bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of the Mannheim Peritonitis index score in assessing the condition of patients treated for peritonitis
Authors: Budzyński Piotr , Dworak Jadwiga , Natkaniec Michał , Pędziwiatr Michał , Major Piotr , Migaczewski Marcin , Matłok Maciej , Budzyński Andrzej
Published: August 2015

The aim of the study was to verify the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) suitability to determine the probability of death among patients in Polish population operated due to peritonitis and to assess the possibility of using the Index to determine the risk of postoperative complications, relaparotomy and need for postoperative hospitalization in intensive care unit.

Material and methods. Retrospective analysis covered 168 patients (M: F = 83: 85, mean age = 48.45 years, SD ± 22.2) treated for peritonitis. The MPI score was calculated for each patient. According to MPI results, patients were divided to the appropriate groups (<21, 21‑29, > 29) and within analyzed. The statistical analysis used Chi-square, Mann Withney U and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The best cut-off point for MPI was calculated on the basis of ROC analisys.

Results. Mortality in the study group was 13.1%. In groups <21, 21‑29 and > 29 points according to MPI mortality was 1.75%, 28.13% and 50% respectively, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0124). Significant differences were observed in mortality depending on the diagnosis. Based on the ROC curve the cut-off point was identified as 32 with an accuracy of 85.9% and AUC = 81%. There has been a significant correlation between the MPI count and and the occurrence of: cardio-respiratory failure, acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, surgical wound complications, the need for treatment in the intensive care unit after surgery.

Conclusions. The MPI is a simple and effective predictor of death among patients operated due to peritonitis. It can also provide assistance in assessing the risk of postoperative complications and the need for treatment in the intensive care unit.
Large diaphragmatic hernia subject to successful reconstruction – case report
Authors: Kurek Józef , Gierek Marcin , Ochała Gabriela , Majewski Jakub
Published: August 2015

The study presented a case of a large left-sided diaphragmatic hernia treated by means of successful phrenic reconstruction. The above-mentioned are very challenging considering general surgery, although reluctantly supplied in General Surgery Departments
Anab initioand density functional theory study on neutral pterin radicals
Authors: Reibnegger Gilbert
Published: August 2015

The electronic structures of the five radicals resulting from homolytic elimination of one of the hydrogen atoms from the most stable tautomeric form of neutral pterin were investigated in gas phase as well as in aqueous solution. Molecular wave functions obtained by density functional theory were analysed by quantum theory of atoms in molecules and electron localisation functions (ELF). Spin densities of the radicals as well as electrostatic potential functions were analysed. Radicals resulting from elimination of N-bonded hydrogen atoms are more stable in comparison with radicals obtained after abstraction of C-bonded hydrogen atoms. N-centred radicals show strong delocalisation of spin density over both heteroaromatic rings; in C-centred radicals delocalisation does not occur. ELF analyses showed that in N-derived radicals particularly the lone electron pair at N2′ is strongly involved into the bicyclic heteroaromatic π-electron system. Thereby, bonding geometry at N2′ in these radicals changes from pyramidal to planar. Transition from gas phase to solution phase (water) generally leads to increased polarity of the structures. Pterin-derived free radicals have been implicated in several biologically important reactions; so this investigation provides first insights into the detailed electronic structures of such molecular systems.
The role of nitric oxide in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Vlad Diana , Trombitas Veronica , Capusan Mircea , Albu Silviu
Published: August 2015

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a very common medical condition that affects nasal and paranasal sinuses mucosa in both adults and children. Its pathology, however, still remains unclear and researchers focus more and more on the role of nitric oxide (NO), a free radical produced in normal conditions by the paranasal sinuses epithelium in healthy patients, in the development of this disease. NO’s role in the upper airway disease is not completely known, but it appears to act like a first-line host defence agent, maintaining the sinuses sterile due to its antiviral and bacteriostatic properties and by increasing mucociliary clearance. NO levels in the exhaled air of patients with CRS are lower than in healthy patients. One explanation for this might be the sinus obstruction that occurs in CRS because subjects with complete sinus opacification have the lowest levels. Furthermore, NO levels decrease after CRS treatments, suggesting that its measurement might help in monitoring the patient’s response to therapy. In this review, we discuss the NO synthesis in the respiratory tract, its involvement in airway pathology, its role in the pathogenesis of CRS and the current clinical uses for NO in CRS and several other airway diseases.
Revisiting the statistical specification of near-multicollinearity in the logistic regression model
Authors: Atems Bebonchu , Bergtold Jason
Published: August 2015

