bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of alogliptin and pioglitazone combination therapy on various aspects of β-cell function in patients with recent-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Van Raalte Daniël H , van Genugten Renate E , Eliasson Björn , Möller-Goede Diane L , Mari Andrea , Tura Andrea , Wilson Craig , Fleck Penny , Taskinen Marja R , Smith Ulf , Diamant Michaela
Published: January 2014

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management requires continuous treatment intensification due to progressive decline in β-cell function in insulin resistant individuals. Initial combination therapy of a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor with a thiazolidinedione (TZD) may be rational. We assessed the effects of the DPP4 inhibitor alogliptin (ALO) combined with the TZD pioglitazone (PIO), vs ALO monotherapy or placebo (PBO), on β-cell function and glycemic control in T2DM.

Material and methods

A 16-week, two-center, randomized, double-blind, PBO-controlled, parallel-arm intervention study in 71 patients with well-controlled T2DM (age 59.1±6.3 years; A1C 6.7±0.1%) treated with metformin, sulfonylurea, or glinide monotherapy was conducted. Patients were treated with combined ALO 25 mg and PIO 30 mg daily or ALO 25 mg daily monotherapy or PBO. Main outcome measures included change in A1C and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) from baseline to week 16. In addition, change in β-cell function parameters obtained from standardized meal tests at baseline and at week 16 was measured.

Results

ALO/PIO and ALO decreased A1C from baseline by 0.9±0.1 and 0.4±0.2% respectively (both P<0.001 vs PBO). FPG was decreased to a greater extent by ALO/PIO compared with ALO monotherapy (P<0.01). ALO/PIO treatment improved β-cell glucose sensitivity (vs PBO; P<0.001) and fasting secretory tone (vs PBO; P=0.001), while ALO monotherapy did not change β-cell function parameters. All treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Short-term treatment with ALO/PIO or ALO improved glycemic control in well-controlled T2DM patients, but only combined ALO/PIO improved β-cell function. These data support that initial combination therapy with a DPP4 inhibitor and TZD to address multiple core defects in T2DM may be a sensible approach.
Usefulness of Symptoms to Screen for Celiac Disease
Authors: Rosén Anna , Sandström Olof , Carlsson Annelie , Högberg Lotta , Olén Ola , Stenlund Hans , Ivarsson Anneli
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the frequency of symptoms and associated conditions among screening-detected celiac disease (CD) cases and non-CD children and to evaluate questionnaire-based case-finding targeting the general population.

METHODS:

In a population-based CD screening of 12-year-olds, children and their parents completed questionnaires on CD-associated symptoms and conditions before knowledge of CD status. Questionnaire data for those who had their CD detected in the screening (n = 153) were compared with those of children with normal levels of CD markers (n = 7016). Hypothetical case-finding strategies were also evaluated. Questionnaires were returned by 7054 (98%) of the children and by 6294 (88%) of their parents.

RESULTS:

Symptoms were as common among screening-detected CD cases as among non-CD children. The frequency of children with screening-detected CD was similar when comparing the groups with and without any CD-related symptoms (2.1% vs 2.1%; P = .930) or CD-associated conditions (3.6% vs 2.1%; P = .07). Case-finding by asking for CD-associated symptoms and/or conditions would have identified 52 cases (38% of all cases) at a cost of analyzing blood samples for 2282 children (37%) in the study population.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current recommended guidelines for finding undiagnosed CD cases, so-called active case-finding, fail to identify the majority of previously undiagnosed cases if applied in the general population of Swedish 12-year-olds. Our results warrant further studies on the effectiveness of CD case-finding in the pediatric population, both at the clinical and population-based levels.
Prolonged Atrial Fibrillation Precipitated by New-Onset Seizures and Marijuana Abuse
Authors: Singh Dinesh , Huntwork Margaret , Shetty Varun , Sequeira Gina , Akingbola Olugbenga
Published: January 2014

We report a case of prolonged atrial fibrillation (AF) precipitated by new-onset generalized tonic–clonic convulsions and marijuana abuse in a developmentally normal 18-year-old adolescent with a structurally normal heart. Our case highlights an interesting association and a unique pathophysiology between generalized tonic–clonic convulsions, marijuana abuse, and AF. We suggest that seizures and marijuana abuse should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the etiology of AF in children.
Emergency Department Visits Resulting From Intentional Injury In and Out of School
Authors: Amanullah Siraj , Heneghan Julia A. , Steele Dale W. , Mello Michael J. , Linakis James G.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Previous studies have reported concerning numbers of injuries to children in the school setting. The objective was to understand temporal and demographic trends in intentional injuries in the school setting and to compare these with intentional injuries outside the school setting.

METHODS:

Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program from 2001 to 2008 were analyzed to assess emergency department visits (EDVs) after an intentional injury.

