bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Palsy Among Children Born Moderately and Late Preterm
Authors: Hirvonen Mikko , Ojala Riitta , Korhonen Päivi , Haataja Paula , Eriksson Kai , Gissler Mika , Luukkaala Tiina , Tammela Outi
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the incidence of and risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) in moderately preterm (MP) (32+0–33+6 weeks) and late preterm (LP) (34+0–36+6 weeks) infants with those in very preterm (VP) (<32+0 weeks) and term infants (≥37 weeks).

METHODS:

The national register study included all live-born infants in Finland from 1991 to 2008. Infants who died before the age of 1 year, had any major congenital anomaly, or had missing data were excluded. A total of 1 018 302 infants were included in the analysis and they were analyzed in 4 subgroups (VP, MP, LP, and term) and 3 time periods (1991–1995, 1996–2001, and 2002–2008).

RESULTS:

By the age of 7 years, 2242 children with CP were diagnosed (0.2%). CP incidence was 8.7% in the VP, 2.4% in the MP, 0.6% in the LP, and 0.1% in the term group. The risk of CP was highest in the study period 1991–1995 in all groups. Factors predictive of an increased CP risk in the MP and LP groups included resuscitation at birth (odds ratio 1.60; 95% CI 1.01–2.53 and 1.78; 1.09–2.90), antibiotic treatment during the first hospitalization (1.63; 1.08–2.45 and 1.67; 1.13–2.44), 1-minute Apgar score <7 (1.70; 1.15–2.52 and 1.80; 1.21–2.67) and intracranial hemorrhage (7.18; 3.60–14.3 and 12.8; 5.58–29.2).

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence of CP is higher in LP and MP infants compared with term infants. There is a nonlinear decrease in incidence over time and with increasing gestational age.
Case Report of PET/CT Imaging of a Patient With Neuroblastoma Using 18F-FPBG
Authors: Suh Minseok , Park Hyo Jin , Choi Hyoung Soo , So Young , Lee Byung Chul , Lee Won Woo
Published: November 2014

The use of an 18F-labeled radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of sympathetic neuronal activity has a tremendous clinical impact because it circumvents the substantial drawbacks of the prototypical imaging agent, 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). We describe a 14-year-old male patient who had neuroblastoma and underwent 18F-fluoropropylbenzylguanidine (FPBG) PET/computed tomography (CT). We compared the findings of 18F-FPBG PET/CT with those of 123I-MIBG γ scintigraphy. 18F-FPBG PET/CT readily demonstrated a focal lesion in the left tibia, but the lesion was not seen using 123I-MIBG scintigraphy. Surgical resection proved the presence of a neuroblastoma lesion in the left tibia. To the best of our knowledge, our study was the first to use an 18F-labeled radiopharmaceutical for evaluating sympathetic neuronal activity in neuroblastoma. We suggest that 18F-FPBG is a promising PET agent for imaging sympathetic neuronal activity in neuroblastoma.
Motor Severity in Children With Cerebral Palsy Studied in a High-Resource and Low-Resource Country
Authors: Benfer Katherine A. , Jordan Rachel , Bandaranayake Sasaka , Finn Christine , Ware Robert S. , Boyd Roslyn N.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To compare the patterns of motor type and gross motor functional severity in preschool-aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Bangladesh and Australia.

METHODS:

We used comparison of 2 prospective studies. A total of 300 children with CP were aged 18 to 36 months, 219 Australian children (mean age, 26.6 months; 141 males) recruited through tertiary and community services, and 81 clinic-attendees born in Bangladesh (mean age, 27.5 months; 50 males). All children had diagnosis confirmed by an Australian physician, and birth and developmental history collected on the Physician Checklist. All children were classified by the same raters between countries using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and motor type and distribution.

RESULTS:

There were more children from GMFCS I–II in the Australian sample (GMFCS I, P < .01; III, P < .01; V, P = .03). The patterns of motor type also differed significantly with more spasticity and less dyskinetic types in the Australian sample (spasticity, P < .01; dystonia, P < .01; athetosis, P < .01). Birth risk factors were more common in the Bangladesh sample, with risk factors of low Apgar scores (Australia, P < .01), lethargy/seizures (Australia, P = .01), and term birth (Bangladesh, P = .03) associated with poorer gross motor function. Cognitive impairments were significantly more common in the Bangladesh children (P < .01), and visual impairments more common in Australia (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patterns of functional severity, motor type, comorbidities, etiology, and environmental risk factors differed markedly between settings. Our results contribute to understanding the patterns of CP in low-resource settings, and may assist in optimizing service delivery and prioritizing appropriate early interventions for children with CP in these settings.
Nonoral Feeding for Children and Youth With Developmental or Acquired Disabilities
Authors: Adams Richard C. , Elias Ellen Roy ,   COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, Norwood Kenneth W. , Adams Richard C. , Brei Timothy , Burke Robert T. , Davis Beth Ellen , Friedman Sandra L. , Houtrow Amy J. , Kuo Dennis Z. , Levy Susan E. , Turchi Renee M. , Wiley Susan E. , Murphy Nancy A. , Kalichman Miriam A.
Published: November 2014

This Clinical Report was reaffirmed June 2019.

