bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total knee arthroplasty conversion for patients with ankylosed knees
Authors: Kim Hee-June , Mun Jong-Uk , Kim Kwang-Hwan , Kyung Hee-Soo
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of total knee arthroplasty for patients with ankylosed knees.

Methods:

We evaluated seven patients (10 knees) who underwent total knee arthroplasties for ankylosed knees from 1995 to 2008. There were two men and five women, with a mean age of 44.1 years (42–48 years). The mean follow-up period was 10.2 years (1–19.5 years). A rectus snip was performed in all cases, and V-Y quadricepsplasty was used in one case of severe quadriceps contracture. In all cases, we used the PFC Sigma PS fixed model (DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., Warsaw, Indiana, USA). The goal was more than 90° of flexion. Clinical evaluation was performed using range of motion (ROM), Knee Society (KS) Knee Score, KS Function Score, and complications. Radiographs were used to evaluate loosening or osteolysis.

Results:

The ROF was improved from 9.5° (0–30°) to 78.5° (15–115°), The Knee Score improved from 42.6 (25–70) to 68.6 (41–97), and the Function Score improved from 39 (0–60) to 66 (40–90). A radiolucent line was detected in two cases (one patient) around the tibial component, and one case had a necrosis of skin edge. Only one case had no improvement of motion.

Conclusion:

Total knee arthroplasty conversion for patients with ankylosed knees can achieve good results for motion and function without osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity when there is good quality soft tissue of the thigh.
Is Telehealth Right for Your Practice and Your Patients With Asthma?
Authors: Brown Wendy , Schmitz Tara , Scott David M , Friesner Daniel
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Telehealth services are becoming increasingly used to provide care to patients living in rural areas. Little is known about the patient satisfaction with the provision of these services.

Methods:

A prospective cohort pilot study was developed to evaluate the use of telehealth for the delivery of asthma education services in the rural, medically underserved community of Oakes, North Dakota. A certified asthma educator used real-time, audio-visual telehealth technology to meet with patients the local community pharmacy. Patients met with the educator monthly for the first three months of the study, and once every three months thereafter. Patient satisfaction was measured using a five item survey.

Results:

Eighteen patients completed the study (90 percent completion rate). Patient satisfaction scores were relatively high, typically between 4 and 5 on a 5-point scale.

Conclusions:

Participants in a rural, medically underserved community found the community pharmacy location and the telehealth technology a convenient means to access a specialty provider for asthma education.
FZR1 loss increases sensitivity to DNA damage and consequently promotes murine and human B-cell acute leukemia
Authors: Ishizawa Jo , Sugihara Eiji , Kuninaka Shinji , Mogushi Kaoru , Kojima Kensuke , Benton Christopher B. , Zhao Ran , Chachad Dhruv , Hashimoto Norisato , Jacamo Rodrigo O. , Qiu Yihua , Yoo Suk Young , Okamoto Shinichiro , Andreeff Michael , Kornblau Steven M. , Saya Hideyuki
Published: February 2017

Key Points

FZR1 loss causes increased sensitivity of B-ALL cells to oncogene- or chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. Prolonged loss of FZR1 contributes to the development of treatment-resistant clones in mouse and human B-ALL.
Protective effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on CCl4-induced acute hepatic stress
Authors: Lee Geum-Hwa , Lee Hwa-Young , Choi Min-Kyung , Chung Han-Wool , Kim Seung-Wook , Chae Han-Jung
Published: February 2017

Background

The Curcuma longa L. (CLL) rhizome has long been used to treat patients with hepatic dysfunction. CLL is a member of the ginger family of spices that are widely used in China, India, and Japan, and is a common spice, coloring, flavoring, and traditional medicine. This study was performed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of CLL extract and its active component curcumin in an acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver stress model.

Methods

Acute hepatic stress was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.1 ml/kg body weight) in rats. CLL extract was administered once a day for 3 days at three dose levels (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day) and curcumin was administered once a day at the 200 mg/kg/day. We performed alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). activity analysis and also measured total lipid, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, and lipid peroxidation.

Results

At 100 g CLL, the curcuminoid components curcumin (901.63 ± 5.37 mg/100 g), bis-demethoxycurcumin (108.28 ± 2.89 mg/100 g), and demethoxycurcumin (234.85 ± 1.85 mg/100 g) were quantified through high liquid chromatography analysis. In CCl4-treated rats, serum AST and ALT levels increased 2.1- and 1.2-fold compared with the control. AST but not ALT elevation induced by CCl4 was significantly alleviated in CLL- and curcumin-treated rats. Peroxidation of membrane lipids in the liver was significantly prevented by CLL (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day) on tissue lipid peroxidation assay and immunostaining with anti-4HNE antibody. We found that CLL extract and curcumin exhibited significant protection against liver injury by improving hepatic superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05) and glutathione peroxidase activity, and glutathione content in the CCl4-treated group (p < 0.05), leading to a reduced lipid peroxidase level.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that CLL extract and curcumin protect the liver from acute CCl4-induced injury in a rodent model by suppressing hepatic oxidative stress. Therefore, CLL extract and curcumin are potential therapeutic antioxidant agents against acute hepatotoxicity.
Global Change Research and the “People Disciplines”: Toward a New Dispensation
Authors: Castree Noel
Published: February 2017

