bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Derivative-Rich Melinjo Seed Extract Attenuates Skin Atrophy inSod1-Deficient Mice
Authors: Watanabe Kenji , Shibuya Shuichi , Ozawa Yusuke , Izuo Naotaka , Shimizu Takahiko
Published: June 2015

The oxidative damages induced by a redox imbalance cause age-related changes in cells and tissues. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes play a pivotal role in the antioxidant system and they also catalyze superoxide radicals. Since the loss of cytoplasmic SOD (SOD1) resulted in aging-like phenotypes in several types of murine tissue, SOD1 is essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Melinjo (Gnetum gnemonLinn) seed extract (MSE) contains trans-resveratrol (RSV) and resveratrol derivatives, including gnetin C, gnemonoside A, and gnemonoside D. MSE intake also exerts no adverse events in human study. In the present studies, we investigated protective effects of MSE on age-related skin pathologies in mice. Orally MSE and RSV treatment reversed the skin thinning associated with increased oxidative damage in theSod1−/−mice. Furthermore, MSE and RSV normalized gene expression ofCol1a1andp53and upregulated gene expression ofSirt1in skin tissues.In vitroexperiments revealed that RSV significantly promoted the viability ofSod1−/−fibroblasts. These finding demonstrated that RSV in MSE stably suppressed an intrinsic superoxide generationin vivoandin vitroleading to protecting skin damages. RSV derivative-rich MSE may be a powerful food of treatment for age-related skin diseases caused by oxidative damages.
Use of the SONET Score to Evaluate High Volume Emergency Department Overcrowding: A Prospective Derivation and Validation Study
Authors: Wang Hao , Robinson Richard D. , Garrett John S. , Bunch Kellie , Huggins Charles A. , Watson Katherine , Daniels Joni , Banks Brett , D’Etienne James P. , Zenarosa Nestor R.
Published: June 2015

Background. The accuracy and utility of current Emergency Department (ED) crowding estimation tools remain uncertain in EDs with high annual volumes. We aimed at deriving a more accurate tool to evaluate overcrowding in a high volume ED setting and determine the association between ED overcrowding and patient care outcomes.Methods. A novel scoring tool (SONET: Severely overcrowded-Overcrowded-Not overcrowded Estimation Tool) was developed and validated in two EDs with both annual volumes exceeding 100,000. Patient care outcomes including the number of left without being seen (LWBS) patients, average length of ED stay, ED 72-hour returns, and mortality were compared under the different crowding statuses.Results. The total number of ED patients, the number of mechanically ventilated patients, and patient acuity levels were independent risk factors affecting ED overcrowding. SONET was derived and found to better differentiate severely overcrowded, overcrowded, and not overcrowded statuses with similar results validated externally. In addition, SONET scores correlated with increased length of ED stay, number of LWBS patients, and ED 72-hour returns.Conclusions. SONET might be a better fit to determine high volume ED overcrowding. ED overcrowding negatively impacts patient care operations and often produces poor patient perceptions of standardized care delivery.
Aberrant Functional Connectivity Architecture in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Whole-Brain, Data-Driven Analysis
Authors: Zhou Bo , Yao Hongxiang , Wang Pan , Zhang Zengqiang , Zhan Yafeng , Ma Jianhua , Xu Kaibin , Wang Luning , An Ningyu , Liu Yong , Zhang Xi
Published: June 2015

The purpose of our study was to investigate whether the whole-brain functional connectivity pattern exhibits disease severity-related alterations in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired in 27 MCI subjects, 35 AD patients, and 27 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal cognition (NC). Interregional functional connectivity was assessed based on a predefined template which parcellated the brain into 90 regions. Altered whole-brain functional connectivity patterns were identified via connectivity comparisons between the AD and NC subjects. Finally, the relationship between functional connectivity strength and cognitive ability according to the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was evaluated in the MCI and AD groups. Compared with the NC group, the AD group exhibited decreased functional connectivities throughout the brain. The most significantly affected regions included several important nodes of the default mode network and the temporal lobe. Moreover, changes in functional connectivity strength exhibited significant associations with disease severity-related alterations in the AD and MCI groups. The present study provides novel evidence and will facilitate meta-analysis of whole-brain analyses in AD and MCI, which will be critical to better understand the neural basis of AD.
Preparation of PAN Spinning Solution with Fine Dispersion of Cellulose Microparticles
Authors: Yang Jee-Woo , Won Jong Sung , Jin Da Young , Lee Ji Eun , Park Won Ho , Lee Seung Goo
Published: June 2015

