bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Risk Factors by Gender Associated With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Silva Desiree , Colvin Lyn , Hagemann Erika , Bower Carol
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND:

Early environmental risk factors associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been increasingly suggested. Our study investigates the maternal, pregnancy, and newborn risk factors by gender for children prescribed stimulant medication for treatment of ADHD in Western Australia.

METHODS:

This is a population-based, record linkage case–control study. The records of all non-Aboriginal children and adolescents born in Western Australia and aged <25 years who were diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed stimulant medication (cases = 12 991) were linked to the Midwives Notification System (MNS) to obtain maternal, pregnancy, and birth information. The control population of 30 071 children was randomly selected from the MNS.

RESULTS:

Mothers of children with ADHD were significantly more likely to be younger, be single, have smoked in pregnancy, have labor induced, and experience threatened preterm labor, preeclampsia, urinary tract infection in pregnancy, or early term delivery irrespective of the gender of the child, compared with the control group. In the fully adjusted model, a novel finding was of a possible protective effect of oxytocin augmentation in girls. Low birth weight, postterm pregnancy, small for gestational age infant, fetal distress, and low Apgar scores were not identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Smoking in pregnancy, maternal urinary tract infection, being induced, and experiencing threatened preterm labor increase the risk of ADHD, with little gender difference, although oxytocin augmentation of labor appears protective for girls. Early term deliveries marginally increased the risk of ADHD. Studies designed to disentangle possible mechanisms, confounders, or moderators of these risk factors are warranted.
Identifying Potential Kidney Donors Among Newborns Undergoing Circulatory Determination of Death
Authors: Hanley Heather , Kim Sunhwa , Willey Erin , Castleberry Dana , Mathur Mudit
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND:

Over 96 000 patients await kidney transplantation in the United States, and 35 000 more are wait-listed annually. The demand for donor kidneys far outweighs supply, resulting in significant waiting list morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify potential kidney donors among newborns because en bloc kidney transplantation donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) may broaden the donor pool.

METHODS:

We reviewed discharges from our 84-bed NICU between November 2002 and October 2012 and identified all deaths. The mode of death among potential organ donors (weight ≥1.8 kg) was recorded. Patients undergoing withdrawal of life support were further evaluated for DCDD potential. After excluding patients with medical contraindications, those with warm ischemic time (WIT) less than 120 minutes were characterized as potential kidney donors.

RESULTS:

There were 11 201 discharges. Of 609 deaths, 359 patients weighed ≥1.8 kg and 159 died after planned withdrawal of life support. The exact time of withdrawal could not be determined for 2 patients, and 100 had at least 1 exclusion criterion. Of the remaining patients, 42 to 57 infants were potential en bloc kidney donors depending on acceptance threshold for WIT. Applying a 40% to 70% consent rate range would yield 1.7 to 4 newborn DCDD donors per year.

CONCLUSIONS:

A neonatal DCDD kidney program at our institution could provide 2 to 4 paired kidneys for en bloc transplantation each year. Implementing a DCDD kidney donation program in NICUs could add a new source of donors and increase the number of kidneys available for transplantation.
Bronchiolitis Management Before and After the AAP Guidelines
Authors: Parikh Kavita , Hall Matthew , Teach Stephen J.
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Evidence-based practice guidelines for bronchiolitis management published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2006 recommend supportive care with limited diagnostic testing and treatment. We sought to determine the impact of these guidelines on the treatment of hospitalized children.

METHODS:

We analyzed data on inpatients with bronchiolitis aged 1 to 24 months from the Pediatric Health Information System, an administrative billing database, from November 1, 2004 to March 31, 2012. We compared trends in use of diagnostic and treatment resources before and after the publication of the guidelines by using segmented time series.