This paper revisits the statistical specification of near-multicollinearity in the logistic regression model. We argue that the ceteris paribus clause, which assumes that the maximum likelihood estimator of β remains constant as the correlation (ρ) between the regressors increases, invoked under the traditional account of near-multicollinearity is rather misleading. We derive the parameters of the logistic regression model and show that they are functions of ρ, indicating that the ceteris paribus clause is unattainable. Monte Carlo simulations confirm these findings and further show that: coefficient estimates and related statistics fluctuate in a non-symmetric, non-monotonic way as |ρ|→1; that the impact of near-multicollinearity is centered on the estimates of β; and that the impact on substantive inferences does not necessarily follow what the traditional account implies.
A Tool Set for the Genome-Wide Analysis ofNeurospora crassaby RT-PCR
Authors: Hurley Jennifer M , Dasgupta Arko , Andrews Peter , Crowell Alexander M , Ringelberg Carol , Loros Jennifer J , Dunlap Jay C
Published: August 2015

Neurospora crassa is an important model organism for filamentous fungi as well as for circadian biology and photobiology. Although the community-accumulated tool set for the molecular analysis of Neurospora is extensive, two components are missing: (1) dependable reference genes whose level of expression are relatively constant across light/dark cycles and as a function of time of day and (2) a catalog of primers specifically designed for real-time PCR (RT-PCR). To address the first of these we have identified genes that are optimal for use as reference genes in RT-PCR across a wide range of expression levels; the mRNA/transcripts from these genes have potential for use as reference noncycling transcripts outside of Neurospora. In addition, we have generated a genome-wide set of RT-PCR primers, thereby streamlining the analysis of gene expression. In validation studies these primers successfully identified target mRNAs arising from 70% (34 of 49) of all tested genes and from all (28) of the moderately to highly expressed tested genes.
GC-Content of Synonymous Codons Profoundly Influences Amino Acid Usage
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Jun , Wu Ying , Yang Sihai , Tian Dacheng
Published: August 2015

Amino acids typically are encoded by multiple synonymous codons that are not used with the same frequency. Codon usage bias has drawn considerable attention, and several explanations have been offered, including variation in GC-content between species. Focusing on a simple parameter—combined GC proportion of all the synonymous codons for a particular amino acid, termed GCsyn—we try to deepen our understanding of the relationship between GC-content and amino acid/codon usage in more details. We analyzed 65 widely distributed representative species and found a close association between GCsyn, GC-content, and amino acids usage. The overall usages of the four amino acids with the greatest GCsyn and the five amino acids with the lowest GCsyn both vary with the regional GC-content, whereas the usage of the remaining 11 amino acids with intermediate GCsyn is less variable. More interesting, we discovered that codon usage frequencies are nearly constant in regions with similar GC-content. We further quantified the effects of regional GC-content variation (low to high) on amino acid usage and found that GC-content determines the usage variation of amino acids, especially those with extremely high GCsyn, which accounts for 76.7% of the changed GC-content for those regions. Our results suggest that GCsyn correlates with GC-content and has impact on codon/amino acid usage. These findings suggest a novel approach to understanding the role of codon and amino acid usage in shaping genomic architecture and evolutionary patterns of organisms.
Conservation of Regional Variation in Sex-Specific Sex Chromosome Regulation
Authors: Wright Alison E , Zimmer Fabian , Harrison Peter W , Mank Judith E
Published: August 2015

Regional variation in sex-specific gene regulation has been observed across sex chromosomes in a range of animals and is often a function of sex chromosome age. The avian Z chromosome exhibits substantial regional variation in sex-specific regulation, where older regions show elevated levels of male-biased expression. Distinct sex-specific regulation also has been observed across the male hypermethylated (MHM) region, which has been suggested to be a region of nascent dosage compensation. Intriguingly, MHM region regulatory features have not been observed in distantly related avian species despite the hypothesis that it is situated within the oldest region of the avian Z chromosome and is therefore orthologous across most birds. This situation contrasts with the conservation of other aspects of regional variation in gene expression observed on the avian sex chromosomes but could be the result of sampling bias. We sampled taxa across the Galloanserae, an avian clade spanning 90 million years, to test whether regional variation in sex-specific gene regulation across the Z chromosome is conserved. We show that the MHM region is conserved across a large portion of the avian phylogeny, together with other sex-specific regulatory features of the avian Z chromosome. Our results from multiple lines of evidence suggest that the sex-specific expression pattern of the MHM region is not consistent with nascent dosage compensation.
In Vivo Transcriptional Activation Using CRISPR/Cas9 in Drosophila
Authors: Lin Shuailiang , Ewen-Campen Ben , Ni Xiaochun , Housden Benjamin E , Perrimon Norbert
Published: August 2015