This study suggested the optimum conditions for the stable dispersion of cellulose microparticles in PAN spinning dope, which was prepared for spinning the fiber. Many research studies have investigated methods for preparing a variety of carbon fiber precursors in an attempt to control their characteristics according to the applications. In order to prepare PAN fiber that contains fine cellulose particles, it is important to create a uniformly dispersed spinning dope. Minimization of the cellulose particle size was subjected to heat treatment at various temperatures in order to reduce the cohesive force from the hydrogen bonds between the cellulose molecules. Carbonized cellulose microparticles were obtained for efficient dispersion using the physical method and the sedimentation method. Several instrumental analyses were conducted to study the characteristics of the particles and solutions with SEM, FT-IR, XRD, and a particle size analyzer. From the results, the dispersion of the PAN spinning dope with a chemical treatment was superior to the milling method followed by heat treatment. In this study, heat-treating cellulose microparticles at 400°C was found to be the most effective method.
On Normalistic Vague Soft Groups and Normalistic Vague Soft Group Homomorphism
Authors: Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Salleh Abdul Razak
Published: June 2015

We further develop the theory of vague soft groups by establishing the concept of normalistic vague soft groups and normalistic vague soft group homomorphism as a continuation to the notion of vague soft groups and vague soft homomorphism. The properties and structural characteristics of these concepts as well as the structures that are preserved under the normalistic vague soft group homomorphism are studied and discussed.
How to Diagnose Immunoglobulin G4-Associated Cholangitis: The Jack-of-All-Trades in the Biliary Tract
Authors: Hubers Lowiek M. , Beuers Ulrich
Published: June 2015

Background: Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-associated cholangitis (IAC) is an inflammatory disorder of the biliary tract displaying characteristic features of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD): elevation of IgG4 serum levels, infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells in the affected tissue, and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. Methods and Results: The clinical presentation of IAC is often misleading, mimicking other diseases of the biliary tract such as cholangiocarcinoma or primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis. The HISORt criteria form the cornerstone in the diagnosis of IAC, combining histopathological (H), imaging (I), and serological (S) features including serum IgG4, other organ manifestations (O) of IgG4-RD and response to treatment (Rt). The accuracy of the HISORt criteria is limited. Novel diagnostic approaches are under evaluation. Conclusion: More accurate biomarkers are needed to correctly diagnose IgG4-RD and prevent misdiagnoses and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.
АКТИВНІСТЬ АЛЬДЕГІДДЕГІДРОГЕНАЗИ ТА ЇЇ МОДУЛЯЦІЯ В СУБКЛІТИННИХ ФРАКЦІЯХ ПЕЧІНКИ ЩУРІВ ПУБЕРТАТНОГО ВІКУ ЗА УМОВ ІММОБІЛІЗАЦІЙНОГО СТРЕСУ
Authors: Волкова Ю. В. , Сухова Л. Л. , Давидов В. В.
Published: June 2015

Метою даного дослідження було вивчення особливостей модуляції активності альдегід-дегідрогенази в субклітинних фракціях печінки щурів різного віку, які перебували в умовах тривалої іммобілізації. Встановлено, що формування іммобілізаційного стресу в дорослих статевозрілих тварин не супроводжується зміною альдегіддегідрогеназної активності в субклітинних фракціях печінки. У щурів пубертатного віку (1,5- і 2-місячних тварин) при стресі виникають зміни з боку альдегід­дегідрогеназної активності в мітохондріальній і постмітохондріальній фракціях, у результаті чого формуються умови для зниження ролі о киснювального шляху в утилізації ендогенних альдегідів у гепатоцитах.
МІКРОМОРФОМЕТРИЧНА ОЦІНКА ЗМІН СТІНОК ВЕРХНЬОЩЕЛЕПНИХ СИНУСІВ У МОРСЬКИХ СВИНОК ПРИ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМУ СИНУСИТІ
Authors: Андрейчин Ю.М. , Міхньов В.А. , Орел Ю.М.
Published: June 2015

У морських свинок змодельовано верхньощелепний синусит шляхом перерізки верхнього шийного симпатичного ганглія зліва. Результати дослідження на 15-у і 70-у доби експерименту засвідчили мікроморфометричні зміни структурної перебудови слизової оболонки, підслизового та кісткового шарів стінок денервованих пазух, у меншій мірі – протилежних (не денервованих), порівняно з інтактними тваринами. Обговорено роль порушень симпатичної іннервації в патогенезі синуситів.
ПОРУШЕННЯ ПОГЛИНАЛЬНО-ВИДІЛЬНОЇ ФУНКЦІЇ ПЕЧІНКИ В ПІЗНІЙ ПЕРІОД ТРАВМАТИЧНОЇ ХВОРОБИ
Authors: Орел Ю.М.
Published: June 2015

У період пізніх проявів травматичної хвороби через 14-28 діб посттравматичного періоду сповільнюється виділення бромсульфалеїну із жовчю. Через 21 добу настає фаза підвищення тривалості виділення бромсульфалеїну. Застосування тіотриазоліну значно покращує поглинально-видільну функцію печінки у періоді пізніх проявів травматичної хвороби, що статистично достовірно за тривалістю початку виділення бромсульфалеїну через 28 діб посттравматичного періоду, а за тривалістю закінчення виділення цього барвника – у всі терміни спостереження.
Морфологічні зміни структурних компонентів простати при експериментально змодельованому хронічному простатиті з доброякісною гіперплазією передміхурової залози.
Authors: Ковальчук О. Л. , Хорош В. Я. , Мисак А. І
Published: June 2015