RESULTS:

There were an estimated 7 397 301 total EDVs due to injuries sustained at school from 2001 to 2008. Of these, an estimated 736 014 (10%) were reported as intentional (range: 8.5%–10.7% for the study time period). The overall risk of an EDV after an intentional injury in school was 2.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93–2.82) when compared with an EDV after an intentional injury outside the school setting. For intentional injury–related EDVs originating in the school setting, multivariate regression identified several demographic risk factors: 10- to 14-year-old (odds ratio [OR]: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.10–2.27) and 15- to 19-year-old (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.01–2.82) age group, black (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 2.94–5.83) and American Indian (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 2.06–2.99) race, and Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 3.67; 95% CI: 2.02–6.69). The odds of hospitalization resulting from intentional injury–related EDV compared with unintentional injury–related EDVs was 2.01 (95% CI: 1.50–2.69) in the school setting. These odds were found to be 5.85 (95% CI: 4.76–7.19) in the outside school setting.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of this study suggest a need for additional prevention strategies addressing school-based intentional injuries.
School-Based Health Promotion and Physical Activity During and After School Hours
Authors: Vander Ploeg Kerry A. , McGavock Jonathan , Maximova Katerina , Veugelers Paul J.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Comprehensive school health (CSH) is a multifaceted approach to health promotion. A key objective of CSH is to foster positive health behaviors outside of school. This study examined the 2-year change in physical activity during and after school among students participating in a CSH intervention in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

METHODS:

This was a quasi-experimental, pre–post trial with a parallel, nonequivalent control group. Intervention schools had to be located in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. In the spring of 2009 and 2011, pedometer recordings (7 full days) and demographic data were collected from cross-sectional samples of fifth grade students from 10 intervention schools and 20 comparison schools. A total of 1157 students participated in the study. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and the clustered design.

RESULTS:

Relative to 2009, children in 2011 were more active on schools days (1172 steps per day; P < .001) and on weekends (1450 steps per day; P < .001). However, the increase in mean steps between 2009 and 2011 was greater in CSH intervention schools than in comparison schools (school days: 1221 steps per day; P = .009; weekends: 2001 steps per day; P = .005). These increases remained significant after adjusting for gender and overweight status.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of CSH to affect children’s physical activity during and outside of school. Results of this study justify broader implementation of effective CSH interventions for physical activity promotion and obesity prevention in the long term.
Reconstruction of impact force on elastic structures by using direct Bayesian approach
Authors: Samagassi S. , Khamlichi A. , Driouach A. , Limam A.
Published: January 2014

In this work, reconstruction of pressure time signal rising during a non-punctual impact occurring on an elastic structure has been achieved through using direct Bayesian approach. This was performed by means of posterior distribution of probabilities integrating the likelihood and prior random information. In the case of a noisy linear system for which the densities of probabilities associated to the prior information and noise could be assumed to be Gaussians and mutually independent, a new algorithm consisting of two steps was proposed. The first step works like a Wiener filter action and enables to determine the input pressure mean, while the second step yields evaluations of variability of the input pressure signal around that mean. It was found that the proposed method achieved perfect reconstruction of the original pressure taken at the input of the system.
Improvement of germination capacity of Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby by seed priming techniques
Authors: Kurucz E. , Fári M. G.
Published: January 2014

Sida hermephrodita or Virginia mallow is a perspective perennial herb in the Malvaceae family able to yield a biomass crop through the last two decades. Additionally, the plants have a lot of uses and benefits for instance it can be used as a fodder crop, honey crop, ornamental plant in public gardens. It has favourable features for example fast growing and resistance against the disease and climatic fluctuations, etc. Since Sida is in the beginning phase of domestication, it has a serious disadvantage: the low and slow germination as a big part of wild plants. Due to the expressly low germination percent, the need of seed showing of driller should tenfold 200 thousand seeds/acre instead of 10–20 thousand, which is not available and expensive. Therefore the practical purpose of our research of seed physiology was to increase the seed germination percent in the available, basically wild Sida population. In the first stage of our experiments we examined two factors relating to seed germination percent and seed germination power during our research: the influence of hot water treatment and the effect of exogenous or endogenous infection of seeds. However, in our germination tests, utilizing the scarified seeds with hot water (65, 80 and 95 °C), from 29.3% to 46% germinated from those samples, which were collected from the population of S. hermaphrodita in Debrecen. The average germination for all season was 5–10% without treatment and rinsed using hot water up to almost 50%. When applying physically scarified use, the oldest seeds showed the best germination (46%) after the hot water operation in spite of the previous studies. We discovered that there is a close relationship between the collecting time of the seeds and the ration of seed infections, as well as germination percentage. Thus, the 2009 season was the most favourable in case of contamination (control: 17.3% and 80 °C treatment: 0%) as well as germination percent. It could be concluded that the best season for our findings was 2009 due to autumn harvest of Sida seeds. In our opinion, the autumn harvesting should be the best time to overcome the problem of the low germination and high infection percentage. We also discovered that apparently there is a close relationship between the seed fresh weight or water uptake capability and the percentage of infection. Following these recognitions, we modified our technique in such a way that we fractionated the seeds based on their fresh weight / or relative density before we carried out the treatment. When we filtered the floating seeds on the surface of water, the hot water treatment was performed considerably better on the sunk seeds after separation. Therefore by this special priming process, we were able to reach 80% germination capacity of Virgina mallow seeds under laboratory conditions (26 °C without illumination).
ARE THE SPIDER ANGIOMAS SKIN MARKERS OF HEPATOPULMONARY SYNDROME?
Authors: SILVERIO Americo de Oliveira , GUIMARAES Dayanne Cintra , ELIAS Larissa Fernanda Queiroz , MILANEZ Erika Oliveira , NAVES Silvano
Published: January 2014

