bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUTYHGene Polymorphisms as Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kung Yung-Jen , Tsai Kun Shi , Huang Chung-Ming , Lin Hui-Ju , Chen Ter-Hsin , Hsu Yu-An , Chang Ching-Yao , Huang Yong-San , Wan Lei
Published: July 2015

Objectives.MUTYH glycosylase involved in DNA repair pathways may be associated with the risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the association between polymorphisms in theMUTYHgene and RA was evaluated.Methods. We recruited 192 RA patients and 192 healthy subjects in Taiwan. The 4MUTYHpolymorphisms (rs3219463, rs3219476, rs3219489, and rs3219493) were detected and haplotype analysis was performed using the Bayesian method. The genotype and allelic frequency distributions of the polymorphisms in both RA patients and healthy patients were compared by the chi-square test.Results. Comparison of the genotype/allele frequencies between individuals with RA and the control groups revealed significant differences in 2MUTYHgene polymorphisms, rs3219463 and rs3219476. After we performed a haplotype-specific analysis, the haplotypes Ht6-GTGC and Ht8-GGCG had lower presenting rates in RA patients than in the control groups. Furthermore, the genotype frequency of rs3219463 G/  was significantly increased among patients with immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factors, whereas that of rs3219476 was not.Conclusion. We demonstrated that the rs3219463 and rs3219476 polymorphisms in RA patients from a Taiwan Chinese population were associated with disease susceptibility. These data indicate that theMUTYHgene may play a role in the progression of RA.
Adipose Tissues Characteristics of Normal, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes in Uygurs Population
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Zhiwei , Ding Yulei , Xu Peng , Wang Tingting , Xu Wenjing , Lu Huan , Li Jun , Wang Yan , Li Siyuan , Liu Zongzhi , An Na , Yang Li , Xie Jianxin
Published: July 2015

Our results showed that, at the same BMI level, Uygurs have greater WHR values, abdominal visceral fat content, and diabetes risks than Kazaks. In addition, values of HDL-C in Uygur subjects were lower than those in Kazak subjects, and values of creatinine, uric acid, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, and fructosamine in Uygur male subjects were lower than those in Kazak male subjects. In contrast, systolic blood pressure values in Uygur subjects were greater than those in Kazak subjects, and blood glucose values were greater in Uygur female subjects than in Kazak female subjects. Additionally, in Uygurs, visceral adipose tissue expression levels ofTBX1andTCF21were greater in obesity group than in normal and T2DM groups and lower in T2DM group than in normal group (P<0.01). The visceral adipose tissue expression levels ofAPNin normal group was greater than those in obesity and T2DM groups, and visceral adipose tissue expression levels ofTNF-αandMCP-1in normal group were lower than those in obesity and T2DM groups (P<0.01). In conclusion, T2DM in Uygurs was mainly associated with not only distribution of adipose tissue in body, but also change in metabolic activity and adipocytokines secretion of adipose tissue.
Tolerance of Glyphosate-Resistant Maize to Glyphosate Plus MCPA Amine Is Influenced by Dose and Timing
Authors: Soltani Nader , McNaughton Kris , Gillard Chris L. , Nurse Robert E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: July 2015

There is little information on tolerance of glyphosate-resistant maize to glyphosate plus MCPA amine as influenced by dose and timing under Ontario environmental conditions. A total of seven field trials were conducted at various locations in Ontario, Canada, in 2011–2013 to evaluate tolerance of field maize to tank mixes of glyphosate (900 g a.e./ha) plus MCPA amine (79, 158, 315, 630, 1260, 2520, or 5040 g a.e./ha) at either the 4- or 8-leaf stage. The predicted dose of MCPA amine that caused 5, 10, and 20% injury was 339, 751, and 1914 g a.e./ha when applied to 4-leaf maize but only 64, 140, and 344 g a.e./ha when applied to 8-leaf maize, respectively. The predicted dose of MCPA amine that caused 5, 10, and 20% reduction in shoot dry weight of maize was 488, 844, and 1971 g a.e./ha when applied to 4-leaf maize and only 14, 136, and 616 g a.e./ha when applied to 8-leaf maize, respectively. The predicted dose of MCPA amine that caused 5, 10, and 20% yield reduction was 2557, 4247, and >5040 g a.e./ha when applied to 4-leaf maize and 184, 441, and 1245 g a.e./ha when applied to 8-leaf maize, respectively. Based on these results, glyphosate plus MCPA amine applied at the manufacturer’s recommended dose of 630 g a.e./ha applied to 4-leaf maize has potential to cause injury but the injury is transient with no significant reduction in yield. However, when glyphosate plus MCPA amine is applied to 8-leaf maize it has the potential to cause significant injury and yield loss in maize.
A new species from the genus Gorochovitettix (Tetrigidae: Metrodorinae) from Thailand
Authors: TAN MING KAI , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: July 2015