RESULTS:

A total of 41 pediatric hospitals contributed data to yield 130 262 patients; 58% were male, and 59% were publicly insured. Median age was 4.0 months (interquartile range, 2–9). Unadjusted analysis showed improvement in utilization rates before and after guidelines for diagnostic tests and for medications; however, there was no decreased use of antibiotics. A segmented regression analysis also demonstrated differences in rates of change before and after guidelines, with significant improvement for chest radiography, steroids, and bronchodilators (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In a nationally representative cohort of pediatric hospitals, publication of the 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics bronchiolitis guidelines was associated with significant reductions in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
One-Year Prospective Study of 7-mm-Long Implants in the Mandible: Installation Technique and Crown/Implant Ratio of 1.5 or Less
Authors: Kim Young-Kyun , Yun Pil-Young , Yi Yang-Jin , Bae Ji-Hyun , Kim Sung-Beom , Ahn Gyo-Jin
Published: December 2013

This study prospectively evaluated the clinical prognoses of short implants (7-mm long) in the mandible. We investigated the clinical prognosis of short implants in 20 patients (46 implants) according to the installation technique (submerged or nonsubmerged), installation depth (5.5-mm depth, 7-mm depth), and crown/implant ratio. We investigated the marginal bone loss and peri-implant soft-tissue index 12 months after the final prosthetic delivery. Twelve months after prosthetic delivery, no statistically significant differences were observed in bone loss in relation to the type of installation technique, installation depth, or crown/implant ratio. The plaque index and pocket depth indexes were not influenced by the installation technique, installation depth, or crown/implant ratio. We observed marginal bone loss of 3.3 mm in 1 implant from the nonsubmerged group. The total 1-year success rate was 97.83%. Based on this 1-year success rate, short implants had a good clinical prognosis, regardless of the installation technique, installation depth, or crown/implant ratio.
Construction of Buckden's living stones rooms, Cambridgeshire, UK
Authors: Noble Richard
Published: December 2013

Faced with a set of daunting technical, conservation and budget challenges, in building a small extension onto a medieval church to serve the local community of Buckden, Cambridgeshire, UK, a group of retired civil engineers combined their experience to achieve a successful project outcome. Visitor and user facilities were squeezed into an extremely confined site, producing a development of exceptional quality. Using an innovative procurement route, the client formed its own limited company, directly employing the professional consultants on a design and build basis and taking on the project risks itself. Substantial savings were achieved by eliminating contractors' overhead costs and making extensive use of volunteer labour and expertise. The fact that the end user and contractor were the same people, having a deep understanding of client needs, helped in resolving a number of issues. These included the presence of ancient monuments, a diversity of interested parties and other complications. Work also included risk management, traditional external materials of stonework, lead and glazing for longevity, foundations of reinforced concrete ground slab and steel shell piles, temporary works, recycling and reuse of materials.
Effect of H2O/TEOT ratio on photocatalytic activity of sol-gel-derived TiO2 powder
Authors: Agartan Lutfi , Kapusuz Derya , Park Jongee , Ozturk Abdullah
Published: December 2013

Effect of water/tetraethyl orthotitanate molar ratio (R) on the formation and morphology of sol-gel-derived titania powder has been studied. Solutions for R of 3 and 5 have been prepared. Initial viscosity of the solutions and viscosity of the gels prepared by aging the solutions for some time were measured. Results revealed that lower gel viscosities lead to better crystallization of the aerogel. Aerogels were dried at 80°C for 24 h and then calcined at 300°C for 1 h to obtain titania powders. The structural and morphological analyses of the powders were performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic characterization techniques. Titania particles obtained after calcination composed of only anatase phase and were in the size range of 9–50 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the powders was evaluated in terms of the degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under UV (ultraviolet) illumination. A diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used for the band gap energy measurements. Results revealed that R had a profound effect on the particle morphology and photocatalytic activity of sol-gel-derived titania powders. The titania powders prepared from the solution for R of 5 degraded 99·47% of MB solution under UV illumination in 90 min.
Exotic plants contribute positively to biodiversity functions but reduce native seed production and arthropod richness
Authors: Cook-Patton Susan C. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: December 2013

Although exotic plants comprise a substantial portion of floristic biodiversity, their contributions to community and ecosystem processes are not well understood. We manipulated plant species richness in old‐field communities to compare the impacts of native vs. exotic species on plant biomass, seed production, and arthropod community structure. Plants within diverse communities, regardless of whether they were native or exotic, had higher biomass and seed production than in monocultures and displayed positive complementarity. Increasing native or exotic plant richness also enhanced the richness of arthropods on plants, but exotics attracted fewer arthropod species for a given arthropod abundance than did natives. Additionally, when exotic and native plants grew together, exotics suppressed seed production of native species. Thus, exotic plants appear to contribute positively to some biodiversity functions, but may impact native communities over longer time frames by reducing native seed production and recruiting fewer arthropod species.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women
Authors: Jerant-Patic Vera , Milosevic Vesna , Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic Ivana , Patic Aleksandra , Stefan-Mikic Sandra , Ristic Marina
Published: December 2013

