bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal models of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Animal models of infant short bowel syndrome: translational relevance and challenges
Authors: Sangild Per T. , Ney Denise M. , Sigalet David L. , Vegge Andreas , Burrin Douglas
Published: October 2014

Intestinal failure (IF), due to short bowel syndrome (SBS), results from surgical resection of a major portion of the intestine, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and need for parenteral nutrition (PN). The incidence is highest in infants and relates to preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis, atresia, gastroschisis, volvulus, and aganglionosis. Patient outcomes have improved, but there is a need to develop new therapies for SBS and to understand intestinal adaptation after different diseases, resection types, and nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Animal studies are needed to carefully evaluate the cellular mechanisms, safety, and translational relevance of new procedures. Distal intestinal resection, without a functioning colon, results in the most severe complications and adaptation may depend on the age at resection (preterm, term, young, adult). Clinically relevant therapies have recently been suggested from studies in preterm and term PN-dependent SBS piglets, with or without a functional colon. Studies in rats and mice have specifically addressed the fundamental physiological processes underlying adaptation at the cellular level, such as regulation of mucosal proliferation, apoptosis, transport, and digestive enzyme expression, and easily allow exogenous or genetic manipulation of growth factors and their receptors (e.g., glucagon-like peptide 2, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, epidermal growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor). The greater size of rats, and especially young pigs, is an advantage for testing surgical procedures and nutritional interventions (e.g., PN, milk diets, long-/short-chain lipids, pre- and probiotics). Conversely, newborn pigs (preterm or term) and weanling rats provide better insights into the developmental aspects of treatment for SBS in infants owing to their immature intestines. The review shows that a balance among practical, economical, experimental, and ethical constraints will determine the choice of SBS model for each clinical or basic research question.
Electrical activation to the parasternal intercostal muscles during high-frequency spinal cord stimulation in dogs
Authors: DiMarco Anthony F. , Kowalski Krzysztof E.
Published: October 2014

High-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) is a novel technique of inspiratory muscle activation involving stimulation of spinal cord pathways, which may have application as a method to provide inspiratory muscle pacing in ventilator-dependent patients with spinal cord injury. The purpose of the present study was to compare the spatial distribution of motor drive to the parasternal intercostal muscles during spontaneous breathing with that occurring during HF-SCS. In nine anesthetized dogs, HF-SCS was applied at the T2 spinal level. Fine-wire recording electrodes were used to assess single motor unit (SMU) pattern of activation in the medial bundles of the 2nd and 4th and lateral bundles of the 2nd interspaces during spontaneous breathing and HF-SCS following C1 spinal section. Stimulus amplitude during HF-SCS was adjusted such that inspired volumes matched that occurring during spontaneous breathing ( protocol 1). During HF-SCS mean peak SMU firing frequency was highest in the medial bundles of the 2nd interspace (17.1 ± 0.6 Hz) and significantly lower in the lateral bundles of the 2nd interspace (13.5 ± 0.5 Hz) and medial bundles of the 4th (15.2 ± 0.7 Hz) ( P < 0.05 for each comparison). Similar rostrocaudal and mediolateral gradients of activity were observed during spontaneous breathing prior to C1 section. Since rib cage movement was greater and peak discharge frequencies of the SMUs higher during HF-SCS compared with spontaneous breathing, stimulus amplitude during HF-SCS was adjusted such that rib cage movement matched that occurring during spontaneous breathing ( protocol 2). Under this protocol, mean peak SMU frequencies and rostrocaudal and mediolateral gradients of activity during HF-SCS were not significantly different compared with spontaneous breathing. This study demonstrates that 1) the topographic pattern of electrical activation of the parasternal intercostal muscles during HF-SCS is similar to that occurring during spontaneous breathing, and 2) differential spatial distribution of parasternal intercostal activation does not depend upon differential descending synaptic input from supraspinal centers.
Effect of Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: The SHAPE Study
Authors: van Gemert Willemijn A. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , May Anne M. , Peeters Petra H. , Schuit Albertine J.
Published: October 2014

Background: An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for several types of cancer. A proposed pathway through which exercise influences cancer risk is via insulin. We aim to investigate the effect of a one-year exercise intervention on insulin sensitivity, and the role of body fat in this association, in healthy, normal to overweight/obese, postmenopausal women.

Methods: In the Sex Hormones And Physical Exercise (SHAPE) study, 189 healthy, inactive and postmenopausal women [ages, 50–69 years; body mass index (BMI), 22–40 kg/m2] were randomly assigned to a one-year aerobic and strength exercise intervention (150 min/wk), or a control group. Between-group differences in fasting insulin, glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2) over time were estimated using linear mixed models.

Results: Follow-up measurements of insulin sensitivity were available for 181 (95.8%) and 182 (96.3%) women at 4 and 12 months, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between the two study groups [treatment effect ratio of the exercise group vs. control (β; 95% confidence interval): insulin, β, 1.07 (0.96–1.19); glucose, β, 1.01 (0.99–1.02); and HOMA2, β, 1.07 (0.96–1.20)]. Similar results were found in a per protocol analysis in compliant women, and in a subgroup of women who lost >2% body fat [measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)].