A number of approaches for Cas9-mediated transcriptional activation have recently been developed, allowing target genes to be overexpressed from their endogenous genomic loci. However, these approaches have thus far been limited to cell culture, and this technique has not been demonstrated in vivo in any animal. The technique involving the fewest separate components, and therefore the most amenable to in vivo applications, is the dCas9-VPR system, where a nuclease-dead Cas9 is fused to a highly active chimeric activator domain. In this study, we characterize the dCas9-VPR system in Drosophila cells and in vivo. We show that this system can be used in cell culture to upregulate a range of target genes, singly and in multiplex, and that a single guide RNA upstream of the transcription start site can activate high levels of target transcription. We observe marked heterogeneity in guide RNA efficacy for any given gene, and we confirm that transcription is inhibited by guide RNAs binding downstream of the transcription start site. To demonstrate one application of this technique in cells, we used dCas9-VPR to identify target genes for Twist and Snail, two highly conserved transcription factors that cooperate during Drosophila mesoderm development. In addition, we simultaneously activated both Twist and Snail to identify synergistic responses to this physiologically relevant combination. Finally, we show that dCas9-VPR can activate target genes and cause dominant phenotypes in vivo, providing the first demonstration of dCas9 activation in a multicellular animal. Transcriptional activation using dCas9-VPR thus offers a simple and broadly applicable technique for a variety of overexpression studies.
Cuidados al final de la vida: una oportunidad para fortalecer el patrón emancipatorio de enfermería
Authors: Lopera Betancur Martha Adiela
Published: August 2015

El objetivo es analizar parte de la situación que viven los pacientes con enfermedad en fase terminal en el marco del sistema de salud colombiano y el papel de las enfermeras.
La ley 100 de 1993 trajo cambios, uno de los cuales está relacionado con el cuidado a los enfermos terminales, el otro, con el papel de las enfermeras. Este artículo explora los conceptos de los cuidados paliativos y qué ha pasado en Colombia con este mecanismo legal y con el rol de la enfermera.

Conclusión: Las enfermeras pueden ser claves al aplicar el patrón de conocimiento emancipatorio, en el cuidado en la adversidad, la abogacía y el empoderamiento de los derechos
de los pacientes, así como en la definición de políticas.

 
Asociación de la funcionalidad familiar entre padres e hijos adolescentes en Neiva
Authors: Perdomo Romero Alix Yaneth
Published: August 2015

Objetivo: Analizar la asociación de la funcionalidad familiar determinada por los padres y sus hijos adolescentes, mediante la puntuación de la escala ASF-E.

Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 220 familias con adolescentes cuyos hijos tenían entre 13 y 18 años, vinculados a una institución educativa de Neiva (Colombia) en el año 2012. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos para el levantamiento de la información: una encuesta de datos sociodemográficos y la Escala de Evaluación de la Funcionalidad Familiar ASF-E.

Resultados: No se encontró diferencia significativa en la puntuación hecha por padres e hijos, dado que en el nivel bajo de funcionalidad se ubicaron el 68,6% y el 69% respectivamente, mientras que en el medio fue de 28,2% y 30,5%.

Conclusión: Las familias con adolescentes sujeto de estudio tienen un nivel de funcionalidad familiar predominante en el nivel bajo, reflejado en la insuficiente suplencia de las demandas afectivas de los
jóvenes. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la funcionalidad familiar percibida por hijos, con respecto a la de sus padres o tutores.
Relación entre estados de salud y riesgos de no adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes en rehabilitación cardiaca
Authors: Hernández Galvis Diana Yelipza
Published: August 2015

Objetivo: Describir el estado de salud de personas con enfermedad coronaria que asisten a un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca en una institución especializada de Bogotá y su relación con el grado de riesgo de no adherencia a tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos.

Metodología: Estudio correlacional descriptivo transversal, con
abordaje cuantitativo. Para recoger los datos, se utilizó la tercera versión del Instrumento que evalúa los factores que influyen en la adherencia a tratamientos farmacológicos y no farmacológicos en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Asimismo se usó una lista de chequeo de estados de salud, con base en las metas de prevención secundaria de la Asociación Americana del Corazón (1), los resultados de los estudios de Framingham y su modelo de predicción de riesgo (2-5) a una muestra de 260 pacientes adultos en rehabilitación cardiaca, durante los meses de septiembre de 2012 a abril de 2013.

Resultados: La mayoría de los sujetos fueron hombres entre los 45 y 66 años de edad, todos con alguna manifestación de enfermedad coronaria. Se obtuvo igualdad numérica entre los grupos, aunque en general se observaron buenos niveles de
adherencia. Al analizar cada dimensión, se observó que la dimensión relacionada con el proveedor era la de mayor riesgo de no adherencia. A través del índice de relación de
Pearson, se concluyó que no existe relación entre los estados de salud y riesgos de no adherencia a tratamientos, con un índice r = 0,06961.
Atypical nature of coronary artery disease in women: a proposal for measurement and classification
Authors: Céspedes Cuevas Viviana Marycel
Published: August 2015

Objective: To identify subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome according to symptom experience: perception, evaluation and response, based on the Symptom Management Conceptual Model.

Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study. The sample was made of 380 women positively diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome, hospitalized in two institutions in Bogotá, Colombia. A measurement instrument was designed and validated.

Results: Final instrument was made of 37 items that reported content validity, scale validity, discriminant validity, and construct validity. A Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0,76 was obtained, which guarantees homogeneity in the measurement
according to the Maximum Validity-Maximum Reliability Model.
A total of 11 subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome were identified, those were characterized by atypical coronary heart disease symptomatology, evaluation processes
related to extra-cardiac causes and inadequate symptom management strategies. It was possible to demonstrate that psychosocial factors, previous coronary heart disease and delays were variables making a significant influence on the components of symptom experience.