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of
seropositive pregnant women, i.e. of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma
gondii in order to provide an insight into the risk of developing congenital
toxoplasmosis in our community. Material and Methods. In the period of two
years, 662 pregnant women from Vojvodina were examined serologically. The
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to determine IgM and
IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and the complement fixation test was
done to detect total antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Results and
Discussion. Seropositivity was determined in 180 pregnant women (27.19%). Of
135 pregnant women examined in the routine control in pregnancy, 16.30% were
seropositive and out of five proven, completely new Toxoplasma gondii
infections, three were detected in pregnant women who had undergone the
routine check-up for no specific symptoms. A detailed analysis of the
frequency of seropositive findings in relation to clinical diagnoses and the
place of residence of pregnant women (urban and rural areas) was performed.
At the same time, the results from the serological reactions were presented,
commented and interpreted, and recommendations were given for the
implementation of additional examinations (eg, IgG antibody avidity test) in
order to make the accurate diagnosis. Conclusion. It can be concluded that
the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is still a problem in our
community and that the best prevention is the prompt and adequate examination
of pregnant women for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Destructiveness of the perpetrators who have committed crimes and misdemeanors
Authors: Novakovic Milan , Novakovic Igor , Dakic Zoran
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Destructiveness in aggressive behavior is interpreted as having
many causes, the psychiatric ones being of biological, social and
psychopathological nature. This study was aimed at examining the differences
among the perpetrators who have committed crimes and misdemeanors in Bosnia
and Herzegovina in the period from January 1st, 2003 to December 31st, 2012.
Material and Methods. This prospective, multicentric study used the
following measuring instruments: list of general data, Hamilton Rating
Scale, the Emotional Profile Index with descriptive and multivariate
statistical analysis. Results. Multivariate regression analysis showed that
the following variables were significantly associated with violence P=0.001:
long treatments OR= 810 (95), CI 0.770 -1.110], migrations [OR=0.830 (95%),
CI = 0.825 -1.125,], depression [OR=1.150 (95%); CI=0.790- 0.990] and the
destructiveness revealed by the Emotional Profile Index test. Misdemeanors
were significantly related with the following variables: P =0.001: father?s
education [OR=0.910 (95%), CI=0.620-1.100]; living in a suburb [OR=0.850
(95%), CI = 0.930 -1.25, P<0.001], destructiveness [OR= 0.670 (95%), CI=
990- 1.210, P<0.001]; incorporation and bias on Emotional Profile Index
test. Conclusion. This study has confirmed the increase of destructiveness
in aggressive behavior in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is of great medical
and legal significance. The study points to the social and
psychopathological characteristics of aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Injuries in elite athletes in the Olympic period from 2008 to 2012
Authors: Solaja Anita , Solaja Milan , Milankov Miroslav
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Research related to injuries of elite athletes is very
demanding in comparison to research on injuries in team sports, and
therefore, there are a lot fewer resources and data on injuries in track and
field sports than in other sports. Material and Methods. The research
included 78 athletes who were the members of junior and senior national track
and field team of Serbia (34 women and 44 men), aged 15 to 32 years. The
research was conducted in the official training camp for the national
selection in Bar (Montenegro) by using a non-standardized survey research
technique, an anonymous questionnaire. Out of the total number, 59 athletes
reported incidence of injury and 19 athletes were without injury over the
four-year cycle. Results. The majority of injuries were reported on the lower
extremities, i.e. in 90.8% (n=158), the upper leg and the hamstring muscle
having been injured in 99 cases (56.9%) and 61 cases (35.05%), respectively.
The most common type of injuries were strains (n=74; 42.5%), followed by