Conclusions: Participation in a one-year aerobic and strength exercise intervention program did not result in changes in insulin sensitivity in healthy postmenopausal and inactive women.

Impact: Our findings suggest that 150 min/wk of exercise, as recommended by current guidelines, is not enough to achieve improvements in insulin sensitivity and subsequent cancer risk, in healthy postmenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 81–87. ©2014 AACR.
Red Meat Intake, NAT2, and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of 11 Studies
Authors: Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N. , Du Mengmeng , Berndt Sonja I. , Brenner Hermann , Caan Bette J. , Casey Graham , Chang-Claude Jenny , Duggan David , Fuchs Charles S. , Gallinger Steven , Giovannucci Edward L. , Harrison Tabitha A. , Hayes Richard B. , Hoffmeister Michael , Hopper John L. , Hou Lifang , Hsu Li , Jenkins Mark A. , Kraft Peter , Ma Jing , Nan Hongmei , Newcomb Polly A. , Ogino Shuji , Potter John D. , Seminara Daniela , Slattery Martha L. , Thornquist Mark , White Emily , Wu Kana , Peters Ulrike , Chan Andrew T.
Published: October 2014

Background: Red meat intake has been associated with risk of colorectal cancer, potentially mediated through heterocyclic amines. The metabolic efficiency of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) required for the metabolic activation of such amines is influenced by genetic variation. The interaction between red meat intake, NAT2 genotype, and colorectal cancer has been inconsistently reported.

Methods: We used pooled individual-level data from the Colon Cancer Family Registry and the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium. Red meat intake was collected by each study. We inferred NAT2 phenotype based on polymorphism at rs1495741, highly predictive of enzyme activity. Interaction was assessed using multiplicative interaction terms in multivariate-adjusted models.

Results: From 11 studies, 8,290 colorectal cancer cases and 9,115 controls were included. The highest quartile of red meat intake was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer compared with the lowest quartile [OR, 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.29–1.55]. However, a significant association was observed only for studies with retrospective diet data, not for studies with diet prospectively assessed before cancer diagnosis. Combining all studies, high red meat intake was similarly associated with colorectal cancer in those with a rapid/intermediate NAT2 genotype (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.20–1.59) as with a slow genotype (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.28–1.61; P interaction = 0.9).

Conclusion: We found that high red meat intake was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer only from retrospective case–control studies and not modified by NAT2 enzyme activity.

Impact: Our results suggest no interaction between NAT2 genotype and red meat intake in mediating risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 198–205. ©2014 AACR.
Association of Glutathione S-Transferase Gene Methylation with Risk of Schizophrenia in an Iranian Population
Authors: Kordi-Tamandani Dor Mohammad , Mojahed Azizollah , Sahranavard Roya , Najafi Maryam
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim: It has been believed that epigenetic changes play a critical role in schizophrenia through improper interaction between genome and environmental risk factors. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate the association of the promoter hypermethylation status of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) genes with the risk of schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Methylation-specific PCR was used to estimate DNA methylation in the blood of 80 patients with schizophrenia and 71 healthy controls. Results: Promoter hypermethylation analysis of GSTT and GSTP indicated a significant difference between individuals with methylated and unmethylated status [odds ratio (OR) = 0.339, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.14-0.8, p = 0.012 and OR = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.135-0.7, p = 0.005, respectively]. Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that impairment in the promoter region of GSTT and GSTP genes by hypermethylation may increase the risk of schizophrenia.
The Long-Term Outcomes of Induction Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgery for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Uramoto Hidetaka , Akiyama Hirohiko , Nakajima Yuki , Kinoshita Hiroyasu , Inoue Takuya , Kurimoto Futoshi , Nishimura Yu , Saito Yoshihiro , Sakai Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: October 2014

Background: Although the concept of induction therapy followed by surgical resection for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) has found general acceptance, the appropriate indications and the strategy for this treatment are still controversial. Methods: From 2000 through 2008, 36 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. We retrospectively reviewed these cases, analyzed the outcomes and examined the prognosis. Results: The median radiation dose given was 60 Gy. Chemotherapy included a platinum agent in all cases; cisplatin-based chemotherapy was administered to 9 cases, and a carboplatin-based chemotherapy regimen was administered to 27. A complete resection was performed in 94% of the patients. Seventeen (47.2%) patients exhibited a complete pathological response, and downstaging was induced in 26 (72%) cases. The morbidity and 30-day mortality rates were 11.1 and 0%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate in the patients with complete resection (n = 33) was 83.3%. Conclusions: Induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for LA-NSCLC provided a favorable prognosis for selected patients. A complete pathological response was found in about half of cases. This strategy is feasible and was associated with low morbidity and high resectability rates, suggesting that it contributed to improving the treatment results.
Erythema Palmare Hereditarium (‘Red Palms', ‘Lane's Disease')
Authors: Langenauer Janine
Published: October 2014

