bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological assessment of tumour regression, nodal stage and status of resection margins determines prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy
Authors: Wedemeyer I , Kreppel M , Scheer M , Zöller JE , Büttner R , Drebber U
Published: May 2013

Objectives

In advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), tumour regression after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy seems to be an important prognostic factor. In this study, we intended to compare regression grading according to two previously described regression models and to analyse the association of tumour regression and other tumour characteristics with patients' characteristics and overall survival.

Methods

The retrospective study included 63 treatment‐naive patients with primary OSCC of stages II‐IV, who were treated with a concomitant neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery. Assessment of histopathological features was performed, there under regression grading according to two previously described regression models.

Results

Both tumour regression models provided comparable results in terms of distribution of different regression grades. In univariate analysis regression gradings (P = 0.003 and P = 0.007), ypT‐stage, ypN‐stage and status of resection margins (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the 5‐year overall survival (OS). None of the pretreatment clinicopathological parameters showed association with histopathological tumour regression. Multivariate analysis revealed the status of resection margins and of lymph node metastasis as statistically significant features for OS (P = 0.020 and P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

Tumour regression grading, nodal stage and status of resection margins predict prognosis in patients after neoadjuvant treatment. Currently, there are no pretreatment clinicopathological parameters, which predicting good tumour response to therapy. Thus, identifying non‐responding patients, which might benefit from an intensified systemic therapy, requires surgical resection and consecutive histopathological assessment. Therefore, further investigation and validation of new, especially, molecular predictors of tumour response to radiochemotherapy remains an unmet, future clinical need.
Melanoma inhibitory activity promotes melanoma development through activation of YBX1
Authors: Schmid Rainer , Meyer Katharina , Spang Rainer , Schittek Birgit , Bosserhoff Anja‐Katrin
Published: May 2013

Melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA), a small soluble secreted protein, is functionally important for progression of malignant melanoma. We recently revealed that p54nrb acts as a mediator of MIA action. In this study, we characterize the transcriptional regulation of p54nrb by MIA to explain MIA's molecular action. We identified one highly conserved region in the p54nrb promoter that is necessary and sufficient for MIA‐dependent activation. Functional promoter analysis identified the transcription factor YBX1 as the mediator of MIA activation of p54nrb transcription. We screened the genome for further potential MIA‐regulated genes carrying the element in their promoter regions. Integrating our sequence data with expression data from human melanomas identified a list of 23 potential MIA‐YBX1 targets in melanomas. In summary, we present for the first time effects of MIA on transcriptional regulation. Uncovering new potential downstream effectors working via activation of YBX1 supports the important role of MIA in melanoma.
Utilization of frozen plasma in Ontario: a provincewide audit reveals a high rate of inappropriate transfusions
Authors: Tinmouth Alan , Thompson Troy , Arnold Donald M. , Callum Jeannie L. , Gagliardi Kate , Lauzon Deborah , Owens Wendy , Pinkerton Peter
Published: May 2013

Background

Frozen plasma (FP) is frequently transfused inappropriately, an intervention that results in risk without benefit for the patient. To better understand current utilization practices in our region, we undertook a provincewide prospective audit to evaluate the clinical indications and appropriateness of FP transfusion.

Study Design and Methods

All hospitals in the Canadian province of Ontario with transfusion medicine services were invited to participate in a 5‐day audit of FP utilization. FP dose, indication, and clinical patient data were collected for each transfusion request. Indications for FP transfusions were independently adjudicated as appropriate, inappropriate, or indeterminate based on predefined criteria.

Results

Seventy‐six (49%) of 155 invited hospitals participated in the audit, which included 573 requests for 2012 units of FP. A total of 559 transfusions (1909 units) were administered. Of 573 requests, 164 (28.6%) were deemed inappropriate most often because: 1) they were administered to patients with an international normalized ratio below 1.5 or 2) they were administered in absence of bleeding or emergency surgery. The most frequent indications for FP transfusions were before surgery and warfarin reversal. Overall, patients admitted to the clinical areas of surgery, internal medicine, and the emergency department represented the largest users of FP, but this varied by hospital type (community vs. academic). The most frequently requested doses of FP were 2 and 4 units.

Conclusion

This point‐prevalence hospital audit revealed that transfusion of FP is frequently inappropriate. Focusing on reducing the two most common reasons for inappropriate FP transfusions could lead to a significant improvement in FP utilization.
Oncolytic and Immunotherapeutic Vaccinia Induces Antibody-Mediated Complement-Dependent Cancer Cell Lysis in Humans
Authors: Kim Mi Kyung , Breitbach Caroline J. , Moon Anne , Heo Jeong , Lee Yu Kyoung , Cho Mong , Lee Jun Woo , Kim Seong-Geun , Kang Dae Hwan , Bell John C. , Park Byeong Ho , Kirn David H. , Hwang Tae-Ho
Published: May 2013

