bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Alefacept in the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Gordon Kenneth B. , Valentine Jayme
Published: July 2017

With the completion of several phase 2 and phase 3 clinical studies, the efficacy and tolerability of alefacept in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis is now well studied. The majority of patients treated with a single course of intravenous or intramuscular alefacept experienced a clinically meaningful response. The efficacy of alefacept correlated with its ability to selectively target and reduce the number of pathogenic memory T cells. A second course of alefacept resulted in further clinical improvement, with increasing response rates and prolonged response duration following treatment cessation. Sub-population analyses demonstrated that alefacept is effective in a broad spectrum of patients with psoriasis, regardless of disease severity, history of and response to prior antipsoriatic treatment, or whether patients are refractory to or have contraindications to other systemic psoriasis therapies or phototherapy.
Gene Therapy: Recent Advances and Applications in Dermatology
Authors: Hope Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Gene therapy is an innovative and exciting new branch of medicine. Despite the fact that a human disease has yet to be cured using this therapeutic approach, numerous clinical trials are taking place around the world based on encouraging preclinical data.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to bring the reader up to date with this rapidly advancing field and to highlight the technical advances that must occur before gene therapy will become common practice in dermatology.

Methods:

The current level of gene delivery technology restricts the applications. The advantages and disadvantages of viral and nonviral gene delivery systems are discussed.

Results:

Considerable advances are being made in the areas of cancer immunotherapy and vaccines. Of particular importance to the treatment of skin diseases will be the isolation and ex vivo manipulation of epidermal stem cells, the development of skin-specific regulatory sequences for gene expression, and the formulation of gene delivery systems suitable for systemic administration.

Conclusions:

In general, skin and keratinocytes are considered to be good targets for gene transfer applications, and several diseases have been identified as potential candidates for treatment in the near future.
Cold-Induced Skin Disorders
Authors: Kim H.L. , Bo-Abbas Y. , Guenther Lyn C.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Humans are commonly exposed to extremes in temperature. Fortunately, our skin behaves as an anatomic and physiologic barrier during these periods. Exposure to cold temperatures may result in a variety of symptoms and disorders.

Objective:

Our current understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapies of cold-induced skin disorders are reviewed.

Methods:

Studies, reviews, and book chapters that contained information on cold-induced skin disorders were reviewed.

Conclusion:

Cold-induced skin disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders that cause great morbidity, particularly in cold climates. These entities can be classified as physiologic or pathologic responses to freezing or nonfreezing cold exposure.
Assessing Scientific Data: The Case-Control Study as it Applies to Dermatology Part 1: The Case-Control Method
Authors: Heacock Helen J. , Rivers Jason K.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Epidemiology is integral to medical research. To keep abreast of medical advances related to the specialty, dermatologists need a sound understanding of epidemiologic principles.

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to introduce the case-control study design in the context of dermatology. Topics covered include subject selection, exposure assessment, and data analysis.

Conclusions:

The case-control design is applicable to dermatology research. This method is especially relevant for rare diseases or those with a long latency period.
Systematized Epidermal Nevus Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Meyerson Mitchell S. , Kelly Lesa , Don Philip , Gropper Charles
Published: July 2017

Background:

Epidermal nevi are hamartomatous, closely set, usually verrucous papules that may coalesce to form papillomatous plaques. A linear configuration is common. A systematized epidermal nevus has a diffuse or extensive distribution and, at times, can be associated with internal abnormalities and malignancies. Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by neurofibromas, café-au-lait macules, and axillary freckling. NF1 can also be associated with systemic abnormalities and neoplasms.

Objective:

Our aim was to determine if there is an association between epidermal nevi and NF1.

Methods:

A patient with both NF1 and a systematized epidermal nevus underwent physical examination, skin biopsies, ophthalmologic and neurologic examinations, laboratory analysis, chest and lumbosacral spine films, computed tomographic scan of the head, and renal sonogram.

Results:

Our patient fulfilled the criteria for NF1 and had epidermal nevi. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of NF1 and a systematized epidermal nevus appearing in the same patient. NF1 and epidermal nevi have been shown to have specific gene defects on different chromosomes.

Conclusion:

It is most probable that the simultaneous occurrence of NF1 and epidermal nevi is a sporadic event.
Informed Patient Decision Making: Cyclosporine and Skin Disease
Authors: Singer Michael I. , Sauder Daniel N. , Shear Neil H.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Informed patient decision making and consent before medical treatment is a medicolegal requirement that may be beneficial to patients and physicians. Certain medications such as cyclosporine (Neoral®) have important potential risks that patients need to understand before they begin treatment.

Objective:

Documentation of an informed decision-making and consent process for use of the drug cyclosporine in dermatology patients is promoted and encouraged.