Erythema palmare hereditarium is a very rare, benign alteration of the skin which can be found mostly on the palms and soles. The anomaly is characterized by a distinctive, extensive, sharply demarcated redness. This report presents a patient with erythema palmare hereditarium.
Differential Hemodynamic Effects of Exercise and Volume Expansion in People With and Without Heart Failure
Authors: Andersen Mads J. , Olson Thomas P. , Melenovsky Vojtech , Kane Garvan C. , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Invasive hemodynamic exercise testing is commonly used in the evaluation of patients with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or pulmonary hypertension. Saline loading has been suggested as an alternative provocative maneuver, but the hemodynamic changes induced by the 2 stresses have not been compared.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-six subjects (aged, 67±10 years; n=14 HFpEF; n=12 control) underwent right heart catheterization at rest, during supine exercise, and with acute saline loading in a prospective study. Exercise and saline each increased cardiac output and pressures in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary capillary wedge positions. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, rate–pressure product, and cardiac output were greater with exercise compared with saline. In controls subjects, right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure increased similarly with saline and exercise, whereas in HFpEF subjects, exercise led to ≈2-fold greater increases in right atrial pressure (10±4 versus 6±3 mm Hg;
P
=0.02), pulmonary arterial pressure (22±8 versus 11±4 mm Hg;
P
=0.0001), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (18±5 versus 10±4 mm Hg;
P
<0.0001) compared with saline. Systolic reserve assessed by stroke work and cardiac power output was lower in HFpEF subjects with both exercise and saline. Systemic and pulmonary arterial compliances were enhanced with saline but reduced with exercise.

Conclusions—

Exercise elicits greater pulmonary capillary wedge pressure elevation compared with saline in HFpEF but not controls, suggesting that hemodynamic stresses beyond passive stiffness and increased venous return explain the development of pulmonary venous hypertension in HFpEF. Exercise testing is more sensitive than saline loading to detect hemodynamic derangements indicative of HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01418248.
TV Editorials and Elections
Authors: Dabbous Dima
Published: October 2014

According to Article 68 of election law no. 25/2008, the Lebanese media must ensure that standards of fairness, balance and impartiality among candidates are guaranteed. The challenge for national television stations in the months leading up to election day on 7 June 2009 was to comply with the law not just in their ‘factual’ news reports but mostly in the popular editorial opening segment of their newscast which, by definition, is subjective. This leads to the question: how did the TV stations manage this contradiction inherent in the structure and nature of their evening news bulletin when covering parliamentary elections in 2009? To what extent could they actually be impartial in a hybrid genre (TV news editorial) that, by definition, also required them to express confessional/party-specific views on a major, divisive national event? Based on the literature of critical discourse analysis, I argue in this paper that for the most part they did this discursively, by relying heavily on a number of linguistic strategies, specifically implicitness/ambiguity and intertextuality. By doing so, they sought to mask their bias for or against candidates and parliamentary alliances and avoid possible penalties by the recently established electoral monitoring body (the SCEC).
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 62. A synopsis of Myriocoleopsis (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta) with special reference to transfer of Cololejeunea minutissima to Myriocoleopsis
Authors: YU YING , PÓCS TAMÁS , ZHU RUI-LIANG
Published: October 2014

The segregate of Myriocoleopsis was firstly proposed by Schiffner (1944: 234) based on some remarkable characters, such as dimorphic stems, long male spikes, erect leafy axes arising from a creeping stolon and reduced lobules (Gradstein & Vital 1975; Reiner-Drehwald & Gradstein 1995). Hitherto a total of three species are recognized in this genus: Myriocoleopsis fluviatilis (Stephani 1895: 248) Reiner & Gradstein (1997: 639) known from Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador (Reiner-Drehwald & Gradstein 1997; Gradstein & da Costa 2003), M. gymnocolea Spruce (1884: 296) Reiner & Gradstein (1997: 640) known only from Brazil (Reiner-Drehwald & Gradstein 1997) and M. vuquangensis (Pócs & Ninh 2005: 156) Pócs (2010: 124) known only from Vietnam (Pócs 2010). Myriocoleopsis shares substantial resemblance with Cololejeunea (Spruce 1884: 291) Stephani (1891: 208) (particular subgen. Protocolea Schuster (1963: 171)) in the stem structure, absence of underleaves, lobular form, leaf margin, oil bodies and sporophytes (Gradstein & Vital 1975; Schuster 1980; Reiner-Drehwald & Gradstein 1995). Although the rigid stem and large size of Myriocoleopsis was also found in some rheophytic taxa of Cololejeunea such as subgen. Chlorolejeunea Benedix (1953: 81), it had been interpreted as adaption to similar habitats (Reiner-Drehwald & Gradstein 1995).
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 63. Validation of the family Phyllothalliaceae (Pallaviciniales, Jungermanniopsida, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Katagiri Tomoyuki , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Von Konrat Matt
Published: October 2014