The oncolytic and immunotherapeutic vaccinia virus Pexa-Vec (JX-594) induces antibody-mediated complement-dependent cancer cell cytolysis in rabbits and cancer patients, prolonging their survival.
The Brains Behind Alcohol Relapse
Authors: Jastreboff Ania M.
Published: May 2013

Investigators identify neural markers that may predict correlate with relapse to alcohol use in humans.
Reovirus Activates a Caspase-Independent Cell Death Pathway
Authors: Berger Angela K. , Danthi Pranav
Published: May 2013

Virus-induced apoptosis is thought to be the primary mechanism of cell death following reovirus infection. Induction of cell death following reovirus infection is initiated by the incoming viral capsid proteins during cell entry and occurs via NF-κB-dependent activation of classical apoptotic pathways. Prototype reovirus strain T3D displays a higher cell-killing potential than strain T1L. To investigate how signaling pathways initiated by T3D and T1L differ, we methodically analyzed cell death pathways activated by these two viruses in L929 cells. We found that T3D activates NF-κB, initiator caspases, and effector caspases to a significantly greater extent than T1L. Surprisingly, blockade of NF-κB or caspases did not affect T3D-induced cell death. Cell death following T3D infection resulted in a reduction in cellular ATP levels and was sensitive to inhibition of the kinase activity of receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1). Furthermore, membranes of T3D-infected cells were compromised. Based on the dispensability of caspases, a requirement for RIP1 kinase function, and the physiological status of infected cells, we conclude that reovirus can also induce an alternate, necrotic form of cell death described as necroptosis. We also found that induction of necroptosis requires synthesis of viral RNA or proteins, a step distinct from that necessary for the induction of apoptosis. Thus, our studies reveal that two different events in the reovirus replication cycle can injure host cells by distinct mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE
Virus-induced cell death is a determinant of pathogenesis. Mammalian reovirus is a versatile experimental model for identifying viral and host intermediaries that contribute to cell death and for examining how these factors influence viral disease. In this study, we identified that in addition to apoptosis, a regulated form of cell death, reovirus is capable of inducing an alternate form of controlled cell death known as necroptosis. Death by this pathway perturbs the integrity of host membranes and likely triggers inflammation. We also found that apoptosis and necroptosis following viral infection are activated by distinct mechanisms. Our results suggest that host cells can detect different stages of viral infection and attempt to limit viral replication through different forms of cellular suicide. While these death responses may aid in curbing viral spread, they can also exacerbate tissue injury and disease following infection.
Sex differences in the risk of injury in World Cup alpine skiers: a 6-year cohort study
Authors: Bere Tone , Flørenes Tonje Wåle , Nordsletten Lars , Bahr Roald
Published: May 2013

Background

In competitive alpine skiing, there is a controversy regarding the sex-related risk of injury.

Objective

To compare the risk of injury in female versus male World Cup (WC) alpine skiers.

Methods

Injuries were recorded through the International Ski Federation Injury Surveillance System for six consecutive winter seasons (2006–2012), based on retrospective interviews with athletes from 10 teams at the end of each season. All acute training and competition injuries which required medical attention were recorded. Race exposure was calculated based on the exact number of runs started in the WC for each of the interviewed athletes each season.

Results

Men had a higher overall rate of injury (relative risk (RR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.47), as well as a higher rate of time-loss injury (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.48) than women in training and competitions, expressed as injuries/100 athletes/season. These sex differences were even more pronounced during WC races (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.04 and RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.31, for overall and time-loss injuries, respectively). There was no sex difference in the risk of knee/anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Conclusions

No previous studies from competitive skiing have reported a significantly higher risk of injuries in men than women. In contrast to recreational skiing and team sports, there was no sex difference in the risk of knee/ACL injuries and prevention efforts should be directed as much towards male as female competitive skiers.
Determinants of vulnerability in early childhood development in Ireland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Curtin Margaret , Madden Jamie , Staines Anthony , Perry Ivan J
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Early childhood development strongly influences lifelong health. The Early Development Instrument (EDI) is a well-validated population-level measure of five developmental domains (physical health and well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication skills and general knowledge) at school entry age. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of EDI as an indicator of early development in Ireland.

Design

A cross-sectional design was used.

Setting

The study was conducted in 42 of 47 primary schools in a major Irish urban centre.

Participants

EDI (teacher completed) scores were calculated for 1243 children in their first year of full-time education. Contextual data from a subset of 865 children were collected using a parental questionnaire.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Children scoring in the lowest 10% of the population in one or more domains were deemed ‘developmentally vulnerable’. Scores were correlated with contextual data from the parental questionnaire.

Results

In the sample population, 29% of children were not developmentally ready to engage in school. Factors associated with increased risk of vulnerability were being male OR 2.1 (CI 1.6 to 2.7); under 5 years OR 1.5 (CI 1.1 to 2.1) and having English as a second language OR 3.7 (CI 2.6 to 5.2). Adjusted for these demographics, low birth weight, poor parent/child interaction and mother's lower level of education showed the most significant ORs for developmental vulnerability. Calculating population attributable fractions, the greatest population-level risk factors were being male (35%), mother's education (27%) and having English as a second language (12%).