Context Hepatopathies can significantly influence both veins and arteries, these changes may cause some cutaneous stigmas, such as spider angioma (SA) and some systemic vascular changes, such as those observed in hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Based on this common pathophysiological root we can assume that the SA can be skin markers of HPS. Objective The objective of this study is to assess whether there is a relationship between the presence of SA and HPS. Methods Records of 40 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent contrast echocardiography were evaluated, in which we researched the description of SA, physical examination, and other clinical and laboratory data. For diagnosis of HPS we use these signs of the disease: presence of liver disease (cirrhosis in the case), abnormalities in gas exchange by arterial blood gases, and evidence of pulmonary vasodilations by the contrast echocardiography. Results The SA were found in 21/40 (52.5%) patients and hepatopulmonary syndrome in 9/40 (22.5%). The HPS was observed in 8/21 (38.1%) of patients with SA and 1/19 (5.3%) patients were without this sign (P<0.01). We found no statistically significant difference between the SA and the presence of HPS with sex or age. Patients with SA had a higher hypoxemia [PaO2 84.8 ± 11.5 mmHg and 19.8 ± 14.7 mmHg alveolar-arterial gradient of oxygen (AAG)] than those without SA (PaO2 90.8 ± 10.7 mmHg and 10.9 ± 11.7 AAG mmHg) (P<0.05). Conclusion Our findings show a correlation between the presence of SA and HPS, suggesting that the SA may be cutaneous markers of HPS.
NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: FLORENTINO Gesira Soares de Assis , COTRIM Helma Pinchemel , VILAR Consuelo Padilha , FLORENTINO Andre Vinicius de Assis , GUIMARAES Geruza Maria Almeida , BARRETO Victorino Spinelli Toscano
Published: January 2014

Context Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is common in postmenopausal women. It is associated with metabolic syndrome. However, the influence of hormone replacement therapy in NAFLD development in these women needs to be investigated. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of NAFLD in postmenopausal women, and the relationship between hormone replacement therapy and this disease. Methods From April 2009 to April 2011, 292 postmenopausal women from National Health System from Northeast of Brazil were selected, and 251 were included in this study. Menopause was defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months in otherwise healthy women. Criteria to NAFLD included: presence of steatosis on abdominal ultrasound; history of alcohol consumption less than 20 g/day and exclusion of other liver diseases. All women underwent a clinical evaluation. Standard univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the results. Results The mean age was 56.5 ± 6.7 years. Hormone replacement therapy was referred by 21.1% (53) women and 78.9% (198) was not. Prevalence of NAFLD was 37.1% (93/251) in postmenopausal women, 26,4% (14/53) in the group with hormone replacement therapy and 39,9% (79/198) without hormone replacement therapy. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (P = 0.001), alanine transaminase (P<0.01), ferritin (P<0.001) and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ≥3) (P<0.001) were higher in the group of women with NAFLD diagnosis who did not referred the use of hormone replacement therapy. Metabolic syndrome was also more frequent in women with NAFLD, who did not refer hormone replacement therapy. Conclusion In conclusion this data suggests elevated prevalence of NAFLD in postmenopausal women; negative association of hormone replacement therapy and NAFLD.
VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY AND THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN BARIATRIC SURGERY PATIENTS
Authors: BELLEN Bonno van , GODOY Ivan de Barros , REIS Andrea Almeida , BERTEVELLO Pedro
Published: January 2014

Context Morbid obesity is associated with various co-morbidities, including chronic venous insufficiency. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for morbid obesity, but with potential risks and possible complications, including venous thromboembolism. Objective To determine the prevalence of clinical and ultrasonographic signs of chronic venous insufficiency in morbid obese patients in preparation for bariatric surgery and the incidence of post-operative venous thromboembolic disease. Methods Patients on work-up for bariatric surgery of Centro Terapêutico Especializado em Fígado (CETEFI) and Pro-Gastro surgical teams of the Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo were included. The analysed data were pre-operative findings for venous insufficiency (CEAP - clinical, etiological, anatomical, physiopathologic - classification and venous ultrassonographic findings), type of surgery (open or laparoscopic), abdominal circumference, body mass index (BMI) and post-operative ultrassonography search for venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis. Results Between March 2007 and December 2009, 95 patients candidates for bariatric surgery had clinical and duplex scan evaluation of the lower limbs venous system. Of the 95 patients, 53 were submitted to the surgical procedure. There was a predominance of women (77.9%), the average age was 38.5 years, average preoperative weight 124.6 kg and average BMI of 45.5 kg/m2. Regarding obesity, 16.8% were obese, and 83.1% were morbidly obese. In relation to the venous findings, 86.3% of the patients did fit CEAP classification less than 3 and 13.7% greater than or equal to 3. Among the post-operative complications, there were four cases of wound infection. Three patients developed post-operative distal venous thrombosis (7.5%), but no one had clinically manifested pulmonary embolism. Conclusion No relation between BMI, CEAP classification and venous ultrassonographic findings were found. Although prophylaxis was used in all patients, the incidence of post-operative distal venous thrombosis was considerably high.
PERIOPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY IN LOCALLY ADVANCED GASTRIC CANCER
Authors: BATISTA Thales Paulo , SANTOS Candice Amorim de Araujo Lima , ALMEIDA Gustavo Fernandes Godoy
Published: January 2014