When Hodgson (1964) proposed the new family Phyllothalliaceae together with the initially monotypic genus Phyllothallia Hodgson (1964: 247) based on Phyllothallia nivicola Hodgson (1964: 247), she mentioned “This new family is not a splinter entity from any already recognized family, but is originated to contain a genus which in vegetative characters at least is completely different from any known genus. The characters of the family are those of the genus”. The first sentence specifies the features in which Phyllothalliaceae is different from the other families but not how these features differ and so it does not satisfy the requirement of Art. 38.1(a) for a description/diagnosis (see: Art. 38. 2. Ex. 4). Although Grolle (1972: 216) discussed the validity of the family and considered the second sentence fulfil the requirements for the valid publication, ICN (McNeill et al. 2012) allows a single description/diagnosis for monotypic genus and species only. Hence, the family Phyllothalliaceae lacked a description/diagnosis which was needed when proposed and it has never been validly published until now. In order to be able to use the name in the forthcoming world checklist of Hornworts and Liverworts (Söderström et al., in prep.), the family is validated here. Note that a Latin description is no longer needed under the current ICN (McNeill et al. 2012).
Two new species and synopsis of Chusquea subg. Platonia (Poaceae: Bambusoideae: Chusqueinae) in Bolivia and a new record for Peru
Authors: Guerreiro Carolina , Alegria Olivera Juan Jose , Rugolo de Agrasar Zulma , Beck Stephan , Vega Andrea
Published: October 2014

The present study describes and illustrates two new species of Chusquea subg. Platonia, C. parodii and C. paucispiculata. Chusquea laegaardii is cited for the first time in Bolivia and C. asymmetrica for Peru. Two keys for the identification of the species, mainly based on vegetative or reproductive characters, and a comparative table with micromorphological diagnostic features of foliage leaf blades are included. Finally, some remarks about the characteristics of the phytogeographical regions and the ecology of these new species are given.
Two new species of Callilepis (Asteraceae) from southern Africa with corymbose inflorescences
Authors: Herman Paul , Koekemoer Marinda
Published: October 2014

Two new species of Callilepis (Asteraceae) are described: C. corymbosa and C. normae. They differ from other Callilepis species mainly by their corymbose inflorescences and white disc florets. They are endemic to the southern African region: C. corymbosa is known from Swaziland only and C. normae occurs in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
A new combination and new records of Tetrastigma (Vitaceae) from Thailand
Authors: KOCHAIPHAT PHONGSAKORN , TRIAS-BLASI ANNA , PORNPONGRUNGRUENG PIMWADEE
Published: October 2014

Four species of Tetrastigma are newly recorded for Thailand, including T. assimile (Kurz) C.L.Li ex P.Kochaiphat & Trias-Blasi, T. macrocorymbum Gagnep. ex J.Wen, Boggan & Turland, T. pyriforme Gagnep., and T. triphyllum (Gagnep.) W.T. Wang var. triphyllum. A new combination, T. assimile (Kurz) C.L.Li ex P. Kochaiphat & Trias-Blasi is provided.
A New Combination in Phanera Lour. (Cercideae: Caesalpinioideae: Leguminosae)
Authors: KRISHNARAJ MOOTHEDATHU
Published: October 2014

In four recent publications (Wunderlin 2011, Bandyopadhyay et al. 2012, Bandyopadhyay 2013, Mackinder & Clark 2014), altogether seventy-two new combinations have been made in Phanera Loureiro (1790: 37–38) from the Old World because the subgenus Phanera Loureiro (1790: 37–38) (see Wunderlin et al. 1987, Bandyopadhyay 1999) under Bauhinia Linnaeus (1753: 374) is recognized as a genus distinct from the latter based on recent advances in molecular phylogeny (Lewis &Forest 2005, Bruneau et al. 2008, Sinou et al. 2009). I have proposed here one more new combination in Phanera as follows.
A Numerical Study on Oscillatory Flow-Induced Sediment Motion over Vortex Ripples
Authors: Chen Xin , Yu Xiping
Published: October 2014

A two-dimensional, two-phase flow model is applied to the study of sediment motion over vortex ripples under oscillatory flow conditions. The Reynolds-averaged continuity equations and momentum equations for both the fluid and sediment phases, which include the drag force, the added mass force, the lift force for interphase coupling, and the standard k–ε turbulence model as well as the Henze–Tchen particle turbulence model for closure, are numerically solved with a finite-volume method. The model is effective over the whole depth from the undisturbed sandy bed to the low concentration region above the ripples. Neither a reference concentration nor a pickup function is required over the ripple bed as in a conventional advection–diffusion model. There is also no need to identify the bed load and the suspended load. The study focuses on the effects of erodible ripples on the intrawave flow and sediment motion over the ripples. The computational results show reasonable agreement with the available laboratory data. It is demonstrated that the formation–ejection process of vortices and the trapping–lifting process of sediment over vortex ripples can be well described by the two-phase flow model. The numerical model can also accurately predict the vertical distribution of the mean sediment concentration.
Body and major organ sizes of young mature microminipigs determined by computed tomography
Authors: Takasu Masaki , Tsuji Eriko , Imaeda Noriaki , Matsubara Tatsuya , Maeda Masami , Ito Yusuke , Shibata Sanae , Ando Asako , Nishii Naohito , Yamazoe Kazuaki , Kitagawa Hitoshi
Published: October 2014