Conclusions

The EDI and linked parental questionnaires are promising indicators of the extent, distribution and determinants of developmental vulnerability among children in their first year of primary school in Ireland.
Cost-effectiveness of a telephone-delivered education programme to prevent early childhood caries in a disadvantaged area: a cohort study
Authors: Pukallus Margaret , Plonka Kathryn , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Gordon Louisa , Barnett Adrian G , Walsh Laurence , Seow W Kim
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Early childhood caries is a highly destructive dental disease which is compounded by the need for young children to be treated under general anaesthesia. In Australia, there are long waiting periods for treatment at public hospitals. In this paper, we examined the costs and patient outcomes of a prevention programme for early childhood caries to assess its value for government services.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model.

Setting

Public dental patients in a low socioeconomic, socially disadvantaged area in the State of Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Children aged 6 months to 6 years received either a telephone prevention programme or usual care.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A mathematical model was used to assess caries incidence and public dental treatment costs for a cohort of children. Healthcare costs, treatment probabilities and caries incidence were modelled from 6 months to 6 years of age based on trial data from mothers and their children who received either a telephone prevention programme or usual care. Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of the findings to uncertainty in the model estimates.

Results

By age 6 years, the telephone intervention programme had prevented an estimated 43 carious teeth and saved £69 984 in healthcare costs per 100 children. The results were sensitive to the cost of general anaesthesia (cost-savings range £36 043–£97 298) and the incidence of caries in the prevention group (cost-savings range £59 496–£83 368) and usual care (cost-savings range £46 833–£93 328), but there were cost savings in all scenarios.

Conclusions

A telephone intervention that aims to prevent early childhood caries is likely to generate considerable and immediate patient benefits and cost savings to the public dental health service in disadvantaged communities.
Falling sex ratios and emerging evidence of sex-selective abortion in Nepal: evidence from nationally representative survey data
Authors: Frost Melanie Dawn , Puri Mahesh , Hinde Peter Richard Andrew
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To quantify trends in changing sex ratios of births before and after the legalisation of abortion in Nepal. While sex-selective abortion is common in some Asian countries, it is not clear whether the legal status of abortion is associated with the prevalence of sex-selection when sex-selection is illegal. In this context, Nepal provides an interesting case study. Abortion was legalised in 2002 and prior to that, there was no evidence of sex-selective abortion. Changes in the sex ratio at birth since legalisation would suggest an association with legalisation, even though sex-selection is expressly prohibited.

Design

Analysis of data from four Demographic and Health Surveys, conducted in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011.

Setting

Nepal.

Participants

31 842 women aged 15–49.

Main outcome measure

Conditional sex ratios (CSRs) were calculated, specifically the CSR for second-born children where the first-born was female. This CSR is where the evidence of sex-selective abortion will be most visible. CSRs were looked at over time to assess the impact of legalisation as well as for population sub-groups in order to identify characteristics of women using sex-selection.

Results

From 2007 to 2010, the CSR for second-order births where the first-born was a girl was found to be 742 girls per 1000 boys (95% CI 599 to 913). Prior to legalisation of abortion (1998–2000), the same CSR was 1021 (906–1150). After legalisation, it dropped most among educated and richer women, especially in urban areas. Just 325 girls were born for every 1000 boys among the richest urban women.

Conclusions

The fall in CSRs witnessed post-legalisation indicates that sex-selective abortion is becoming more common. This change is very likely driven by both supply and demand factors. Falling fertility has intensified the need to bear a son sooner, while legal abortion services have reduced the costs and risks associated with obtaining an abortion.
Organising a manuscript reporting quality improvement or patient safety research
Authors: Holzmueller Christine G , Pronovost Peter J
Published: May 2013

Background

Peer-reviewed publication plays important roles in disseminating research findings, developing generalisable knowledge and garnering recognition for authors and institutions. Nonetheless, many bemoan the whole manuscript writing process, intimidated by the arbitrary and somewhat opaque conventions.

Methods

This paper offers practical advice about organising and writing a manuscript reporting quality improvement or patient safety research for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Results

Each section of the paper discusses a specific manuscript component—from title, abstract and each section of the manuscript body, through to reference list and tables and figures—explaining key principles, offering content organisation tips and providing an example of how this section may read. The paper also offers a checklist of common mistakes to avoid in a manuscript.
Two laticifer systems in Sapium haematospermum — new records for Euphorbiaceae
Authors: Demarco Diego , de Moraes Castro Marilia , Ascensão Lia
Published: May 2013