partial ruptures (n=30, 16.3%) and distortion (n=25; 14.4%). The most
frequent diagnosis was hamstring strain (n=37; 21.3%). Discussion and
Conclusion. Inadequate procedures related to the extent and intensity of
training, without prevention of injury, often lead to injuries in athletes.
It is necessary to carry out continuous educational training, especially for
coaches, whose effects should be reflected in the introduction of new
knowledge and scientific achievements in the field of biomechanics, training
technology, prevention and cure in the field of sports medicine. It is also
very important to achieve adequate and constant cooperation between sports
physicians and athletic clubs.
Electrocardiographic signs of acute myocardial infarction in left bundle branch block
Authors: Ivanov Igor , Bugarski Sonja , Dejanovic Jadranka , Stojsic-Milosavljevic Anastazija , Radisic-Bosic Jasna , Vujin Bojan
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Acute myocardial infarction is characterized by typical chest
pain, electrocardiographic changes in terms of lesion and/or myocardial
ischemia and increased cardiac enzymes. It is often difficult to make
diagnosis in the presence of non-specific chest pain, the short duration of
symptoms and electrocardiographic signs of a complete left bundle branch
block. Literature Review. Many authors have tried to set the
electrocardiographic criteria that can increase the possibility of correct
diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in such situations. The most widely
used and recognized criterion is Sgarbossa scoring system that includes
concordant ST segment elevation > 1 mm ST segment, disconcordant denivelation
of ST segment > 1 mm in the leads V1-V3 and disconcordant ST segment
elevation > 5 mm with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. In subsequent
studies, the sensitivity and specificity increased by replacing the third
criterion with ST/S ratio < -0.25. Conclusion. The knowledge of certain
electrocardiographic signs in patients with acute coronary syndrome and left
bundle branch block increases the chances of early diagnosis and the
possibility of better and timely treatment.
Cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy and delivery
Authors: Stajic Zoran , Mijailovic Zdravko , Bogavac Mirjana , Lazovic Biljana , Stojanovic Maja
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of
maternal morbidity and mortality in the current obstetric practice.
Physiologically Adapted Mechanisms of the Cardiovascular System in Pregnancy.
It is normal that during pregnancy some physiological adaptive changes of the
cardiovascular system occur and they may contribute to the deterioration of
the clinical cardiac status of a patient with preexisting or acquired
cardiovascular disease. The most prominent adaptive mechanisms include the
increase of circulating blood volume, decrease of peripheral vascular
resistance and decrease of plasma colloid-oncotic pressure. Most Frequent
Diseases of the Cardiovascular System in Pregnancy. Due to these changes,
pregnant women are prone to tachycardia, palpitations and peripheral edema.
Maternal counseling is obligatory for each pregnant woman in order to
decrease the maternal morbidity and mortality. The most important predictors
of maternal mortality for pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases are
severity of pulmonary hypertension, hemodynamic significance of valvular
lesion, cyanosis and functional status in heart failure. Cardiovascular
diseases in pregnant women may be congenital or acquired. The most frequent
congenital cardiac diseases are atrial and ventricular septal defects as well
as persistent ductus arteriosus. These diseases are mainly diagnosed and
corrected before the pregnancy, or left untreated if hemodynamically
insignificant. The most frequent acquired cardiovascular diseases during
pregnancy include arrhythmias, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic mitral
stenosis and insufficiency, arterial hypertension and aortic dissection.
Conclusion. In all cases of pregnancy associated with cardiovascular
diseases, early recognition of cardiovascular disease is crucial, as well as
correct diagnosis and referral to a tertiary centre equipped for a
multidisciplinary approach of specialists experienced in high-risk
pregnancies and deliveries in order to prevent maternal mortality.
An Examination of Primary School Attendance and Completion among Secondary School Age Adolescents in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Moyi Peter
Published: December 2013