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and a main cause of cancer-related death worldwide, since the majority of patients suffering of this malignancy are usually faced with a poor prognosis due to diagnosis at later stages. In order to improve treatment outcomes, the association of surgery with chemo and/or radiotherapy (multimodal therapy) has become the standard treatment for locally advanced stages. However, despite several treatment options currently available for management of these tumors, perioperative chemotherapy has been mainly accepted for the comprehensive therapeutic strategy including an appropriated D2-gastrectomy. This manuscript presents a (nonsystematic) critical review about the use of perioperative chemotherapy, with a special focus on the drugs delivery.
First articulated sponge from the Paleozoic of Brazil, and a new organization of the order Hemidiscosa
Authors: Mouro L. D. , Fernandes A. C. S. , Rogerio D. W. , Fonseca V. M.
Published: January 2014

The first-described articulated Permian sponge from Brazil, representing Hexactinellida, has been recovered from the Lontras Shale in the Campáleo outcrop (Permian, Asselian–Sakmarian), Rio do Sul Formation, Mafra, in southern Brazil. It is assigned to the Hemidiscellidae and identified asMicrohemidiscia greinertin. sp. This fossil represents the first record of articulated sponges in Brazil from the Paleozoic Era, as well as the second species known from this genus. Moreover, it increases knowledge of the order Hemidiscosa, a monotypic group mostly defined by simple characters, which is here considered to comprise one family, Hemidiscellidae (Pennsylvanian-Cretaceous), and two genera,HemidiscellaandMicrohemidiscia.
CO2-triggered fast micellization of a liposoluble star copolymer in water
Authors: Liu Pingwei , Zhang Yuchen , Wang Wen-Jun , Li Bo-Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: January 2014

This study reports a green and efficient strategy using CO2 to trigger fast micellization of a liposoluble star copolymer in water. The star copolymers consisting of a hyperbranched polyethylene (HBPE) core and multiple poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) arms were synthesized through a sequential Pd-catalyzed chain walking copolymerization of ethylene and 2-(2-bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl acrylate followed by an atom-transfer radical polymerization of DMAEMA. The star copolymers with large HBPE cores and low PDMAEMA arm numbers or short arms can be easily dissolved in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents. The copolymers could be quickly dispersed in water and form micelles after CO2 bubbling. A N2-mediated switching process following the CO2 treatment is shown to reverse the micelles back to their neutral state without causing additional micelle aggregation. The CO2 switchability of PDMAEMA prompted fast micellization of such liposoluble star copolymers. This article contains supporting information that will be made available online once the issue is published.
Ubuntu within the South African construction industry
Authors: Ojiako Udechukwu , Mashele Thabo , Chipulu Maxwell
Published: January 2014

This study builds on earlier works of scholarship on the notion of the Ubuntu philosophical world view. Framed within the South African construction industry, this study seeks to relate Ubuntu explicitly to ongoing discourse in relationship management, the objective being to facilitate an understanding of a socially constructed philosophy of relationship management within the South African construction industry. To achieve the research objectives, the study utilises data gathered from a focus group of construction project management professionals registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions. Data analysis is undertaken using axial coding. De-composing the emergent research themes suggests that it may be premature to demand clearly articulated dimensions and clear expectations from Ubuntu; instead what may be more beneficial to the notion of Ubuntu may be a clearer articulation of its guiding modality.
Inelastic response of bi-eccentric-plan asymmetric reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Halabian Amir M. , Birzhandi Mohammad S.
Published: January 2014

The inelastic seismic responses of plan asymmetric multi-storey reinforced concrete moment-resisting frames stiffened with ductile reinforced concrete structural walls have been investigated under bi-directional far-field and near-field ground motions. Asymmetric models were created by adding shear walls in two orthogonal directions of some symmetric frames developed using the generic structures algorithm. A realistic modelling of the non-linear ductile behaviour of reinforced concrete elements was utilised in combination with both mass and stiffness eccentricities in dynamic torsional response of asymmetric buildings. The torsional responses of models including the ductility demands for both stiff and flexible edge elements including shear walls and columns were normalised to the corresponding values of the symmetric models. The distribution of normalised ductility demands along the height of structures was used to assess the torsional effects in multi-storey structures. It was also shown that for dual lateral load-resistant systems, columns at the corners of flexible sides demand more ductility compared with similar frame systems.
A Comparison of Fospropofol to Midazolam for Moderate Sedation During Outpatient Dental Procedures
Authors: Yen Philip , Prior Simon , Riley Cara , Johnston William , Smiley Megann , Thikkurissy Sarat
Published: January 2014