A new species of pygmy grasshopper from the genus Gorochovitettix is described: Gorochovitettix khaosung sp. n. from Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, Thailand. This represents the second species from the genus and the first record of the genus outside Vietnam.
Passing the Torch
Authors: Moss Diana L.
Published: July 2015

During the past eighteen years, the American Antitrust Institute (AAI) has grown into the flagship competition advocacy organization in the United States. In handing off the leadership to his successor, AAI’s founder and first president, Bert Foer, leaves a legacy rich in the ideology of progressive antitrust. His successor, Diana Moss, discusses the challenges of making AAI into a durable institution moving forward, and she recaps the unique contributions to this special tribute issue by Harry First and Eleanor Fox, Robert Skitol, David Lawsky, and Bill Kovacic.
Efficiencies in Antitrust Analysis
Authors: Nelson Philip , Smith David
Published: July 2015

While antitrust scholars continue to debate the goals of antitrust law, including the role of efficiencies in antitrust analysis, these discussions typically recognize that antitrust law does and should consider efficiencies, particularly efficiencies that lead to lower consumer prices. This paper provides a review of the “efficiencies debate” and the economics literature that evaluates efficiencies to assess whether the analysis of efficiencies in antitrust cases should be changed significantly. Our review finds that current antitrust law does a reasonable job of balancing the potentially conflicting policy objectives of promoting social efficiencies and protecting consumers from the adverse effects of anticompetitive practices. As a result, we conclude that only modest change in current antitrust policy is appropriate. Specifically, we recommend (as is consistent with some existing policies) that parties asserting an efficiency rationale for their conduct should bear the burden of proof, that a rule of reason analysis should be used, that all efficiencies (not just variable cost savings) should be recognized, and that limited equity issues should be considered. We conclude that antitrust law is not well suited for addressing tangential social policy problems.
Intergenerational Efforts to Develop a Healthy Environment for Everyone
Authors: Kruger Tina M. , Savage Caroline E. , Newsham Patrick
Published: July 2015

As climate change proceeds at an unprecedented rate, concern for the natural environment has increased. The world’s population aging also continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, giving greater attention to the implications of an older population. The two trends are linked through the fact that changes to the environment affect older adults, and older adults affect the environment. Sustainability is, therefore, an intergenerational phenomenon, and protecting resources today leaves a positive legacy and enhances quality of life for future generations. Older adults have much to share with younger generations about behaviors that promote sustainable living, yet few sustainability efforts are intergenerational in nature. As large numbers of people currently subsist without secure access to basic needs, ensuring equitable resource consumption for all generations is urgent and aligns with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through exploring linkages between aging and sustainability, we identify intergenerational strategies to protect the environment and promote human rights and quality of life for older adults.
Ten years of enlargement and the forces of labour in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Greskovits Béla
Published: July 2015

This article introduces the individual contributions to this issue, which takes stock of the results of the first decade of eastern enlargement of the EU. Combining the insights of the study of industrial relations and social movement theory, the analysis focuses on what Central and Eastern European trade unions have done to benefit from new opportunities and mitigate new risks in good times and bad. The article proposes that while during the first decade after enlargement the hollowing and backsliding of industrial democracy made it difficult for organized workers to make their voices heard via collective bargaining, there have been tectonic shifts in labour’s typical voices of discontent. Aggrieved employees have protested less through strikes at the workplace in their capacity as workers empowered by labour’s collective rights and in alliance with fellow workers. Instead, the repertoire of contention has been dominated by demonstrations in the public space by public sector employees, who have relied on their citizenship rights shared with fellow citizens and have sought the support of civil society organizations.
Convergence and divergence – 10 years since EU enlargement
Authors: Kohl Heribert
Published: July 2015

The enlargement of the EU to Central and Eastern Europe after 2004 was accompanied by great optimism: more dynamic economic development was expected in the wider Europe and also a general further development of social standards. The banking and debt crisis that started in 2008, however, has revealed structural shortcomings that disrupted and partly reversed the desired trends. The main reasons were inadequate governance options with regard to European economic and financial policy, together with substantial interference in the social dimension in the old and the new Member States. The impact of these processes in terms of convergence and divergence in the EU can be demonstrated on the basis of comparative empirical data series of core indicators in key areas for EU citizens. This impact has been exacerbated by inadequate state social protection and its funding by means of widely varying forms of taxation. A summary composite convergence/divergence index shows the current effects of crisis strategies in the EU regions.
Trade unions and austerity in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Varga Mihai
Published: July 2015

Austerity measures in the wake of the recent world financial crisis often translated into large cuts in public employment and spending, and tax increases. Trade unions throughout Central and Eastern Europe had a disillusioning record of protecting their members against the previous wave of market-making reforms that swept through the entire region in the 1990s. Would unions perform better this time? As the article shows, in three of the four countries discussed below (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania) trade unions were able to launch protests and nationwide strikes, arguably a sign of their growing capacity to mobilize discontent and of their willingness to risk their relationship with the government.
A Home-Based Palliative Care Consult Service for Veterans
Authors: Golden Adam G. , Antoni Charles , Gammonley Denise
Published: July 2015