Наведено позитивні результати застосування ксенодермального субстрату “Ксенодерм” з метою корекції обтяжливого впливу токсичного чинника на формування і перебіг хронічного простатиту з доброякісною гіперплазією передміхурової залози. Встановлено помітний протекторний ефект щодо структурних компонентів простати лабораторних тварин. Зокрема, судинні розлади мали менш виражений характер на фоні незначних порушень із боку структури стромальних компонентів, понижений рівень пошкодження секреторних відділів і вивідних проток. Наведені особливості відображають загальну тенденцію до поліпшення морфофункціонального стану простати як результату коригувального впливу ксенодермального чинника.
ПЕРЕБІГ ВАГІТНОСТІ І ПОЛОГІВ У ЖІНОК З ПРЕЕКЛАМПСІЄЮ ТА ІНФЕКЦІЯМИ ,ЯКІ ПЕРЕДАЮТЬСЯ СТАТЕВИМ ШЛЯХОМ
Authors: Маланчин І. М.
Published: June 2015

Прееклампсія та інфекції, які передаються статевим шляхом, збільшують ризик патологічного  перебігу вагітності пологів. Обстежено 165 жінок  з прееклампсією, проведено комплексне обстеження вагітних та їх новонароджених. Доведено фактори ризику внутрішньоутробного інфікування. Виявлено терапевтичну ефективність кагоцелу і протефлазиду в комплексному лікуванні таких пацієнток.
АНАТОМІЧНЕ ОБГРУНТУВАННЯ ОПТИМАЛЬНОГО ОБ'ЄМУ І МЕТОДУ ОПЕРАТИВНОЇ КОРЕКЦІЇ НЕДОСТАТНОСТІ КЛУБОВОГО ОТВОРУ
Authors: Біктіміров О. В.
Published: June 2015

В експерименті на 40 тваринах проведена комплексна оцінка морфофункціональних структур іліоцекального відділу при застосуванні нового способу хірургічної корекції недостатності клубового отвору.
ПОГЛЯД НА ТРИВАЛУ АНТИГІПЕРТЕНЗИВНУ ТЕРАПІЮ У ХВОРИХ НА ЦУКРОВИЙ ДІАБЕТ
Authors: Давидович О. В. , Давидович Н. Я. , Лихацька В. О. , Волощук Т. Р. , Попов А. Д. , Чепой І. В.
Published: June 2015

РЕЗЮМЕ. Призначення інгібіторів АПФ, метаболічно нейтрального діуретика індапаміду та агоністів 11-імідазолінових
рецепторів хворим з АГ та ЦД дозволяє забезпечити зниження загально та серцево-судинно смертності.
Structure, Functions and Initial Achievements of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (mict)
Authors: Soufi Johann , Maurice Sophie
Published: June 2015

This article provides a preliminary review of the key features and the achievements of the United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (mict) so far. The article first addresses the completion process of the ad hoc Tribunals that led to the establishment of the mict, before providing a detailed overview of the structure and main functions of this new jurisdiction. The article further includes an analysis of the recent case law of the mict, which will be particularly useful in understanding contemporaneous issues surrounding residual functions of international criminal jurisdictions.
Children’s Rights and the Crisis of Rapid Urbanisation
Authors: Malone Karen
Published: June 2015

Within a rapidly urbanising world, many governments, particularly those in developing nations, will struggle over the next 30 years to support children. There were many key issues and challenges for children in cities identified over a decade ago as countries embarked on the task of addressing and monitoring progress through the Millennium Development Goals (mdgs). But as the 15-year time frame of the mdgs draws near and urbanisation swells and sets to increase significantly in those countries with the least capacity to manage it, it is the post-2015 agenda that is now the key talking point for many un agencies. This article supports and argues, along with others, that the rights and needs of the most vulnerable children and their communities should be central to the post-2015 sustainable development goals (sdgs) and unicef through its urban programmes such as child friendly cities initiative (cfci) has a significant role to play in addressing both the crisis of urbanisation and children’s rights. This article concludes by identifying four key areas where unicef’s cfci has the potential to contribute to the planetary challenges ahead.
Creating the Black Ghetto
Authors: Logan John R. , Zhang Weiwei , Turner Richard , Shertzer Allison
Published: June 2015

Were black ghettos a product of white reaction to the Great Migration in the 1920s and 1930s, or did the ghettoization process have earlier roots? This article takes advantage of recently available data on black and white residential patterns in several major northern cities in the period 1880–1940. Using geographic areas smaller than contemporary census tracts, we trace the growth of black populations in each city and trends in the level of isolation and segregation. In addition we analyze the determinants of location: which blacks lived in neighborhoods with higher black concentrations, and what does this tell us about the ghettoization process? We find that the development of ghettos in an embryonic form was well underway in 1880, that segregation became intense prior to the Great Migration, and that in this whole period blacks were segregated based on race rather than class or southern origin.
Contested Space
Authors: Chaskin Robert J. , Joseph Mark L.
Published: June 2015