Moderate intravenous (IV) sedation combined with local anesthesia is common for outpatient oral surgery procedures. An ideal sedative agent must be safe and well tolerated by patients and practitioners. This study evaluated fospropofol, a relatively new sedative/hypnotic, in comparison to midazolam, a commonly used benzodiazepine, for IV moderate sedation during oral and maxillofacial surgery. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the fospropofol or the midazolam group. Each participant received 1 μg/kg of fentanyl prior to administration of the selected sedative. Those in the fospropofol group received an initial dose of 6.5 mg/kg, with 1.6 mg/kg supplemental doses as needed. Those in the midazolam group received initial doses of 0.05 mg/kg, followed by 0.02 mg/kg supplemental doses. The quality of sedation in each patient was evaluated with regard to (a) onset of sedation, maintenance, and recovery profile; (b) patient and surgeon satisfaction; and (c) hemodynamic stability and adverse effects. The fospropofol group demonstrated shorter physical recovery times than midazolam patients, taking a mean of 11.6 minutes versus 18.4 minutes for physical recovery (P = .007). Cognitive recovery comparison did not find any difference with a mean of 7.5 minutes versus 8.8 minutes between the 2 drug groups (P = .123). The fospropofol group had a higher rate of local anesthetic injection recall (90.5 vs 44.4%, P = .004). Other parameters of recall were comparable. Two adverse effects demonstrated significance, with more patients in the midazolam group experiencing tachycardia (48.2 vs 9.4%, P = .001), and more patients in the fospropofol group experiencing perineal discomfort (40.6 vs 0, P < .001). No significant difference was found in any other measures of sedation safety, maintenance, or satisfaction. Fospropofol, when administered intravenously by a dentist anesthesiologist at the indicated dose in this study, appears to be a safe, well-tolerated alternative to midazolam for intravenous moderate sedation during minor oral surgery procedures.
Three Newly Approved Analgesics: An Update
Authors: Saraghi Mana , Hersh Elliot V.
Published: January 2014

Since 2008, three new analgesic entities, tapentadol immediate release (Nucynta) diclofenac potassium soft gelatin capsules (Zipsor), and bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension (EXPAREL) were granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat acute pain. Tapentadol immediate-release is a both a mu-opioid agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Diclofenac potassium soft gelatin capsules are a novel formulation of diclofenac potassium, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and its putative mechanism of action is through inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. This novel formulation of diclofenac allows for improved absorption at lower doses. Liposomal bupivacaine is a new formulation of bupivacaine intended for single-dose infiltration at the surgical site for postoperative analgesia. Bupivacaine is slowly released from this liposomal vehicle and can provide prolonged analgesia at the surgical site. By utilizing NSAIDs and local anesthetics to decrease the transmission of afferent pain signals, less opioid analgesics are needed to achieve analgesia. Since drug-related adverse events are frequently dose related, lower doses from different drug classes may be employed to reduce the incidence of adverse effects, while producing synergistic analgesia as part of a multimodal analgesic approach to acute pain.
Drug Allergies and Implications for Dental Practice
Authors: Becker Daniel E.
Published: January 2014

Adverse reactions to medications prescribed or administered in dental practice can be worrying. Most of these reactions are somewhat predictable based on the pharmacodynamic properties of the drug. Others, such as allergic and pseudoallergic reactions, are generally unpredictable and unrelated to normal drug action. This article will review immune and nonimmune-mediated mechanisms that account for allergic and related reactions to the particular drug classes commonly used in dentistry. The appropriate management of these reactions will also be addressed.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Prototheca zopfii isolated from bovine mastitis
Authors: Wawron Władysław , Bochniarz Mariola , Piech Tomasz , Wysocki Jerzy , Kocik Marcin
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the susceptibility of algae of the genus Prototheca to antifungal and antibacterial antibiotics. The study involved 27 isolates of Prototheca zopfii obtained from milk of mastitis-affected cows kept in a detached cowshed in the North-Eastern part of Poland. Analysis of P. zopfii susceptibility has demonstrated low effectiveness of both antifungal and antibacterial antibiotics. All algae isolated from milk were resistant to clotrimazole, fluconazole, econazole, flucytosine, cefoperazone, cephalexin, enrofloxacin, lincomycin, and oxytetracycline (100% of resistant isolates), as well as miconazole (92.6% of resistant isolates). Nystatin, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B showed the highest activity amongst the antifungal antibiotics (88.9% and 0.0%, 51.9% and 22.2%, 0.0% and 48.1% of susceptible and intermediate susceptible isolates, respectively). In the group of antibacterial antibiotics, the high activity against P. zopfii was observed only in the case of gentamicin, kanamycin (96.3% and 92.6% of susceptible isolates, respectively), and polymyxin B (59.3% of susceptible and 33.3% of intermediate susceptible isolates).
ERIC-based differentiation and antimicrobial susceptibility of Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 isolated from animals serologically positive and negative for brucellosis
Authors: Weiner Marcin
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the results of genotypic differentiation and antimicrobial susceptibility of Y. enterocolitica O:9 isolates that originated from cows and pigs positive in serological reactions for brucellosis, and also from the animals, which were serologically negative. The genetic relationship between Y. enterocolitica O:9 isolates originating from different sources was determined by the use of ERIC-PCR, and resulted in detection of 6 to 13 DNA amplicons of different size. The clonal analysis was based on dendrogram created by Unweighted Pair Group Method with arithmetic mean and Jaccard’s coefficient, which enabled to divide Y. enterocolitica O:9 isolates into 16 different clonal groups. Among all Y. enterocolitica O:9, MIC value was >32 mg/L for the ampicillin, ≤0.008 mg/L for ciprofloxacin, ≤8 mg/L for sulphametoxazole, ≤2 mg/L for colistin, and ≤1 mg/L for tetracycline. The wide range of MIC for ceftazidime (≤0.25-2 mg/L) and cefotaxime (≤0.06-1 mg/L) among Y. enterocolitica O:9 isolates was also observed. No significant differences were observed between MIC values of Y. enterocolitica O:9 isolates originating from animals serologically positive for brucellosis, and the isolates from cows and pigs, which provided serologically negative reactions.
Official control of ochratoxin A in food of animal origin in Poland between 2003 and 2012
Authors: Wiśniewska-Dmytrow Henryka , Żmudzki Jan , Burek Olga , Pietruszka Katarzyna
Published: January 2014