We describe the development and implementation of a home-based palliative care consult service for Veterans with advanced illness. A retrospective chart review was performed on 73 Veterans who received a home-based palliative care consult. Nearly one-third were 80 years of age or older, and nearly one-third had a palliative diagnosis of cancer. The most common interventions of the consult team included discussion of advance directives, completion of a “do not resuscitate” form, reduction/stoppage of at least 1 medication, explanation of diagnosis, referral to home-based primary care program, referral to hospice, and assessment/support for caregiver stress. The home-based consult service was therefore able to address clinical and psychosocial issues that can demonstrate a direct benefit to Veterans, families, and referring clinicians.
‘Life-Stage Dissolution’, Infantilization and Antisocial Consumption
Authors: Brisman Avi , South Nigel
Published: July 2015

Hayward (2012, 2013) asserts that the opposition between adolescence and adulthood is increasingly challenged as late-modern capitalist culture artificially extends the former. Hayward introduces the concept of ‘life-stage dissolution’—and its attendant bidirectionalprocesses of ‘adultification’ and ‘infantilization’—to propose that it isbecomingdifficult for young people to differentiate and disassociate themselves from the generation immediately ahead of them and vice versa. This article makes a contribution to a ‘green cultural criminology’ (Brisman and South, 2013b, 2014) by extending Hayward’s argument to the realm of environmental harms and concerns. It provides examples of ways in which ‘life-stage dissolution’ and the resulting ‘generational mulch’ impede efforts towards environmental protection that might take into account future generations, and it explores how such responsibility is denied even while scientific awareness grows that over-consumption is damaging the environment that future generations will inherit.
Youth at Risk or Terms at Risk?
Authors: Follesø Reidun
Published: July 2015

In this article, I ask how the two terms youth and risk are connected to each other. What are the predominant descriptions for this collective term, and what consequences can such descriptions lead to? In conclusion, I ask if there may be alternative terms that could be used to encourage understanding and active movement in other directions. My hope is to challenge predominant understandings of ‘youth at risk’. To achieve this, we must ask new questions and search for alternative terms. In order to succeed, we need to include those who are affected by the terminology—those who have to wear the label. In so doing, we may search for and find terms that that are open, inclusive and make it possible to take positive new actions.
May Increasing Doping Sanctions Discourage Entry to the Competition?
Authors: Hirschmann David
Published: July 2015

This article shows that under certain circumstances, an increase in doping sanctions can decrease the number of participants in the competition. The model, which is based on a work of Haugen, is formulated as a two-stage game in which agents first decide whether to participate in a competition and second whether to use an illicit but effective drug when competing. If initially low sanctions are increased but do not prevent a certain overall level of doping, then the payoff for all athletes is reduced, which, in turn, reduces their willingness to participate in the competition.
Tangible–Intangible Factors Interaction on Hostility Escalation and Rivalry Endurance: The Case of India–Pakistan Rivalry
Authors: Sitaraman Srini
Published: July 2015

A major contribution of the enduring rivalry literature is that the same pair of states—commonly referred to as dyads—are the cause for the majority of violent territorial changes and low-intensity conflicts. Enduring rivalries account for almost half of the militarized disputes during the past 200 years. Expanding literature on enduring rivalries informs us that militarized disputes and crises are influenced by past outcomes, internal dynamics of conflict behaviour and the prospects of future disputes. This article focuses on the India–Pakistan enduring rivalry, which has persisted for 68 years, and this rivalry is marked by four wars, and numerous instances of asymmetric warfare. The India–Pakistan rivalry has proved to be the most enduring, and it simply does not show any sign of abatement, and this conflict has become nested within the Pakistan–Afghanistan and India–China regional rivalry and territorial dispute. In addition, the India–Pakistan enduring rivalry has also become deeply enmeshed in the American-led Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). This article reviews the vast literature on enduring rivalry with particular focus on India–Pakistan to examine what factors have led to the persistence and exacerbation of this rivalry and why it is displaying no inclination towards termination.
Optimization of ZnO-NPs to Investigate Their Safe Application by Assessing Their Effect on Soil Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Kushwah Tanuja , Vishwakarma Ashutosh , Yadav Shweta
Published: July 2015