Sapium haematospermum Müll.Arg. presents two different laticifer systems, distinguishable on the basis of their structure and ontogeny. Although they are both articulated anastomosing laticifers, produced from procambium and (or) ground meristem, they vary in diameter and in the presence or absence of starch. One of them, originating near the promeristem and leaf primordia, is composed of straight, wide laticifers with rod-shaped starch grains, whereas the other one is made up of narrow and sinuous laticifers that arise in expanding organs. The two systems are observed in almost all tissues of the leaf and in the cortical parenchyma and vascular tissue of the stem. Our results show the presence of two different laticifer systems for the first time in Sapium and contradict former reports that described nonarticulated laticifers in this genus. The occurrence of two different laticifer types in the same genus, and indeed the same plant, is extremely rare. The milky latex of the two laticifer systems of S. haematospermum, which consists of terpenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, proteins, and polysaccharides (including mucilage), plays an efficient role in sealing wounds, blocking microorganisms, and avoiding herbivory.
Food web consequences of long-term invasive crayfish control
Authors: Hansen Gretchen J.A. , Hein Catherine L. , Roth Brian M. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Gaeta Jereme W. , Latzka Alexander W. , Carpenter Stephen R.
Published: May 2013

Controlling invasive species can restore ecosystems while also quantifying species interaction strengths. We experimentally removed invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) from a Wisconsin lake. Rusty crayfish abundance declined by 99% in 8 years and did not significantly increase 4 years postharvest, with no compensatory recruitment response observed. Native crayfish (Orconectes virilis) and sunfish (Lepomis spp.) abundances increased by two orders of magnitude as rusty crayfish abundance declined, and macrophyte cover increased significantly in 2–4 m waters. We expected benthic macroinvertebrate densities to increase as rusty crayfish were removed; however, fish consumption of invertebrates increased as rusty crayfish density declined, and macroinvertebrate responses varied among families and habitats. Total Gastropoda density increased 300-fold in cobble, while the density of one gastropod family declined in macrophytes. Ephemeroptera, Odonata, and Amphipoda densities also declined in certain habitats as rusty crayfish were removed, suggesting that they are indirectly facilitated by rusty crayfish. This study highlights the importance of considering indirect effects when assessing the impacts of invasive species and demonstrates that these impacts may be reversed over relatively short time scales.
DETECTING THE STATE OF THE DUFFING OSCILLATOR BY PHASE SPACE TRAJECTORY AUTOCORRELATION
Authors: RASHTCHI VAHID , NOURAZAR MOHSEN
Published: May 2013

Detecting the state of the Duffing oscillator, a type of well-known chaotic oscillator, deeply affects the accuracy of its application. Considering this, the present paper introduced a novel method for detecting the state of the Duffing oscillator. Binary outputs, simple calculation, high precision and fast response time were the main advantages of the phase space trajectory autocorrelation. Also, this study explained the largest Lyapunov exponent as well as a number of other methods commonly employed in detecting the state of the Duffing oscillator. The precision and effectiveness of the method introduced was compared with other well-known state detection methods such as the 0-1 test and the largest Lyapunov exponent.
ON PERIODIC SOLUTIONS OF 2-PERIODIC LYNESS' EQUATIONS
Authors: BASTIEN GUY , MAÑOSA VÍCTOR , ROGALSKI MARC
Published: May 2013

We study the existence of periodic solutions of the nonautonomous periodic Lyness' recurrenceun+2 = (an + un+1)/un, where {an}n is a cycle with positive values a, b and with positive initial conditions. It is known that for a = b = 1 all the sequences generated by this recurrence are 5-periodic. We prove that for each pair (a, b) ≠ (1, 1) there are infinitely many initial conditions giving rise to periodic sequences, and that the family of recurrences have almost all the even periods. If a ≠ b, then any odd period, except 1, appears.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF AN ACOUSTIC CHANNEL WITH A MOVING SURFACE
Authors: CHOO YOUNGMIN , SEONG WOOJAE
Published: May 2013

A ray tracing algorithm for moving surfaces is derived to enable the analysis of surface movement effects. For this, a ray tracing algorithm for frozen surface is modified. By comparing the results from frozen and moving surface ray models allows effects of a moving surface to be investigated. The surface movement effects can be seen with the difference between channel impulse responses from the frozen and moving surface ray models. For an investigation of ray path dependence of the surface movement effects, delay times of surface reflective paths from the two ray models are observed according to transmitted ping time. As the ray path from the source to surface gets longer, difference of travel time results from the two ray models increase. This fact indicates that surface movement effects depend on ray path, in particular travel time until a ray meets a surface.
PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING AS AN ADJUNCT IN OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Kumar Ashish , Kumar Ratnesh
Published: May 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is steadily becoming the most common cause of disability with advancing age. So, this study was aimed to prevent and rehabilitate the patient with such disability. Proprioception along with other deficits have been established with threat to the concerned joint. Hence, objective of the study was set to show the efficacy of proprioceptive training with conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy. A Pre test- Post test single blind experimental study was designed with 44 patients having knee OA and randomly divided in two groups. Outcome measures were pain intensity on NRS, functional disability on Reduced WOMAC and joint position sense (JPS) error on Electronic Goniometer. Results between group comparisons showed significant improvement in pain intensity (p < 0.05), WOMAC score (p < 0.05) and JPS error (p < 0.05). However both the groups improved significantly but there was more significant improvement in group with proprioception intervention. Hence, it can be concluded that proprioceptive training should be included along with conventional physiotherapy in knee OA rehabilitation.
CLASSIFYING OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF SURFACE- AND BULK-SCATTERING BIOLOGICAL LAYERS WITH POLARIZATION SINGULAR STATES
Authors: USHENKO YU. A. , BODNAR G. B. , KOVAL G. D.
Published: May 2013