At the center of Chicago’s large-scale public housing transformation is a stated emphasis on economic integration. Based on interviews, field observations, and documentary research in three new, mixed-income communities that were built on the footprint of former public housing developments in Chicago, this article examines how design choices and regulatory regimes militate against the effective integration of public housing residents in these contexts. We find that the strategies used to maintain social order contribute to redirecting the integrationist aims of the development policy toward a kind of incorporated exclusion, in which physical integration reproduces marginalization and leads more to withdrawal and alienation than to the engagement and inclusion of relocated public housing residents and other low-income residents.
Variations in Housing Foreclosures by Race and Place, 2005–2012
Authors: Hall Matthew , Crowder Kyle , Spring Amy
Published: June 2015

This study describes the spatial and racial variations in housing foreclosure during the recent housing crisis. Using data on the 9.5 million visible foreclosures (public auctions and bank repossessions) occurring between 2005 and 2012, we show that the timing and depth of the foreclosure crisis differed considerably across regions and metropolitan areas, with those located in the Mountain and Pacific West regions experiencing the highest foreclosure risks. The crisis was patterned sharply along racial/ethnic lines, with metros and neighborhoods with large black and Latino populations—as well as racially mixed neighborhoods—having high rates of foreclosure. Our analysis also highlights the particular vulnerability of Latino households, who not only had very high individual risk of foreclosures but tended to reside in areas hit hardest by the crisis. The race-stratified geographic patterns of foreclosure revealed here are substantially more complicated than a narrative that depicts only the unique disadvantage of black households during the crisis, and likely reflect some level of specific targeting of minority populations and neighborhoods by predatory and subprime lenders.
The Great Risk Shift and Precarity in the U.S. Housing Market
Authors: Dwyer Rachel E. , Phillips Lassus Lora A.
Published: June 2015

In this article, we propose that metropolitan areas represent differential “risk contexts” to the people who live within them and argue that growing insecurity in U.S. metropolitan areas arises out of cross-cutting economic weaknesses that are too often seen in isolation. The housing crisis that led up to the Great Recession was a moment in which the underlying vulnerabilities in our markets and institutions were laid bare. The crisis also occurred in the context of the “great risk shift” in American society—where individuals are increasingly responsible for managing the ordinary risks of life in a modern economy. The multiple sources of precarity in the housing market highlight the complex nature of insecurity that many Americans face. We look at metropolitan variability in foreclosures to identify conditions that contributed to the housing crisis. We build on prior research by showing different sources of vulnerability to the housing crisis in metropolitan areas—including labor market insecurity and housing market insecurity—and find that some of the metropolitan areas that fared the worst faced problems in both markets before the crisis.
White Entry into Black Neighborhoods
Authors: Freeman Lance , Cai Tiancheng
Published: June 2015

This article considers whites’ entry into black neighborhoods. The historical review in the first part of the article shows such entry to have been exceedingly rare during the twentieth century. Our analysis of trends in white entry into black neighborhoods for the period 1980–2010 documents a substantial increase in white entry for the 2000–10 decade. We speculate that the increase in white entry into black neighborhoods was due to declining racism among whites and dramatically declining crime rates in the 1990s. We also use multivariate regression to explain which black neighborhoods were most likely to experience an influx of whites. Factors associated with gentrification appear to offer the most promising explanations. We discuss the implications of these findings in the conclusion.
An ecological analysis of secondary school students’ drug use in Hong Kong: A case-control study
Authors: Tse Samson , Zhu Shimin , Yu Chong Ho , Wong Paul , Tsang Sandra
Published: June 2015

Background:

Youth drug use is a significant at-risk youth behaviour and remains as one of the top priorities for mental health services, researchers and policy planners. The ecological characteristics of secondary school students’ behaviour in Hong Kong are understudied.

Aim:

To examine individual, familial, social and environmental correlates of drug use among secondary students in Hong Kong.

Method:

Data were extracted from a school survey with 3078 students. Among the 3078 students, 86 students reported to have used drugs in the past 6 months. A total of 86 age- and gender-matched controls with no drug-use behaviour in the past 6 months were randomly selected from the remaining students. Multiple logistic analysis was used to examine differential correlates between those who used and did not use substance in the past 6 months.

Result:

Positive school experience and perspective to school and parental support are protective factors of drug use. Lower self-esteem, lower self-efficacy against using drugs and higher level of permissive attitude towards drugs were associated with drug use. Students who were low in self-esteem and rather impulsive tend to use drugs.