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are increasingly receiving attention due to their widespread application in cosmetics, pigments and coatings. This has raised concerns in the public and scientific communities regarding their unexpected health effects. Toxicity effect of ZnO-NPs on the environment was assessed in the present study using Caenorhabditis elegans. Multiple toxicity end points including their mortality, behaviour, reproduction, in vitro distribution and expression of stress response mtl-1 and sod-1 genes were observed to evaluate safe application of ZnO-NPs. C. elegans were exposed to 10, 50, and 100 nm ZnO-NPs (0.1 to 2.0 g/l). Application of 10 nm ≥0.7g/l adversely affects the survivability of worms and was significantly not affected with exposure of 50 and 100 nm ≤1.0 g/l. However, reproduction was affected at much low concentration as compared to their survivability. LC50 was recorded 1.0 ± 0.06 (g/l) for 100 nm, 0.90 ± 0.60 for 50 nm and 0.620 ± 0.08 for 10 nm. Expression of mtl-1 and sod-1 was significantly increased with application of 10 nm ≥0.7g/l and significantly unaffected with exposure of 50 and 100 nm at the same concentration. ZnO-NPs (10 nm) had shown even distribution extended nearly the entire length of the body. The distribution pattern of ZnO-NPs indicates that the intestine is the major target tissues for NP toxicity. Study demonstrates that small-sized (10 nm) ZnO-NPs ≥0.7g/l is more toxic than larger-sized particles. This may be suggested on the basis of available data; application of 50 and 100 nm ≤1.0 g/l ZnO-NPs may be used to the environment as this shows no significant toxicity. However, further calibration is warranted to explore safe dose on soil compartments prior to their field application.
Predictors of long-term stability of maxillary dental arch dimensions in patients treated with a transpalatal arch followed by fixed appliances
Authors: Raucci Gaetana , Elyasi Maryam , Pachêco-Pereira Camila , Grassia Vincenzo , d’Apuzzo Fabrizia , Flores-Mir Carlos , Perillo Letizia
Published: July 2015

Background

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify which dental and/or cephalometric variables were predictors of long-term maxillary dental arch stability in patients treated with a transpalatal arch (TPA) during the mixed dentition phase followed by full fixed appliances in the permanent dentition.

Methods

Thirty-six patients, treated with TPA followed up by full fixed appliances, were divided into stable and relapse groups based on the long-term presence or not of relapse. Intercuspid, interpremolar and intermolar widths, arch length and perimeter, crowding, and upper incisor proclination were evaluated before treatment (T
0), post-TPA treatment (T
1), post-fixed appliance treatment (T
2), and a minimum of 3 years after full fixed appliances’ removal (T
3). A binary logistic regression was performed thereafter to evaluate the impact of the dental arch and cephalometric measurements at T
1 and the changes between T
0 and T
1 as predictive variables for relapse at T
3.

Results

The proposed model explained 42.7 % of the variance in treatment stability and correctly classified 72.2 % of the sample. Of the seven predictive variables, only upper anterior crowding (p = 0.029) was statistically significant. For every millimeter of decreased crowding at T
1 (after TPA treatment/before starting the fixed orthodontic treatment), there was an increase of 3.57 times in the odds of having stability.

Conclusions

The best predictor of relapse was maxillary crowding before treatment. The odds of relapse increase by 3.6 times for every millimeter of crowding at baseline.
Research of Interrelation of Phenomena and Concepts for Risk and Uncertainty in Economic Activity and Project Management
Authors: Титова  , Titova N. , Титов  , Titov S. , Титаренко  , Titarenko R.
Published: July 2015

Various authors’ views on concepts for risk and uncertainty as economic activity’s integral part are investigated in this paper; an attempt to reveal and put in order various ideas for interrelation of risk and uncertainty concepts both in economic activity in general, and in project management in particular has been accomplished.
Evidence-based surgery – evidence from survey and citation analysis in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Kumar Malhar , Gopalakrishna Chethan , Swaminath Pazhayannur V , Mysore Sanjay S
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

The results of a survey on evidence-based surgery (EBS) among members of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) are presented. The study also analyzes the citations earned by articles with different levels of evidence (LOE) to see if LOE have any bearing on the importance attached to the articles by authors and contributors to the journals.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The questionnaire was e-mailed to 1000 randomly chosen consultant orthopaedic surgeons who were members of either the AAOS or the BOA. Participants were provided with the option of responding through web-based entry. For citation analysis, citation data were gathered from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American volume) between the years 2003 and 2007 (5-year period).

RESULTS

The survey showed that awareness and access to EBS have improved greatly over the years. At the present time, these factors are not important barriers to the implementation of EBS in clinical practice in developed countries. There was a statistically significant difference in those with and without additional qualifications with regard to the approach to EBS. However, an equal percentage of surgeons with and without additional qualifications felt that it was difficult to adhere to EBS guidelines in daily clinical practice. Citation analysis showed that readers of professional journals attach importance to LOE category of the article and tend to cite level-I evidence articles more than other articles.
The use of health related quality of life data to produce information sheets for patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Rogers SN , Hogg ES , Cheung WKA , Lai LKL , Jassal P , Lowe D
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Health related quality of life information gives patients and carers an indication of how they will be affected following treatment. Such knowledge can promote realistic expectations and help patients come to terms with their outcome. The aim of this paper is to describe the background development of patient information sheets produced at our unit.