To understand the anatomical characteristics of microminipigs, one of the smallest miniature pigs, as a large animal model, we measured the body and organ sizes of four-, five-, six-, and seven-month-old microminipigs ( n = 4, females) using computed tomography. In addition, the results were compared with those of young mature beagles (10 months old, two males and three females), which have been widely used as a large animal model. The microminipigs at 4–6 months of age were much smaller than the beagles. However, when the microminipigs reached seven months of age, their overall size was similar to that of the beagles. The thoracic cavity volume of the seven-month-old microminipigs was less than half that of the beagles, and the cavity was largely filled by the heart. The liver size of the seven-month-old microminipigs was approximately half of that of the beagles. Moreover, the spleen of the seven-month-old microminipigs was different in morphology, but not different in size from that of the beagles. In addition, although their volumes were the same, the kidneys of the seven-month-old microminipigs, unlike those of the beagles, were flattened in shape. Collectively, the major abdominal organs of the seven-month-old microminipigs were either the same size or smaller than those of the beagles, but the abdominal cavity volume of the seven-month-old microminipigs was larger than that of the beagles. Thus, the abdominal cavity of microminipigs is assumed to be filled with the gastrointestinal tract. The anatomical characteristics of the young mature microminipigs revealed in our study suggest that microminipigs could have great potential as a large animal model for biomedical research.
Ordinary Democratization
Authors: Teele Dawn Langan
Published: October 2014

Were women agents of their own political emancipation or did politicians preemptively grant rights to them in a bid for electoral success? This article claims that both electoral politics and the ordinary strategies of women’s movements explain the timing of female suffrage. Drawing on archival evidence from the United Kingdom, I show how in an electoral environment where the incumbent Liberals saw disadvantage to reform, an enterprising group of Liberal suffragists formed a pact with the Labour party, trading economic resources for the party’s promise to push for suffrage reform. The Election Fighting Fund, as the pact was called, was key to securing women’s place in the 1918 Representation of the People Act. In raising the possibility that ordinary instead of revolutionary tactics proved key to voting rights reform, women emerge as an interesting new case for the study of democratization.
Alone in the crowd: Lone protesters in Western European demonstrations
Authors: Wahlström Mattias , Wennerhag Magnus
Published: October 2014

While corroborating the fact that the majority of protesters attend demonstrations together with friends, family and/or fellow members of their organizations, this article shows that protesting alone remains an option for many people – under the right circumstances. Through multilevel analysis of survey data from participants in 69 demonstrations in eight Western European countries, the authors study lone protesters in different types of demonstrations. On the individual level, they show that protesting alone is closely linked to relative detachment from interpersonal mobilizing networks, as well as to short decision times. The authors also develop demonstration-level explanations for why lone protesters are more common in some demonstrations than in others. Precipitating events and inclusive social movement communities increase the proportion of lone demonstrators, which is also higher in static rallies than in moving demonstrations. These factors arguably make personal networks less crucial for protest mobilization.
Spread of Cohabitation and Proximity between Kin in Contemporary Italy
Authors: Castiglioni Maria , Dalla-Zuanna Gianpiero
Published: October 2014

In countries of Mediterranean Europe, characterized by strong family ties, close residential proximity between kin facilitates frequent exchanges of free mutual aid. This article focuses on the challenges to proximity posed by the spread of cohabitation in Italy. We consider an extensive definition of kin networks, including siblings and, for women in a couple, the parents and siblings of the partner. We confirm that couples who cohabit or who have cohabited, and those who after having cohabited went on to marry, less frequently went to live near their kin. However, some caution should be taken before arguing that the particular density of kin networks in Italy is destined to disappear.
Another Marriage Choice
Authors: Lin Xing-Chen Chia-Chi , Yang Wen-Shan , Chuang Ying-Chang
Published: October 2014

This study utilizes the Taiwan colonial household registration data to study the cause of uxorilocal marriage in Taiwan during the period of Japanese colonial rule and, simultaneously, to compare the prevalence of uxorilocal marriage in urban (Taipei) and rural (XinChu) communities. The socioeconomic status of the bride and groom’s family, and ethnic and urban–rural differences are the main issues in this research. In addition, the viewpoints of Wolf and Huang and Pasternak will be rechecked vis-à-vis regional differences. The results of this study will be presented by statistic analysis and geographic information system. In Taiwan, compared to major and minor marriage, uxorilocal marriage had a higher ratio in Taipei and XinChu. In uxorilocal marriage, the age of brides and grooms is older in Taipei than in XinChu. In addition, our research indicates either daughters or adopted daughters, if they had fewer siblings or no brothers, had a higher probability of entering into uxorilocal marriages. Moreover, uxorilocal marriages were found to be less prevalent in later birth cohorts while ethnic groups and parent’s marriage types had no direct effect on uxorilocal marriage.
Function-Based Intervention
Authors: Umbreit John , Ferro Jolenea B.
Published: October 2014