Climate science is embedded in a much grander geoscientific attempt to understand an earth system perturbed by human activities. “Global change science,” as it is sometimes called, is now trying ever harder to understand and influence the so-called human dimensions of environmental change. While mainstream social science approaches like environmental economics are central to this effort, what of the wider social sciences and the humanities? They stand to be vital intermediaries between geoscientific claims about a changing planet and the publics, politicians, business leaders, and third-sector organizations that must now respond to those claims or court danger. This article explores the relationships between epistemic communities across the disciplines that are together trying to represent the earth and its inhabitants at a time when the relationship between the two needs to change. Though the wider social sciences and humanities have responded to the epochal claims of geoscience, this article shows that a combination of ignorance, timidity, and distance is nonetheless allowing those involved to perpetuate unhelpful institutional and intellectual separations. The article seeks to explain this state of affairs and offer reasons why it needs to change. The prospects for a new dispensation are, however, distant.
haploR: an R-package for querying web-based annotation tools
Authors: Zhbannikov Ilya Y. , Arbeev Konstantin , Yashin Anatoliy I.
Published: February 2017

There exists a set of web-based tools for integration and exploring information linked to annotated genetic variants. We developed haploR, an R-package for querying such web-based genome annotation tools (currently implementing on HaploReg and RegulomeDB) and gathering information in a format suitable for downstream bioinformatic analyses. This will facilitate post-genome wide association studies streamline analysis for rapid discovery and interpretation of genetic associations.
The role of cDC1s in vivo: CD8 T cell priming through cross-presentation
Authors: Theisen Derek , Murphy Kenneth
Published: February 2017

The cDC1 subset of classical dendritic cells is specialized for priming CD8 T cell responses through the process of cross-presentation. The molecular mechanisms of cross-presentation remain incompletely understood because of limited biochemical analysis of rare cDC1 cells, difficulty in their genetic manipulation, and reliance onin vitrosystems based on monocyte- and bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells. This review will discuss cross-presentation from the perspective of studies with monocyte- or bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells while highlighting the need for future work examining cDC1 cells. We then discuss the role of cDC1s as a cellular platform to combine antigen processing for class I and class II MHC presentation to allow the integration of “help” from CD4 T cells during priming of CD8 T cell responses.
THEORETICAL MODEL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Перькова  , Perkova Margarita , Большаков  , Bolshakov Andrey
Published: February 2017

The article discusses the issue of sustainable development of the regional settlement system and its elements (municipalities). The authors proposed the principles of territorial planning of the regional system of settlement and classification of the urban conflicts of motivations. Developed a theoretical model of sustainable development of regional systems of settlement, including the examination of particular characteristics of the territory, the definition of "code" identity of the territory, its adaptive development over time, identifying areas of conflict motivations and their solution in solving problems of territorial planning.
Custom-made total ankle arthroplasty for the salvage of major talar bone loss
Authors: Wagener J. , Gross C. E. , Schweizer C. , Lang T. Horn , Hintermann B.
Published: February 2017

Aims

A failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is often associated with much bone loss. As an alternative to arthrodesis, the surgeon may consider a custom-made talar component to compensate for the bone loss. Our aim in this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome after the use of such a component at mid- to long-term follow-up.

Patients and Methods

A total of 12 patients (five women and seven men, mean age 53 years; 36 to77) with a failed TAA and a large talar defect underwent a revision procedure using a custom-made talar component. The design of the custom-made components was based on CT scans and standard radiographs, when compared with the contralateral ankle. After the anterior talocalcaneal joint was fused, the talar component was introduced and fixed to the body of the calcaneum.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 6.9 years (1 to 13), 11 ankles were stable with no radiological evidence of loosening. Only one was lost to follow-up. The mean arc of movement was 21°(10°to 35°). A total of nine patients (75%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome, two (17%) were satisfied but with reservations and one (8%) was not satisfied. All but one patient had an improvement in the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score (p = 0.01). Just one patient developed deep infection, leading to arthrodesis.

Conclusion

A custom-made talar component yielded satisfactory results with regard to function, stability and satisfaction. This should encourage the use of such components as an alternative to arthrodesis of the ankle in patients with a failed TAA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:231–6.
Informed consent in the context of research involving acute injuries and emergencies
Authors: Costa M. L. , Tutton E. , Achten J. , Grant R. , Slowther A. M.
Published: February 2017

Traditionally, informed consent for clinical research involves the patient reading an approved Participant Information Sheet, considering the information presented and having as much time as they need to discuss the study information with their friends and relatives, their clinical care and the research teams. This system works well in the ‘planned’ or ‘elective’ setting. But what happens if the patient requires urgent treatment for an injury or emergency?