Methods

The data were compiled using a common head and neck cancer specific quality of life questionnaire (University of Washington Quality of Life [UW-QOL]). There are 12 domains comprising activity, appearance, anxiety, chewing, mood, pain, recreation, saliva, shoulder, speech, swallowing and taste. The data were collected over 19 years at our unit and focus on follow-up records at around 2 years as this gives a good indication of health related quality of life in survivorship. UW-QOL questionnaires were available from 1,511 patients treated following primary diagnosis of head and neck cancer, and there were 24 subgroups based on cancer site, stage and treatment. There were 2 other subgroups: 132 having transoral laser resection and 176 having laryngectomy.

Results

The patient and carer research forum helped to design the information sheets, which display overall quality of life, percentages with ‘good’ outcome and ‘significant problem’ by domain, and the most important domains. Three examples are included in this paper: early stage oral cancer treated by surgery alone, early laryngeal cancer treated by surgery alone, and late stage oropharyngeal cancer treated by surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. All 26 subgroup information sheets are available in booklet form and on the internet.

Conclusions

How the surgical community best utilises this type of resource needs further research.
Co-Operation with Pre-Operative Cardiovascular Monitoring Amongst Children for Chair Dental General Anaesthesia
Authors: Seed Rachel , Boardman Charlotte , Davies Mark
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) guidelines Recommendations for standards of monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery state that cardiovascular monitoring for induction of general anaesthesia should include pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure measurement, but recognise that young patients may not co-operate sufficiently to allow this. The aim of this study was to look at levels of compliance possible for pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure measurement, in a population known to be unco-operative with therapeutic interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 500 records of patients attending for chair dental general anaesthesia was carried out. It was recorded whether pre-operatively pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure measurement had been allowed in addition to the child's age and sex.

RESULTS

Of the children, 52% were male and 48% were female. The age range was 2–15 years. Overall, 448 children co-operated with both pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure measurement. Co-operation appeared to increase with increasing age.

DISCUSSION

Of the children, 90% were co-operative with pre-operative monitoring. It could easily be assumed that many of these children, who are referred for general anaesthesia because they are less co-operative than their peers, would not allow proper pre-operative cardiovascular monitoring. This does not appear to be the case.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of children, including the very young, attending for chair dental general anaesthesia, will co-operate sufficiently to allow cardiovascular monitoring during induction of anaesthesia, even though the majority will not tolerate exodontia under local anaesthesia.
The use and abuse of abbreviations in orthopaedic literature
Authors: Kilshaw Michael J , Rooker Jemma , Harding Ian J
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

Abbreviations are commonly used in medical literature. Their use has been associated with medical errors and they can be a source of irritation and misunderstanding. There are strict guidelines for their use. This study analysed the use of abbreviations in orthopaedic literature and compared adherence with guidelines in a general orthopaedic and spinal journal. It also examined orthopaedic professionals& understanding of abbreviations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The use of abbreviations in articles over a 3-month period in a general orthopaedic and spinal journal was analysed. The number of abbreviations and adherence with guidelines was recorded. A group of orthopaedic healthcare professionals were tested for their understanding of abbreviations.

RESULTS

Almost half of all abbreviations were not properly used and 30% of abbreviations were never defined. Abbreviations were used significantly more often in the spinal journal. Only 40% of abbreviations were correctly defined by the orthopaedic professionals tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines regarding the use of abbreviations are not being adhered to by authors or editors. The poor understanding of abbreviations underlines the importance of minimising their use and defining abbreviations when they are used.
Ultrasonography aids decision-making in children with abdominal pain
Authors: Scammell S , Lansdale N , Sprigg A , Campbell D , Marven S
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

Although regular clinical assessment of the acute abdomen is considered best practice, ultrasonography confirming the presence of appendicitis will add to the decision-making process. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography and its usefulness in diagnosing acute appendicitis in a regional paediatric surgical institution.

METHODS

Retrospectively and in this order, radiology, theatre and histopathology databases were searched for patients who had presented with acute abdominal pain, patients who had undergone an appendicectomy and all appendix specimens over a two-year period. The databases were cross-referenced against each other.

RESULTS

A total of 273 non-incidental appendicectomies were performed over the study period. The negative appendicectomy rate was 16.5% and the perforation rate 23.7%. Thirty-nine per cent of children undergoing an appendicectomy had at least one pre-operative ultrasound scan. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for acute appendicitis in children had a sensitivity of 83.3%, a specificity of 97.4 %, a positive predictive value of 92.1% and a negative predictive value of 94.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography is used liberally to aid in the decision making process of equivocal and complicated cases of acute appendicitis and it achieves good measures of accuracy. As a diagnostic tool it is unique in its ability to positively predict as well as exclude. A high negative predictive value suggests that more patients could be managed on an outpatient basis following a negative scan.
Current UK practice in emergency laparotomy
Authors: Barrow E , Anderson ID , Varley S , Pichel AC , Peden CJ , Saunders DI , Murray D
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Emergency laparotomy is a common procedure, with 30,000–50,000 performed annually in the UK. This large scale study reports the current spectrum of emergency laparotomies, and the influence of the surgical procedure, underlying pathology and subspecialty of the operating surgeon on mortality.