Methods:

A sample information sheet and consent form to be used by patients and physicians before and during use of the drug cyclosporine are provided.
Neoral® in the Treatment of Psoriasis: Consensus Treatment Guidelines
Authors: Ho Vincent , Cloutier M.A. Richard , Gratton David , Gulliver Wayne , Lauzon Gilles J. , Papp Kim , Sauder Daniel N.
Published: July 2017

Background:

The efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of psoriasis is well-recognized. A new microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine, Neoral®, has become available and will replace the original formulation, Sandimmune®.

Objectives:

In view of the new clinical experience with Neoral and changes in clinical practice, an expert panel was convened to review the treatment guidelines and make new recommendations for its use in the treatment of psoriasis.

Results:

Compared with the original formulation, Neoral is more rapidly absorbed and there is less intra- and interpatient variation in bioavailability. In clinical trials, Neoral had a faster onset of action than Sandimmune at equal doses; efficacy and safety profiles were comparable.

Conclusion:

Neoral is indicated in patients with severe psoriasis in whom systemic therapy is justified. Careful baseline clinical and laboratory evaluation is mandatory prior to initiation of Neoral therapy. The therapeutic goal is to maintain substantial improvement with the lowest possible dose of cyclosporine. If possible, intermittent therapy is preferable. Guidelines for monitoring and management of adverse effects are presented.
Fusidic Acid in Acne Fulminans
Authors: Hatami Afshin , Raymond Giles P.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare subtype of acne, a common inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit that can be triggered by the administration of systemic isotretinoin.

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to report the beneficial response to systemic fusidic acid in a case of AF.

Methods and Results:

This report documents the use and results of systemic isotretinoin, systemic corticosteroid, and systemic fusidic acid in an unusual case of AF.

Conclusion:

The use of systemic fusidic acid is recommended as a possible alternative to the therapeutic arsenal for AF.
Effect of Occlusion on Cell Proliferation during Epidermal Healing
Authors: Levine Richard , Agren Magnus S. , Mertz Patricia M.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Occlusive dressings influence epithelization of superficial wounds by some unknown mechanism(s).

Objective:

The effects of occlusion on epidermal cell proliferation in two types of wounds were examined.

Methods:

Partial-thickness wounds and tape-stripped skin wounds were compared. An immunohistochemical technique, employing PC10 — a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) — was applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded porcine tissue sections.

Results:

The number of PC10-positive cells was low during the migratory phase, then increased to a peak of proliferation 2 to 3 days after resurfacing. An overall increased proliferative response (mean = 21%) was seen in occluded compared to control partial-thickness wounds (day 10 postoperatively); an opposite effect of occlusion on epidermal proliferation was seen in tape-stripped skin. Occlusion decreased the proliferative response (mean = 42%) compared to air-exposure.

Conclusion:

Occlusion increased epidermal cell proliferation in wounds (where the entire surface epithelium and papillary dermis was removed), whereas an opposite effect was seen in tape-stripped skin from which only the stratum corneum had been removed.
Assessing Incidence Rates and Secular Trends in Nonmelanocytic Skin Cancer: Which Method is Best?
Authors: Gallagher Richard P. , Lee Tim
Published: July 2017

Background:

Evaluating the incidence of nonmelanocytic skin cancers in white populations and assessing the direction and strength of secular trends in these cancers have become important issues to dermatologists, oncologists, health policy analysts, and health care funders.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the three principal methods used to assess incidence rates and secular trends.

Conclusions:

Each of the three methods has strengths and weaknesses. An understanding of these will enable proper assessment of the value and significance of findings presented in the literature.
Onycholysis and Thyroid Disease: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Nakatsui Thomas , Lin Andrew N.
Published: July 2017

Background:

Onycholysis is a common disorder with many causes. It is known to be associated with thyroid disease (especially hyperthyroidism), but physicians probably do not routinely screen for underlying thyroid disease.

Objective:

To study the association of onycholysis and thyroid disease.

Methods:

We report three patients with onycholysis who were investigated for thyroid disease.

Results:

In two patients, onycholysis was the presenting sign of previously undiagnosed hypothyroidism, whereas the third developed onycholysis while undergoing therapy for hypothyroidism.

Conclusions:

These three cases appear to suggest that patients with unexplained onycholysis should be screened for asymptomatic thyroid disease.
Dühring on Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: Jackson Robert
Published: July 2017

Background:

In the late 1800s there was much confusion over the nomenclature and classification of persistent, very itchy vesiculo-bullous eruptions.

Objective:

To review Dühring's contribution to clarifying this confusion.