This article reviews the legal framework which governs informed consent in the emergency setting, discusses how the approach taken may vary according to the details of the emergency and the treatment required, and reports on the patients’ view of providing consent following a serious injury. We then provide some practical tips for managing the process of informed consent in the context of injuries and emergencies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:147–150.
Augmenting the osseointegration of endoprostheses using laser-sintered porous collars
Authors: Mumith A. , Coathup M. , Chimutengwende-Gordon M. , Aston W. , Briggs T. , Blunn G.
Published: February 2017

Aims

Massive endoprostheses rely on extra-cortical bone bridging (ECBB) to enhance fixation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of selective laser sintered (SLS) porous collars in augmenting the osseointegration of these prostheses.

Materials and Methods

The two novel designs of porous SLS collars, one with small pores (Ø700 μm, SP) and one with large pores (Ø1500 μm, LP), were compared in an ovine tibial diaphyseal model. Osseointegration of these collars was compared with that of a clinically used solid, grooved design (G). At six months post-operatively, the ovine tibias were retrieved and underwent radiological and histological analysis.

Results

Porous collars provided a significantly greater surface (p < 0.001) for the ingrowth of bone than the standard grooved design. Significantly greater extracortical pedicle formation was seen radiologically around the grooved design (length p = 0.002, thickness p < 0.001, surface area p = 0.002) than around the porous collars. However, the ingrowth of bone occurred from the transection site into the porous structure of both types of collar. A fivefold increase in integration was seen with the SP and a threefold increase in the LP design when compared with G (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SLS porous collars allow the direct ingrowth of more bone and are better than current designs which rely on surface ongrowth and ECBB. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:276–82.
Reconstruction with 3D-printed pelvic endoprostheses after resection of a pelvic tumour
Authors: Liang H. , Ji T. , Zhang Y. , Wang Y. , Guo W.
Published: February 2017

Aims

The aims of this retrospective study were to report the feasibility of using 3D-printing technology for patients with a pelvic tumour who underwent reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 35 patients underwent resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction using 3D-printed endoprostheses between September 2013 and December 2015. According to Enneking’s classification of bone defects, there were three Type I lesions, 12 Type II+III lesions, five Type I+II lesions, two Type I+II+III lesions, ten type I+II+IV lesions and three type I+II+III+IV lesions. A total of three patients underwent reconstruction using an iliac prosthesis, 12 using a standard hemipelvic prosthesis and 20 using a screw-rod connected hemipelvic prosthesis.

Results

All patients had an en bloc resection. Margins were wide in 15 patients, marginal in 14 and intralesional in six. After a mean follow-up of 20.5 months (6 to 30), 25 patients survived without evidence of disease, five were alive with disease and five had died from metastatic disease. Complications included seven patients with delayed wound healing and two with a dislocation of the hip. None had a deep infection. For the 30 surviving patients, the mean Musculoskeletal Society 93 score was 22.7 (20 to 25) for patients with an iliac prosthesis, 19.8 (15 to 26) for those with a standard prosthesis, and 17.7 (9 to 25) for those with a screw-rod connected prosthesis.

Conclusion

The application of 3D-printing technology can facilitate the precise matching and osseointegration between implants and the host bone. We found that the use of 3D-printed pelvic prostheses for reconstruction of the bony defect after resection of a pelvic tumour was safe, without additional complications, and gave good short-term functional results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:267–75.
Enseñanza del Derecho Internacional Privado
Authors: Toniollo Javier Alberto
Published: February 2017

Enseñanza del Derecho Internacional Privado
Analysis of an elliptic system with infinitely many solutions
Authors: Cortázar Carmen , Elgueta Manuel , García-Melián Jorge
Published: February 2017

We consider the elliptic system

Δ
⁢

u

=

u
p

⁢

v
q

${\Delta u\hskip-0.284528pt=\hskip-0.284528ptu^{p}v^{q}}$

,

Δ
⁢

v

=

u
r

⁢

v
s

${\Delta v\hskip-0.284528pt=\hskip-0.284528ptu^{r}v^{s}}$

in Ω with the
boundary conditions

∂
⁡
u

/

∂
⁡
η

=

λ
⁢
u

${{\partial u/\partial\eta}=\lambda u}$

,

∂
⁡
v

/

∂
⁡
η

=

μ
⁢
v

${{\partial v/\partial\eta}=\mu v}$

on

∂
⁡
Ω

${\partial\Omega}$

,
where Ω is a smooth bounded domain of

ℝ
N

${\mathbb{R}^{N}}$

,

p
,
s

>
1

${p,s>1}$

,

q
,
r

>
0

${q,r>0}$

,

λ
,
μ

>
0

${\lambda,\mu>0}$

and η stands for the outward unit normal.
Assuming the “criticality” hypothesis

(

p
-
1

)

⁢

(

s
-
1

)