Methods

Anonymised data on consecutive patients undergoing an emergency laparotomy were submitted for a three-month period. The primary outcome measure was unadjusted 30-day mortality. Appendicectomy and cholecystectomy were among the procedures excluded.

Results

Data from 1,708 patients from 35 National Health Service hospitals were analysed. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 14.8%. ‘True’ emergency laparotomies (ie those classified by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death as immediate or urgent) comprised 86.5% of cases. The mortality rate rose from 8.0% among expedited cases to 14.3% among urgent cases and to 25.7% among laparotomies termed immediate. Among the most common index procedures, small bowel resection exhibited the highest 30-day mortality rate of 21.1%. The presence of abdominal sepsis was associated with raised 30-day mortality (17.5% in the presence of sepsis vs 12.6%, p=0.027). Colorectal procedures comprised 44.3% and within this group, data suggest that mortality from laparotomy may be influenced by surgical subspecialisation.

Conclusions

This report of a large number of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in the UK confirms a remarkably high mortality by modern standards across the range. Very few pathologies or procedures can be considered anything other than high risk. The need for routine consultant involvement and critical care is evident, and the case distribution helps define the surgical skill set needed for a modern emergency laparotomy service. Preliminary data relating outcomes from emergency colonic surgery to surgical subspecialty require urgent further study.
Medical manslaughter: a recent history
Authors: Edwards Simon
Published: July 2015

While it remains rare that a healthcare professional is struck off or prosecuted for clinical negligence, criminal prosecutions for medical negligence through the offence of gross negligence manslaughter are even rarer. Although few in number, these cases are often the subject of intense media attention and show a trend towards increasingly severe sentences, with the most recent cases involving custodial terms. The ramifications of recent rulings for healthcare professionals could be profound.
Conspiracies, cock-ups and the European Union
Authors: Spinnbarkeit
Published: July 2015

If you’ve got this far through the issue and haven’t yet reached boiling point about EU regulations, let our anonymous antagonist help you on your way.
Orthognathic audit: are we getting it right?
Authors: Morris David O
Published: July 2015

As clinicians we all know what a positive impact orthognathic surgery can have on a patient’s wellbeing and quality of life but how can we ‘bottle this feeling’ and demonstrate it to significant non-clinicians such as our paymasters and health commissioners? It may not be as easy as it sounds but one issue is indisputable: as a small nation, we all need to be singing from the same hymn sheet with respect to the type and timing of orthognathic outcomes data being collected.
Human Islets Have Fewer Blood Vessels than Mouse Islets and the Density of Islet Vascular Structures Is Increased in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brissova Marcela , Shostak Alena , Fligner Corinne L. , Revetta Frank L. , Washington Mary K. , Powers Alvin C. , Hull Rebecca L.
Published: July 2015

Human and rodent islets differ substantially in several features, including architecture, cell composition, gene expression and some aspects of insulin secretion. Mouse pancreatic islets are highly vascularized with interactions between islet endothelial and endocrine cells being important for islet cell differentiation and function. To determine whether human islets have a similar high degree of vascularization and whether this is altered with diabetes, we examined the vascularization of islets from normal human subjects, subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and normal mice. Using an integrated morphometry approach to quantify intra-islet capillary density in human and mouse pancreatic sections, we found that human islets have five-fold fewer vessels per islet area than mouse islets. Islets in pancreatic sections from T2D subjects showed capillary thickening, some capillary fragmentation and had increased vessel density as compared with non-diabetic controls. These changes in islet vasculature in T2D islets appeared to be associated with amyloid deposition, which was noted in islets from 8/9 T2D subjects (and occupied 14% ± 4% of islet area), especially around the intra-islet capillaries. The physiological implications of the differences in the angioarchitecture of mouse and human islets are not known. Islet vascular changes in T2D may exacerbate β cell/islet dysfunction and β cell loss.
Progenitor Epithelium
Authors: Marty-Santos Leilani , Cleaver Ondine
Published: July 2015

Insulin-producing β cells within the vertebrate fetal pancreas acquire their fate in a step-wise manner. Whereas the intrinsic factors dictating the transcriptional or epigenetic status of pancreatic lineages have been intensely examined, less is known about cell–cell interactions that might constitute a niche for the developing β cell lineage. It is becoming increasingly clear that understanding and recapitulating these steps may instruct in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells and/or therapeutic regeneration. Indeed, directed differentiation techniques have improved since transitioning from 2D to 3D cultures, suggesting that the 3D microenvironment in which β cells are born is critical. However, to date, it remains unknown whether the changing architecture of the pancreatic epithelium impacts the fate of cells therein. An emerging challenge in the field is to elucidate how progenitors are allocated during key events, such as the stratification and subsequent resolution of the pre-pancreatic epithelium, as well as the formation of lumens and branches. Here, we assess the progenitor epithelium and examine how it might influence the emergence of pancreatic multipotent progenitors (MPCs), which give rise to β cells and other pancreatic lineages.
A Historical Perspective on the Identification of Cell Types in Pancreatic Islets of Langerhans by Staining and Histochemical Techniques
Authors: Baskin Denis G.
Published: July 2015