Conclusions: Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome, belonging to the 11 subgroups that were identified
and studied, showed atypical symptoms. The instrument designed features a proven psychometric quality; it was valid, reliable, and useful for clinical research and practice.
Experiencia con la implementación del uso de soluciones estandarizadas de cloruro de potasio
Authors: Del Rio Crespo Erika Alejandra
Published: August 2015

El cloruro de potasio es un medicamento de alto riesgo que se utiliza frecuentemente en los hospitales. En el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe se conformó un grupo para liderar la implementación de una práctica segura para el uso de este medicamento. Inicialmente, se realizó un diagnóstico y con sus resultados se definió el retiro de las ampollas de cloruro de potasio de las unidades asistenciales, la prescripción de mezclas estandarizadas con este electrolito para pacientes pediátricos y adultos y su preparación centralizada por el Servicio Farmacéutico. Se hizo un seguimiento para evaluar la adherencia a la práctica implementada, en el que se encontró
un cumplimiento del 91,2%, sin presencia de viales almacenados en las unidades donde se restringió; además, se encontró la no influencia en las tasas de flebitis en comparación con meses previos al uso de estas mezclas y el reconocimiento de los riesgos inherentes al uso de un medicamento como el cloruro de potasio dentro del personal asistencial. En el momento actual, esta práctica continúa ejerciéndose en la institución, aunque se han tenido
mejoras de acuerdo a los hallazgos en los seguimientos realizados. Por lo tanto, es modelo a seguir para la implementación de otras medicaciones y mezclas que contienen electrolitos.
Anxiety and depression symptoms in family members of icu patients
Authors: Kourti Maria , Christofilou Efstathia , Kallergis George
Published: August 2015

Objective: This study investigated symptoms of anxiety and depression in relatives of patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit and determined whether these symptoms were associated to the seriousness of the patients’ condition.

Metodology: A total of 102 patients’ relatives were surveyed
during the study. They were given a self-report questionnaire in order to assess demographic data, anxiety and depression symptoms. The symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (hads). Patient’s condition was evaluated with a.p.a.ch.e ii Score.

Results: More than 60% of patients’ relatives presented severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. No relation was found between symptoms of anxiety and depression of the relatives of patients and patients’ condition of health. On the
contrary, these feelings used to exist regardless of the seriousness of patient’s condition.

Conclusions: The assessment of these patients is recommended in order serious problems of anxiety
and depression to be prevented.
Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814) (Salmoniformes: Salmonidae): the presence of Brook Trout in Peru
Authors: Oyague-Passuni Eduardo , Franco Pablo J.
Published: August 2015

Salmonidae were introduced in the Peruvian freshwaters during the first quarter of the 20th century with the Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792), and later with three more species: Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758, Salvelinus namaycush (Walbaum, 1792) and Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814). Only Oncorrynchus mikyss seems to have established itself extensively and successfully, is regularly reported and appears on the taxonomic checklists. This article reports on the presence of Salvelinus fontinalis in the high Andes of southern Peru, an area which is biogeographically associated with the Lake Titicaca Plateau.
First record of Euborlasia nigrocincta Coe, 1940 (Nemertea: Heteronemertea) from the western Pacific
Authors: Kajihara Hiroshi , Nishi Eijiroh
Published: August 2015

The heteronemertean Euborlasia nigrocincta Coe, 1940 was previously known exclusively from the eastern Pacific. A specimen collected on the Izu Peninsula, Honshu, Japan, herein identified as E. nigrocincta, represents the first record of the species from the western Pacific, increasing the western extent of the species’ known range by more than 8300 km and indicating an amphi-Pacific distribution
Range extension and geographic distribution of the poorly known species, Contomastix leachei Peracca, 1897 (Squamata: Teiidae)
Authors: Arias Federico José , Barrios Francisco , Palavecino Antonio
Published: August 2015

The records of distribution of Contomastix leachei Peracca, 1897 indicate that this species is endemic of Southeast Jujuy Province, occurring only in the Ledesma Department. Here, we report the southernmost known locality of this species, from Alemanía, Salta Province, Argentina. This record represents the southern limit of distribution of the species. We also provide an updated range map for this species based on data from museum records and field studies.
“Let’s Party!”
Authors: Karlsson Marie , Olin-Scheller Christina
Published: August 2015

Online communication is often presented in research as offering ways for young people to explore various forms of masculinity and femininity, which, in turn, could extend the notions of gendered identity. This paper explores how a Harry Potter fan fiction website can function as an online setting for gender identity construction among young fans. A positioning analysis of a small story told in an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) shows that although traditional gendered subject positions are explored and troubled in the story and its telling, heteronormativity prevails through the interpretative repertoires made available by the textual universe of Harry Potter. On the other hand, the positioning analysis of the small story activates an understanding of the interplay between the relational order among story characters and among the storytellers that can be seen as opening up a space between what is the told and the telling that allows the fans to experiment with aspects of gender identities that are related to power and control within an interpretative repertoire of heteronormativity.
Qualidade pós-colheita da banana 'Prata Catarina' submetida a diferentes danos mecânicos e armazenamento refrigerado
Authors: Sarmento José Darcio Abrantes , de Morais Patrícia Lígia Dantas , Almeida Maria Lucilania Bezerra , da Silva Geomar Galdino , Rocha Railene Hérica Carlos , de Miranda Maria Raquel Alcântara
Published: August 2015