The results of singular approach usage in the tasks of description and classification of appearance of optical anisotropy of different types of phase-inhomogeneous biological layers (surface-scattering, optically thin and optically thick) have been presented. The characteristic values of the fourth Stokes vector parameter (S4= 0 — linear polarization — (L-state); S4= ±1 — circular polarization — (±C-state)) have been chosen as the main analytical tool describing polarization-singular states. The value of S4has been determined by the value of phase shift between the orthogonal components of amplitude in the point of biological layer laser image and therefore is azimuthally stable. Hence, statistic moments of the first to the fourth orders characterizing the distribution of the amount of characteristic values S4= 0; S4= ±1 have been used for definition and differentiation of optical properties of different types of biological layers — surface scattering, optically thin and optically thick human skin.
Stable isotope chemostratigraphy in lacustrine strata of the Xiagou Formation, Gansu Province, NW China
Authors: Suarez Marina B. , Ludvigson Gregory A. , González Luis A. , Al-Suwaidi Aisha H. , You Hai-Lu
Published: May 2013

Two sections from Early Cretaceous lacustrine strata of the Xiagou Formation from the Changma Basin in Gansu Province, China, are correlated based on their carbon isotopic compositions of bulk sedimentary organic matter and carbonate, as well as carbonate oxygen-isotopic compositions. The samples were collected from fossiliferous strata, which contain well-preserved Cretaceous bird remains. The sections are primarily correlated based on a two-step increase in δ
13
C
org
with an overall magnitude of
c.
12.5‰. The stratigraphic variations in carbon isotopes within the two lacustrine sections are correlated with global carbon isotope variations C3–C7 based on marine carbon isotope records. This correlation places the Xiagou lacustrine strata in this locality within the early Aptian Stage, specifically, the Selli Equivalent, which is associated with Ocean Anoxic Event 1a.
High glucose levels reduce fatty acid oxidation and increase triglyceride accumulation in human placenta
Authors: Visiedo Francisco , Bugatto Fernando , Sánchez Viviana , Cózar-Castellano Irene , Bartha Jose L. , Perdomo Germán
Published: May 2013

Placentas of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exhibit an altered lipid metabolism. The mechanism by which GDM is linked to alterations in placental lipid metabolism remains obscure. We hypothesized that high glucose levels reduce mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and increase triglyceride accumulation in human placenta. To test this hypothesis, we measured FAO, fatty acid esterification, de novo fatty acid synthesis, triglyceride levels, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase activities (CPT) in placental explants of women with GDM or no pregnancy complication. In women with GDM, FAO was reduced by ∼30% without change in mitochondrial content, and triglyceride content was threefold higher than in the control group. Likewise, in placental explants of women with no complications, high glucose levels reduced FAO by ∼20%, and esterification increased linearly with increasing fatty acid concentrations. However, de novo fatty acid synthesis remained unchanged between high and low glucose levels. In addition, high glucose levels increased triglyceride content approximately twofold compared with low glucose levels. Furthermore, etomoxir-mediated inhibition of FAO enhanced esterification capacity by ∼40% and elevated triglyceride content 1.5-fold in placental explants of women, with no complications. Finally, high glucose levels reduced CPT I activity by ∼70% and phosphorylation levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase by ∼25% in placental explants of women, with no complications. We reveal an unrecognized regulatory mechanism on placental fatty acid metabolism by which high glucose levels reduce mitochondrial FAO through inhibition of CPT I, shifting flux of fatty acids away from oxidation toward the esterification pathway, leading to accumulation of placental triglycerides.
Speed and accuracy of taste identification and palatability: impact of learning, reward expectancy, and consummatory licking
Authors: Perez Isaac O. , Villavicencio Miguel , Simon Sidney A. , Gutierrez Ranier
Published: May 2013

