused with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Four 5-cm circular wounds were created in each flap and contaminated with 106 CFUs of both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After a 1-hour incubation period, 1 of 4 treatments (NPWT with silver-impregnated polyurethane foam [NPWT-AgPU], polyurethane foam [NPWT-PU], or polyvinyl alcohol foam [NPWT-PVA] or a nonadherent dressing containing polyhexamethylene biguanide without NPWT [control]) was randomly applied to each wound. An 8-mm punch biopsy specimen was obtained from each wound immediately before and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after treatment application to determine the bacterial load for both P aeruginosa and MRSA.

RESULTS The bacterial load of P aeruginosa for the NPWT-PVA treatment was significantly lower than that for the other 3 treatments at each sampling time after application, whereas the bacterial load for the NPWT-AgPU treatment was significantly lower than that for the NPWT-PU and control treatments at 12 hours after application. The bacterial load of MRSA for the NPWT-PVA treatment was significantly lower than that for the other 3 treatments at each sampling time after application.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that wounds treated with NPWT-PVA had the greatest decrease in bacterial load; however, the effect of that treatment on wound healing needs to be assessed in vivo.
Pharmacokinetics of zonisamide following rectal administration to healthy dogs
Authors: Michaels Jennifer R. , Hodshon Amy J. , Thomas William B. , Boothe Dawn M. , Williams Lindsay
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of zonisamide following rectal administration of 20 or 30 mg/kg suspended in sterile water or polyethylene glycol (PEG) to healthy dogs and determine whether either dose resulted in plasma zonisamide concentrations within the recommended therapeutic target range (10 to 40 μg/mL).

ANIMALS 8 healthy mixed-breed dogs.

PROCEDURES Each dog received each of 2 doses (20 or 30 mg/kg) of zonisamide suspended in each of 2 delivery substrates (sterile water or PEG) in a randomized crossover study with a 7-day washout period between phases. A blood sample was collected from each dog immediately before and at predetermined times for 48 hours after zonisamide administration. Plasma zonisamide concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and data were analyzed with a noncompartmental model.

RESULTS Mean maximum plasma concentration, time to maximum plasma concentration, mean residence time, and elimination half-life did not differ significantly among the 4 treatments. The mean maximum plasma concentration for all 4 treatments was less than the therapeutic target range. The mean ± SD area under the concentration-time curve for the 30 mg/kg-in-water treatment (391.94 ± 237.00 h•μg/mL) was significantly greater than that for the 20 mg/kg-in-water (146.19 ± 66.27 h•μg/mL) and 20 mg/kg-in-PEG (87.09 ± 96.87 h•μg/mL) treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that rectal administration of zonisamide at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg failed to achieve plasma zonisamide concentrations within the recommended therapeutic target range. Therefore, rectal administration of zonisamide cannot be recommended as a suitable alternative to oral administration.
Canadian Cookbooks: Changing Ideas about Cooking and Contamination, 1854–1898
Authors: Cooke M. Nathalie
Published: November 2016

This study looks to Canadian household manuals, bookended by the watershed publications of Catharine Parr Traill in 1854 and Adelaide Hoodless in 1898, to identify what elements of the rapidly evolving sciences around nutrition, germs, and hygiene made their way to Canadian cooks. In doing so, it also sheds light on some of Canada’s early cookbooks, which have to date received deserved bibliographical attention but not yet close analytical scrutiny.
Insulin Resistance in PCOS
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida
Published: November 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 63-64
Effect of Low Dose Oral Contraceptive Pill on Glycemic and Lipidemic status in Women with Normal and Low BMI
Authors: Kasem Setara Binte , Razzaque Shaikh Abdur , Chowdhury Towhidul Alam , Begum Ferdousi , Adiba Raisa , Anika Selana , Ara Rowshan , Ali Liaquat
Published: November 2016

Objective (s): Aim of the study was to explore the effect of the most widely used low dose OCP (Shukhi) on glycemic and lipidemic factors of under weight (Low BMI) Bangladeshi women.Materials and Methods: This case control study was conducted at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Research Division, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic disorders (BIRDEM) and Family Planning Center of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of Jan 2011 to Dec 2011. A total number of 40 women were included in this study having age range between 25-45 years. Twenty nine (29) were with normal BMI (>18.5) and 11 were with low BMI (<18.5) consuming Shukhi for six months to five years. The control group (n=29) constituted of women with normal BMI and the case group (n=11) constituted the women with low BMI ( BMI<18.5). Both groups use low dose OCP (30?g ethinyl estradiol and 150 ?g levonorgestrel for 6-60 months. Glycemic status was assessed by measuring blood glucose fasting and 2 hrs after 75g glucose, insulinemic status by measuring C-peptide and lipidemic status by measuring TG, T Chol, HDL, LDL.Results:There was no significant differences between two groups in fasting blood glucose and two hours after 75g glucose. A significantly high C-peptide (p=0.043) level was found in low BMI users, but a significantly negative correlation was found between fasting blood glucose and BMI in underweight OCP users (r=622, p=0.041). A better insulin sensitivity was found in low BMI as compared to normal BMI. Significantly lower total cholesterol (p=0.018) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.017) levels were found in low BMI OCP users than those of normal BMI OCP users. However, no significant correlation existed between any lipids.Conclusion: This study suggested that OCP dont affect the glycemic, insulinemic ( insulin secretory and sensitivity) and lipidemic status of underweight subjects.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 65-72
Changing patterns of Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Laila R , Mahmud N , Nargis M , Chowdhury TA
Published: November 2016