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito dos danos mecânicos provocados por impacto, corte e abrasão sobre a qualidade de banana 'Prata Catarina', submetida ao armazenamento refrigerado (14°C ±1ºC e 84% ±5% de UR durante 21 dias). Os frutos foram provenientes de um pomar comercial, localizado no município de Limoeiro do Norte-CE. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, tendo-se, nas parcelas, as amostragens ao longo do tempo e, nas subparcelas, os quatro tratamentos: testemunha ou ausência de dano mecânico (T1), impacto (T2), abrasão (T3) e corte (T4), com quatro repetições de dois frutos cada. Os danos por impacto e abrasão foram os que proporcionaram maior velocidade de amadurecimento, sendo que o dano por impacto proporcionou maior atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase. As bananas 'Prata Catarina' que não sofreram danos podem ser comercializadas por até 21 dias de armazenamento (14°C ± 1ºC e 84% ±5% UR), sem perda da qualidade
Kaolin in the diet and its effects on performance, litter moisture and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens
Authors: Lemos Marina Jorge de , Calixto Lígia Fátima Lima , Alves Osvanira dos Santos , Souza Daniele Santos de , Moura Bárbara Brandt , Reis Túlio Leite
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of kaolin in the diet on performance, litter moisture and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. Four hundred ninety-two broiler chickens distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates of 41 birds each, divided into three periods (15-21; 22-34; 35-52 days) were used. The following treatments were: Control - reference diet without added kaolin; treatment 1 - reference diet + 0.75% kaolin; Treatment 2 - reference diet + 1.5% kaolin. The variables analyzed were: feed intake, average weight, average weight gain, feed conversion, litter moisture, villus height and crypt depth. The inclusion of kaolin in the diet significantly reduced feed intake, increased weight and average weight gain and improved feed conversion of broilers. The litter moisture decreased significantly after the inclusion of kaolin in the diet. The height of the duodenal villi of broilers increased significantly after inclusion of kaolin, while crypt depth was not influenced. The inclusion 0.75% of kaolin in the diet improved the performance, decreased litter moisture and benefited the intestinal integrity of broilers.
Digestibility of pelleted rations containing diverse potato flour and urea
Authors: Martinele Isabel , Paiva Paulo César de Aguiar , Lopes Fernando César Ferraz , Pereira Juliana de Cássia , Ferreira Ludhiana Rosa
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate ruminal in situ degradability and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM) in concentrate supplements containing diverse potato flour pelletized with urea (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% DM). Samples of feeds were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48h in the rumen of four fistulated sheep. Level of urea added had no significant effect (P>;0.05) on the soluble fraction (a) or potentially degradable fraction (b) of the pellets and ranged from 2.1% to 12.2% and 72.9% to 87.5%, respectively. Quadratic effects (P=0.03) of the rate of degradation of fraction "b" ranged from 4.75% h-1to 7.39% h-1; the estimated maximum value at 7.4% h-1was obtained when 5.9% urea was added to the pellet. Quadratic effects (P≤0.02) of the level of urea added to the pellets on the effective degradability (ED) of DM were evaluated after considering rumen passage rates of 2.5% h-1and 8% h-1; the maximum values of ED calculated under these rumen passage rates were estimated at 6.3% to 7.3% urea in the pellets. The in vitro digestibility of DM of the pellets showed a quadratic effect (P=0.02) at different levels of urea, with a maximum value of 96.9% achieved when 7.9% urea was added to the pellets. Our results suggest that the addition of 6-8% urea to pelleted feed promotes an increase in the in vitro digestibility and ED of DM.
Challenges and perspectives to enhance cattle production via in vitro techniques: focus on epigenetics and cell-secreted vesicles
Authors: Bressan Fabiana Fernandes , Fantinato-Neto Paulo , Andrade Gabriella Mamede , Sangalli Juliano Rodrigues , Sampaio Rafael Vilar , Silveira Juliano Coelho da , Perecin Felipe , Meirelles Flávio Vieira
Published: August 2015

This review aim to present some clinical problems found in IVP-derived animals focusing on NT procedures and to discuss the possible role of epigenetics in such process. Also, as cell-secreted vesicles have been reported as possible regulators of important physiological reproductive processes such as folliculogenesis and fertilization, it is also presented herein a new perspective of manipulating the pre-implantation period trough effector molecules contained in such vesicles.
Characterization of biodegradable film based on zein and oleic acid added with nanocarbonate
Authors: Ribeiro Wanessa Ximenes , Lopes Filho José Francisco , Cortes Monica Souza , Tadini Carmen Cecília
Published: August 2015