Conclusion:

By his detailed, perceptive, clinical, and histologic reports over many years, Dühring contributed greatly to organizing our clinical concepts of bullous disorders.
The Modern Crusade
Authors: Kostera Monika
Published: July 2017

The paper deals with the communication, which the paper claims to be uni-directional, between the West (industrialized `capitalist' countries) and Eastern and Central Europe. Using the metaphor of economic enterprises as religious institutions and business administration as religion, the paper suggests that these organizations perform a crucial ontological role in modern societies. After the fall of communism in 1989 the values of capitalist modernity are transferred to the post-communist countries by guest lecturers and consultants taking part in assistance programmes and in other ways involved in the transition process. This is depicted by the use of the religious metaphor as missionary activity. The paper ends with a discussion of the unidirectional communication, which in dawning postmodern society is perhaps not the best way to a common, East-West construction of a new social reality.
Spatial Distribution of Tourism in China: Economic and other Influences
Authors: Wen Jie , Tisdell Clem
Published: July 2017

Using cross sectional data, the spatial distribution of inbound tourism to China is compared with that of the distribution of socio-economic variables such as GDP, population and GDP per capita. Spatial inequality of tourism based both on demand- and supply-side indicators is shown to be much greater than for that of the socio-economic variables and appears to reinforce the regional inequalities generated by the latter. This is evident from the Gini coefficients. Furthermore, the disparity of the concentration of tourism in the coastal region of China compared to the inland is much greater than that on the economics side. Factors which may help to generate this inequality in tourism are identified. The scope for ecotourism to decentralize tourism in China is briefly discussed.
The Heritability of Smoking Behaviour in Pregnancy, and the Birth Weights of Offspring of Smoking-discordant Twins
Authors: Magnus P. , Berg K. , Bjerkedal T. , Nance W. E.
Published: July 2017

Questionnaire information on smoking habits in pregnancy was collated in 341 monozygotic (MZ) and 321 dizygotic (DZ) female twin pair cases from a population-based Norwegian Twin Panel. In a multifactorial model, the intra-pair correlation in smoking was 0.797 (±0.042) in monozygotic (MZ) and 0.443 (±0.075) in dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, indicating a substantial genetic influence on liability to smoke in pregnancy. The questionnaire information was linked with birth records in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, and birth weights of offspring of 62 MZ and 100 DZ smoking-discordant twin pairs were studied. Offspring of smoking MZ twins weighed 127 g less than birth order matched offspring of the non-smoking co-twins. This finding is additional evidence that smoking is a direct cause of reduced birth weight in offspring.
Cardiovascular Risk Factor Characterisation of Women in the Community of Strömstad, Sweden, Compared With Other Female Populations
Authors: Björkelund Cecilia , Bengtsson Calle
Published: July 2017

Statistics on the community level have revealed an increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases, especially stroke, among women in the community of Strömstad situated in the northern part of the County of Göteborg and Bohus near the Norwegian border. Based on prevalence data from a population study in Strömstad, to which all women aged 45–64 were invited and 86% attended, it was, however, concluded that history of cardiovascular diseases including stroke were not more common in Strömstad than in Gothenburg and Copenhagen. Traditionally accepted risk factors could not explain an increased mortality from these diseases in Strömstad, as these factors did not differ between Strömstad and a number of other communities, with which Strömstad was compared. It seems reasonable also to take other factors into consideration in order to explain the increased mortality, e.g. socio-economic factors and softness of the drinking water.
Multinomial logit random effects models
Authors: Hartzel Jonathan , Agresti Alan , Caffo Brian
Published: July 2017

This article presents a general approach for logit random effects modelling of clustered ordinal and nominal responses. We review multinomial logit random effects models in a unified form as multivariate generalized linear mixed models. Maximum likelihood estimation utilizes adaptive Gauss-Hermite quadrature within a quasi-Newton maximization algorithm. For cases in which this is computationally infeasible, we generalize a Monte Carlo EM algorithm. We also generalize a pseudo-likelihood approach that is simpler but provides poorer approximations for the likelihood. Besides the usual normality structure for random effects, we also present a semi-parametric approach treating the random effects in a non-parametric manner. An example comparing reviews of movie critics uses adjacent-categories logit models and a related baseline-category logit model.
Modelling global temperature trends using cointegration and smooth transitions
Authors: Harvey David I , Mills Terence C
Published: July 2017

We analyse annual northern and southern hemisphere temperature data from 1856 to 1998 using models that contain either stochastic linear trends or deterministic non-linear trends. We find that changes in southern hemisphere temperatures lead to changes in northern hemisphere temperatures, with no evidence of feedback, in both types of model. Where the models differ is that the assumption of stochastic linear trends leads to a common trend with constant growth throughout the sample period, whereas with deterministic non-linear trends there are divergent trend growth paths in the two hemispheres after the early part of the twentieth century.
The Effects of Degree of Stretching on the Properties of Heat Set Biaxially Stretched Naphthalate-Containing Polyester Films
Authors: Bauer C. W.
Published: July 2017

The thermal and gas barriers of PET may be enhanced by heat setting. Those properties also may be improved by modifying PET with PEN either as a copolymer or a blend. The effects of degree of stretching and heat setting on density, shrinkage, and oxygen permeability of biaxially stretched films of PET, PET-N8 copolymer (PET modified with 8 mole percent naphthalate), and 10.6 and 25 wt% blends of PEN-T8 (PEN modified with 8 mole percent terephthalate) with PET have been studied. For all compositions, density increased with increasing degree of stretching and with increasing heat set temperature. At the highest heat set temperature (180°C) the density reached was almost independent of the starting stretch ratio. Shrinkage and oxygen permeability decreased with increasing naphthalate content and increasing heat set temperature with the 3.5 x biaxially oriented 25% blend composition (non-heat set or heat set) having oxygen permeability about 40% less than similarly oriented PET.
Poly(Trimethylene Phthalates or Naphthalate) and Copolymers: New Opportunities in Film and Packaging Applications
Authors: Hwo Charles , Forschner Tom , Lowtan Rohan , Gwyn Dave , Cristea Barry
Published: July 2017