The decision to initiate enteral feedings is multifaceted, involving medical, financial, cultural, and emotional considerations. Children who have developmental or acquired disabilities are at risk for having primary and secondary conditions that affect growth and nutritional well-being. This clinical report provides (1) an overview of clinical issues in children who have developmental or acquired disabilities that may prompt a need to consider nonoral feedings, (2) a systematic way to support the child and family in clinical decisions related to initiating nonoral feeding, (3) information on surgical options that the family may need to consider in that decision-making process, and (4) pediatric guidance for ongoing care after initiation of nonoral feeding intervention, including care of the gastrostomy tube and skin site. Ongoing medical and psychosocial support is needed after initiation of nonoral feedings and is best provided through the collaborative efforts of the family and a team of professionals that may include the pediatrician, dietitian, social worker, and/or therapists.
Actitudes lingüísticas en Cuba. Cambios positivos hacia la variante nacional de lengua
Authors: Sobrino Triana Roxana , Montero Bernal Lourdes E. , Menéndez Pryce América J.
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de La Habana, frente al español de Cuba y hacia el español de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 informantes, estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. El análisis está centrado en las denominaciones dadas a la lengua española, las percepciones cognitivo-lingüísticas y las actitudes, tanto positivas como negativas, que manifiestan los informantes hacia su variedad nacional y el resto de los países hispanohablantes, así como las opiniones sobre corrección y unidad lingüísticas. Entre los resultados obtenidos destaca la valoración positiva hacia la variante cubana, en relación con investigaciones anteriores. El estudio contribuye a actualizar el panorama sobre actitudes en Cuba y se suma a la serie de trabajos, que con una metodología común, se han realizado en el mundo hispánico dentro del proyecto LIAS.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from Havana, towards Spanish spoken in Cuba and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital of the country, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The analysis addresses several issues, such as the various names given to the Spanish language in Cuba, the cognitive linguistic perceptions and the positive and negative attitudes of Cuban speakers towards Spanish, as well as their opinions about linguistic correctnes and linguistic unity. Results show a higher positive attitude towards Cuban Spanish compared to the results of previous research in the country. The results in this article contribute to bringing up to date our knowledge about linguistic attitudes in Cuba, and is part of a series of articles carried out by the LIAS-Project in the Spanish-speaking world, all based on the same methodology.
Actitudes Lingüísticas en Guatemala. Creencias y actitudes lingüísticas respecto al español de los chapines capitalinos
Authors: Acevedo Ana Luisa , Quesada Pacheco Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de la Ciudad de Guatemala, hacia al español del país y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando una muestra de 402 personas, previamente estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. En el artículo se presentan las actitudes cognitivas y afectivas de los guatemaltecos hacia las variantes de la lengua española en el ámbito nacional y en el de los demás países hispanohablantes; asimismo se presentan las opiniones y preferencias de los entrevistados sobre el uso de la lengua de los medios de comunicación en el país y sobre la unidad y la corrección lingüísticas.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from Guatemala City towards Spanish spoken in the country and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. The article is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital, interviewing a stratified sample of 402 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. This article presents Guatemalans' cognitive and affective attitudes towards different Spanish varieties in the country and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. Their opinions and preferences are also described regarding the use of language in the media, and about language unity and linguistic correctness.
Actitudes lingüísticas de los hablantes de Managua, Nicaragua
Authors: Zamora Úbeda Zobeyda Catalina
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de la ciudad de Managua, hacia al español de Nicaragua y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America, financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 informantes estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico, en la capital del país. Esta investigación acerca de las actitudes lingüísticas hacia el español de Nicaragua y el de los demás países de habla hispana es la primera de su tipo en el país. Los resultados más relevantes muestran que mayoritariamente se nombra español a la lengua que se habla. El español de la capital es el que más les agrada a los entrevistados y estos lo perciben como un habla muy similar a la de la región del Pacífico. Por otro lado, el habla de la región Central se considera diferente y no gusta tanto. En lo relacionado con las variantes hispanoamericanas, consideran que el español peninsular es bastante correcto mientras que el de Costa Rica no lo es. A pesar de este hecho, los datos muestran que hay señales de que los nicaragüenses sienten una creciente autoestima por su propia variante de la lengua española.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from the city of Managua, towards Spanish spoken in Nicaragua and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Norwegian Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital of the country, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. This research study of language attitudes towards the Spanish of Nicaragua and the other Spanish-speaking countries is the first of its kind in the country. The main results show that the language spoken in the country is mostly named español. The Spanish language of the capital is the one respondents like the most, and is also perceived as very similar to the way people speak in the Pacific region. On the other hand, the Spanish of the Central region is considered different and not as agreeable. In relation to the other Spanish-American variants, Spain is considered to have a very correct variety, while Spanish in Costa Rica is not. In spite of this fact, there are signs that Nicaraguans have an increasingly high esteem for their own variety of the Spanish language.
Actitudes lingüísticas en Panamá. Incursión en la percepción sociolingüística y la valoración de la lengua por los hispanohablantes panameños
Authors: Tinoco Tarahy
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de la Ciudad de Panamá hacia al español del país y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo hace parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 informantes estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. La necesidad de llevar a cabo estudios sobre actitudes lingüísticas en Panamá ha resultado imperiosa, puesto que las investigaciones de esa naturaleza son escasas. Este trabajo es el primero en estudiar la percepción que tienen los panameños sobre su lengua, el español hablado en Panamá, de las variantes dialectales americanas, de la peninsular, y su conciencia lingüística sobre la unidad de la lengua española y la corrección lingüística.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from Panama City towards Spanish spoken in the country, and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway. The data were gathered in the capital of the country, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The need to carry out studies on linguistic attitudes in Panama has been very important because this type of studies is scarce in the country. This research study is the first to analyze the perceptions of Panamanian citizens towards their own variety: Spanish spoken in Panama, as well as their perceptions of the American and peninsular varieties of Spanish, and of their awareness of language unity and linguistic correctness.
Actitudes lingüísticas en el Perú. Predominancia del castellano de la costa central y norte
Authors: Arias Torres Ana Gloria
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de los hablantes nativos de español de la ciudad de Lima hacia al español del Perú y hacia el español de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 400 informantes previamente estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Como conclusión se ha comprobado que la mayoría de la población identifica su forma de hablar con las variedades de las zonas de la costa central y norte. Específicamente tienen valoración positiva las hablas de Lima y Trujillo; la valoración negativa se observa en algunas hablas de la capital, la sierra sur, la sierra central, y el oriente norte, por considerarlas formas muy diferentes, con acentos muy marcados.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish speakers from Lima towards Spanish spoken in Peru and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital of the country, interviewing a stratified sample of 400 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The results confirm that most of the population of the capital perceive their own speech to be very similar to the Spanish spoken in the central and northern regions of the country. The Spanish variety of Lima and Trujillo are valued positively, while some dialects of the capital, the southern and central sierras and the northeastern region are considered very different due to their strong accents.
Actitudes lingüísticas en República Dominicana. Conciencia e identidad lingüísticas en la ciudad de Santo Domingo
Authors: Serverino Cerda Glennys Miguelina
Published: November 2014