Zein oleic acid films added with 1, 2 and 3 % (w/w) of nanocarbonate and 30 % glycerol as plasticizer, were produced and evaluated according to their structure and functional properties. Structural characteristics were analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water solubility and mechanical properties were determined according to ASTM methods. The increase of nanocarbonate concentration increased water solubility and influenced the color and mechanical properties. Optical and SEM of film samples added with nanocarbonate, shown low amount of pores and great fat globules size.
Demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats of Votorantim, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Baquero Oswaldo Santos , Chiozzotto Evelyn Nestori , Garcia Rita de Cassia Maria , Amaku Marcos , Ferreira Fernando
Published: August 2015

A two-stage cluster sample design was used to estimate population parameters of dogs and cats of the urban area of Votorantim, São Paulo State, Brazil, to support the planning and implementation of population management programs for companion animals. For dogs, the total and density estimates were 27,241 dogs (95% confidence interval [CI]=23,903-30,578) and 951 dogs km-2 (95% CI=835-1,068), respectively. For cats, these estimates were 5,579 cats (95% CI=3,595-7,562) and 195 cats km-2 (95% CI=126-264). Cost was the most prevalent reason for not sterilizing the animals (33%, 95% CI=23%-44%, Deff=6.1). The percentage of interviewees that expressed reasons for abandoning their animals was equal to 9 (95% CI=5-13, Deff=2.1). Other estimates were obtained, including indirect estimates of abandonment. The estimates associated with abandonment suggest that the prevalence of this phenomenon can significantly affect population dynamics. Distribution of dogs per household can be used to construct hypothetical populations and to validate estimation procedures. The estimates generated allow parameterizing mathematical models and constructing population management indicators
Users’ dissatisfaction with dental care: a population-based household study
Authors: Martins Andréa Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima , Ferreira Raquel Conceição , Santos Neto Pedro Eleutério dos , Carreiro Danilo Lima , Souza João Gabriel Silva , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To examine whether demographic, socioeconomic conditions, oral health subjectivity and characterization of dental care are associated with users’ dissatisfaction with such are. METHODS Cross-sectional study of 781 people who required dental care in Montes Claros, MG, Southeastern Brazil, in 2012, a city with of medium-sized population situated in the North of Minas Gerais. Household interviews were conducted to assess the users’ dissatisfaction with dental care (dependent variable), demographic, socioeconomic conditions, oral health subjectivity and characterization of dental care (independent variables). Sample calculation was used for the finite population, with estimates made for proportions of dissatisfaction in 50.0% of the population, a 5.0% error margin, a non-response rate of 5.0% and a 2.0% design effect. Logistic regression was used, and the odds ratio was calculated with a 5% significance level and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Of the interviewed individuals, 9.0% (7.9%, with correction for design effect) were dissatisfied with the care provided. These were associated with lower educational level; negative self-assessment of oral health; perception that the care provider was unable to give dental care; negative evaluation of the way the patient was treated, the cleanliness of the rooms, based on the examination rooms and the toilets, and the size of the waiting and examination rooms. CONCLUSIONS The rate of dissatisfaction with dental care was low. This dissatisfaction was associated with socioeconomic conditions, subjectivity of oral health, skill of the health professionals relating to the professional-patient relationship and facility infrastructure. Educational interventions are suggested that aim at improving the quality of care among professionals by responsible agencies as is improving the infrastructure of the care units.
The Burden of Care for Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip: A Systematic Review of Revision Surgery
Authors: Sitzman Thomas J. , Coyne Sarah M. , Britto Maria T.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To identify the average rate of revision surgery following cleft lip repair.

Design

PubMed, CINAHL, and SCOPUS were searched from database inception through March 2013 using the search terms cleft lip and surgery. Two investigators independently screened all abstracts and determined eligibility from review of full manuscripts using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Strengths and limitation of the studies were assessed, followed by qualitative synthesis. The I2 test of homogeneity was performed to determine if meta-analysis was appropriate.

Results

The search identified 3034 articles. Of those, 45 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were primarily case series and retrospective cohort studies, with only one randomized controlled trial. One-third of studies (n = 15) did not describe how the study sample was selected. Follow-up duration was not reported in one-fourth of studies (n = 11). Nasolabial aesthetics were reported in 44% of studies (n = 20). The incidence of revision surgery ranged from 0% to 100%. Meta-analysis was precluded because of study heterogeneity (I2 = 97%).

Conclusions

The average incidence of cleft lip revision surgery cannot be estimated from the published literature, due to significant heterogeneity among existing reports and limited study quality. To provide valid information about the burden of care for unilateral cleft lip, a population-based or multicenter longitudinal cohort study is necessary; this study should measure the number of surgical procedures and the patient's aesthetic outcomes.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Primary Alveolar Grafting in Cleft Lip/Palate Treatment: Development of a Novel Sonographic Grading System
Authors: Chang Daniel K. , Kanack Melissa , Pretorius Dolores , Calvert Stephanie , Patino-Ochoa Cesar , Gosman Amanda
Published: August 2015

Objective

To explore ultrasonographic evaluation of primary alveolar repair in cleft lip/palate patients and develop a grading system to assess outcomes of graft success.