Conclusion:

To prevent students from drug use, efforts in individual, family, school and community-levels should be addressed.
Shouting at the Legally Deaf: Sin’s Punishment in the Gospels
Authors: Black C. Clifton
Published: June 2015

Exegesis of Matt 13:24–43, 18:23–35, and 25:31–46 reveals themes common to all the Gospels: divine mercy preceding judgment, moral responsibility within the church, and dependable yet surprising justice. This essay considers Matthew’s flamboyant imagery, contemporary skittishness with God as judge, and the place of reconciliation in a theology permitting eternal punishment.
Generalizing Trust
Authors: Welzel Christian , Delhey Jan
Published: June 2015

Trust in people is general insofar as it extends to out-groups, that is, unfamiliar and dissimilar others. But whether trust in out-groups can emerge independently from in-group trust is controversial, and conclusive evidence has been unavailable. This article fills this gap, analyzing which conditions create out-group trust independent from in-group trust. Using data from 76 countries around the world, we establish three insights. First, while a high level of in-group trust is the rule, out-group trust varies greatly across countries. Second, out-group trust emerges independent from in-group trust when human empowerment emancipates people from in-group control. Third, other conditions championed as trust-crediting forces do not confound the effect of human empowerment. In conclusion, trust generalizes to out-groups as a result of human empowerment’s emancipatory impulse.
Designing Tourist Information Offices
Authors: Araña Jorge E. , León Carmelo J. , Carballo María M. , Moreno Gil Sergio
Published: June 2015

Rapid technological change is leading to the introduction of new ways of providing services in the tourism industry. However, the human factor is also key in providing satisfaction to visitors. This article evaluates the preferences of visitors for different service designs at tourist information offices (TIOs). The methodology used is discrete choice experiments. Results show that visitors place higher values on information services received through personal interaction than through automated processes based on new technology. The implication is that the personal interaction continues to be an important element in the design of TIOs, but that new technology may increase the quality of the provision of services and visitor satisfaction. The methodology employed also allows us to identify different visitors’ segments based on their preferences for TIO services.
Benchmark Value-added Chains and Regional Clusters in R&D-intensive Industries
Authors: Kosfeld Reinhold , Titze Mirko
Published: June 2015

Although the phase of euphoria seems to be over, policy makers and regional agencies have maintained their interest in cluster policy. Modern cluster theory provides reasons for positive external effects that may accrue from interaction in a group of proximate enterprises operating in common and related fields. Although there has been some progress in locating clusters, in most cases only limited knowledge on the geographical extent of regional clusters has been established. In the present article, we present a hybrid approach to cluster identification. Dominant buyer–supplier relationships are derived by qualitative input–output analysis from national input–output tables, and potential regional clusters are identified by spatial scanning. This procedure is employed to identify clusters of German research and development-intensive industries. A sensitivity analysis reveals good robustness properties of the hybrid approach with respect to variations in the quantitative cluster composition.
Organization Theory and the Study of European Union Institutions: Lessons and Opportunities
Authors: Murdoch Zuzana
Published: June 2015

Most scholarship in modern organization theory maintains a near-exclusive focus on private-sector settings. In contrast, this article argues that complex public-sector organizational systems – such as the European Union (EU) – can provide a very relevant laboratory to both fine-tune organization theoretical propositions and test them empirically. I first draw attention to the value-added of organization theory for the study of EU institutions. Then, I turn to these institutions’ capacity to present a springboard for theoretical development in organization theory, and bring forward a number of avenues for further research on the intersection of EU studies and organization theory that can push forward both research fields.
Like Her Own: Ideals and Experiences of the Mother-In-Law/Daughter-In-Law Relationship
Authors: Allendorf Keera
Published: June 2015

This article explores ideals and experiences of the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship using semistructured interviews with 46 members of 22 families living in one Indian village. Ideally, the relationship is characterized by love and understanding, where one’s mother-in-law or daughter-in-law is like one’s own daughter or mother. In practice, the relationship varies in quality. Some women experienced affectionate, high-quality relationships, whereas others’ relationships were characterized by hurtful exchanges and not speaking. Previous literature portrays the relationship as negative, but these results point to the relevance of positive aspects as well. I also suggest that these ideals and experiences are shaped by the joint family system. The joint family system contributes to the strongly positive ideal, whereas the tensions that women experience arise from the contradictory family locations that they occupy within that system. Daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law are simultaneously strangers and close family members.
Adrenal Gland Background Findings in CD-1 (Crl:CD-1(ICR)BR) Mice from 104-week Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Petterino Claudio , Naylor Stuart , Mukaratirwa Sydney , Bradley Alys
Published: June 2015