Despite decades of study, it remains a matter of controversy as to whether in rats taste identification is a rapid process that occurs in about 250–600 ms (one to three licks) or a slow process that evolves over seconds. To address this issue, we trained rats to perform a taste-cued two-response discrimination task (2-RDT). It was found that, after learning, regardless of intensity, the delivery of 10 μl of a tastant (e.g., NaCl or monopotassium glutamate, MPG) was sufficient to identify its taste with maximal accuracy within 400 ms. However, despite overtraining, rats rarely stopped licking in one lick. Thus, a one-drop lick reaction task was developed in which subjects had to rapidly stop licking after release of a stop signal (tastants including water) to obtain rewards. The faster they stopped licking, the greater the reward. Rats did not stop licking after receiving either hedonically positive or negative stop signals, and thus failed to maximize rewards even when reinforced with even larger rewards. In fact, the higher the sucrose concentration given as a stop signal, the greater the number of consummatory licks elicited. However, with a stop signal of 2 mM quinine HCl, they stopped licking in ∼370 ms, a time faster than that for sucrose or water, thus showing that in this rapid period, quinine HCl evoked an unpalatable response. Indeed, only when rats licked an empty sipper tube would they usually elicit a single lick to obtain a reward (operant licking). In summary, these data indicate that within 400 ms, taste identification and palatability, must either occur simultaneously or with marked overlap.
The Distribution of Zeroes and Critical Points of Solutions of a Second Order Half-Linear Differential Equation
Authors: Almenar Pedro , Jódar Lucas
Published: May 2013

This paper reuses an idea first devised by Kwong to obtain upper bounds for the distance between a zero and an adjacent critical point of a solution of the second order half-linear differential equation(p(x)Φ(y'))'+q(x)Φ(y)=0, withp(x),q(x)>0,Φ(t)=|t|r-2t, andrreal such thatr>1. It also compares it with other methods developed by the authors.
A Case with Mega Cisterna Magna Renal and Ear Anomalies: Is This a New Syndrome?
Authors: Konca Çapan , Caliskan Bahar , Tas Mehmet Ali
Published: May 2013

Background. Extrarenal pathologies may be associated with renal position and fusion anomalies. According to the literature, our patient is the first horseshoe kidney case that had mega cisterna magna, arachnodactyly, and mild mental retardation.Case Report. A 9-year-old boy admitted because of the myoclonic jerks. He had a dysmorphic face, low-set and cup-shaped ears, arachnodactyly, and mild mental retardation. The patient’s laboratory findings were normal except for a mild leucocytosis and hypochromic microcytic anemia. His cerebrospinal fluid was cytologically and biochemically normal. Cranial MRI revealed 1.5 cm diametered mega cisterna magna in the retrocerebellar region. Although there were no significant epileptical discharges in the electroencephalography, there were slow wave discharges arising from the anterior regions of both hemispheres. Because he had stomachache, abdominal ultrasonography was performed, and horseshoe kidney was determined. Abdominal CT did not reveal any abnormalities except the horseshoe kidney. There were not any cardiac pathologies in echocardiography. He had normal 46XY karyotype and there were no repeated chromosomal derangements, but we could not evaluate for molecular and submicroscopic somatic changes. He was treated with valproic acid and myoclonic jerks did not repeat.Conclusion. We suggest that the presence of these novel findings may represent a newly recognized, separate syndrome.
FE Analysis of Dynamic Response of Aircraft Windshield against Bird Impact
Authors: Dar Uzair Ahmed , Zhang Weihong , Xu Yingjie
Published: May 2013

Bird impact poses serious threats to military and civilian aircrafts as they lead to fatal structural damage to critical aircraft components. The exposed aircraft components such as windshields, radomes, leading edges, engine structure, and blades are vulnerable to bird strikes. Windshield is the frontal part of cockpit and more susceptible to bird impact. In the present study, finite element (FE) simulations were performed to assess the dynamic response of windshield against high velocity bird impact. Numerical simulations were performed by developing nonlinear FE model in commercially available explicit FE solver AUTODYN. An elastic-plastic material model coupled with maximum principal strain failure criterion was implemented to model the impact response of windshield. Numerical model was validated with published experimental results and further employed to investigate the influence of various parameters on dynamic behavior of windshield. The parameters include the mass, shape, and velocity of bird, angle of impact, and impact location. On the basis of numerical results, the critical bird velocity and failure locations on windshield were also determined. The results show that these parameters have strong influence on impact response of windshield, and bird velocity and impact angle were amongst the most critical factors to be considered in windshield design.
Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets and Disinclusion Buttons: Effect of Water and Saliva Contamination
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Fraticelli Danilo , Gandini Paola , Scribante Andrea
Published: May 2013

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of water and saliva contamination on the shear bond strength and failure site of orthodontic brackets and lingual buttons.Materials and Methods. 120 bovine permanent mandibular incisors were randomly divided into 6 groups of 20 specimens each. Both orthodontic brackets and disinclusion buttons were tested under three different enamel surface conditions: (a) dry, (b) water contamination, and (c) saliva contamination. Brackets and buttons were bonded to the teeth and subsequently tested using a Instron universal testing machine. Shear bond strength values and adhesive failure rate were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (strength values) and Chi squared test (ARI Scores).Results. Noncontaminated enamel surfaces showed the highest bond strengths for both brackets and buttons. Under water and saliva contamination orthodontic brackets groups showed significantly lower shear strengths than disinclusion buttons groups. Significant differences in debond locations were found among the groups under the various enamel surface conditions.Conclusions. Water and saliva contamination of enamel during the bonding procedure lowers bond strength values, more with orthodontic brackets than with disinclusion buttons.
Quantification of Human and Animal Viruses to Differentiate the Origin of the Fecal Contamination Present in Environmental Samples
Authors: Bofill-Mas Sílvia , Rusiñol Marta , Fernandez-Cassi Xavier , Carratalà Anna , Hundesa Ayalkibet , Girones Rosina
Published: May 2013