Sierra Leone was ravaged by a civil war between 1991 and 2002. Since the end of the war, it has witnessed an unprecedented increase in school enrollments. Although school enrollment has increased, the number of school age children who are out of school remains high. The focus of international agencies is on children of primary school age, yet a large proportion of secondary school age adolescents are out of school. The problem is most serious in sub-Saharan Africa where about 38% of the lower secondary school age adolescents are out of school. This article examines the changing patterns of educational attendance and primary school completion of secondary school age adolescents in Sierra Leone. The study used data from three nationally representative household surveys: the 2000 Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, the 2005 Sierra Leone Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and the 2008 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey. The results indicate that school attendance has increased. However, large gender, region of residence, rural/urban residence, and wealth differences in educational outcomes exist in Sierra Leone.
Long-Term IKK2/NF-κB Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells Induces Immune-Mediated Diabetes
Authors: Salem Heba H. , Trojanowski Bernadette , Fiedler Katja , Maier Harald J. , Schirmbeck Reinhold , Wagner Martin , Boehm Bernhard O. , Wirth Thomas , Baumann Bernd
Published: December 2013

Type 1 diabetes is a multifactorial inflammatory disease in genetically susceptible individuals characterized by progressive autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells initiated by yet unknown factors. Although animal models of type 1 diabetes have substantially increased our understanding of disease pathogenesis, heterogeneity seen in human patients cannot be reflected by a single model and calls for additional models covering different aspects of human pathophysiology. Inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling is a master regulator of inflammation; however, its role in diabetes pathogenesis is controversially discussed by studies using different inhibition approaches. To investigate the potential diabetogenic effects of NF-κB in β-cells, we generated a gain-of-function model allowing conditional IKK2/NF-κB activation in β-cells. A transgenic mouse model that expresses a constitutively active mutant of human IKK2 dependent on Pdx-1 promoter activity (IKK2-CAPdx-1) spontaneously develops full-blown immune-mediated diabetes with insulitis, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia. Disease development involves a gene expression program mimicking virus-induced diabetes and allergic inflammatory responses as well as increased major histocompatibility complex class I/II expression by β-cells that could collectively promote diabetes development. Potential novel diabetes candidate genes were also identified. Interestingly, animals successfully recovered from diabetes upon transgene inactivation. Our data give the first direct evidence that β-cell–specific IKK2/NF-κB activation is a potential trigger of immune-mediated diabetes. Moreover, IKK2-CAPdx-1 mice provide a novel tool for studying critical checkpoints in diabetes pathogenesis and mechanisms governing β-cell degeneration/regeneration.
Defining the Role of GLP-1 in the Enteroinsulinar Axis in Type 2 Diabetes Using DPP-4 Inhibition and GLP-1 Receptor Blockade
Authors: Aulinger Benedikt A. , Bedorf Anne , Kutscherauer Gabriele , de Heer Jocelyn , Holst Jens J. , Göke Burkhard , Schirra Jörg
Published: December 2013

Understanding the incretin pathway has led to significant advancements in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Still, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, four-period, crossover study in 24 patients with T2D, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition and its glucose-lowering actions were tested after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The contribution of GLP-1 was examined by infusion of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) antagonist exendin-9. DPP-4 inhibition reduced glycemia and enhanced insulin levels and the incretin effect (IE). Glucagon was suppressed, and gastric emptying (GE) was decelerated. Exendin-9 increased glucose levels and glucagon secretion, attenuated insulinemia and the IE, and accelerated GE. With the GLP-1r antagonist, the glucose-lowering effects of DPP-4 inhibition were reduced by ∼50%. However, a significant effect on insulin secretion remained during GLP-1r blockade, whereas the inhibitory effects of DPP-4 inhibition on glucagon and GE were abolished. Thus, in this cohort of T2D patients with a substantial IE, GLP-1 contributed ∼50% to the insulin excursion after an OGTT with and without DPP-4 inhibition. Thus, a significant DPP-4–sensitive glucose-lowering mechanism contributes to glycemic control in T2D patients that may be not mediated by circulating GLP-1.
Costimulation Modulation With Abatacept in Patients With Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetes: Follow-up 1 Year After Cessation of Treatment
Authors: Orban Tihamer , Bundy Brian , Becker Dorothy J. , DiMeglio Linda A. , Gitelman Stephen E. , Goland Robin , Gottlieb Peter A. , Greenbaum Carla J. , Marks Jennifer B. , Monzavi Roshanak , Moran Antoinette , Peakman Mark , Raskin Philip , Russell William E. , Schatz Desmond , Wherrett Diane K. , Wilson Darrell M. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Skyler Jay S. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Abatacept Study Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported that 2 years of costimulation modulation with abatacept slowed decline of β-cell function in recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). Subsequently, abatacept was discontinued and subjects were followed to determine whether there was persistence of effect.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Of 112 subjects (ages 6–36 years) with T1D, 77 received abatacept and 35 received placebo infusions intravenously for 27 infusions over 2 years. The primary outcome—baseline-adjusted geometric mean 2-h area under the curve (AUC) serum C-peptide during a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) at 2 years—showed higher C-peptide with abatacept versus placebo. Subjects were followed an additional year, off treatment, with MMTTs performed at 30 and 36 months.