The authors performed a retrospective study to determine the incidences of spontaneous findings in the adrenal glands of control CD-1 mice. Data were collected from 2,163 mice from control dose groups in 104-week carcinogenicity studies carried out between 2000 and 2010. Adrenal gland nonproliferative lesions were more common in males than in females. In males, the most common nonproliferative lesions were cortical hypertrophy, cortical atrophy, pigment deposition/pigmentation, cysts, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. In females, the most common nonproliferative lesions were pigment deposition/pigmentation, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and cortical atrophy. Proliferative lesions were more common in females than in males. In both sexes, the most common proliferative lesions were subcapsular cell hyperplasia, focal cortical hyperplasia, and subcapsular cell tumor. Pheochromocytomas were uncommon in both sexes, with a slightly higher incidence in females, and the benign type was more frequent than the malignant type. Lymphoma was the most common metastatic tumor in both males and females, followed by histiocytic sarcoma and erythroid/myeloid leukemia. To the best knowledge of the authors, there are no recent reports on spontaneous pathological findings in the adrenal glands of CD-1 mice, and these results will facilitate the interpretation of background findings in carcinogenicity studies.
The economic evidence for advance care planning: Systematic review of evidence
Authors: Dixon Josie , Matosevic Tihana , Knapp Martin
Published: June 2015

Background:

Advance care planning is a process of discussion and review concerning future care in the event of losing capacity. Aimed at improving the appropriateness and quality of care, it is also often considered a means of making better use of healthcare resources at the end of life.

Aim:

To review and summarise economic evidence on advance care planning.

Design:

A systematic review of the academic literature.

Data sources:

We searched for English language, peer-reviewed journal articles, 1990–2014, using relevant research databases: PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL Plus with Full Text; EconLit, PsycINFO, SocINDEX with Full Text and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. Empirical studies using statistical methods in which advance care planning and costs are variables were included.

Results:

There are no published cost-effectiveness studies. Included studies focus on healthcare savings, usually associated with reduced demand for hospital care. Advance care planning appears to be associated with healthcare savings for some people in some circumstances, such as people living with dementia in the community, people in nursing homes or in areas with high end-of-life care spending. There is no evidence that advance care planning is likely to be more expensive.

Conclusion:

There is need for clearer articulation of the likely mechanisms by which advance care planning can lead to reduced care costs or improved cost-effectiveness, particularly for people who retain capacity. There is also a need to consider wider costs, including the costs of advance care planning facilitation or interventions and the costs of substitute health, social and informal care. Economic outcomes need to be considered in the context of quality benefits.
Arthroscopic Versus Open Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Rebolledo Brian J. , McCormick Frank , Rosas Samuel , Harris Joshua D. , Kelly Bryan T.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Surgical treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) aims to improve symptoms and potentially delay initiation of hip osteoarthritis and prevent progression to end-stage hip osteoarthritis and possible total hip arthroplasty (THA). Hip arthroscopy and open surgical hip dislocations are the 2 most common surgical approaches used for this condition.

Purpose:

To perform a comparative systematic review to determine whether there is a significant difference in clinical outcomes and progression to THA between hip arthroscopy and open surgical hip dislocation treatment for FAI at minimum medium-term follow-up.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic review of the MEDLINE database by use of the PubMed interface was performed. Minimum mean follow-up for included studies was set at 36 months. English-language studies with a minimum mean medium-term time frame evaluating outcome after arthroscopic or open treatment of FAI were included. Independent t tests, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and weighted mean pooled cohort statistics were performed.

Results:

A total of 16 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 9 open surgical hip dislocation studies and 7 hip arthroscopy studies. Open studies included 600 hips at a mean follow-up of 57.6 months (4.8 years; range, 6-144 months). Arthroscopic studies included 1484 hips at a mean follow-up of 50.8 months (4.2 years; range, 12-97 months). With THA as an outcome endpoint, there was an overall survival rate of 93% for open and 90.5% for arthroscopic procedures ( P = .06). Advanced age and preexisting chondral injury were risk factors for progression to THA after both treatments. Direct comparison among disease-specific outcome instruments between the 2 procedures was limited by outcome measure heterogeneity; however, both treatments demonstrated good outcomes in their respective scoring systems. Notably, hip arthroscopy was associated with a higher general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) score on the 12-Item Short-Form Survey physical component score ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Both hip arthroscopy and open surgical hip dislocation showed excellent and equivalent hip survival rates at medium-term follow-up with hip-specific outcome measures, demonstrating equivalence between groups. However, hip arthroscopy was shown to have superior results regarding general HRQoL in comparison to open treatment. An increased understanding of the natural history of FAI remains warranted, with further studies needed to assess long-term outcomes for patients with FAI.
Esterification of sludge palm oil as a pretreatment step for biodiesel production
Authors: Škrbić Biljana , Predojević Zlatica , Đurišić-Mladenović Nataša
Published: June 2015