Poly(trimethylene phthalates or naphthalate) and copolymers are aromatic polyesters made by polycondensation of 1,3-propanediol (PDO) and terephthalic acid (PTT), isophthalic acid (PTI) or naphthalic acid (PTN) and/or with comonomers (isophthalic acid, 1,4-butanediol, etc.). This presentation describes the chemistry and properties of such PDO based polyesters and their applications in films and packaging. Key performance properties of the several PDO based polyesters including poly(trimethylene naphthalate) will be compared with poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate) and nylon 6.
Measurements of Absolute Birefringence of Biaxially Oriented Films and Sheets On-Line or Off-Line
Authors: Ajji A. , Guevremont J. , Matthews R. G. , Dumoulin M. M.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we discuss the development and use of a birefringence technique for on-line or off-line quantitative measurement of orientation in transparent films, sheets, bottles, etc. Absolute values of birefringence are measured in two directions using a technique based on an incident multi-wavelength double beam and a photodiode array assembly, combined with in-house developed software. Both machine and transverse direction birefringence (relative to the normal direction) are measured quasi-simultaneously. Film and sheet thicknesses from 10 microns to 10 mm were tested and birefringence values from 0.0005 to 0.25 were measured. The technique was tested on different materials and under different conditions and several applications will be discussed.
Use of Biomarkers to Guide Decisions on Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Women With Early-Stage Invasive Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Focused Update
Authors: Krop Ian , Ismaila Nofisat , Andre Fabrice , Bast Robert C. , Barlow William , Collyar Deborah E. , Hammond M. Elizabeth , Kuderer Nicole M. , Liu Minetta C. , Mennel Robert G. , Van Poznak Catherine , Wolff Antonio C. , Stearns Vered
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This focused update addresses the use of MammaPrint (Agendia, Irvine, CA) to guide decisions on the use of adjuvant systemic therapy.

Methods

ASCO uses a signals approach to facilitate guideline updates. For this focused update, the publication of the phase III randomized MINDACT (Microarray in Node-Negative and 1 to 3 Positive Lymph Node Disease May Avoid Chemotherapy) study to evaluate the MammaPrint assay in 6,693 women with early-stage breast cancer provided a signal. An expert panel reviewed the results of the MINDACT study along with other published literature on the MammaPrint assay to assess for evidence of clinical utility.

Recommendations

If a patient has hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative, node-negative breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in those with high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy due to its ability to identify a good-prognosis population with potentially limited chemotherapy benefit. Women in the low clinical risk category did not benefit from chemotherapy regardless of genomic MammaPrint risk group. Therefore, the MammaPrint assay does not have clinical utility in such patients. If a patient has hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in patients with one to three positive nodes and a high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. However, such patients should be informed that a benefit from chemotherapy cannot be excluded, particularly in patients with greater than one involved lymph node. The clinician should not use the MammaPrint assay to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer at low clinical risk, nor any patient with HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer, because of the lack of definitive data in these populations. Additional information can be found at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .
Social Media as an important element of sports organization external communication
Authors: Gajek Katarzyna
Published: July 2017

There is one thing that significantly contributed to shape social processes in the last two decades - the emergence of social media, which teamed up external communication strategies of various types sports organizations. Sports organization is distinguished by not so much the structure or function of management but a product. Sport becomes a specific area of social life, which is characterized by the importance of interactions between the organization and its customer what makes the organizational external communication particularly significant. Through vary channels sports organization provides communication with the client as well as builds the basis for persistence of each sports organization. The important question appears referring to this issue about the way in which sports organizations use the latest communication technologies in the process of building relationships with customers and co-creating the product.The purpose of this article, however, is an attempt to understand why social media have become particularly attractive tool in building efficient communication sports organization with the customer. There are two framing research questions asked:1. What is a social media ecosystem and what is the difference between ecosystem with functioning social media in it and without them?2. Why the social media settled the communication process between vary sports organizations and theirs customers?The first part of the article descripts and analyses the social media ecosystem by focusing on the elements of this system and its distinctive qualities shaped by modern technology and cultural changes. There is an attempt made to explain the specific compound sports organizations and social media in the following part of the article. The author basing on the literature and examples of activities of selected organizations argues that the main elements relevant to the relationship of social media and sport are emotions, iconic communication, visuals, identity and narrative.
Personal trainer - occupational choices determinants
Authors: Leśniewska Aleksandra
Published: July 2017