Before the middle of the previous century, cell types of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans were identified primarily on the basis of their color reactions with histological dyes. At that time, the chemical basis for the staining properties of islet cells in relation to the identity, chemistry and structure of their hormones was not fully understood. Nevertheless, the definitive islet cell types that secrete glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin (A, B, and D cells, respectively) could reliably be differentiated from each other with staining protocols that involved variations of one or more tinctorial techniques, such as the Mallory-Heidenhain azan trichrome, chromium hematoxylin and phloxine, aldehyde fuchsin, and silver impregnation methods, which were popularly used until supplanted by immunohistochemical techniques. Before antibody-based staining methods, the most bona fide histochemical techniques for the identification of islet B cells were based on the detection of sulfhydryl and disulfide groups of insulin. The application of the classical islet tinctorial staining methods for pathophysiological studies and physiological experiments was fundamental to our understanding of islet architecture and the physiological roles of A and B cells in glucose regulation and diabetes.
Eye Tracking Reveals Processes that Enable Conjoint Choices to Become Increasingly Efficient with Practice
Authors: Meißner Martin , Musalem Andres , Huber Joel
Published: July 2015

Choice-based conjoint is a popular technique for characterizing consumers’ choices. Three eye-tracking studies explore decision processes in conjoint choices that take less time and become more accurate with practice. These studies reveal two simplification processes that are associated with greater speed and reliability. Alternative focus gradually shifts attention toward options that represent promising choices, whereas attribute focus directs attention to important attributes that are most likely to alter or confirm a decision. Alternative and attribute focus increase in intensity with practice. In terms of biases, the authors detect a small but consistent focus on positive aspects of the item chosen and negative aspects of the items not chosen. They also show that incidental exposures arising from the first-examined alternative or from alternatives in a central horizontal location increase attention but have a much more modest and often insignificant impact on conjoint choices. Overall, conjoint choice is found to be a process that is (1) largely formed by goal-driven values that respondents bring to the task and (2) relatively free of distorting effects from task layout or random exposures.
Testing Biochar As a Possible Way To Ameliorate Slightly Acidic Soil At The Research Field Located In The Danubian Lowland
Authors: Horák Ján
Published: July 2015

One-year field experiment with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was carried out to evaluate the effect of biochar amendment on the pH of Orthic Luvisol at the research site located in western Slovakia (lat. 48° 19′ 00″; lon. 18° 09′ 00″). Biochar with higher pH (8.8) was applied to slightly acidic soils with the initial pH at 5.6. The field experiment consisted of control, 10 and 20 t ha−1 (B0, B10, B20) of biochar application to soils combined with three levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 40 and 80 kg N ha−1) (N0, N40, N80). The soil pH (KCl) at depth 0–10 cm was measured once a month (March – October, 2014). Application of both biochar rates (10 and 20 t ha−1) increased pH (in all months) with the magnitude of 0.13–1.09 units in all three fertilization levels (0, 40 and 80 kg N ha−1) compared to the control one. However, the significant increase (p <0.05) was found only in the treatment B10N0 (3 of 8 measurement events) and B20N0 (6 of 8 measurements) when no nitrogen was applied and in the treatment B20N80 (5 of 8 measurements) when 80 kg of nitrogen was applied. According to this, the biochar incorporation to soil can be suggested as a possible way to ameliorate soils and may be effective in increasing soil pH.
Zootechnical Index Analysis of West African Dwarf Rams in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Moshood Abiola
Published: July 2015