=

q
⁢
r

${(p-1)(s-1)=qr}$

, we completely analyze the values of

λ
,
μ

${\lambda,\mu}$

for which there exist positive solutions and give a detailed description of the
set of solutions.
Inclusion of NSP-hydrolysing enzymes in diets for broiler chicks containing increasing contents of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) / Einsatz von NSP-spaltenden Enzymen in Futterrationen für Broiler mit unterschiedlichen Trockenschlempegehalten (DDGS)
Authors: Schedle Karl , Humer Elke , Leitgeb Rudolf , Freudenberger Gertrude , Ebner Katharina Monika , Schwarz Christiane
Published: February 2017

summary

The objective of the current study was to determine the applicability of wheat-corn-distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as protein source with and without non-starch polysaccharides (NSP)-hydrolyzing enzymes in diets of broiler chicks. In addition to the performance and carcass characteristics, the effect on energy parameters (energy intake per day, energy per kilogram feed), digestibility, as well as sensory aspects and fatty acid profile of breast meat were determined. In a 3×2-factorial approach, a total of 360 broiler chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to six treatment groups (8%, 16%, and 24% DDGS, with or without NSP-hydrolyzing enzymes). The zootechnical performance was not influenced by increasing DDGS concentrations over the whole fattening period, whereas supplementation of the NSP-hydrolyzing enzyme improved feed conversion ratio in the grower phase and increased average daily gain (ADG) in the finisher phase (p < 0.05). Energy and dry matter (DM) digestibility as well as apparent N retention did not differ between treatments. The substitution of soybean meal and corn with DDGS and vegetable oil showed a trend of increased tenderness of broiler breast meat. Nevertheless, the intramuscular amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids increased with increasing inclusion rate of DDGS and vegetable oil (p < 0.01).
Review of some features of the biology of Strongyloides westeri with emphasis on the life cycle
Authors: Lyons E.T. , Tolliver S.C.
Published: February 2017

Review of several aspects of the biology of Strongyloides westeri, especially on the life cycle, are presented. The main reason is because of the potential renewed importance of these parasites since the recently recognized increase in their prevalence in horse foals. Indications are that the first and main source of enteric infections in foals maturing to adults in their small intestines is from parasitic third stage larvae (L3) passing to them in milk of their dams. It appears that a lesser source of infection is from free-living L3 which, when they are ingested with food or penetrate the skin, can mature in foals. In conclusion, the source of enteric infections of adult S. westeri in foals is mainly from parasitic L3 that they ingest in milk of their dams.
Spirura carajaensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Spiruridae), parasite of Proechimys roberti Thomas 1901 (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Cordeiro H. da Costa , Melo F. Tiago de Vasconcelos , Jr. A. Maldonado , Santos J. Nascimento Dos
Published: February 2017

A new species of nematode, from the family Spiruridae, is described using parasites from the esophageal mucosa of Proechimys roberti (Rodentia: Echimyidae), which were obtained during a fauna survey in the Tapirapé-Aquirí National Forest, Carajás Reserve, Brazil, Eastern Brazilian Amazon. The helminthes were collected from the esophagus, fixed and processed for light microscopy. Spirura carajaensis n. sp. differs from other species in the genus because it has a left spicule with a well-developed sheath, which is leaf-shaped and covers the terminal half of the spicule. Males and females have a small appendix on the caudal end. This structure has not been reported before for this genus. The present study reports the first record of parasitism by Spirura in rodents of the genus Proechimys in Brazil and in the Amazon biome.
Biology and predatory attributes of a diplogasterid nematode, Fictor composticola Khan et al., 2008
Authors: Bajaj H. K. , Kanwar R. S.
Published: February 2017

Biology of Fictor composticola has been studied on Aphelenchus avenae in vitro. It reproduces by amphimixis, embryonic development is completed in 24 - 27 h and life cycle in 3 - 4 days. Fusion of sperm and egg pronuclei occurs in the uteri. Pulsation of median oesophageal bulb and pressing of lips against egg shell is seen just prior to hatching but teeth seem to play no role in this process. No moulting occurs inside the egg shell and the first stage juvenile hatches out. Female and male undergo mating upon addition of water in the culture plates and continue to swim in copula for a considerable time. A female lays 1.6 - 4.0 eggs in 24 h while feeding upon A. radicicolus. Predation and reproduction is affected by the temperature and 25 - 35 °C is the optimum range for these phenomena. Process of feeding as recorded with a CCTV attached to a compound microscope is described. F. composticola engulfs small preys; sucks the intestinal contents while holding them or cuts the body wall of large-sized preys and then feeds on prolapsed organs. Two sexes differ in their efficiencies of predation, a female on an average kills 53 A. avenae as compared to 11 by a male in 24 h. F. composticola feeds and reproduces on mycophagous nematodes and juveniles of root- knot, cyst and citrus nematodes but does not prey upon adult nematodes having coarsely annulated cuticle. Cannibalism in this species is also observed. F. composticola and Seinura paratenuicaudata prey upon each other. Biocontrol potential of F. composticola for managing nematode problems in button mushroom and agricultural crops has also been discussed.
Helminths of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica
Authors: Santoro M. , Morales J. A. , Bolaáos F. , Chaves G. , Stefano M. De
Published: February 2017