Design

Sixteen patients with an average age of 2 years 1 month had sonograms performed at various points in their treatment to determine the feasibility of ultrasound in visualizing alveolar bone defects and changes over time postgrafting. A total of 23 sonograms were performed: 21 at an average of 12 months postoperatively and 2 at an average of 1 month preoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures

A 10-point grading system was developed assessing three categories: locations of lateral bone bridging across the cleft, quantification of residual defects with air or fluid channels, and locations of calcification. Three operators graded 10 sonograms to assess interobserver reliability, and the scores were also validated against dental radiographs in patients old enough for radiographic imaging.

Results

Linear weighted kappa statistics revealed substantial interobserver agreement for total scores, with an average kappa value of .708. In limited patients with radiographs, a total score of 9/10 correlated with a Chelsea score of 6.5/8 and category A.

Conclusions

Sonographic evaluation, coupled with this novel grading system, shows potential for early assessment of outcomes of graft success when evaluating new techniques of primary alveolar grafting.
Orthotic Management of Deformational Plagiocephaly: Consensus Clinical Standards of Care
Authors: Lin Robert S. , Stevens Phillip M. , Wininger Michael , Castiglione Charles L.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To establish consensus on definitive, actionable standards for the management of deformational plagiocephaly.

Design

Three-stage Delphi Survey process based on best practice statements obtained through literature review.

Setting

Electronic survey delivery.

Participants

Review panel of 10 multidisciplinary subject matter experts (SMEs); survey panel of 30 cranial orthotists.

Results

Fifty-four best practice statements were accepted in four categories: diagnosis, presentation and severity, initiating treatment, and management principles.

Conclusions

Clinical practice can be guided en route to robust evidence as to the efficacy of various plagiocephaly management strategies, in pursuit of definitive standards.
Prospective Biomarker Analysis of the Randomized CHER-LOB Study Evaluating the Dual Anti-HER2 Treatment With Trastuzumab and Lapatinib Plus Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Therapy for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Guarneri Valentina , Dieci Maria Vittoria , Frassoldati Antonio , Maiorana Antonino , Ficarra Guido , Bettelli Stefania , Tagliafico Enrico , Bicciato Silvio , Generali Daniele Giulio , Cagossi Katia , Bisagni Giancarlo , Sarti Samanta , Musolino Antonino , Ellis Catherine , Crescenzo Rocco , Conte PierFranco
Published: August 2015

Background.

The CHER-LOB randomized phase II study showed that the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab plus chemotherapy increases the pathologic complete remission (pCR) rate compared with chemotherapy plus either trastuzumab or lapatinib. A biomarker program was prospectively planned to identify potential predictors of sensitivity to different treatments and to evaluate treatment effect on tumor biomarkers.

Materials and Methods.

Overall, 121 breast cancer patients positive for human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab, lapatinib, or both trastuzumab and lapatinib. Pre- and post-treatment samples were centrally evaluated for HER2, p95-HER2, phosphorylated AKT (pAKT), phosphatase and tensin homolog, Ki67, apoptosis, and PIK3CA mutations. Fresh-frozen tissue samples were collected for genomic analyses.

Results.

A mutation in PIK3CA exon 20 or 9 was documented in 20% of cases. Overall, the pCR rates were similar in PIK3CA wild-type and PIK3CA-mutated patients (33.3% vs. 22.7%; p = .323). For patients receiving trastuzumab plus lapatinib, the probability of pCR was higher in PIK3CA wild-type tumors (48.4% vs. 12.5%; p = .06). Ki67, pAKT, and apoptosis measured on the residual disease were significantly reduced from baseline. The degree of Ki67 inhibition was significantly higher in patients receiving the dual anti-HER2 blockade. The integrated analysis of gene expression and copy number data demonstrated that a 50-gene signature specifically predicted the lapatinib-induced pCR.

Conclusion.

PIK3CA mutations seem to identify patients who are less likely to benefit from dual anti-HER2 inhibition. p95-HER2 and markers of phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway deregulation are not confirmed as markers of different sensitivity to trastuzumab or lapatinib.

Implications for Practice:

HER2 is currently the only validated marker to select breast cancer patients for anti-HER2 treatment; however, it is becoming evident that HER2-positive breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. In addition, more and more new anti-HER2 treatments are becoming available. There is a need to identify markers of sensitivity to different treatments to move in the direction of treatment personalization. This study identified PIK3CA mutations as a potential predictive marker of resistance to dual anti-HER2 treatment that should be further studied in breast cancer.
Prognosis and Clinicopathologic Features of Patients With Advanced Stage Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH) Mutant and IDH Wild-Type Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Goyal Lipika , Govindan Aparna , Sheth Rahul A. , Nardi Valentina , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Faris Jason E. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Ryan David P. , Kwak Eunice L. , Allen Jill N. , Murphy Janet E. , Saha Supriya K. , Hong Theodore S. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Chong Dawn Q. , Deshpande Vikram , Borger Darrell R. , Iafrate A. John , Bardeesy Nabeel , Zheng Hui , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: August 2015

Background.