Fitness service market is currently dynamically growing in Poland. As a result fitness services portfolio is rapidly broadening and clients interest in that matter escalates as well, therefore personal trainers profession seemed to be a great opportunity of employment for fitness enthusiasts nowadays. The main purpose of this study was to identify personal trainers occupational choices as there is very little publications in the field. For that purpose diagnostic survey with individual in-depth interviews among working personal trainers was conducted. Respondents stated that among many determinants the most important were: highly profitable job, easy access to the profession in Poland, independence and flexibility, interpersonal relations with clients, work as a passion and further professional opportunities.
Clinician Attitudes Regarding ICD Deactivation in DNR/DNI Patients
Authors: Bradley Andrew J. , Marks Adam D.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) offer lifesaving therapies but can become burdensome at the end of life. Many ICD patients choose to implement a do‐not‐resuscitate/do‐not‐intubate (DNR/DNI) order. When hospitalized, patients are seen by a range of clinicians whose beliefs about ICD management in DNR/DNI patients may vary.

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinician opinions on managing ICDs in DNR/DNI patients and stratify it by specialty and training level.

METHODS

An online survey was sent to attending physicians, fellows, advanced practice providers (physician assistants and nurse practitioners), and residents in general internal medicine, cardiology, electrophysiology, and geriatrics at an academic medical center. Residents were compared to attending physicians, and attending physicians were additionally stratified by specialty.

RESULTS

The response rate was 32%, yielding 161 complete responses. Among residents (n = 73), 49.3% were comfortable with discussing ICD deactivation and 16.4% asked about it routinely. By contrast, among attending physicians (n = 66), 78.8% were comfortable with discussing deactivation and 34.8% routinely asked. Fewer general internists (19.2% of inpatient internists, 10.5% of outpatient internists) routinely asked about ICD deactivation as compared with 83.3% of geriatricians and 73.3% of cardiologists/electrophysiologists. Twenty‐one percent of all respondents felt a DNR/DNI order equated to requesting ICD deactivation; Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) guidelines favor a more nuanced approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents are less comfortable discussing ICD deactivation than attending physicians and do so less frequently. General internists discuss deactivation less routinely than cardiologists and geriatricians. Many providers hold opinions about ICD deactivation that differ from HRS guidelines. Additional didactic education could help close these gaps in clinician practice.
Contextual Influences of Trainee Characteristics and Daily Workload on Trainee Learning Preferences
Authors: Roy Brita , Huff Nidhi , Estrada Carlos , Castiglioni Analia , Willett Lisa L. , Centor Robert M.
Published: July 2017

We previously defined teaching domains necessary for successful inpatient medicine attending rounds from the trainees' perspective in Role Modeling, Learning Environment, Teaching Process and Team Management. We sought to understand whether trainee characteristics and daily fluctuations in workload influence the prioritization of these domains. We conducted a prospective observational study in general medicine inpatient wards at a university, Veterans Affairs, and a county hospital affiliated with one academic institution over the course of 6 months. All student and resident trainees on internal medicine inpatient wards were eligible to participate. We designed a daily assessment tool on which trainees were asked to identify the teaching domain most important to them, along with information on sex, training level, call‐cycle day, patient census, and number of team members absent during rounds. We examined associations between training level and workload factors with the prioritized teaching domain using Pearson's chi‐square analysis, adjusted for clustering effects. We collected 1,378 daily assessment cards evaluating 53 (91%) attending physicians. Students valued Teaching Process (P < 0.001), while senior residents sought Team Management (P < 0.001). On most days, Teaching Process was prioritized (P = 0.005). On post‐call days and days with a high patient census, Team Management was prioritized (P < 0.001). Attending physicians may consider tailoring rounds in response to work‐related pressures. Days with a high workload are better suited for demonstrating efficient and effective patient care skills.
The Hospitalized Patient with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Hospitalist Primer
Authors: Farrand Erica D. , Shah Rupal J. , Collard Harold R.
Published: July 2017

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a diverse group of disorders typically with insidious onset. Diagnosis and management largely occur in the outpatient setting; however, ILD can present acutely necessitating hospitalization. Effective in‐patient management requires the clinician to establish an accurate diagnosis and understand the natural history and treatment responsiveness of each ILD subtype. We propose a general framework for approaching the evaluation of hospitalized patients with ILD, and provide focused guidance on key inpatient diagnostic and management decisions.
Cardiac catheterisation and the promotion of positive coping and self-management
Authors: Roberts-Collins Cara , Anderson Cate , MacCallam Jackie , Randle-Phillips Cathy , Medley Andrew
Published: July 2017

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition, which is diagnosed and monitored using cardiac catheterisation (CATH). This procedure can be anxiety-provoking; however, most patients undergo CATH without any formal psychological support.

Aims:

This study aimed to better understand the psychological impact of the CATH, positive coping and self-management skills, from patients' and professionals' perspectives.

Method:

Ten patients and ten staff members at a hospital in the South West of England were interviewed.