Resumen

Este artículo analiza las actitudes lingüísticas de hablantes nativos de español de la ciudad de Santo Domingo hacia al español de la República Dominicana y el de los otros países hispanohablantes. El artículo es parte de los resultados del Proyecto LIAS (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), financiado por El Consejo Noruego de Investigación (RCN). La recolección de los datos se realizó en la capital del país, entrevistando a una muestra de 401 personas, estratificada con las variables de edad, sexo y nivel socioeconómico. Los resultados muestran el nivel de identificación que tienen los dominicanos sobre su dialecto, el cual es bajo, ya que solo se prefiere ante circunstancias especiales justificadas por la necesidad de comunicarse y de que el mensaje llegue correctamente. Asimismo se observa que los capitalinos prefieren la propia variante de español y luego las de España, Colombia y Venezuela, pero también se identifican con el habla de los países caribeños vecinos, especialmente con el habla cubana.

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguistic attitudes of native Spanish-speakers from Santo Domingo towards Spanish spoken in the Dominican Republic and in the other Spanish-speaking countries. It is a result of the LIAS-Project (Linguistic Identity and Attitudes in Spanish-speaking Latin America), funded by The Research Council of Norway (RCN). The data were gathered in the capital, interviewing a stratified sample of 401 respondents, based on the variables of age, sex and socioeconomic status. The results demonstrate the limited extent to which Dominicans identify with their dialect, as they prefer it only under particular circumstances justified by the necessity of communicating and in order to make sure to get the message correctly across. Similarly the observation was made that people from the capital prefer their own variant of Spanish and thereafter those of Spain, Colombia and Venezuela, but they also identify with the spoken language of the Caribbean neighboring countries, particularly the spoken language of Cuba.
Cuestionario LIAS para entrevistas
Authors: LIAS Proyecto
Published: November 2014