Acid esterification of sludge palm oil, having 50 mas.% free fatty acids, i.e. 50 g of dominant free fatty acid per 100 g of oil, was investigated with the objective of determining conditions for the efficient reduction of free fatty acids. The influences of sulphuric acid dosage and molar ratio of methanol to oil were studied, with the final intention to obtain feedstock with a free fatty acids content acceptable for biodiesel production by alkali-transesterification. Esterification was performed using different molar ratios of methanol to oil (3:1, 6:1 and 9:1) and varying the amount of H2SO4 catalyst (0.92 mas.%, 1.84 mas.% and 4.60 mas.%). Under the applied conditions, the sulphuric acid dosage of 4.60 mas.% resulted in the satisfactory decrease of the feedstock’s free fatty acids for 6:1 and 9:1 molar ratios of methanol to oil. Thus, taking into account the economic reasoning, it can be concluded that approximately 5 mas.% of H2SO4 with 6:1 molar ratio of methanol to oily feedstock, might be regarded as the dosage necessary for satisfactory pretreatment of the feedstock to be further subjected to the alkaline transesterification. Finally, the effort to consolidate the information on acid esterification available in literature was made, contributing to knowledge on sustainable biodiesel production using the low-grade and low-cost sources.
The Role of Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Psychological Empowerment in Predicting Outcomes for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Shaw Leslie A.
Published: June 2015

This study examined the degree to which the three of the four essential characteristics of self-determination (autonomy, self-realization, and psychological empowerment) predicted quality of life–related adult outcome constructs using secondary analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2. The pattern of predictive relationship was complex. Most findings were concentrated in a high-incidence disability group, with autonomy predicting higher financial independence, employment, social relationships, independent living, and postsecondary education. For those with intellectual disability, there was also a positive relationship between autonomy and inclusive residential opportunities. Implications of the complex pattern of findings for research and practice are discussed.
Methionyl-tRNA Formyltransferase (MTFMT) Deficiency Mimicking Acquired Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Pena Joaquin A. , Lotze Timothy , Yang Yaping , Umana Luis , Walkiewicz Magdalena , Hunter Jill V. , Scaglia Fernando
Published: June 2015

Disease-related mutations in the mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA formyltransferase ( MTFMT) gene encoding a critical enzyme for mitochondrial translation have been rarely reported and are described in association with Leigh syndrome and combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency. Symptoms include developmental delay, followed by ataxia and spasticity manifesting at later stages. A man had a clinical picture suggestive of an acquired demyelinating disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated extensive involvement of the optic nerves, cerebral white matter, brain stem, and spinal cord. Whole-exome sequencing detected a pathologic homozygous c.626C>T mutation in the MTFMT gene. These findings expand the clinical features and neuroimaging spectrum associated with MTFMT mutations to include a relapsing-remitting phenotype.
Study of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia After Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Tang Ji-Hong , Tian Jian-Mei , Sheng Mao , Hu Shao-Yan , Li Yan , Zhang Li-Ya , Gu Qing , Wang Qi
Published: June 2015

Increasing occurrence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome has been reported in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the etiology of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is not clear. To study the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and treatment of this complication, we reported 11 cases of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after induction chemotherapy. After appropriate treatment, the clinical symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in most cases disappeared even though induction chemotherapy continued. During the 1-year follow-up, no recurrence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was observed. Although the clinical and imaging features of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome may be diverse, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome should be recognized as a possible important complication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia when neurologic symptoms appear. In line with previous reports, our study also indicated that posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was reversible when diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Thus, the occurrence of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome should be considered and investigated to optimize the early induction scheme of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.
Moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with or without traumatic brain injury
Authors: Weirich Priscila P , Tozo Tatiane C , Wandeur Vanessa , Duarte Péricles AD
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Patients with traumatic brain injury are at risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome, which significantly increases morbidity. This study aimed to assess functional difference (respiratory mechanics) and morbidity and mortality of moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome among patients with traumatic brain injury compared with those with other non-traumatic aetiologies, besides assessing the outcomes of patients with severe traumatic brain injury with or without moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods

A prospective cohort study analysed consecutive patients with moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 < 200) and consecutive patients with traumatic brain injury during a 14-month period in the general intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Cascavel, southern Brazil.

Results

Overall, 85 patients were assessed: 30 with traumatic brain injury without acute respiratory distress syndrome, 17 with traumatic brain injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome and 38 with non-traumatic brain injury (other aetiologies) acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with traumatic brain injury resulted in a longer intensive care unit length of stay and slightly higher mortality. When acute respiratory distress syndrome patients with and without traumatic brain injury are compared, the latter required higher values of positive end expiratory pressure and showed a trend to lower lung static compliance, with slightly higher mortality.