Parasitological examination of a stranded hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Pacific coast of Costa Rica revealed the presence of a rich digenean fauna including Carettacola stunkardi (Spirorchiidae), Enodiotrema reductum (Plagiorchiidae), Cricocephalus albus, Adenogaster serialis, Epi-bathra crassa, Pleurogonius lobatus, P. trigonocephalus, P. linearis, and Pyelosomum posterorchis (Pronocephalidae). All helminths except C. albus and P. lobatus represent new geographical records for Costa Rica. Carettacola stunkardi is reported for first time in an Eastern Pacific hawksbill turtle and its pathological changes are here described. Histologically, nodular lesions on the serosal surface of intestine revealed a mixed infiltrate of heterophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes within necrotic debris. Granulomas with spirorchiid eggs were observed in the mucosa, sub-mucosa and muscular layers of stomach and intestine, gallbladder and liver.
Development and Optimization of Vibration-Damped Tool Holders for High Length-to-Diameter Boring Operations
Authors: Sørby Knut
Published: February 2017

When the length-to-diameter ratio of a boring bar becomes too high, the vibration problem becomes excessive. This paper discusses the design and optimization of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) for vibration-damped boring bars. A typical TMD for a boring bar consists of a high-density mass, rubber elements, and viscous damping fluid. The TMD is mounted as close to the free end of the boring bar as possible for maximizing the damping effect. The different tuning strategies are related to the different types of vibrations that are observed in machining operations. It is shown that the classical tuning with minimized magnitude of the frequency response function will give the shortest settling time for free vibrations, while tuning for maximized negative real part of the frequency response function will give the highest resistance to regenerative chatter. For suppressing regenerative chatters, the internal damping in the material in the boring bar body is of minor importance for boring bars with TMDs, but of high importance for conventional undamped boring bars. The paper presents design solutions for TMDs in boring bars.
Leadership in the Contemporary Military: Mavericks in the Bureaucracy?
Authors: Kuronen Tuomas , Huhtinen Aki-Mauri
Published: February 2017

In this reflective paper, we study the tension between leadership and institutional control in contemporary Western military organizations. More precisely, we focus on two (out of five) NATO measures of merit, namely the Measure of Performance (MOP) and the Measure of Effectiveness (MOE), and how they manifest this tension at the operational level. We suggest that fixed leadership roles are not enough - what is required instead is an adaptive, pragmatic and even rebellious attitude towards the military bureaucracy in the contemporary, ever-changing conflict landscape.
Subjective Security in a Volatile Geopolitical Situation: Does Lithuanian Society Feel Safe?
Authors: Vileikienė Eglė , Janušauskienė Diana
Published: February 2017

The geopolitical situation of Lithuania has deteriorated since the annexation of Crimea and the military conflict in Eastern Ukraine. It has affected the objective security of the state as well as subjective security of the Lithuanian population. This article analyses subjective security and deals with the subjective perception of geopolitical and military threats, mainly social attitudes towards national security and the willingness to defend the country. Article is based on theories of securitisation and human security and holds that individuals are the primary referents of security. Empirically, the article relies on the original data of the research project “Subjective Security in a Volatile Geopolitical Context: Traits, Factors and Individual Strategies”, funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Article shows the dynamics of social attitudes towards security. Over the last 15 years, a clear shift towards the understanding of potential military threats has occurred. Nevertheless, the predominant concern about individual security, overshadowing security of the state and security of the global order, found in previous studies, has persisted. An individual, as a rule, feels most secure in his/her “closest” environment, e.g. family and friends, and least secure in the “farthest” environment, e.g. other continents.
The impact of psychological distress during pregnancy on the developing fetus: biological mechanisms and the potential benefits of mindfulness interventions
Authors: Isgut Monica , Smith Alicia K. , Reimann Eduardo Schuch , Kucuk Omer , Ryan Joanne
Published: February 2017

The
Efficacy of and potential morbidities associated with the use of antacid medications in preterm neonates
Authors: Patil Uday P. , Bailey Sean M. , Wachtel Elena V. , Orosz Evan , Zarchin Rebecca , Mally Pradeep V.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Antacid medications are frequently administered to preterm infants. These medications can change gastric pH levels and can affect regular gastrointestinal function and gut micro-bacterial flora. We hypothesized that preterm infants exposed to antacid medications are at a greater risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis, and set out to determine any association, as well as to assess the clinical efficacy of these medications.

Materials and methods:

Retrospective chart review of preterm infants ≤30 weeks’ gestational age or birth weight ≤1250 g over a 2-year period at New York University Langone Medical Center. Subjects were divided into two groups: those who had been treated with antacid medications and those who had not. We then examined for any difference in NEC (≥Bell stage 2) or culture proven sepsis.