RESULTS

C-peptide AUC means, adjusted for age and baseline C-peptide, at 36 months were 0.217 nmol/L (95% CI 0.168–0.268) and 0.141 nmol/L (95% CI 0.071–0.215) for abatacept and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.046). The C-peptide decline from baseline remained parallel with an estimated 9.5 months’ delay with abatacept. Moreover, HbA1c levels remained lower in the abatacept group than in the placebo group. The slightly lower (nonsignificant) mean total insulin dose among the abatacept group reported at 2 years was the same as the placebo group by 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Costimulation modulation with abatacept slowed decline of β-cell function and improved HbA1c in recent-onset T1D. The beneficial effect was sustained for at least 1 year after cessation of abatacept infusions or 3 years from T1D diagnosis.
Paradoxical Reduction in HDL-C With Fenofibrate and Thiazolidinedione Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes: The ACCORD Lipid Trial
Authors: Linz Peter E. , Lovato Laura C. , Byington Robert P. , O’Connor Patrick J. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Weiss Daniel , Force Rex W. , Crouse John R. , Ismail-Beigi Faramarz , Simmons Debra L. , Papademetriou Vasilios , Ginsberg Henry N. , Elam Marshall B.
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine the occurrence of extremely low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) among participants in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Lipid Trial and to examine the relationship of this finding with treatment with fenofibrate and thiazolidinedione (TZD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The ACCORD Lipid Trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes at 77 clinical centers across the U.S. and Canada in a 5,518-patient subset of the larger 10,251 ACCORD Glycemia Trial. Patients were enrolled from 11 January 2001 to 29 October 2005 and followed until the end of study visits between 1 March and 30 June 2009. Follow-up in the ACCORD Lipid Trial was 4–8 years (mean 4.7 years). Patients were treated with blinded fenofibrate or placebo on a background of simvastatin therapy. The main outcome measures for these descriptive, post hoc analyses was the occurrence of extremely low HDL-C (defined as <25 mg/dL [0.647 mmol/L]) during the trial.

RESULTS

Among ACCORD Lipid Trial participants, the occurrence of extremely low HDL-C ever during study follow-up was 106% higher among those randomized to fenofibrate (10.1% fenofibrate vs. 4.9% placebo, P < 0.001). The occurrence of low HDL-C was associated with concurrent treatment with fenofibrate and TZD (7.0% for both vs. 2.2% for neither at 48 months postrandomization).

CONCLUSIONS

Idiosyncratic and marked reduction in HDL-C can occur in some patients treated with both fenofibrate and TZD. Practitioners should recognize this important potential idiosyncratic reaction and take appropriate corrective action.
Immediate Adhesive Properties to Dentin and Enamel of a Universal Adhesive Associated With a Hydrophobic Resin Coat
Authors: Perdigão J , Muñoz MA , Sezinando A , Luque-Martinez IV , Staichak R , Reis A , Loguercio AD
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of acid etching and application of a hydrophobic resin coat on the enamel/dentin bond strengths and degree of conversion (DC) within the hybrid layer of a universal adhesive system (G-Bond Plus [GB]).

Methods

A total of 60 extracted third molars were divided into four groups for bond-strength testing, according to the adhesive strategy: GB applied as a one-step self-etch adhesive (1-stepSE); GB applied as in 1-stepSE followed by one coat of the hydrophobic resin Heliobond (2-stepSE); GB applied as a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (2-stepER); GB applied as in 2-stepER followed by one coat of the hydrophobic resin Heliobond (3-stepER). There were 40 teeth used for enamel microshear bond strength (μSBS) and DC; and 20 teeth used for dentin microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and DC. After restorations were constructed, specimens were stored in water (37°C/24 h) and then tested at 0.5 mm/min (μTBS) or 1.0 mm/min (μSBS). Enamel-resin and dentin-resin interfaces from each group were evaluated for DC using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance for each substrate and the Tukey test (α=0.05).

Results

For enamel, the use of a hydrophobic resin coat resulted in statistically significant higher mean enamel μSBS only for the ER strategy (3-stepER vs 2-stepER, p<0.0002). DC was significantly improved for the SE strategy (p<0.00002).