Conflicting data exist regarding the prognostic impact of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and limited data exist in patients with advanced-stage disease. Similarly, the clinical phenotype of patients with advanced IDH mutant (IDHm) ICC has not been characterized. In this study, we report the correlation of IDH mutation status with prognosis and clinicopathologic features in patients with advanced ICC.

Methods.

Patients with histologically confirmed advanced ICC who underwent tumor mutational profiling as a routine part of their care between 2009 and 2014 were evaluated. Clinical and pathological data were collected by retrospective chart review for patients with IDHm versus IDH wild-type (IDHwt) ICC. Pretreatment tumor volume was calculated on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Results.

Of the 104 patients with ICC who were evaluated, 30 (28.8%) had an IDH mutation (25.0% IDH1, 3.8% IDH2). The median overall survival did not differ significantly between IDHm and IDHwt patients (15.0 vs. 20.1 months, respectively; p = .17). The pretreatment serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) level in IDHm and IDHwt patients was 34.5 and 118.0 U/mL, respectively (p = .04). Age at diagnosis, sex, histologic grade, and pattern of metastasis did not differ significantly by IDH mutation status.

Conclusion.

The IDH mutation was not associated with prognosis in patients with advanced ICC. The clinical phenotypes of advanced IDHm and IDHwt ICC were similar, but patients with IDHm ICC had a lower median serum CA19-9 level at presentation.

Implications for Practice:

Previous studies assessing the prognostic impact of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) mainly focused on patients with early-stage disease who have undergone resection. These studies offer conflicting results. The target population for clinical trials of IDH inhibitors is patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, and the current study is the first to focus on the prognosis and clinical phenotype of this population and reports on the largest cohort of patients with advanced IDH mutant ICC to date. The finding that the IDH mutation lacks prognostic significance in advanced ICC is preliminary and needs to be confirmed prospectively in a larger study.
Performance of three geogrid-reinforced soil walls before and after foundation failure
Authors: Miyata Y. , Bathurst R. J. , Miyatake H.
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the results of three 4 m high full-scale instrumented geogrid-reinforced soil walls constructed with different structural facings having a range of stiffness. The walls were seated on a 2 m deep foundation layer that was laterally supported at the base of the wall face by a rigid bulkhead. Following end of construction, the bulkhead was moved outward in stages to simulate loss of foundation support in the vicinity of the wall toe. Bulkhead loads, wall deformations, backfill settlements, reinforcement loads and earth pressures recorded at end of construction and during bulkhead displacement are presented in this paper. Measured reinforcement loads are compared to predicted loads at end of construction using different design methods. The walls demonstrated that there was available reserve load capacity which prevented internal failure mechanisms from developing in the reinforced soil zone even after significant loss of foundation support in the vicinity of the wall toe. At the end of each test the reinforcement layers were shortened in stages by cutting using nichrome heating wires. For the most flexible wall in this programme, the shortening of the reinforcement triggered a composite soil failure mechanism extending from the base of the foundation zone to the surface of the soil backfill. Implications of the analysis results and other observations on wall performance and design are discussed.
Field implementation of FeCl3-conditioning and vacuum preloading for sewage sludge disposed in a sludge lagoon: a case study
Authors: Zhan X.-J. , Lin W.-A. , Zhan L.-T. , Chen Y.-M.
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT: In China, sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is usually disposed in sludge lagoons in municipal solid waste landfills. The increasing amount of sewage sludge generated has become a serious environmental problem. A two-stage method called ‘vacuum preloading combined with chemical conditioning’ is proposed to treat the disposed sludge. This study presents a case study of full-scale field implementation of the method in a sludge lagoon at the Changan landfill, China. In the first stage, the chemical conditioner was injected into the sludge to improve its consolidation property. The effect of chemical conditioning on dewaterability of sludge was evaluated based on the vacuum filtration test. In the second stage, prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) were installed in the sludge lagoon as a drainage path, and vacuum pressure was exerted on the conditioned sludge through the PVDs. After 4 months of vacuum preloading, the settlement of the 7 m thick sludge lagoon was approximately 2.91 m, and the volume of the sludge was reduced by 40%. The measurements of pore pressures in the PVDs showed that no attenuation took place for the distribution of vacuum pressure along the PVDs during the test, even when the axial strain of the PVD was 40%. The measurements of pore pressures away from the PVDs showed that pore water pressures in the sludge did not dissipate with respect to the hydrostatic pore water pressures. During the vacuum preloading of conditioned sludge, the degree of consolidation Upbased on pore pressure was significantly lower than Usbased on settlement.