Conclusions

In patients with traumatic brain injury, the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome increased hospitalisation time. Patients with non-traumatic brain injury acute respiratory distress syndrome showed lower respiratory compliance and required higher values of positive end expiratory pressure than those with traumatic brain injury – acute respiratory distress syndrome, with higher mortality.
In-Hospital Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Cumbler Ethan
Published: June 2015

Between 2.2% and 17% of all strokes have symptom onset during hospitalization in a patient originally admitted for another diagnosis or procedure. These in-hospital strokes represent a unique population with different risk factors, more mimics, and substantially worsened outcomes compared to community-onset strokes. The fact that these strokes manifest during the acute care hospitalization, in patients with higher rates of thrombolytic contraindications, creates distinct challenges for treatment. However, the best evidence suggests benefit to treating appropriately selected in-hospital ischemic strokes with thrombolysis. Evidence points toward a “quality gap” for in-hospital stroke with longer in-hospital delays to evaluation and treatment, lower rates of evaluation for etiology, and decreased adherence to consensus quality process measures of care. This quality gap for in-hospital stroke represents a focused opportunity for quality improvement.
Autologous mid-urethral sling for stress urinary incontinence: Preliminary results and description of a contemporary technique
Authors: Malde Sachin , Moore James A
Published: June 2015

Objective:

The objective of this article is to describe the preliminary results of a contemporary technique for autologous rectus fascial sling insertion for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the case notes of all patients who underwent autologous mid-urethral sling (aMUS) insertion by a single surgeon at our institution over a four-year period (2008–2012). Our novel technique utilises a minimal suprapubic incision, a specially designed reusable retropubic needle and mid-urethral sling positioning in a tension-free fashion as opposed to a tensioned bladder neck sling.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients were identified. Fifty per cent reported pure SUI whilst 47% had mixed urinary incontinence. Patients used an average of four pads per day (one to eight), and 26% of patients had at least one previously failed SUI procedure. Post-operative symptom questionnaires revealed mean Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI) scores of 1.8 (1–4), indicating that the majority of patients were very much or much improved. Only 8% of patients reported de novo OAB symptoms. Intraoperative bladder perforation occurred in only two patients. There was no incidence of chronic pain, sexual dysfunction or erosion.

Conclusion:

In a heterogeneous group of women with primary or recurrent stress urinary incontinence, the aMUS was found to have good subjective short-term cure rates with acceptable patient-reported satisfaction scores. We report a low rate of de novo OAB symptoms, no cases of erosion and no chronic pelvic, groin, or vaginal pain. We believe that aMUS is a good alternative to synthetic mid-urethral sling surgery and could be offered to women contemplating surgery for SUI.
Is more better or worse? New empirics on nuclear proliferation and interstate conflict by Random Forests
Authors: Suzuki Akisato
Published: June 2015

In the literature on nuclear proliferation, some argue that further proliferation decreases interstate conflict, some say that it increases interstate conflict, and others indicate a non-linear relationship between these two factors. However, there has been no systematic empirical investigation on the relationship between nuclear proliferation and a propensity for conflict at the interstate–systemic level. To fill this gap, the current paper uses the machine learning method Random Forests, which can investigate complex non-linear relationships between dependent and independent variables, and which can identify important regressors from a group of all potential regressors in explaining the relationship between nuclear proliferation and the propensity for conflict. The results indicate that, on average, a larger number of nuclear states decrease the systemic propensity for interstate conflict, while the emergence of new nuclear states does not have an important effect. This paper also notes, however, that scholars should investigate other risks of proliferation to assess whether nuclear proliferation is better or worse for international peace and security in general.
Saturation-path dependency of P-wave velocity and attenuation in sandstone saturated with CO2 and brine revealed by simultaneous measurements of waveforms and X-ray computed tomography images
Authors: Zhang Yi , Nishizawa Osamu , Kiyama Tamotsu , Xue Ziqiu
Published: June 2015

We performed a laboratory experiment to measure compressional (P)-wave velocity and its attenuation in low-permeability striped sandstone at ultrasonic frequency during drainage ([Formula: see text] injection) and imbibition (brine injection). X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of the rock sample were simultaneously recorded during the injections. On the basis of the CT images, we calculated the [Formula: see text] saturation inside a prolate-spheroid-shaped volume (the first Fresnel zone) that enclosed the wave-propagation path. The relationship of P-wave velocity and that of attenuation to the [Formula: see text] fraction were then obtained. Both relationships showed nonuniqueness with remarkable hysteresis in a drainage-imbibition cycle. To explain the nonunique relationship of P-wave velocity to the [Formula: see text] fraction, we investigated the continuous random patchy saturation model by using exponent-type autocorrelation. The nonunique relationship of velocity to the [Formula: see text] fraction was explained by the model with a correlation length from an order of tens of millimeters in drainage to an order of hundreds of microns in imbibition. We also examined the potential influence of the fractal dimension of [Formula: see text] distribution by using the fractal patchy saturation model and a von-Kármán-type autocorrelation function. The fractal dimension of pore-space modulus as related to [Formula: see text] distribution was estimated on the basis of the CT images. The fractal dimension during imbibition found a larger value than that during drainage. The change in fractal dimension had a limited effect on velocity and attenuation changes. These nonunique relationships might have a significant impact on the use of seismic methods for estimation of [Formula: see text] volume in an inhomogeneous storage reservoir.