El cuestionario que se presenta a continuación es el que, en principio, se empleó

en cada una de las capitales encuestadas, tanto en Hispanoamérica como

en España. Sin embargo, es menester aclarar que en algunas capitales las personas

investigadoras realizaron enmiendas y adaptaciones por cuenta propia,

según los intereses y las inquietudes de cada investigador para su país.
Correlation of the microstructure with viscosity and textural properties during milk fermentation by kombucha inoculum
Authors: Vukic Vladimir , Kanuric Katarina , Milanovic Spasenija , Ilicic Mirela , Hrnjez Dajana , Ranogajec Marjan
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the microstructure,
textural properties and viscosity of the gel formed during milk fermentation
with kombucha inoculum and to establish a relationship between the
microstructure and these properties. The values of the analyzed
characteristics were measured during the gelation at 42?C at the following
pHs: 5.4, 5.1, 4.8 and 4.6. The microstructure analysis revealed
disappearance of coarse cluster structure and appearance of finer casein
micelles network during fermentation. The obtained results showed significant
differences in them viscosity and textural properties during fermentation,
which is in accordance with their microstructure. The correlation of the
examined properties and microstructure of the gel was established.
Characterization of Morus species in respect to micro, macro, and toxic elements
Authors: Radojkovic Marija , Zekovic Zoran , Dojcinovic Biljana , Stojanovic Zorica , Cvetanovic Aleksandra , Manojlovic Dragan
Published: November 2014

This study examines the mineral composition of the extracts of the fruits,
leaves and roots of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) and black mulberry (Morus
nigra L.) grown in Serbia. All extract samples of white and black mulberry
were analyzed for the content of micro (B, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Se,
Sr, Zn), macro (Ca, Mg, Na), and toxic metals (Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) by
inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The study
revealed that parts of the plant had statistically significant impact on the
levels of the examined elements among the two Morus species. All extracts
contained high amounts of Ca, Mg, Na, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The studies
showed that in the most of extracts dominant macro element was Mg (591- 1942
?g/g of dry extract), while dominant microelements were Zn, B, Cu in all
extracts, except for the black mulberry leaves, whose extract was most
abundant in Fe (143 ?g/g of dry extract). The highest content of micro and
macro elements was detected in the extract of black mulberry leaves. This
work contributes to the knowledge of the nutritional properties of Morus
species. The obtained results may be useful in the evaluation of new dietary
and food products.
Effect of the initial glycerol concentration in the medium on the xanthan biosynthesis
Authors: Roncevic Zorana , Bajic Bojana , Grahovac Jovana , Dodic Sinisa , Dodic Jelena
Published: November 2014

This study is concerned with the effect of different initial glycerol
concentrations in the medium on xanthan production by Xanthomonas campestris
ATCC 13951. Xanthan biosynthesis was carried out in batch mode under aerobic
conditions at a temperature of 30oC and agitation rate of 150 rpm for 7 days.
The process efficiency was estimated based on the values of raw xanthan
yield, average molecular weight of the polymer and residual content of
glycerol, total nitrogen and phosphorus. Based on these results, the initial
concentration of glycerol as a carbon source in the production medium was
suggested. In the applied experimental conditions, high raw xanthan yield
(12.15 g/l) of good quality (Mw = 2.86?105 g/mol) and the lowest amount of
residual nutrients (glycerol 2.75 g/l, nitrogen 0.46 g/l and phosphorus 0.67
g/l) was achieved in the medium with the initial glycerol content of 20 g/l.
The obtained results are the basis for optimization of xanthan production on
glycerol containing media in order to increase the product yield and quality.
Cochlear implant surgery at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina - ten-year experience
Authors: Dankuc Dragan , Segan Darja , Komazec Zoran , Vlaski Ljiljana , Lemajic-Komazec Slobodanka , Sokolovac Ivana
Published: November 2014

Introduction. The first cochlear implant surgery was performed at the Center
for Cochlear Implantation of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases,
Clinical Center of Vojvodina in 2002 after long preparations and that was the
first successful cochlear implantation in Serbia. Material and Methods. Over
the period from November 2002 to November 2013, 99 patients underwent
surgical procedures and 100 cochlear implants were placed. Results. The
analysis encompassed 99 patients, the youngest and the oldest one being 1
year and 61 years old, respectively. Prelingual and postlingual deafness
developed in 84 (84.9%) and in 15 (15.1%), respectively. Postlingual deafness
was observed in all 11 adult patients. The prelingual deafness was diagnosed
in 84 (95.4%) children, whereas in four (4.6%) children it occurred after the
development of speech between 6 and 8 years of age. Progressive hearing loss
was observed in 11 patients - seven adults and four children. The majority of
our patients, i.e. 74 (74.75%) manifested idiopathic deafness of unknown
cause. A range of usually reported hearing loss etiologies included ototoxic
medications in seven (7.07%), hereditary factor in six (6.06%), and bacterial
meningitis in four (4.04%) patients. Somewhat less common causes were
perinatal hypoxia in three (3.03%), premature birth in three (3.03%), Down
syndrome in one (1.01%), and chronic otitis media in one (1.01%) patient.
Conclusion. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed
in the investigated patient population. The complications developed in 11
patients, i.e. in 10.5% of 105 surgical procedures. The majority of
procedures (89.5%) were not accompanied by any post-surgical complications.
Unsuccessful implantation in a single-step procedure and transient facial
nerve paralysis can be considered most frequent among our patients, whereas
cochlear ossification and transient ataxia occurred more rarely. Stimulation
of facial nerve, intraoperative perilymph liquid gusher, device failure and
late infections were recorded extremely rarely.
The influence of nasal septum deformity degree on subjective nasal breathing assessment
Authors: Savovic Slobodan , Kljajic Vladimir , Buljcik-Cupic Maja , Jovancevic Ljiljana
Published: November 2014