Results:

The study comprised 65 eligible neonates, 28 in antacid treatment group and 37 in control. The incidence of NEC (21.4% vs. 2.7%, P=0.04) was significantly higher in the antacid group, but these infants tended to be born more prematurely than control subjects. There was a trend toward more culture proven sepsis cases in the antacid group. We found no difference in signs generally associated with neonatal reflux (apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation events) in subjects treated with antacid medications after treatment began.

Conclusions:

Treatment of preterm infants with antacid medications is potentially associated with a higher risk of NEC, and possibly sepsis, while appearing to provide little benefit.
Vision and Intimacy
Authors: Hirdman Anja
Published: February 2017

One emerging form of communication discussed in the present article is the use of visual self-representation as a tool for symbolic interaction between young people on the Internet. Using examples of difference and similarity in young women’s and men’s visual self-representation, the article offers an interpretation of these practices, pointing towards both new visual conventions and references to pre-existing media representations, thus revealing a process of hypervisuality. In this process of transformation, the involvement of new technologies, such as webcam aesthetics and its form of intimacy and authenticity, produces specific visual conventions within the frame of pre-existing media imagery, when the self is presented in online communication.
Media Use and Misperceptions
Authors: Aalberg Toril , Strabac Zan
Published: February 2017

There is considerable evidence that many people generally misperceive the size of the immigrant population in their country, and that this may have essential political implications. In studies of political knowledge, the news media are typically said to be one important source of information that can help make people more knowledgeable. In the present article, we investigate whether there is a relationship between TV viewing, media system variations and knowledge about immigration. We base our analysis on highly comparable data from the 2002-2003 wave of the European Social Survey (ESS) and an American replication of the ESS. The results indicate that TV viewing in general is associated with lower levels of knowledge, while there is a positive but non-significant relationship between watching TV news and knowledge about immigration. Differences in the levels of knowledge between the countries are fairly large, with residents of Nordic countries being most knowledgeable and residents of the UK, US and France tending to be least knowledgeable. Aggregate explanations for variations in media influence (share of public service TV and “media systems”) do not prove to be of much value in explaining differences in knowledge about the sizes of immigrant populations.
Authenticity in the Perspective of Sport Tourism: Some Selected Examples
Authors: Hurych Emanuel
Published: February 2017

Authenticity is usually understood as something similar to truth, or as a kind of ability of one “to be oneself”. However, for the philosophical approach, authenticity presents a more complex and complicated term. This conception has been followed in existentialism and fundamental ontology, where it has been examined and analyzed in depth (especially by Martin Heidegger). This paper deals with the search for some potentiality of the authentic modus of being through the practice of some forms of sport tourism. We selected and described four model types of sport tourism activities. Then, we designed and selected some factors of authenticity. The evaluation of authenticity within the selected activities according to the factors was applied in a two-round process of evaluation. The results of the process are explained and discussed. In conclusion, authenticity is presented as a concept that is not strongly influenced by outer settings, but is rather strongly connected with personal attunement and individual (or group) perception of the outer world.
International Cooperation: Testing Evolution of Cooperation Theories
Authors: Bowling Jeremy
Published: February 2017

The evolution of cooperation scholarship develops evolutionary stable theories that explain the presence of cooperation when there are many reasons to defect from cooperation. In this analysis, these theories are tested using the relations between states. Focusing on the direct reciprocity strategies of Tit-for-Tat and Win-stay/Lose-shift and the indirect reciprocity strategies of Cooperative Reputation and Tag, Tit-for-Tat and Cooperative Reputation are found to be robust, while Tags have mixed results. In the end, it is the direct cooperative action by states and their cooperative reputation and not shared characteristics that are most likely to elicit cooperative action in return.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) Migration – Endoscopic Treatment Modalities
Authors: Klimczak Tomasz , Szewczyk Tomasz , Janczak Przemysław , Jurałowicz Piotr
Published: February 2017

Laparoscopic adjustible gastric binding (LAGB) is one of most common surgical methods of treating obesity. Gastric band migration (erosion) is a typical LAGB complication, with a frequency of about 1-4%.

was to present the possibilities of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of this complication.

The study was carried out in the Department of Gastroenterological, Oncological and General Surgery in Łódź. Between 2008 and 2015, 450 gastric bands were implanted using the laparoscopic technique in 318 (71%) women and 132 (29%) men. In this period 7 cases of band migration were diagnosed – 3 cases in men (2.3%) and 4 cases in women (1.3%), what presents 1.56% of general number of complications. Five out of 7 eroded bands were qualified for endoscopic removal. Four out of 5 qualified eroded bands were removed using the gastric band cutting technique. In one case we used the musculo-mucosal incision technique. In order to diagnose early perforations all patients underwent control passage examinations with oral contrast (gastrografin) 3-6 hours after the procedure.

All 5 out of 5 qualified eroded gastric bands were successfully removed with the endoscopic method, which gives 100% success rate in own material. Two endoscopic methods were used: 1) endoscopic gastric band cutting, 2) endoscopic musculo-mucosal incision.