For dentin, the use of a hydrophobic resin coat resulted in significantly higher dentin mean μTBS only for the SE strategy (2-stepSE vs 1-stepSE, p<0.0007). DC was significantly improved in groups 2-stepSE and 3-stepER when compared with 1-stepSE and 2-stepER, respectively (p<0.0009).

Conclusions

The use of a hydrophobic resin coat may be beneficial for the selective enamel etching technique, because it improves bond strengths to enamel when applied with the ER strategy and to dentin when used with the SE adhesion strategy. The application of a hydrophobic resin coat may improve DC in resin-dentin interfaces formed with either the SE or the ER strategy. On enamel, DC may benefit from the application of a hydrophobic resin coat over 1-stepSE adhesives.
Risk factors associated with struvite urolithiasis in dogs evaluated at general care veterinary hospitals in the United States
Authors: Okafor Chika C. , Pearl David L. , Lefebvre Sandra L. , Wang Mansen , Yang Mingyin , Blois Shauna L. , Lund Elizabeth M. , Dewey Cate E.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To identify factors associated with development of struvite urolithiasis in dogs evaluated at general care veterinary hospitals in the United States.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—508 dogs with a first-time diagnosis of struvite urolithiasis and 7,135 control dogs.

Procedures—Electronic medical records of all dogs evaluated at 787 general care veterinary hospitals in the United States between October 2007 and December 2010 were reviewed to identify dogs that developed struvite urolithiasis and 2 groups of control dogs with no history of urolithiasis. Information extracted included diet, age, sex, neuter status, breed size category, hospital location, and date of diagnosis. Urinalysis results, urolith composition, and other disease conditions were recorded if applicable. Potential risk factors were assessed with univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

Results—Toy- or small-sized breeds had significantly greater odds of struvite urolithiasis, compared with medium- or large-sized breeds. Neutering significantly increased the odds of this outcome in females only; sexually intact females were more likely to develop struvite urolithiasis than were sexually intact males, but only up to 5 years of age. Urinary factors significantly associated with the outcome were basic (vs acidic) pH, presence of RBCs or WBCs, protein concentration > 30 mg/dL, and ketone concentration ≥ 5 mg/dL.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Evaluation of demographic characteristics and urinalysis results may be useful in the early identification of struvite urolithiasis in dogs. Periodic urinalysis in dogs is recommended because of the potential health impact of a late diagnosis of urolithiasis.
Current Status of Health Reporting in Nepali Press
Authors: Tuladhar Sabita , Shresta Khem Raj , Regmi Nimesh , Shrestha Ashoke , Ban Bharat
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9242   Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 21-35
Portrayal of Women in Major World Religions
Authors: Duwadi Eak Prasad
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bodhi.v6i0.9245   Bodhi Vol.6 2013: 50-64
Sovereigns, Spooks, and Hackers: An Early History of Google Geo Services and Map Mashups
Authors: Dalton Craig M.
Published: December 2013

Google geo services, such as Google Maps and Google Earth, offer popular and powerful geographic ways of seeing the world. This is a social history of the cartographic visions at work in Google geo services and related geoweb applications/map mashups. These geographic technologies are the result of shifting configurations of power that include state programs, private corporations, and small-scale tinkerer/hackers. Through these shifts, two particular geographic ways of seeing develop and come together: multi-scalar hyperlocal views and aerial imagery. These visual geographic knowledges were used together for military purposes during the Cold War and combined using 1990s video game software. Google popularized hyperlocal and aerial imagery ways of seeing by applying them in its targeted advertising-based business strategy. Hackers re-engineered Google Maps to create map mashups (geoweb applications), and Google executives chose to incorporate those applications into the company's strategy. Constructing this conditional history with its changing knowledges and variety of actors indicates how sovereign power and, later, capitalism had fundamental roles in forging ways of seeing with maps on the Web. Google's maps today have their own limits. They are highly individualized and often consumption-oriented but may prompt new kinds of mappings in the future.
Effect of Rifit, Ronstar and Machete on the growth, yield and yield attributes of BR28 paddy grown in Boro season
Authors: Hossain AB Ziauddin , Rahman MA
Published: December 2013