Introduction. The aim of this paper is to determine the influence of nasal
septum deformity degree on the subjective nasal breathing assessment as well
as the existence of correlation between one side of the nose with nasal
septum deformity and the subjective feeling of difficulty in breathing on
that side in the subjects with different degrees of nasal septum deviation.
Material and Methods. The research included 90 randomly chosen patients, who
claimed to have nasal breathing difficulties. Every patient assessed
subjectively which side of the nose made breathing difficult and scored the
breathing on that side from 0 to 10 cm on the visual analogue scale. Results.
The patients from the third group described their breathing as the most
difficult, while the subjects from the first group claimed that their nasal
breathing problems were the least difficult. The subjective feeling of heavy
nasal breathing on the deformed nasal septum side was significantly different
in all groups (H= 38.466, p= 0.000). In the second and the third group of
patients there was a significant correlation between the deformed side of the
nose and the subjective heavy breathing on that side (p< 0.05), whereas this
correlation was not found in the first group (p> 0.05). Conclusion. The
subjective feeling of difficulty in breathing on the deformed side of the
nose is intensified with the degree of the nasal septum deformity, thus this
feeling was reported only by the subjects with a higher degree of the nasal
septum deformity.
Muscle-Specific Overexpression of PGC-1α Does Not Augment Metabolic Improvements in Response to Exercise and Caloric Restriction
Authors: Wong Kari E. , Mikus Catherine R. , Slentz Dorothy H. , Seiler Sarah E. , DeBalsi Karen L. , Ilkayeva Olga R. , Crain Karen I. , Kinter Michael T. , Kien C. Lawrence , Stevens Robert D. , Muoio Deborah M.
Published: November 2014

This study used mice with muscle-specific overexpression of PGC-1α, a transcriptional coactivator that promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, to determine whether increased oxidative potential facilitates metabolic improvements in response to lifestyle modification. MCK-PGC1α mice and nontransgenic (NT) littermates were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, followed by stepwise exposures to voluntary wheel running (HFD+Ex) and then 25% caloric restriction with exercise (Ex/CR), each for an additional 10 weeks with continued HFD. Running and CR improved weight and glucose control similarly in MCK-PGC1α and NT mice. Sedentary MCK-PGC1α mice were more susceptible to diet-induced glucose intolerance, and insulin action measured in isolated skeletal muscles remained lower in the transgenic compared with the NT group, even after Ex/CR. Comprehensive profiling of >200 metabolites and lipid intermediates revealed dramatic group-specific responses to the intervention but did not produce a lead candidate that tracked with changes in glucose tolerance irrespective of genotype. Instead, principal components analysis identified a chemically diverse metabolite cluster that correlated with multiple measures of insulin responsiveness. These findings challenge the notion that increased oxidative capacity defends whole-body energy homeostasis and suggest that the interplay between mitochondrial performance, lipotoxicity, and insulin action is more complex than previously proposed.
Hepatic Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression Protects Against Diet-Induced Steatosis, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Francés Daniel E. , Motiño Omar , Agrá Noelia , González-Rodríguez Águeda , Fernández-Álvarez Ana , Cucarella Carme , Mayoral Rafael , Castro-Sánchez Luis , García-Casarrubios Ester , Boscá Lisardo , Carnovale Cristina E. , Casado Marta , Valverde Ángela M. , Martín-Sanz Paloma
Published: November 2014