Many different viruses are excreted by humans and animals and are frequently detected in fecal contaminated waters causing public health concerns. Classical bacterial indicator such asE. coliand enterococci could fail to predict the risk for waterborne pathogens such as viruses. Moreover, the presence and levels of bacterial indicators do not always correlate with the presence and concentration of viruses, especially when these indicators are present in low concentrations. Our research group has proposed new viral indicators and methodologies for determining the presence of fecal pollution in environmental samples as well as for tracing the origin of this fecal contamination (microbial source tracking). In this paper, we examine to what extent have these indicators been applied by the scientific community. Recently, quantitative assays for quantification of poultry and ovine viruses have also been described. Overall, quantification by qPCR of human adenoviruses and human polyomavirus JC, porcine adenoviruses, bovine polyomaviruses, chicken/turkey parvoviruses, and ovine polyomaviruses is suggested as a toolbox for the identification of human, porcine, bovine, poultry, and ovine fecal pollution in environmental samples.
Does Single-Balloon Enteroscopy Contribute to Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy?
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Mandai Koichiro , Uno Koji , Yasuda Kenjiro
Published: May 2013

Background. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy has been recognized as a useful method for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with complex postsurgical anatomy. Objective. To clarify the usefulness of single-balloon enteroscopy for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography successfully in patients after Billroth II gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y reconstruction and compare it with that of conventional endoscopy. Patients and Methods. We analyzed 204 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures performed at Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital between 1997 and 2011 in 93 patients after Billroth II gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction with gastrectomy and choledochojejunostomy. We compared recent results with those achieved before the advent of single-balloon enteroscopy (“pre-single-balloon enteroscopy” group versus “post-single-balloon enteroscopy” group). Results. The rate of reaching the blind end was 11/12 (91.7%) in post-single-balloon enteroscopy Roux-en-Y gastrectomy cases and 3/9 (33.3%) in pre-single-balloon enteroscopy Roux-en-Y gastrectomy cases (). The rate of accomplishing target procedures was 7/12 (58.3%) in post-single-balloon enteroscopy Roux-en-Y gastrectomy cases. No significant difference was found in the rates for Billroth II gastrectomy cases. Conclusion. The single-balloon enteroscopy system is effective in reaching the blind end in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y reconstruction; however, further innovations are needed to accomplish endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures.
A Modified Method in Laparoscopic Peritoneal Catheter Implantation: The Combination of Preperitoneal Tunneling and Pelvic Fixation
Authors: Gunes Mehmet Emin , Uzum Gungor , Koc Oguz , Duzkoylu Yiğit , Kucukyilmaz Meltem , Sari Yavuz Selim , Tunalı Vahit , Kose Sennur
Published: May 2013

Introduction. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is widely accepted for the management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although not as widely used as hemodialysis, CAPD has clear advantages, especially those related to patient satisfaction and simplicity. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion can be accomplished by several different techniques. In this study, we aimed to evaluate our results obtained with peritoneal dialysis catheter placement by combination of pelvic fixation plus preperitoneal tunneling. Material and Methods. Laparoscopic peritoneal catheter implantation by combining preperitoneal tunneling and pelvic fixation methods was performed in 82 consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease. Sex, age, primary disease etiology, complications, mean duration of surgery, mean duration of hospital stay, morbidity, mortality, and catheter survival rates and surgical technique used were assessed. Analysis of catheter survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. Mean follow-up period was 28.35 ± 14.5 months (range of 13–44 months). Mean operative time was 28 ± 6 minutes, and mean duration of hospital stay was 3 ± 1 days. There were no conversions from laparoscopy to other insertion methods. None of the patients developed serious complications during surgery or the postoperative period. No infections of the exit site or subcutaneous tunnel, hemorrhagic complications, abdominal wall hernias, or extrusion of the superficial catheter cuff was detected. No mortality occurred in this series of patients. Catheter survival was found to be 92% at 3 years followup. Conclusions. During one-year followup, we had seven patients of migrated catheters due to separation of pelvic fixation suture from peritoneal surface, but they were reimplanted and fixated again laparoscopically with success. Over a three-year followup period, catheter survival was found to be 92%. In the literature, similar catheter survival rates without combination of the two techniques are reported. As a conclusion, although laparoscopic placement of PD catheters avoids many perioperative and early complications, as well as increasing catheter free survival period and quality of life, our results comparing to other studies in the literature indicate that different laparoscopic placement methods are still in debate, and further studies are necessary to make a more accurate decision.
Diabetic Cheiroarthropathy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Cherqaoui Rabia , McKenzie Sheldon , Nunlee-Bland Gail
Published: May 2013