Results:

Thematic analysis resulted in complimentary patient and professional themes. These included: the importance of recognising individual differences, the patient–staff relationship, and the practical and emotional journey of the CATH. Findings suggest that factors which enhance a patient's understanding and sense of control were associated with positive coping.

Conclusion:

Recommendations with important implications for increasing patient control and choice, and promoting positive coping for patients, were made to the service.
Is there a role for stem cells in treating articular injury?
Authors: Mirza Yusuf H , Oussedik Sam
Published: July 2017

Articular cartilage is a specialized tissue with a high prevalence of injuries. The complex architecture of articular cartilage means that injuries are difficult to treat. The sequelae of such injuries include post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Current treatments include microfracture, microdrilling, osteochondral transplantation and matrix autologous chondral implantation. However, current surgical therapies have a number of disadvantages. Mesenchymal stem cells have been suggested as a potential alternative therapy, with a theoretical ability to regenerate articular cartilage. Research, although positive, is mainly limited to case series, in which the follow up is short to medium term. Stem cells may hold the answer to the age-old problem of articular cartilage injury but more robust evidence is required.
Prevention of limb length discrepancy in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kayani Babar , Pietrzak Jurek , Hossain Fahad S , Konan Sujith , Haddad Fares S
Published: July 2017

Total hip arthroplasty is a highly effective and cost-efficient procedure but postoperative limb length discrepancy is a common source of patient dissatisfaction and litigation. This article provides a systematic, stepwise approach for identifying and proactively managing risk factors associated with limb length discrepancy following total hip arthroplasty. This review explores preoperative history taking, clinical examination, radiological templating, implant positioning, soft tissue balancing, and intraoperative surgical techniques for minimizing leg length discrepancy while maintaining stability and restoring mechanical function following total hip arthroplasty. A comprehensive understanding of the multifactorial nature and methods for reducing postoperative limb length discrepancy is essential for optimizing patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and long-term function following total hip arthroplasty.
Teaching clinical reasoning to medical students
Authors: Amey Lisa , Donald Kenneth J , Teodorczuk Andrew
Published: July 2017

Clinical reasoning is often not explicitly addressed in the early medical school curriculum. As a result, students observe the process while on clinical placements with little or no understanding of the complex processes underlying it.

Clinical reasoning has significant implications for patient safety. Medical errors as a consequence of faulty reasoning contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. Educating medical students at an early stage about the processes of clinical reasoning and strategies to avoid associated errors can have positive impacts upon patient safety.

The authors propose that clinical reasoning should be taught as early as the first year of medical school, using frameworks, anatomical knowledge and mnemonics. Using this approach with simulated cases during the pre-clinical years, students will be equipped with an understanding of the clinical reasoning process as it unfolds before them while on clinical placements, enhancing their overall learning experience.
Catch composition, length frequency and biomass of commercial carps in Zayandehrud dam, Isfahan Province, Iran
Authors: ABBASI MOHAMMAD REZA , PAIGHAMBARI SEYED YOUSEF , POULADI MOJTABA , GHORBANI RASOUL
Published: July 2017

Abbasi MR, Paighambari SY, Pouladi M, Ghorbani R. 2017. Catch composition, length frequency and biomass of commercial carps in Zayandehrud dam, Isfahan Province, Iran. Biodiversitas 18: 939-944. The reservoir of Zayandehrud with an area of 4800 hectares due to its economic role is one of the important lakes in Isfahan Province. This study was performed from September 2015 to March 2016, to evaluate catch composition, length frequency and biomass of carps for sustainable utilization of fish resources. Sampling operations were performed using gill nets with mesh sizes including 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 120, and 150 mm (stretched) with a length of 1 to 3 km seasonally. A total of 617 fish with a total weight of 1109.7 kg were caught. The important species which were caught by fishing operations were including common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and mesopotamian barb (Capoeta damascina), respectively. Due to natural reproduction season (spring, in July), the fishing season usually starts from August to the end of winter. Common carp with 292 pieces (47.32%), silver carp with 87 pieces (14%) and mesopotamian barb with 221 pieces (35.81%) had the most abundance; whereas crucian carp with 4 pieces (0.64%) and grass carp with 1 piece (0.16%) showed the lowest abundance. Also as the main species of study, highest length ranges of caught common carps were in the range of 38-45 cm and 46-50 cm in autumn and winter, whereas highest length ranges of caught silver carps were in the range of 56-86 cm and 48-54 cm in autumn and winter. Length - weight relationships of carp showed an isometric growth model that indicates homogeneous growth in fish.
Short Communication: Diversity and distribution of termites in buildings in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: INDRAYANI YULIATI , TAKEMATSU YOKO , YOSHIMURA TSUYOSHI
Published: July 2017