Accumulation evidence links obesity-induced inflammation as an important contributor to the development of insulin resistance, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 catalyze the first step in prostanoid biosynthesis. Because adult hepatocytes fail to induce COX-2 expression regardless of the proinflammatory stimuli used, we have evaluated whether this lack of expression under mild proinflammatory conditions might constitute a permissive condition for the onset of insulin resistance. Our results show that constitutive expression of human COX-2 (hCOX-2) in hepatocytes protects against adiposity, inflammation, and, hence, insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet, as demonstrated by decreased hepatic steatosis, adiposity, plasmatic and hepatic triglycerides and free fatty acids, increased adiponectin-to-leptin ratio, and decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, together with an enhancement of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, hCOX-2 transgenic mice exhibited increased whole-body energy expenditure due in part by induction of thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. The analysis of hepatic insulin signaling revealed an increase in insulin receptor–mediated Akt phosphorylation in hCOX-2 transgenic mice. In conclusion, our results point to COX-2 as a potential therapeutic target against obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction.
Role of Type 1 Diabetes–Associated SNPs on Risk of Autoantibody Positivity in the TEDDY Study
Authors: Törn Carina , Hadley David , Lee Hye-Seung , Hagopian William , Lernmark Åke , Simell Olli , Rewers Marian , Ziegler Anette , Schatz Desmond , Akolkar Beena , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Chen Wei-Min , Toppari Jorma , Mykkänen Juha , Ilonen Jorma , Rich Stephen S. , She Jin-Xiong , Steck Andrea K. , Krischer Jeffrey ,   the TEDDY Study Group
Published: November 2014

The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study prospectively follows 8,677 children enrolled from birth who carry HLA-susceptibility genotypes for development of islet autoantibodies (IA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D). During the median follow-up time of 57 months, 350 children developed at least one persistent IA (GAD antibody, IA-2A, or micro insulin autoantibodies) and 84 of them progressed to T1D. We genotyped 5,164 Caucasian children for 41 non-HLA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that achieved genome-wide significance for association with T1D in the genome-wide association scan meta-analysis conducted by the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium. In TEDDY participants carrying high-risk HLA genotypes, eight SNPs achieved significant association to development of IA using time-to-event analysis (P < 0.05), whereof four were significant after adjustment for multiple testing (P < 0.0012): rs2476601 in PTPN22 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54 [95% CI 1.27–1.88]), rs2292239 in ERBB3 (HR 1.33 [95% CI 1.14–1.55]), rs3184504 in SH2B3 (HR 1.38 [95% CI 1.19–1.61]), and rs1004446 in INS (HR 0.77 [0.66–0.90]). These SNPs were also significantly associated with T1D in particular: rs2476601 (HR 2.42 [95% CI 1.70–3.44]). Although genes in the HLA region remain the most important genetic risk factors for T1D, other non-HLA genetic factors contribute to IA, a first step in the pathogenesis of T1D, and the progression of the disease.
Monomial Ideals of Graphs with Loops
Authors: Imbesi Maurizio , Barbiera Monica La
Published: November 2014

We investigate, using the notion of linear quotients, significative classes of connected graphs whose monomial edge ideals, not necessarily squarefree, have linear resolution, in order to compute standard algebraic invariants of the polynomial ring related to these graphs modulo such ideals. Moreover we are able to determine the structure of the ideals of vertex covers for the edge ideals associated to the previous classes of graphs which can have loops on any vertex. Lastly, it is shown that these ideals are of linear type.
Weakly (τq, m)-Continuous Functions
Authors: Şengul Ugur
Published: November 2014

In this paper we introduce a new class of functions called weakly (τq, m)-continuous functions. Some characterizations and several properties concerning weak (τq, m)-continuity are obtained.
Estimates with Optimal Constants Using Weighted K-Functionals on Simplex
Authors: Dimitriu Maria Talpău
Published: November 2014

We present general estimates of the degree of approximation by positive linear operators with the weighted K-functionals Ks1,φ,p, 1 ≤ s, p ≤ ∞.
Myth, Religion, and the Man Behind the Curtain
Authors: Ostling Michael
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

The Wizard of Oz exemplifies the “experience of order” some scholars have posited as the heart of both religion and film. But it also undermines the notion that such order requires a transcendent guarantee. Oz provides a vision of religion as no less powerful for having been unmasked as the product of interpersonal human collusion in illusion, thereby reversing the film’s implicit critique of religion. The essay makes use of the motif of “the man behind the curtain” to explore and critique theories of myth and religion from Karl Marx to Russell McCutcheon, Sam Gill, and Jonathan Z. Smith.
Indonesian Pesantren and Community Social Change: Moderate Islam’s Use of Media and Technology as Tools for Community Engagement
Authors: Ritchey Jeff , Muchtar Nurhaya
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

This article explores the use of media and technology by Indonesian Islamic schools or pesantren in non-formal, community-based educational initiatives to bring about social change. Interviews with ten pesantren leaders were conducted in order to better understand their perceptions on how their schools have used media and technology in response to reports of pesantren involvement in terrorist activities. The findings suggest that while these leaders are conscious of the image linking pesantren with radical Islamic teachings, they have responded to these critiques through the adoption of technology as a tool for educating the broader local community.
The Anonymous Theology ofModern Family
Authors: Kelly Conor
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