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide variety of rheumatologic manifestations which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. One of these manifestations includes diabetic cheiroarthropathy (DCA) which affects the hands. We review a case of a 28-year-old female patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed with DCA after complaining of limited movements of all joints in her hands and tightening of the skin. We examine how the diagnosis was made, the treatment administered, and the successful clinical outcome. Clinicians should be able to identify and treat this affliction. The diagnosis is mainly clinical. It is imperative to remember that the presence of DCA carries with it a significant relationship with microvascular disease.
Stress Analysis of Osteoporotic Lumbar Vertebra Using Finite Element Model with Microscaled Beam-Shell Trabecular-Cortical Structure
Authors: Kim Yoon Hyuk , Wu Mengying , Kim Kyungsoo
Published: May 2013

Osteoporosis is a disease in which low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue lead to enhanced bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Due to the complex anatomy of the vertebral body, the difficulties associated with obtaining bones for in vitro experiments, and the limitations on the control of the experimental parameters, finite element models have been developed to analyze the biomechanical properties of the vertebral body. We developed finite element models of the L2 vertebra, which consisted of the endplates, the trabecular lattice, and the cortical shell, for three age-related grades (young, middle, and old) of osteoporosis. The compressive strength and stiffness results revealed that we had developed a valid model that was consistent with the results of previous experimental and computational studies. The von-Mises stress, which was assumed to predict the risk of a burst fracture, was also determined for the three age groups. The results showed that the von-Mises stress was substantially higher under relatively high levels of compressive loading, which suggests that patients with osteoporosis should be cautious of fracture risk even during daily activities.
Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Children following Bacterial Meningitis in a Tertiary Referral Hospital
Authors: Karanja Benson Wahome , Oburra Herbert Ouma , Masinde Peter , Wamalwa Dalton
Published: May 2013

Objective. This study aimed to examine hearing function in children admitted with bacterial meningitis to determine the risk factors for sensorineural hearing loss.Setting. The study was conducted in the audiology unit and paediatric wards of Kenyatta National Hospital.Subjects and Methods. The study involved 83 children between the ages of six months and twelve years admitted with bacterial meningitis. The median age for the children examined was 14. On discharge they underwent hearing testing to evaluate for presence and degree of hearing loss.Results. Thirty six of the 83 children (44.4%) were found to have at least a unilateral mild sensorineural hearing loss during initial audiologic testing. Of the children with hearing loss, 22 (26.5%) had mild or moderate sensorineural hearing loss and 14 (16.9%) had severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. Significant determinants identified for hearing loss included coma score below eight, seizures, cranial nerve neuropathy, positive CSF culture, and fever above 38.7 degrees Celsius.Conclusions. Sensorineural hearing loss was found to be highly prevalent in children treated for bacterial meningitis. There is need to educate healthcare providers on aggressive management of coma, fever, and seizures due to their poor prognostic value on hearing.
Maximum Variance Hashing via Column Generation
Authors: Luo Lei , Zhang Chao , Qin Yongrui , Zhang Chunyuan
Published: May 2013

With the explosive growth of the data volume in modern applications such as web search and multimedia retrieval, hashing is becoming increasingly important for efficient nearest neighbor (similar item) search. Recently, a number of data-dependent methods have been developed, reflecting the great potential of learning for hashing. Inspired by the classic nonlinear dimensionality reduction algorithm—maximum variance unfolding, we propose a novel unsupervised hashing method, named maximum variance hashing, in this work. The idea is to maximize the total variance of the hash codes while preserving the local structure of the training data. To solve the derived optimization problem, we propose a column generation algorithm, which directly learns the binary-valued hash functions. We then extend it using anchor graphs to reduce the computational cost. Experiments on large-scale image datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art hashing methods in many cases.
From Passive Overeating to “Food Addiction”: A Spectrum of Compulsion and Severity
Authors: Davis Caroline
Published: May 2013

A psychobiological dimension of eating behaviour is proposed, which is anchored at the low end by energy intake that is relatively well matched to energy output and is reflected by a stable body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range. Further along the continuum are increasing degrees of overeating (and BMI) characterized by more severe and more compulsive ingestive behaviours. In light of the many similarities between chronic binge eating and drug abuse, several authorities have adopted the perspective that an apparent dependence on highly palatable food—accompanied by emotional and social distress—can be best conceptualized as an addiction disorder. Therefore, this review also considers the overlapping symptoms and characteristics of binge eating disorder (BED) and models of food addiction, both in preclinical animal studies and in human research. It also presents this work in the context of the modern and “toxic” food environment and therein the ubiquitous triggers for over-consumption. We complete the review by providing evidence that what we have come to call “food addiction” may simply be a more acute and pathologically dense form of BED.