The field of function-based intervention has changed the way behavioral support is provided to students with challenging behavior. Our goal is to identify and describe some key findings and practices that have facilitated this progress. We also pinpoint some areas for future research that are likely to contribute to further progress.
The effect of ingested sulfite on visual evoked potentials, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status of brain in normal and sulfite oxidase-deficient aged rats
Authors: Ozsoy Ozlem , Aras Sinem , Ozkan Ayse , Parlak Hande , Aslan Mutay , Yargicoglu Piraye , Agar Aysel
Published: October 2014

Sulfite, commonly used as a preservative in foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, is a very reactive and potentially toxic molecule which is detoxified by sulfite oxidase (SOX). Changes induced by aging may be exacerbated by exogenous chemicals like sulfite. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ingested sulfite on visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and brain antioxidant statuses by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Brain lipid oxidation status was also determined via thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in normal- and SOX-deficient aged rats. Rats do not mimic the sulfite responses seen in humans because of their relatively high SOX activity level. Therefore this study used SOX-deficient rats since they are more appropriate models for studying sulfite toxicity. Forty male Wistar rats aged 24 months were randomly assigned to four groups: control (C), sulfite (S), SOX-deficient (D) and SOX-deficient + sulfite (DS). SOX deficiency was established by feeding rats with low molybdenum (Mo) diet and adding 200 ppm tungsten (W) to their drinking water. Sulfite in the form of sodium metabisulfite (25 mg kg−1 day−1) was given by gavage. Treatment continued for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, flash VEPs were recorded. Hepatic SOX activity was measured to confirm SOX deficiency. SOX-deficient rats had an approximately 10-fold decrease in hepatic SOX activity compared with the normal rats. The activity of SOX in deficient rats was thus in the range of humans. There was no significant difference between control and treated groups in either latence or amplitude of VEP components. Brain SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and brain TBARS levels were similar in all experimental groups compared with the control group. Our results indicate that exogenous administration of sulfite does not affect VEP components and the antioxidant/oxidant status of aged rat brains.
Evaluation of Nerve Conduction Studies in Obese Children With Insulin Resistance or Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Ince Hülya , Taşdemir Haydar Ali , Aydin Murat , Ozyürek Hamit , Tilki Hacer Erdem
Published: October 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate nerve conduction studies in terms of neuropathic characteristics in obese patients who were in prediabetes stage and also to determine the abnormal findings. The study included 69 obese adolescent patients between April 2009 and December 2010. All patients and control group underwent motor (median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal) and sensory (median, ulnar, sural, and medial plantar) nerve conduction studies and sympathetic skin response test. Sensory response amplitude of the medial plantar nerve was significantly lower in the patients with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. To our knowledge, the present study is the first study demonstrating the development of sensory and autonomic neuropathy due to metabolic complications of obesity in adolescent children even in the period without development of diabetes mellitus. We recommend that routine electrophysiological examinations be performed, using medial plantar nerve conduction studies and sympathetic skin response test.
Locating error analysis for workpieces with general fixture layouts and parameterized tolerances
Authors: Tang Wenbin , Li Yuan , Yu Jianfeng , Zhang Jie , Yu Lin
Published: October 2014

In manufacturing engineering, locating error analysis for workpieces is a common issue in predicting the quality of machined features, computer-aided fixture design and tolerance allocation. This article presents a locating error analysis approach for workpiece with general fixture layouts and parameterized tolerances. Initially, a fixture is transformed into six locating points in the space. A linearized model is then derived to convey the relationship between the errors of locating points and the locating errors, by using the implicit differentiation and the first-order Taylor expansion. Then, the tolerances for the features of plane, cylinder and free-form surface are parameterized using 4 × 4 homogeneous transformation matrices. Finally, two formulas are derived to calculate the errors in the locating points in surface-to-surface mating and hole-to-pin mating. Two workpieces are presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed method. The relative errors between the results calculated by the proposed method and the results calculated by 3DCS are less than 3%.
Severe Adverse Drug Reaction Following Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) Administration for Copperhead Snakebite
Authors: Lepak Maryjoy R. , Bochenek Samantha H. , Bush Sean P.
Published: October 2014

Objective: To present the case of a severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction to Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine) in a patient bitten by a copperhead snake. Case Summary: A 68-year-old man presented with progressive envenomation after receiving a copperhead snakebite on each hand. Crotalinae Fab antivenom was administered. While the initial and only dose was partially infusing, the patient developed an adverse drug reaction (ADR) of urticaria and hypotension, which resolved with cessation of the infusion, recurred with resumption of the infusion, and ultimately was completed with supportive care. An additional episode of hypotension, urticaria, and angioedema occurred shortly after antivenom therapy completion. Epinephrine was administered, resolving the reaction with complete patient recovery. The event received a Naranjo score of 10, indicating a definite ADR. Discussion: Treating copperhead snakebites with antivenom is a matter of debate. Concern over adverse events and cost induce some physicians to manage copperhead bites without antivenom because they are generally milder in severity. Conclusion: As demonstrated in this case, severe ADR can occur with Crotalinae Fab antivenom, and its efficacy for copperhead envenoming needs to be better established via placebo-controlled, randomized trials.
Oral Examination in the Cat
Authors: Clarke David E , Caiafa Anthony
Published: October 2014