Between 2003 and 2012, 1413 samples of kidneys, liver, and muscles from swine, cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and fish were examined for the presence of ochratoxin A. The examination was performed in the framework of “The National Residue Control Programme for Chemical, Biological, and Drug Residue in Animal Tissues and in the Food of Animal Origin”. The mycotoxin was determined by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity column clean up. The limit of quantification was 0.2 μg/kg. Ochratoxin A was found only in swine kidney samples (n = 1092). It was detected in 28.8% of the kidney samples at the concentrations from 0.2 to 29.2 μg/kg. The most of the samples (25.5%) contained OTA at the concentration ranging from 0.2 to 5 μg/kg, which is below the provisional action level for OTA in kidneys, established in Poland at the concentration of 5 μg/kg. Furthermore, 24 (2.2 ) samples had mycotoxin concentrations between 5 and 10 μg/kg and 13 (1.2 ) samples above 10 μg/kg.
Concentrations of toxic elements in tissues of slaughtered animals and cow’s milk - a five year study
Authors: Szkoda Józef , Żmudzki Jan , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Kmiecik Mirosława
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the contamination of animal muscle, liver, and milk with lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. Determination of the elements was carried out using several techniques of atomic absorption spectrometry. Between 2008 and 2012, samples of muscles and liver from 1305 cattle, 2345 pigs, 758 horses (only muscles), 1721 poultry (chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks), and 736 samples of raw milk were collected. Only 48 (0.7%) samples exceeded the maximum acceptable levels of the elements, especially lead and cadmium. In the case of lead, the highest number of samples exceeding the legal limits was found in muscles of pigs (6), where the maximum value reached 0.376 mg/kg. For cadmium, the highest number of samples (22) with values exceeding legal limits was found in muscles of horses. The cadmium content in muscles of horses, at both the mean (0.052 mg/kg) and median (0.023 mg/kg), was in order of magnitude higher than that observed in cattle and pigs. Small percentage of samples with values exceeding the maximum levels of toxic elements in food of animal origin indicates a low risk for the consumers’ health.
DNA based approaches for the detection and identification of bovine meat and bone meal in feeds
Authors: Weiner Anna , Gołębiowska Agata , Paprocka Ilona , Kwiatek Krzysztof
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper was to present the results of comparative evaluation of the usefulness of PCR method for the detection and identification of bovine DNA in feeds. In the validation study, the limit of detection for PCR was determined as 0.05% for bovine meat and bone meal (MBM). Among 132 feed samples, bovine DNA was detected in eight (6.06%) samples. In the next stage of the study, sediment and flotate from the investigated samples were examined with PCR. Out of 132 sediment and flotate samples, bovine DNA was detected in eight (6.06%) and nine (6.82%) samples, respectively. On the basis of the results obtained with the use of the PCR, it is possible to state that the molecular biology methods can, at present, be used as supplementary tools for detection and identification of bovine MBM.
Effect of linseed, rapeseed, and vitamin E long term supplementation on the activity of the lysosomal enzymes in ostrich liver
Authors: Jóźwik Artur , Polawska Ewa , Strzałkowska Nina , Niemczuk Krzysztof , Łysek-Gładysińska Małgorzata , Kamińska Agnieszka , Michalczuk Monika
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to assess the activity of lysosomal enzymes: aminopeptidases, including alanine aminopeptidase (AlaAP), leucine aminopeptidase (LeuAP), arginine aminopeptidase (ArgAP), and glycosidases, such as β-galactosidase (BGAL), β-glucuronidase (BGRD), β-glucosidase (BGLU), N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase (HEX), α-glucosidase (AGLU) and α-mannosidase (MAN) in the liver of ostriches (n = 80) fed diet supplemented with linseed (4% and 8%) and rapeseed (5% and 10%), with low and high level of vitamin E. (40 and 100 mg). The results indicate that higher level of vitamin E or 4% linseed supplementation in ostrich diet generally increase the activity of glycosidase enzymes and decrease the activity of aminopeptidases in the liver. The 8% linseed and rapeseeds feeding in decreased the activity of AlaAP, LeuAP, and ArgAP and increased only the activity of BGLU.
Influence of fluoroquinolones on viability of Balb/c 3T3 and HepG2 cells
Authors: Radko Lidia , Minta Maria , Stypuła-Trębas Sylwia
Published: January 2014