Indrayani Y, Takematsu Y, Yoshimura T. 2017. Diversity and distribution of termites in buildings in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 954-957. This study aimed to map the distribution of termites in buildings in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Forty-four infested buildings in Pontianak were chosen randomly as samples. Out of the buildings inspected, 10 buildings were aged less than 15 years, 13 buildings 16-30 years, 17 buildings for over 31 years, and 4 buildings were of unknown age. The altitude of the survey area was from 0.1 to 1.5 m above sea level. Soil types were clay, alluvial, humus, and organosol. The average temperature, average relative humidity, and annual precipitation at the survey site were 27.3°C, 84% and 340.6 mm, respectively. By direct observations, ten termite species were found: Coptotermes curvignathus, Coptotermes kalshoveni, Cryptotermes sp.1, Cryptotermes sp.2, Cryptotermes domesticus, Cryptotermes cynocephalus, Nasutitermes havilandi, Schedorhinotermes medioobscurus, Microcerotermes havilandi, and Globitermes globosus. N. havilandi was the most common species found in 26 buildings, followed by Cryptotermes sp.1. (9 buildings), C. domesticus (8 buildings) and C. curvignathus (8 buildings).
The potential capability of bacteria and yeast strains isolated from Rungkut Industrial Sewage in Indonesia as a bioaccumulators and biosorbents of copper
Authors: IRAWATI WAHYU , PARHUSIP ADOLF J.N. , CHRISTIAN SALOMO , YUWONO TRIWIBOWO
Published: July 2017

Irawati W, Parhusip Ajn, Christian S, Yuwono T. 2017. The potential capability of bacteria and yeast strains isolated from Rungkut Industrial Sewage in Indonesia as a bioaccumulators and biosorbents of copper. Biodiversitas 18: 971-977. Heavy metal pollution is a serious problem as a result of industrialization due to the high production of wastewaters containing high concentrations of heavy metals. Wastewater contains microbial populations adapted to the toxic concentrations of heavy metals and becomes resistant by accumulating copper inside the cells. The aims of the study were to isolate yeast and bacteria from Rungkut Industrial sewage in Indonesia, and to examine the capability of these isolates to accumulate and biosorb copper. The copper resistance was determined by measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The capability of isolates to accumulate and biosorb copper were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Biosorption is described as how much copper is removed from a growth medium with reference to the initial concentration. Of this study, nine bacterial strains and eight yeast strains were obtained with the MICs of 6-7 mM, and 16-20 mM CuSO4, respectively. Afterward, we have successfully selected three bacteria and one yeast strains showing the highest copper resistance. The three bacterial strains, designated as C1, C2, and C4 were able to accumulate copper up to 29.93, 508.01, 371.42 mg/cell dry weight, respectively. While the yeast strain, ES9.3 was able to accumulate 0.52 mg/cell dry weight and reduce up to 82.32% copper concentration in the medium. The findings of this study indicated that yeast and bacterial strains were promising microorganisms for removal of copper.
Taxonomical position of Annonaceae species from East Java, Indonesia: Collections of Purwodadi Botanic Garden based on morphological character
Authors: LESTARI DEWI AYU , AZRIANINGSIH RODIYATI , HENDRIAN HENDRIAN
Published: July 2017

Lestari DA, Azrianingsih R, Hendrian H. 2017. Taxonomical position of Annonaceae species from East Java, Indonesia: collections of Purwodadi Botanic Garden based on morphological character. Biodiversitas 18: 1067-1076. Morphological characters are one of the most consistent of taxonomical markers are used in Annonaceae today. One of the plants collections from Annonaceae species which came from East Java and conserved in Purwodadi Botanic Garden-Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Purwodadi, and East Java has some problems in morphological characters. It has some problems that causing the taxonomical position of these species are not clear, i.e. presence of unidentified plant until level species. The aim of this study is to classify and identify of species that have not been identified in order to taxonomical position be clearly. Material samples are used Annonaceae collection from East Java and Magnoliaceae as out-group. Samples of these plants were observed qualitatively and quantitatively through morphological characters were analyzed using cluster analysis and then synapomorphy, autapomorphy and apomorphy character analysis to identify and to determine the taxonomical position. The results showed that there are 4 tribes and two sub-families in the dendrogram. Tribe includes Miliuseae, Xylopiae, Annoneae and Uvariae, as well as sub-family of Malmeoideae and Annonoideae. Sub-family distinguished by inner petal and habit, sub-family of Malmeoideae has connate inner petals and trees habit, sub-family of Annonoideae has free inner petal and woody climber habit, some of the trees. Species are unidentified suspected as a different species based on the proximity of group formed. There are five plant species that have not been identified to the species level. These species can be recommended the taxonomical position and proposed of species name through dendrogram with the name of the specimen. Specimen 1 is predicted to have close relations with Annona muricata, specimen 2 is predicted to have close relations with Miliusa macropoda, specimen 3 is predicted to have close relations with Artabotrys uncinatus and identified as Uvaria micrantha, specimen 4 is predicted to have close relations with Fissistigma latifolium and specimen 5 is predicted to have close relations with Saccopetalum horsfieldii, because these species are in one group.
Distribution and ecological habitat of Scenedesmus and related genera in some freshwater resources of Northern and North-Eastern Thailand
Authors: PHINYO KITTIYA , PEKKOH JEERAPORN , PEERAPORNPISAL YUWADEE
Published: July 2017