Endoscopy gives a possibility of instant diagnosis of gastric band migration and early minimally invasive treatment. One of our endoscopic methods of removing the bands by making several incisions of the musculo-mucosal plicae has not yet been described in professional medical literature.
Ultrasound Measurement of the Gallbladder Wall Thickness in the Assessment of the Risk of Conversion from Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Surgery — Olkusz County Experience
Authors: Kania Dariusz
Published: February 2017

was to assess the risk of intraoperative difficulties, conversion and biliary-intestinal fistula during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the basis of an ultrasound-measured gall-bladder wall thickness.

A prospective study was conducted in 50 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic gallstone-induced cholecystitis. To calculate the relationships between categorical variables, a chi-square (χ

The relationship between the gall-bladder wall thickness and the occurrence of intraoperative difficulties in the analysed set is deterministic (AUC = 1), and the wall thickness of ≥ 5 mm allows to predict their occurrence as soon as at the stage of diagnostic evaluation (p < 0.001). In addition, the ultrasound-measured GB wall thickness is a good predictor of conversion (AUC = 0.976; 95% CI 0.444–0.975; p < 0.001) and biliary-intestinal fistula (AUC = 0.935; 95% CI 0.121–0.738; p = 0.001).

The results allow prediction of technically difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies in patients with CCh, and selection of the right surgical team helps to reduce the number of conversions and possible complications. In addition, bearing in mind the above results in everyday practice should facilitate planning and increase effectiveness in the operating room.
Specifics of Communication in Lithuanian Voting Campaigns, 2012-2016
Authors: Mažylis Liudas , Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė Ingrida , Povilaitis Romualdas
Published: February 2017

The rapid growth of the numbers of unaffiliated voters and the internet users caused politicians’ interest in these audiences and the start of their activities in these communication channels by establishing more personalized relationships with voters. This paper aims to analyze the communication of main parties and their candidates in social media channel “Facebook” and in popular Lithuanian internet news media portals, such as delfi.lt, lrytas.lt and others before the Parliamentary elections in 2012 and the forthcoming 2016 Parliamentary elections. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of campaign coverage in the media portals and Facebook are analysed. The paper addresses the following questions: How important are factors such as new party emergence, parallel referendum campaign, and activity of using social media for the final result of elections? How active were the politicians in the Facebook? What content dominated their profiles? How much personalized were their messages? What strategies were used for communication? Did the politicians aim at mobilizing or at persuasion the voters? Involvement of citizens, voters’ turnout and political results are linked with campaign arguments and the value normative environment. We conclude by providing the discussion on the noticed tendencies and possible improvements in the communication of candidates for the future.
Environmental Aspects of Implementation of Micro Hydro Power Plants – A Short Review
Authors: Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Pauli Skyler , Bănăduc Doru , Didenko Alexander , Sender Joana , Marić Saša , Del Monte Pablo , Khoshnood Zahra , Zakeyuddin Shafiq
Published: February 2017

The economic importance of micro hydro power plants is obvious around the world and the development trend will continue well into the future.

Unfortunately the effects on the local lotic systems habitats and biocoenosis are not studied, and in some cases or are known only to a small degree.

A variety of taxa were identified in the study case areas as being significantly affected by the micro hydro power plants: macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and fish.
Targeted Reactivation during Sleep Differentially Affects Negative Memories in Socially Anxious and Healthy Children and Adolescents
Authors: Groch Sabine , Preiss Andrea , McMakin Dana L. , Rasch Björn , Walitza Susanne , Huber Reto , Wilhelm Ines
Published: February 2017

Cognitive models propose a negative memory bias as one key factor contributing to the emergence and maintenance of social anxiety disorder (SAD). The long-term consolidation of memories relies on memory reactivations during sleep. We investigated in SAD patients and healthy controls the role of memory reactivations during sleep in the long-term consolidation of positive and negative information. Socially anxious and healthy children and adolescents learnt associations between pictures showing ambiguous situations and positive or negative words defining the situations' outcome. Half of the words were re-presented during postlearning sleep (i.e., they were cued). Recall of picture–word associations and subjective ratings of pleasantness and arousal in response to the pictures was tested for cued and uncued stimuli. In the morning after cueing, cueing facilitated retention of positive and negative memories equally well in SAD patients and healthy controls. One week later, cueing led to reduced ratings of pleasantness of negative information in SAD but not in healthy controls. Coincidental to these findings was more pronounced EEG theta activity over frontal, temporal and parietal regions in response to negative stimuli in SAD patients. Our findings suggest that the preferential abstraction of negative emotional information during sleep might represent one factor underlying the negative memory bias in SAD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe aim to uncover mechanisms underlying the characteristic negative memory bias in social anxiety disorder (SAD). The formation of long-lasting memories—a process referred to as memory consolidation—depends on the reactivation of newly acquired memories during sleep. We demonstrated that experimentally induced memory reactivation during sleep renders long-term memories of negative experiences more negative in SAD patients but not in healthy controls. We also found in SAD patients that the reactivation of negative experiences coincided with more pronounced oscillatory theta activity. These results provide first evidence that memory reactivation during sleep might contribute to the negative memory bias in SAD.
Impact of Enterovirus Testing on Resource Use in Febrile Young Infants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wallace Sowdhamini S. , Lopez Michelle A. , Caviness A. Chantal
Published: February 2017

CONTEXT:

Enterovirus infection commonly causes fever in infants aged 0 to 90 days and, without testing, is difficult to differentiate from serious bacterial infection.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the cost savings of routine enterovirus testing and identify subgroups of infants with greater potential impact from testing among infants 0 to 90 days old with fever.