The cytotoxic potential of fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, difloxacin, sarafloxacin, danofloxacin, norfloxacin and marbofloxacin) was investigated using mouse fibroblasts Balb/c 3T3 and human hepatoma HepG2 cell lines. The cells were exposed for 24, 48, and 72 h to drugs at eight concentrations ranged from 0.78 to 100 μg/mL. Four independent cytotoxicity assays were applied, in which various endpoints were assessed: mitochondrial activity - MTT reduction, lysosomal activity - neutral red uptake, total protein content, and cellular membrane integrity - lactate dehydrogenase release. Mean effective cytotoxic concentrations (EC50) calculated at different time points from concentration-response curves ranged from 10 to 100 μg/mL. The most affected endpoint in both cell lines was mitochondrial activity. The EC50-MTT-72 h <10 μg/mL was found for difloxacin, marbofloxacin (fibroblasts), sarafloxacin, and norfloxacin (HepG2). The data shows that cytotoxicity of the fluoroquinolones appears after longer exposure of both cell cultures to these compounds.
Prevalence and characterisation of Salmonella in slaughtered cattle and beef in Poland
Authors: Wieczorek Kinga , Osek Jacek
Published: January 2014

A total of 1229 samples, including 406 bovine hides and 406 corresponding carcasses at the slaughter level, as well as 417 beef meat from local supermarkets, were tested for the presence of Salmonella sp. Eighteen (1.5%) samples were positive for the target microorganism, and the highest prevalence (2.2%) was found in meat, followed by carcasses (1.2%) and hides (1.0%). Among the isolated strains, Salmonella enterica serotypes Enteritidis (six isolates) and Schleissheim (six strains), followed by Dublin (four contaminated samples) were the most predominant. The antimicrobial resistance analysis against nine antimicrobials with the MIC technique revealed that most isolates were sensitive to all antibacterial agents. However, one S. Typhimurium of carcass origin was multidrug resistant, and displayed the resistance to four antimicrobials, i.e. ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and sulphametoxazole. Furthermore, one S. Enteritidis (from carcasses), two S. Dublin (of beef origin), and one S. London (from meat) strains were resistant to sulphametoxazole. The restriction enzyme analysis with XbaI resulted in eight different PFGE types. The obtained results suggest that cattle may be an underestimated source of pathogenic Salmonella for consumers.
Autonomic Properties in Traffic Control
Authors: Stoilova Krasimira , Stoilov Todor , Nikolov Konstantin
Published: January 2014

The operation of a complex system like a transportation network is considered with respect to the opportunities to identify the application of autonomic properties. The autonomic features of self-properties are analyzed. A multilevel approach is suggested for the formalization of the transport operation. The integration of relevant optimization problems is also considered in the framework of a multilevel, hierarchical scheme of control. The application of bi-level formalism in the transportation systems gives quantitative assessment of the control processes in the traffic control system. The multilevel approach allows the increase of the solution space of a complex optimization problem with an additional traffic control variable, which in the classical optimal formalization participates with fixed parameters in the optimization problem. The benefit of the multilevel control approach is tested in a real network of crossroad sections.
An Efficient Algorithm for Determining the Set of All Reductive Attributes in Incomplete Decision Tables
Authors: Demetrovics Janos , Thi Vu Duc , Giang Nguyen Long
Published: January 2014

In rough set theory, the number of all reducts for a given decision table can be exponential with respect to the number of attributes. This paper investigates the problem of determining the set of all reductive attributes which are present in at least one reduct of an incomplete decision table. We theoretically prove that this problem can be solved in polynomial time. This result shows that the problem of determining the union of all reducts can be solved in polynomial time, and the problem of determining the set of all redundant attributes which are not present in any reducts can also be solved in polynomial time.
An Improved Inter-Domain Handover Scheme Based on a Bidirectional Cooperative Relay
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Ji Xinsheng
Published: January 2014

In the process of inter-domain handover, according to the partner-based hierarchical mobile IPv6 protocol (PHMIPv6), the longer configuration time for a new care-of-address may cause an interrupt in the current wireless connections and cause higher handover latency and packet loss rate. This paper proposes an improved handover mechanism based on PHMIPv6, named B-CDHO. A fPN and bPN are defined respectively in B-CDHO as cooperative relay nodes during the handover process. fPN can get the new care-of-address instead of a mobile terminal before the handover triggers and bPN can avoid connection interrupt if the prehandover time is longer. The analysis and simulation results both show that B-CDHO can reduce the handover latency and packet loss in comparison to HMIPv6 and PHMIPv6 in case the pre-handover delay is longer.
SPECIFIC ASPECTS IN SEISMIC DESIGN OF TALL REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDINGS
Authors: Zăvoianu Adrian , Pascu Radu
Published: January 2014