Phinyo K, Pekkoh J, Peerapornpisal Y. 2017. Distribution and ecological habitat of Scenedesmus and related genera in some freshwater resources of Northern and North-Eastern Thailand. Biodiversitas 18: 1092-1099. The family Scenedesmaceae is made up of freshwater green microalgae that are commonly found in bodies of freshwater, particularly in water of moderate to polluted water quality. However, as of yet, there have not been any studies on the diversity of this family in Thailand and in similar regions of tropical areas. Therefore, this research study aims to investigate the richness, distribution and ecological conditions of the species of the Scenedesmus and related genera through the assessment of water quality. The assessment of water quality was based on the physical and chemical parameters at 50 sampling sites. A total of 35 taxa were identified that were composed of six genera, i.e. Acutodesmus, Comasiella, Desmodesmus, Pectinodesmus, Scenedesmus and Verrucodesmus. Eleven taxa were newly recorded in Thailand. The taxa were found in the oligo-mesotrophic to the eutrophic status. The major study sites were influenced by the nutrients identified in the water resources. The dominant species were Desmodesmus communis (E. Hegewald) E. Hegewald, D. armatus var. bicaudatus (Guglielmetti) E. Hegewald, D. armatus (Chodat) E. Hegewald and D. serratus (Corda) S. S. An, Friedl & E. Hegewald. This study has produced revised material on Scenedesmus and related genera in Thailand that is considered important information with regard to the classification of microalgae in Thailand.
Short Communication: Growth response and dependency of endangered nedun tree species (Pericopsis mooniana) affected by indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi inoculation
Authors: HUSNA HUSNA , TUHETERU FAISAL DANU , WIGATI ENDAH
Published: July 2017

Husna, Tuheteru FD, Wigati E. 2017. Short Communication: Growth response and dependency of endangered nedun tree species (Pericopsis mooniana) affected by indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi inoculation. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 57-61. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were isolated from the rhizosphere of local nedun tree or kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana (Thw.) Thw.) and based on the results of previous studies which showed that inoculation with AMF mix enhanced growth and nutrient uptake of seedlings P. mooniana on ultisol and serpentine soil media. Thus study aimed to determine the effectiveness of indigenous AMF on the growth and dependence of P. mooniana. P. mooniana seedlings were grown on ultisol soil medium and inoculated with and without AMF (Clareodeglomus etunicatum, Glomus sp. (HA), Glomus sp. (KDI)) and mixed (C. etunicatum, Glomus sp. (HA), Glomus sp. (KDI) for 12 weeks under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that inoculation with Glomus sp. (HA) significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, dry weight (roots, shoots, total), nodulation, root length and leaf length. It was better than results on control of P. mooniana seedling but it was not significantly different from other types of AMF, except on Glomus sp. (HA) on plant height. The width of the leaf and shoot-root ratio was not influenced by the AMF. P. mooniana has a high dependency (<75%) with mycorrhizal dependency (MD) value ranging from 54-68%. Glomus sp. (HA) and other types of AMF have potential to be developed to support the conservation of P. mooniana.
Application of manure and NPK fertilizer on Grobogan variety and Aochi/W-C-6-62 soybean as promise line in lowland Vertisol Ngawi, Indonesia
Authors: KUNTYASTUTI HENNY , LESTARI SRI AYU DWI
Published: July 2017

Kuntyastuti H, Lestari SAD. 2017. Application of manure and NPK fertilizer on Grobogan variety and Aochi/W-C-6-62 soybean as promise line in lowland Vertisol Ngawi, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 120-125. The effort to increase the productivity and production of soybean in lowland can be done with application of organic and/or inorganic fertilizer combined with promise line or large seed size soybean varieties that have high yield potential. Application of manure can increase soybean seed yield, but it needs a very high dose of more than 10 t manure/ha, so that often inhibits the supply, transportation, and application. The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of manure and NPK fertilizer on large seed size soybean which is Grobogan variety and Aochi/W-C-6-62 soybean as promise line in lowland Vertisol. The research was conducted in lowland Vertisol Ngawi on dry season (DS) 2011. The experiment used factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was four doses of manure and the second factor was four doses combination of NPK fertilizer. The result showed that, on Vertisol soil Ngawi, Grobogan variety soybean need 2.5 t manure/ha to increase yield from 1.65 t/ha to 1.84 t/ha. To get a high yield of Aochi/W-C-6-62 soybean as promise line, there is two options fertilization. Aochi/W-C-6-62 need 7.5 t manure/ha to increase yield from 1.76 t/ha to 2.05 t/ha without inorganic fertilizer. Aochi/W-C-6-62 need 50 kg ZA + 150 kg SP-36 + 50 kg KCl/ha, but does not require additional manure to achieve 2.05 t/ha.