The popular television show Modern Family follows sitcom conventions and attempts to send a moral message about how relatives can live well together. An examination of the specific content of this message shows that it prioritizes self-giving love for the sake of forgiveness and reconciliation. This creates a recognizable parallel with the Christian conception of agape, and a discussion of this notion in the work of Karl Rahner in conjunction with his idea of the “anonymous Christian” allows for the identification of Modern Family’s moral vision as an anonymous theology of family ripe with theological significance and pedagogical potential.
Synthesis of Rice Bran Fatty Acids (RBFAs) Based Cationic Surfactants and Evaluation of Their Performance Properties in Combination with Nonionic Surfactant
Authors: Gunjan  , Tyagi Vinod K.
Published: November 2014

Cationic surfactants are mainly used for fabric softening in laundry applications. Esterquats are one class of cationic surfactants and are superseding other existing cationic surfactants on account of their excellent biodegradability. However, indigenous and cost-effective production of esterquats poses new challenges for the researchers. The availability of rice bran fatty acids and its price structure in Indian scenario makes this fatty feedstock quite lucrative for cost-effective synthesis of cationic surfactants. In the present study, esterquats based on rice bran fatty acids (RBFAs) were synthesized by using different alkanolamines i. e. diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) and dimethyl sulphate (DMS) for obtaining cationic surfactants which was used as active softener ingredient. For this purpose, esterquats have been synthesized by esterification of RBFAs and alkanolamines to recover diesters followed by the subsequent quaternization of diesters by DMS. It was found that the optimum reaction conditions for esterification of RBFAs and DEA was 140 °C and 3 h of duration. However, for RBFAs and TEA, it was found to be 140 °C and 4 h of duration. The chemical structures of diesters and esterquats were confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectra. Studies of surface active and performance properties of these surfactants showed that esterquats based on TEA had better surface active and performance properties as compared to DEA based esterquats. The synthesized cationic surfactants when mixed with nonionic surfactant showed better performance properties as compared to the nonionic surfactant alone.
Methanesulfonic Acid as a More Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Lauraldehyde Glycerol Acetal
Authors: Zhang Tong , Li Xu , Dong Jinxiang
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to describe a more efficient catalyst for the synthesis of lauraldehyde glycerol acetal. Catalytic effect of methane sulfonic acid and p-toluenesulfonic acid were compared. With a mixture of 0.67 wt.% methanesulfonic acid in relation to lauraldehyde, equimolar amounts of glycerol and lauraldehyde being stirred at 110 °C for 2.5 h, the yield of the product was 76.32 %. When p-toluenesulfonic acid was used, the amount of the catalyst was 0.91 wt.% and the yield of the product was 62.91 % after reacting for 2.5 h at 120 °C. The result reveals that methane sulfonic acid is more efficient. Surface tension measurements showed that critical micelle concentration of the product catalyzed by methanesulfonic acid was 5.33 × 10−5 mol · L−1, and at this point the surface tension could achieve about 24 mN m−1.
Junction Characteristics System Based on Composite Organic Semiconductors: Polystyrene/Polyaniline Doped by [BMIM] [BF4] Ionic Liquid
Authors: Fetouhi Bekhaled , Benabdellah Abdelkader , Belarbi El Habib , Ilikti Hocine , Benabdallah Tayeb
Published: November 2014

A junction of emeraldine salt (ES [BF4
−]) doped by [BMIM] [BF4] may be preferred over the other junctions due to its low ideality factor and maximum rectification ratio. Schottky barrier diode based on composite of polyaniline (ES [BF4
−]) with polystyrene has been created and characterized using aluminium as Schottky contact and argent as an ohmic contact. The observed current–voltage characteristics can be satisfactorily fitted using the modified Schottky equation. Capacitance–voltage (C–V) in reverse bias and current–voltage (I–V) plots indicates a rectification. Various junction parameters were calculated from the temperature dependent I–V and C–V data and discussed. These results indicate that the composite materials have better mechanical strength and diode quality compared to the pure semiconducting polymer.
Subtemporal transtentorial approach for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia after microvascular decompression via the lateral suboccipital approach: case report
Authors: Ogiwara Toshihiro , Goto Tetsuya , Kusano Yoshikazu , Kuroiwa Masafumi , Kiuchi Takafumi , Kodama Kunihiko , Takemae Toshiki , Hongo Kazuhiro
Published: November 2014