Tall buildings present some specific aspects influencing the modeling and response to seismic loads. Therefore, the design rules recommended in codes, calibrated for low and medium rise buildings, are not appropriate for design of tall buildings. Other rules are needed, and performance based design represents a viable alternative for tall buildings. In this paper a methodology for the design of tall structures is proposed and it is illustrated trough a case study for a structure with perimeter tube and interior core walls, which aims to identify the particularities regarding the design, behavior and the parameters that define the post elastic behavior at the global and local level, for this structures.
Neural Network Based Real-time Correction of Transducer Dynamic Errors
Authors: Roj J.
Published: January 2014

In order to carry out real-time dynamic error correction of transducers described by a linear differential equation, a novel recurrent neural network was developed. The network structure is based on solving this equation with respect to the input quantity when using the state variables. It is shown that such a real-time correction can be carried out using simple linear perceptrons. Due to the use of a neural technique, knowledge of the dynamic parameters of the transducer is not necessary. Theoretical considerations are illustrated by the results of simulation studies performed for the modeled second order transducer. The most important properties of the neural dynamic error correction, when emphasizing the fundamental advantages and disadvantages, are discussed.
Numerical Analysis of Isotropy Electromagnetic Sensor Measurement Error
Authors: Harťanský R. , Smieško V. , Maršálka L.
Published: January 2014

The article deals with classification and quantification of electromagnetic field measurement errors in case an isotropic sensor as a field probe is used. The focus is mainly on the error of measurement method, resulting from mutual interaction of the field probe sensors associated with the origin of the so-called mutual impedance.
Characterization of intermediate values of the triangle inequality II
Authors: Sano Hiroki , Izumida Tamotsu , Mitani Ken-Ichi , Ohwada Tomoyoshi , Saito Kichi-Suke
Published: January 2014

In [Mineno K., Nakamura Y., Ohwada T., Characterization of the intermediate values of the triangle inequality, Math. Inequal. Appl., 2012, 15(4), 1019–1035] there was established a norm inequality which characterizes all intermediate values of the triangle inequality, i.e. C
n that satisfy 0 ≤ C
n ≤ Σj=1n ‖x
j‖ − ‖Σj=1n
x
j‖, x
1,...,x
n ∈ X. Here we study when this norm inequality attains equality in strictly convex Banach spaces.
HEAT SHOCK TREATMENT CAN IMPROVE SOME SEED GERMINATION INDEXES AND ENZYME ACTIVITY IN PRIMED SEEDS WITH GIBBERELLIN OF MOUNTAIN RYE (SECALE MONTANUM) UNDER ACCELERATED AGING CONDITIONS
Authors: Ansari O. , Sharif-Zadeh F. , Moradi A. , Azadi M.S. , Younesi E.
Published: January 2014

Seed priming with gibberellin (GA) enhances seed germination performance; but the quality of primed seeds in aging condition often reduces more than non-primed seeds. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect(s) of heat shock treatments on germination characteristics and enzyme activity of primed mountain rye (Secale montanum) seeds with gibberellin under accelerated aging. Heat shock treatments, can substantially decrease the speed of quality reduction of mountain rye (Secale montanum) primed seeds. In primed seeds with gibberellin, which has non-aged, the highest germination percentage (GP) and normal seedling percentage (NSP) was attained from heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h, also after 3 days aging, it was attained from heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h. After 3 days of aging the highest germination index (GI) was attained from unprimed seeds, but no significant difference with heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h. The minimum means time germination (MTG) was in heat shock treatment at 30°C for 3 h in non-aged seeds. After 3 days of aging, heat shock treatment reduce MTG as compared to the primed seeds. Heat shock treatment at 35°C for 3 h increased seed vigor index (SVI) as compared to the unprimed and primed seed in non-aged seeds and after 3 days aging. Seedling length (SL) increases with heat shock treatment at 30°C for 4 h in non-aged seeds as compared to the primed and unprimed seeds, but after 3 days of aging heat shock treatment except at 35°C for 3 h and 40°C for 4 h reduced SL as compared to the primed and unprimed seeds. Also, heat shock treatments increase some antioxidant enzymes [Catalase (CAT), Ascorbat peroxidase (APX)].
EVALUATION OF YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) IN INTERCROPPING WITH SPRING BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE L.)
Authors: Azar M. Rahimi , Javanmard A. , Shekari F. , Pourmohammad A. , Esfandyari E.
Published: January 2014

Intercropping is considered for increasing and stability of yield per average unit. In order to evaluate the effect of barley/chickpea intercrop, a study was carried out in the research field of Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University, in 2009 as randomized compelet block design, with three replicates, with row replacement series. Treatments included different combinations (1:1,2:1, 3:1, 2:2 and 3:2 row ratios of barley:chickpea) and their monocultures. Results indicated that the highest yield was obtained from combination of one row barley and one row Desi chickpea.The highest number of pods was obtained, also, in combination of one row barley and one row Desi chickpea. There was a significant difference among treatments including Desi chickpea and Kabuli chickpea 100-grain weight that its Kabuli chickpea was more. The correlation coefficient analysis indicated that number of pods per plot had the highest positive relationship and protein percentage had the highest negative relationship with yield per plot. The path coefficient analysis showed that the number of pods had the highest direct effect on yield percentage via the number of pods