Practical relevance:

Oral examination in the cat is a process of observing both normal and abnormal, and should be an integral part of any wellness examination as well as a response to any specific complaint(s). The basis for an accurate diagnosis is meticulous attention to detail. It is essential that the clinician performs a whole body examination prior to examining the head and neck region.

Stages of examination:

A thorough oral examination involves four stages. The first stage is to review the current oral problem(s) by asking questions and listening carefully to the owner’s responses; gaining a thorough medical/dental history may shed more light on the current problem(s). The second stage is an extraoral physical examination to visualise and palpate the head and neck regions in the awake patient. In the third stage the clinician performs an intraoral examination in the awake patient, before proceeding to the final stage, which is an extraoral and intraoral examination under general anaesthesia.

Aim:

This article describes a systematic approach to the oral examination, based on these four stages. The aim of this process is not only to facilitate the making and recording of observations, but also to help avoid missing important clues that may aid in reaching a diagnosis. Common tooth pathologies in the feline patient are also briefly reviewed, paving the way for accompanying articles in this two-part Special Issue, which will provide further insight into these pathologies and discuss management approaches.
Applied Feline Oral Anatomy and Tooth Extraction Techniques
Authors: Reiter Alexander M , Soltero-Rivera Maria M
Published: October 2014

Practical relevance:

Tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in small animal practice.

Clinical challenges:

The clinician must be familiar with normal oral anatomy, utilize nomenclature accepted in dentistry and oral surgery, use the modified Triadan system for numbering teeth, identify normal structures on a dental radiograph, understand the tissues that hold the teeth in the jaws, know the biomechanical principles of tooth extraction, be able to choose the most appropriate instrument for removal of a tooth, extract teeth using closed and open techniques, and create tension-free flaps for closure of extraction sites.

Audience:

This review is intended to familiarize both the general and referral practitioner with feline oral anatomy and tooth extraction techniques.

Patient group:

Tooth extraction is predominantly performed in cats with tooth resorption, chronic gingivostomatitis and periodontal disease.

Equipment:

The basic contents of a feline tooth extraction kit are explained.

Evidence base:

The guidance contained within this review is based on a combination of the published literature, the authors’ personal experience and the experience of colleagues.
How can a brief intervention contribute to coping with back pain? A focus group study about participants’ experiences
Authors: Ree Eline , Harris Anette , Indahl Aage , Tveito Torill H. , Malterud Kirsti
Published: October 2014

Background: Our aim was to explore how individuals who had participated in a brief back and neck pain intervention perceived connections between the intervention and their subsequent coping. Methods: Three focus group discussions were conducted with a sample of ten employees aged 20–67 years, who had participated in a brief intervention for back and neck pain, perceived the intervention as helpful and had returned or remained at work subsequent to the intervention. Participants were invited to share stories of how the intervention had made a positive difference to their work situation and everyday life and helped them cope with their complaints. Systematic text condensation was used for analysis. Results: Analysis revealed several aspects of how the participants considered the intervention to be helpful. They emphasized the importance of having the information delivered in a comprehensible way, with the use of practical examples and images of the spine. Discussions revealed the significance of trusting the lecturers and perceiving them as experts. Understanding why they felt the pain and that it was not a sign of serious disease changed the participants’ perception of how they could live with the complaints. They told stories of how they had exceeded their previous limits and dared to undertake activities they previously had avoided due to fear. Conclusions: Having confidence in the lecturers and seeing them as experts that delivered the information in a comprehensible way helped participants to cope with their pain and was seen as the most important aspects of the brief back and neck pain intervention.
The National Football League
Authors: Kalist David E. , Lee Daniel Y.
Published: October 2014

This article investigates the effects of National Football League (NFL) games on crime. Using a panel data set that includes daily crime incidences in eight large cities with NFL teams, we examine how various measurements of criminal activities change on game day compared with nongame days. Our findings from both ordinary least squares and negative binomial regressions indicate that NFL home games are associated with a 2.6% increase in total crimes, while financially motivated crimes such as larceny and motor vehicle theft increase by 4.1% and 6.7%, respectively, on game days. However, we observe that play-off games are associated with a decrease in financially motivated crimes. The effects of game time (afternoon vs. evening) and upset wins and losses on crime are also considered.
Acidosis: A potential explanation for adverse fetal outcome in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. A case report
Authors: Sterrenburg K , Visser W , Smit LS , Cornette J
Published: October 2014

Background

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a cholestatic disorder with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome. The mechanism underlying intrauterine demise is poorly understood.