Microvascular decompression (MVD) via lateral suboccipital craniotomy is the standard surgical intervention for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). For recurrent TN, difficulties are sometimes encountered when performing reoperation via the same approach because of adhesions and prosthetic materials used in the previous surgery. In the present case report the authors describe the efficacy of the subtemporal transtentorial approach for use in recurrent TN after MVD via the lateral suboccipital approach. An 86-year-old woman, in whom an MVD via a lateral suboccipital craniotomy had previously been performed for TN, underwent surgery for recurrent TN via the subtemporal transtentorial approach, which provided excellent visualization of the neurovascular relationships and the trigeminal nerve without adhesions due to the previous surgery. Her TN disappeared after the MVD. The present approach is ideal for visualizing the trigeminal root entry zone, and the neurovascular complex can be easily dissected using a new surgical trajectory. This approach could be another surgical option for reoperation when the previous MVD had been performed via the suboccipital approach.
Unstable moyamoya disease: clinical features and impact on perioperative ischemic complications
Authors: Funaki Takeshi , Takahashi Jun C. , Takagi Yasushi , Kikuchi Takayuki , Yoshida Kazumichi , Mitsuhara Takafumi , Kataoka Hiroharu , Okada Tomohisa , Fushimi Yasutaka , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Unstable moyamoya disease, reasonably defined as cases exhibiting either rapid disease progression or repeated ischemic stroke, represents a challenge in the treatment of moyamoya disease. Despite its overall efficacy, direct bypass for such unstable disease remains controversial in terms of safety. This study aims to reveal factors associated with unstable disease and to assess its impact on postoperative silent or symptomatic ischemic lesions.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included both pediatric and adult patients with moyamoya disease who had undergone 140 consecutive direct bypass procedures at Kyoto University Hospital. “Unstable moyamoya disease” was defined as either the rapid progression of a steno-occlusive lesion or repeat ischemic stroke, either occurring within 6 months of surgery. The extent of progression was determined through a comparison of the findings between 2 different MR angiography sessions performed before surgery. The clinical variables of the stable and unstable disease groups were compared, and the association between unstable disease and postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)–detected lesion was assessed through univariate and multivariate analyses with generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Of 134 direct bypass procedures performed after patients had undergone at least 2 sessions of MR angiography, 24 (17.9%) were classified as cases of unstable disease. Age younger than 3 years (p = 0.029), underlying disease causing moyamoya syndrome (p = 0.049), and radiographic evidence of infarction (p = 0.030) were identified as factors associated with unstable disease. Postoperative DWI-defined lesions were detected after 13 of 140 procedures (9.3%), although only 4 lesions (2.9%) could be classified as a permanent complication. The incidence of postoperative DWI-detected lesions in the unstable group was notable at 33.3% (8 of 24). Univariate analysis revealed that unstable disease (p < 0.001), underlying disease (p = 0.028), and recent stroke (p = 0.012) were factors associated with DWI-detected lesions. Unstable disease remained statistically significant after adjustment for covariates in both the primary and sensitivity analyses (primary analysis: OR 6.62 [95% CI 1.79–24.5]; sensitivity analysis: OR 5.36 [95% CI 1.47–19.6]).

CONCLUSIONS

Unstable moyamoya disease, more prevalent in younger patients and those with underlying disease, is a possible risk factor for perioperative ischemic complications. Recognition of unstable moyamoya disease may contribute to an improved surgical result through focused perioperative management based on appropriate surgical risk stratification.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations of the postgeniculate visual pathway
Authors: Bowden Greg , Kano Hideyuki , Caparosa Ellen , Tonetti Daniel , Niranjan Ajay , Monaco Edward A. , Flickinger John , Arai Yoshio , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

A visual field deficit resulting from the management of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. The present study was designed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) performed for AVMs involving the postgeniculate visual pathway.

METHODS

In this retrospective single-institution analysis, the authors reviewed their experience with Gamma Knife surgery for postgeniculate visual pathway AVMs performed during the period between 1987 and 2009.

RESULTS

During the study interval, 171 patients underwent SRS for AVMs in this region. Forty-one patients (24%) had a visual deficit prior to SRS. The median target volume was 6.0 cm3 (range 0.4–22 cm3), and 19 Gy (range 14–25 Gy) was the median margin dose. Obliteration of the AVM was confirmed in 80 patients after a single SRS procedure at a median follow-up of 74 months (range 5–297 months). The actuarial rate of total obliteration was 67% at 4 years. Arteriovenous malformations with a volume < 5 cm3 had obliteration rates of 60% at 3 years and 79% at 4 years. The delivered margin dose proved significant given that 82% of patients receiving ≥ 22 Gy had complete obliteration. The AVM was completely obliterated in an additional 18 patients after they underwent repeat SRS. At a median of 25 months (range 11–107 months) after SRS, 9 patients developed new or worsened visual field deficits. One patient developed a complete homonymous hemianopia, and 8 patients developed quadrantanopias. The actuarial risk of sustaining a new visual deficit was 3% at 3 years, 5% at 5 years, and 8% at 10 years. Fifteen patients had hemorrhage during the latency period, resulting in death in 9 of the patients. The annual hemorrhage rate during the latency interval was 2%, and no hemorrhages occurred after confirmed obliteration.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an overall treatment mortality of 5%, related to latency interval hemorrhage, SRS was associated with only a 5.6% risk of new visual deficit and a final obliteration rate close to 80% in patients with AVMs of the postgeniculate visual pathway.