DATA SOURCES:

Studies were identified systematically from published and unpublished literature by using Embase, Medline, the Cochrane database, and conference proceedings.

STUDY SELECTION:

Inclusion criteria were original studies, in any language, of enterovirus infection including the outcomes of interest in infants aged 0 to 90 days.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Standardized instruments were used to appraise each study. The evidence quality was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. Two investigators independently searched the literature, screened and critically appraised the studies, extracted the data, and applied the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.

RESULTS:

Of the 257 unique studies identified and screened, 32 were completely reviewed and 8 were included. Routine enterovirus testing was associated with reduced hospital length of stay and cost savings during peak enterovirus season. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was a poor predictor of enterovirus meningitis. The studies were all observational and the evidence was of low quality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Enterovirus polymerase chain reaction testing, independent of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, can reduce length of stay and achieve cost savings, especially during times of high enterovirus prevalence. Additional study is needed to identify subgroups that may achieve greater cost savings from testing to additionally enhance the efficiency of testing.
Impact of Parental Presence at Infants’ Bedside on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Howard Mary Beth , Schiff Davida M. , Penwill Nicole , Si Wendy , Rai Anjali , Wolfgang Tahlia , Moses James M. , Wachman Elisha M.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND:

Despite increased incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) over the past decade, minimal data exist on benefits of parental presence at the bedside on NAS outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between rates of parental presence and NAS outcomes.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study of infants treated pharmacologically for NAS using a rooming-in model of care. Parental presence was documented every 4 hours with nursing cares. We obtained demographic data for mothers and infants and assessed covariates confounding NAS severity and time spent at the bedside. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS) at the hospital, extent of pharmacotherapy, and mean Finnegan withdrawal score. Multiple linear regression modeling assessed the association of parental presence with outcomes.

RESULTS:

For the 86 mother–infant dyads, the mean parental presence during scoring was on average 54.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48.8%–60.7%) of the infant’s hospitalization. Maximum (100%) parental presence was associated with a 9 day shorter LOS (r = –0.31; 95% CI, –0.48 to –0.10; P < .01), 8 fewer days of infant opioid therapy (r = –0.34; 95% CI, –0.52 to –0.15; P < .001), and 1 point lower mean Finnegan score (r = –0.35; 95% CI, –0.52 to –0.15; P < .01). After adjusting for breastfeeding, parental presence remained significantly associated with reduced NAS score and opioid treatment days.

CONCLUSIONS:

More parental time spent at the infant's bedside was associated with decreased NAS severity. This has important implications for clinical practice guidelines for NAS.
Gavage Feeding Practices in VLBW Infants: Physiological Aspects and Clinical Implications
Authors: Goswami Ipsita , Alshaikh Belal
Published: February 2017

The goal of enteral nutrition in preterm infants is to adequately support growth without compromising the integrity of the immature gut. Gavage feeds given both by intermittent bolus and continuous infusion have been used in NICUs for years. There is no clear evidence that one method improves clinical outcome over the other, leading to practice variations that are often empirical and subject to clinician preference. This article reviews the physiological effects of the feeding method on gut perfusion, motility, energy expenditure, and interoceptive stress with special regard to anabolism and bioavailability of nutrients. Bolus feeding is followed by insulin surges, enhanced protein synthesis, and improved intestinal growth. Infusion feeding leads to a mature pattern of duodenal contractions and less energy expenditure but is associated with significant loss of key nutrients. An individualized approach based on physiological needs of preterm infants may improve feeding tolerance in this population.
Chronic Heart Failure Care Planning: Considerations in Older Patients
Authors: Hill Eilidh ,   Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK, Taylor Jackie ,   Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
Published: February 2017

In developed countries, it is estimated that more than 10 % of adults aged over 70 years have heart failure (HF). Despite therapeutic advances, it remains a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is one of the commonest causes of unscheduled hospital admissions in older adults and data consistently show a lower uptake of evidence-based investigations and therapies as well as higher rates of HF hospitalisations and mortality than in younger adults. These rates are highest amongst patients discharged to ‘skilled nursing facilities’, where comorbidities, frailty and cognitive impairment are common and have a significant impact on outcomes. In this review, we examine current guidance and its limitations and offer a pragmatic approach to management of HF in this elderly population.