Objective (s):Aim of the study was to explore the changing patterns of insulin resistance in PCOS women.Methods: The study was conducted at CARE, department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Biomedical Research Group, BIRDEM hospital. A total number of 103 PCOS women of 15- 36 years were included in the present study. They were grouped into NGT (n=68), IGT (n=30), type 2 DM (n=5) according to nature of glucose tolerance. Fasting and glucose stimulated insulin was measured.Results: In IGT group, fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin level were higher when compared with NGT, but no difference between type 2 DM and NGT group was found. Insulin-glucose ratio (after glucose load) was significantly lower in type 2 DM when compared with NGT group (p=0.049), but there was no difference of insulin-glucose ratio (fasting) between type 2 DM and NGT group. PCOS with IGT or Type 2 DM women were more insulin resistant than NGT group. (p=0.015, p=0.042 respectively).Conclusion: Insulin resistance is a major pathophysiologic feature of PCOS with IGT; however â cell secretory defect is associated with type 2 DM in these subjects.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 73-77
Effect of Aromatase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Endometrial Hyperplasia in Post Menopausal Women
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Begum Mosammat Rashida , Pervin Shahana , Chowdhury Sheuli , Maula Khoorshed Jahan
Published: November 2016

Objective: To explore the effect of aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia in post menopausal women.Materials and Methods: This observational longitudinal study was undertaken in 21 postmenopausal women diagnosed as having endometrial hyperplasia in a private clinic in Dhaka between July, 2009 to January 2014. Initially hyperplasia was diagnosed by thickened endometrium by ultrasound and confirmed by histopathologic examination of fractional curretage. Among the patients, 7 had complex hyperplasia without atypia; 14 had simple hyperplasia without atypia. All the patients were treated with letrozole 2.5 mg per day for 12 months and were monitored by transvaginal ultrasonogram every 3 months, subsequently followed up by history and transvaginal ultrasonogram 6 monthly for another 12 months. Main outcome measure was reduction of endometrial thickness. Informed written consent was obtained before enrollment in the study.Results: Mean endometrial thickness decreased by 81.66% following 12 months of treatment and the endometrial thickness was not increased in next 12 months follow up period. All patients were symptom free during this treatment.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that treatment of endometrial hyperplasia with aromatase inhibitors can reduce endometrial thickness. So, aromatase inhibitors deserve attention for the conservative treatment of endometrial hyperplasia.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 78-82
Association of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection with Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Sultana Mahmuda , Hossain Md Sazzad , Dewan Farhana , Sultana Jobaida , Rashid Maliha
Published: November 2016

Objective: To evaluate whether there is any association of Toxoplasma gondii infection with spontaneous abortion.Materials and Methods: This observational case control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka (DMCH), over a period of one year from 31st December 2008 to 30th November 2009. A total 91 pregnant women were selected for this study. Among them 46 patients of spontaneous abortion were selected as case and 45 healthy pregnant women were selected as control purposively. Spontaneous abortion cases were diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical examination and USG findings. Patients with medical disorder, Rh-incompatibility, multiple pregnancy, cervical incompetence, septic abortion, threatened abortion, fibroid with pregnancy and uterine anomaly were excluded from the study. The clinical examination was done by standard method. Blood was collected from each subject, serum was separated. Main outcome measure was presence of toxoplasma antibodies in spontaneous abortion cases. Antibody was detected by ELISA method. A p value of <0.5 was considered as significant.Results: In both groups there was no difference in age, gestational age, socioeconomic status, living standard and educational status. Toxoplasma specific IgM was detected in higher percentage of women with spontaneous abortion (15.2%) than with controls (0%), which is statistically significant (<0.05). Seroprevalence for past Toxoplasma infection (IgG) was similar in both the groups, 17.4% and 8.9% for case and control respectively (p>0.05). Though there is no association between seropositivity and level of education, place of living, contact with cat, occupational status, parity and past history of spontaneous abortion, seropositivity is higher in the poor socioeconomic group.Conclusion: Seroprevalence for recent Toxoplasma gondii infection is higher in women with spontaneous abortion.Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2014; Vol. 29(2) : 87-93