The study was conducted to evaluate the zootechnical index analysis of West African Dwarf (WAD) rams. Twenty body measurements were taken on 100 WAD rams of average ages of 18-24 months. Data collected were subjected to PROCMEANS procedure of the SAS (2004) package. The average body weight of the animals was 39.20 ± 0.95 kg, the coefficient of variation indicated variability between 1.45% (head width) and 12.90% (body weight) which were the lowest and highest variability, respectively. Thus, a moderate variability of coefficient of variation ranging between 8% and 12.90% in all morphological measures was considered. Also the variability between the rams with respect to the zootechnical indices is indicated by their coefficient of variation which ranged between 0.11% (length) to 10.80% (cephalic). There was a positive and significant correlation between body weight and other phenotypic traits (P < 0.001) except for ear width, chest girth, neck length, neck width, and also head width. The result obtained in this study revealed that the estimated zootechnical indices reinforced classification of WAD breed as a small-sized and short-shaped body frame suitable for the sporting activities as preferred by the users.
Differences in pharyngeal according to angle class of malocclusion
Authors: Diamantidou A. , Topouzelis Nikolaos , Sidiropoulou-Hadjigianni S. , Gkantidis N.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: To investigate potential differences in the pharynx, the soft palate, the pharyngeal tonsil, and the tongue between patients with different Angle Classes of malocclusion. Study Design: Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 116 normal breathing individuals aged between 9 and 12 years were analyzed. 20 linear and 4 angular measurements, as well as 5 variables concerning the surface area of the pharynx and the soft palate were evaluated. Results: The angle formed by the palatal plane and the base of the skull had lower values in Class II groups. The soft palate height was smaller in Class II, div. 1 group. The angle between the soft and hard palates was smaller in Class III, followed by Class I, Class II, div. 2, and Class II, div. 1, with increasing values. The distance of the tongue from the palatal plane was larger in Class I and Class III groups. The surface area of the oropharynx was larger in Class III than in Class II groups. The total surface area of the pharynx had higher values in Class III than in Class II/1. Conclusion: Subjects with Class II malocclusion may be more prone to develop respiratory related disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, followed by Class I and Class III subjects.
Excessive tongue amyloidosis as the diagnostic sign of multiple myeloma: A case report
Authors: Dalampiras Stylianos , Andreadis Dimitrios , Kostopoulos Ioannis , Stylianou Florentia , Papadiochos Ioannis , Poulopoulos Athanasios
Published: July 2015

Background: Deposition of amyloid in oral mucosa may be related to systemic disorders, including immune-related diseases and malignancies. Clinical Presentation: We describe a case of 76-year-old patient with excessive, painless, multi-nodular tongue enlargement, and petechiae on the vermilion border and perioral skin that appeared 2 months ago. The biopsy detected subepithelial, Congo's Red positive amyloid depositions. Consequent laboratory investigation and bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma stage 2 (International Prognostic Index - IPI). Conclusion: Multi-nodular excessive tongue enlargement could be of high significance as initial sign of undiagnosed, underlying systemic disease including severe malignancy like multiple myeloma.
Occupational maxillofacial trauma: Report of a rare case
Authors: Dervisoglou Theodoros , Dalabiras Foivos , Dalabiras Stilianos
Published: July 2015

Maxillofacial trauma, any physical trauma in the face, can involve soft tissues (lacerations, avulsions, bruises etc), bone injuries (fractures and dislocation), avulsed or fractured teeth (dental issues) and special regions (nerves, eyes, salivary glands etc). As the most exposed part of the human body, the face can be susceptible to injuries in work-related accidents. Occupational accident in the maxillofacial region rates 0.9-5% and, in some cases, can reach 9%. Based on their occupation, patients are classified as farm and forestry workers, construction workers, factory workers, craftsmen, service workers, and office workers. This paper describes a rare case of a farm-related maxillofacial trauma in a 50-year-old woman and a brief review of the relevant literature.
Aerodynamic properties of lentil seeds
Authors: Shahbazi Feizollah , Valizadeh Saman , Dowlatshah Ali , Hassanzadeh Ezatollah
Published: July 2015

Aerodynamic properties of solid materials have long been used to convey and separate seeds and grains during post-harvest operations. The objective of this study was evaluation of the aerodynamic properties of green and red lentil seeds as a function of moisture content from 10 to 25% (w.b.). The results showed that as the moisture content increased from 10 to 25%, the terminal velocity of seeds increased, following a linear relationship, from 6.90 to 9.14 and from 6.37 to 7.67 m s−1 for green and red lentil seeds, respectively. Seeds of the green variety had terminal velocities with a mean value of 7.89 m s−1, while the red variety had a mean value of 7.02 m s−1, for moisture content from 10 to 25%. The Reynolds number increased linearly from 2 310.90 to 3 269.23 and from 1 215.02 to 1 535.09 for green and red lentil seeds, respectively, with the increase of seeds moisture content from 10 to 25%. While, drag coefficient decreased from 0.69 to 0.40 and from 0.84 to 0.69 for green and red lentil seeds, respectively, with the increase of moisture content. Mathematical relationships were developed to relate the change in seeds moisture content with the values of aerodynamic properties obtained. The analysis of variance showed that the effect of moisture content on all aerodynamic properties of lentil beans was significant at the 1% probability level.
Umberto Eco and Charles Peirce: A slow and respectful convergence
Authors: Proni Giampaolo
Published: July 2015

The aim of the essay is to link Eco’s theory of the Encyclopedia as regulative hypothesis with his theory of interpretation, by evidencing the intrinsic dynamic character of the encyclopedic model. Eco adopts Peirce’s view of semiosis as a flow of interpretants, but the notion of semantic model is not to be found in the work of the American. Eco is thus attracted by the challenge of combining the process-based model of interpretation and the formal model of semantic system. The attempt meets with some difficulties due to the difference between the two approaches. Yet, it is argued that this attempt opens a fascinating landscape to future research.