Case

A nulliparous woman with gestational age of 36 plus 6 weeks presented with suspected intrahepatic cholestasis. Continuous CTG monitoring evolved from a normal pattern towards a non-reassuring pattern. A male neonate was delivered by caesarean section. Apgar scores 0, 1 and 4 at 1, 5 and 10 min. Fetal cord gas analysis showed pH 6.98, base deficit –15 mmol/L. Blood results showed maternal serum bile acid concentration of 220 µmol/L.

Conclusion

Our case suggests gradual evolution towards hypoxia and acidosis. It is unknown whether certain components in the bile acid concentrations might contribute to a fetal metabolic component of the acidosis.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Pediatric Athletes Presenting to Sports Medicine Clinic
Authors: Stracciolini Andrea , Stein Cynthia J. , Zurakowski David , Meehan William P. , Myer Gregory D. , Micheli Lyle J.
Published: October 2014

Background:

Limited data exist regarding the effect of the growth process on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in male versus female children.

Hypothesis:

The proportion of ACL injuries/sports injuries presenting to clinic will vary by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional epidemiologic study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

The study group consisted of a randomly selected 5% probability sample of all children 5 to 17 years of age presenting to a sports medicine clinic from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009; 2133 charts were reviewed. Data collected included demographics, height and weight, injury mechanism, diagnosis, treatment, previous injury, and organized sports.

Results:

A total of 206 ACL tears were analyzed (104 girls, 102 boys). Girls were slightly older than boys (15.1 ± 1.7 vs 14.3 ± 2.1 years; P < 0.01). Male-female comparison of ACL injury/total injury by age revealed that girls had a steeper increase by age than boys. Among 5- to 12-year-olds, boys had a higher ACL injury/total injury ratio than girls (all P < 0.01). Children 13 to 17 years of age showed no significant difference for sex in ACL injury/total injury ratio. As age advanced, the proportion of ACL injuries/total injuries increased for both girls ( P < 0.01) and boys ( P = 0.04). BMI was independently associated with an ACL injury ( P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The proportion of ACL injuries/total injuries was similar for boys and girls aged 13 to 17 years. Girls showed a significantly steeper increase in ACL injury proportion versus boys through puberty.

Clinical Relevance:

This study will increase clinician awareness of ACL injury occurrence in young male and female athletes 5 to 12 years of age. Injury prevention efforts should target young girls before the onset of puberty and before injury occurs.
Clinical and Biomechanical Evaluation of an All-Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Authors: Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Patel Ronak M. , Nair Rueben , Deshmane Prashant P. , Harnden Galen , Terry Michael A.
Published: October 2014

Background:

Pathology of the long head of the biceps (LHB) is a well-recognized cause of shoulder pain in the adult population and can be managed surgically with tenotomy or tenodesis.

Purpose:

To compare the biomechanical strength of an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique that places the LHB distal to the bicipital groove in the suprapectoral region with a more traditional mini-open subpectoral tenodesis. This study also evaluates the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent biceps tenodesis using the all-arthroscopic technique.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study and case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

For the biomechanical evaluation of the all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique, in which the biceps tendon is secured to the suprapectoral region distal to the bicipital groove with an interference screw, 14 fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders (7 matched pairs) were used to compare load to failure and displacement at peak load with a traditional open subpectoral location. For the clinical evaluation, 49 consecutive patients (51 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 2.4 years who underwent an all-arthroscopic biceps tenodesis were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score preoperatively and at last follow-up, as well as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score at last follow-up.

Results:

On biomechanical evaluation, there was no significant difference in peak failure load, displacement at peak load, or displacement after cyclic testing between the arthroscopic suprapectoral and mini-open subpectoral groups. In the clinical evaluation, the mean preoperative ASES score was 65.4, compared with 87.1 at last follow-up. The mean UCLA score at last follow-up was 30.2. Forty-eight (94.1%) patients reported satisfaction with the surgery. In subgroup analysis comparing patients who had a rotator cuff repair or labral repair at time of tenodesis with patients who did not have either of these procedures, there were no significant differences in UCLA or ASES scores.

Conclusion:

The excellent biomechanical strength as well as the high rate of satisfaction after surgery and high ASES and UCLA postoperative scores make this technique a novel option for treatment of biceps tendon pathology.
Microcavities accompanying a zigzag line in friction stir welded A6082-T6 alloy joint
Authors: Dai Q. L. , Wang X. Y. , Hou Z. G. , Wu J. J. , Shi Q. Y.
Published: October 2014

An Al–Mg–Si alloy was friction stir welded (FSW), and the microstructure of the zigzag line in the welds was investigated using optical microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the zigzag line on the mechanical properties of the as welded joints was also examined. It was found that in the welds with high heat input, small discontinuous cavities or microcracks of several micrometres in size exist along the zigzag line, and the microcracked zigzag line was found to significantly affect the face bend properties of the FSW joint, but had limited influence on the tensile properties of the butt welds. In joints with low heat input, the zigzag line was only composed of oxide particles, no cavities or microcracks were detected at the zigzag line.