In the present investigation BR28 paddy was grown in the Boro season. Three herbicides: Rifit 500 EC, Ronstar 25 EC and Machete 5G were applied in different doses and studied their effects on the control of weeds and ultimate growth, yield and yield components of Boro paddy. Eleven different treatments viz.: T1 (control, no herbicide was used), T2 (only hand weeding was done), T3 (Rifit normal dose), T4 (double of Rifit normal dose), T5 (half of Rifit normal dose), T6 (Ronstar normal dose), T7 (double of Ronster normal dose), T8 (half of Ronster normal dose), T9 (normal dose of Machete), T10 (double of Machete normal dose) and T11 (half of Machete normal dose) were used in the experiment. The number of tillers, length per tiller, length per panicle, area of flag leaves, number of filled grains, percentage of filled grains, straw and grain yield per hectare were found maximum at T3 where normal dose of Rifit 500 EC was applied. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17077 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):01-10, 2011
Assessment of genetic diversity and relationship among some commercial cucumber varieties and genotypes using RAPD markers
Authors: Faisal SM , Haque MS , Nasiruddin KM , Islam MM , Shrafuzzaman MA , Ali MA
Published: December 2013

Genetic variability among the genotypes of any species could be utilized for its improvement. PCR-based Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to determine the genetic diversity and relationship among 10 cucumber varieties and genotypes. Five decamer primers were used to amplify genomic DNA and the primers yielded a total of 54 bands of which 36 bands were polymorphic and 18 bands were monomorphic. The UPGMA dendrogram based on Neis (1972) genetic distance indicated segregation of 10 cucumber varieties and genotypes into two main clusters. Variety Joti alone grouped in cluster 1 while variety Green Master, Shahi-50, Shikha, Shila, Shital, Naogaon-5, Shohag-50, Giant Long and genotype CS-043 grouped in cluster 2. Variety Shila was very close to variety Shital with the least genetic distance (0.1712). The highest genetic distance (0.5352) was found between Joti and Naogaon-5. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17081 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):51-63, 2011
A comparative study of values between College and Madrasha students of Chittagong city
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Afzal , Rahman Md Shahinoor , Sultana Nasrin
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the difference between values of College and Madrasha Students of Chittagong city. In order to attain this purpose two groups of respondents, one consisted of 50 college students (Male = 25, Female = 25) studying in Higher Secondary level and another consisted of 50 Madrasha students (Male = 25, Female = 25) studying in Alim level were selected. An adapted Bengali version of Allport-Vernon-Lindzey study of values was used to measure theoretical, economic, aesthetic, social, political and religious values of these students. The obtained data were subjected to t test. The analysis of results indicated that the value t for theoretical (4.288), aesthetic (2.610) and religious (2.85) values were significant at .05 level but the values of t for economic (1.40), social (0.217) and political (0.49) were not significant. The findings indicated that Madrasha students posses more theoretical & religious values than college students. While, college students are more aesthetic than Madrasha students. Significant difference does not exist between Madrasha students & College students in political, economic & social values. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17086 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):87-95, 2011
Attitude towards birth control of married and unmarried people of Chittagong
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Afzal , Rahman Md Shahinoor , Fatematuzzohra Mst
Published: December 2013

The study was designed to investigate the attitude towards birth control of the married & unmarried people using the Bengali version of the Wang and Thurstone, 1930 scale. The objective of the study was to see whether married and unmarried people differ in their attitude towards birth control. The sample consisted of 120 adults divided into 2 groups on the basis of marital status. Sixty married people (30 married males and 30 married females) and 60 unmarried people (30 unmarried males and 30 unmarried females) were the respondents of this study. The two groups of samples were selected at random. The result showed that the difference of attitude towards birth control of the married & unmarried people is not significant. Both groups possess favorable attitude towards birth control. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17087 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):97-106, 2011
Phosphorus status of some representative cultivated soils of Hathazari Upazilla, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Authors: Haque Md Enamul , Kashem MA , Osman KT
Published: December 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v6i1-2.17245 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 6(1&2):199-203, 2011
Influence of Different Housing Systems on Distribution, Function and Mitogen-Response of Leukocytes in Pregnant Sows
Authors: Grün Verena , Schmucker Sonja , Schalk Christiane , Flauger Birgit , Weiler Ulrike , Stefanski Volker
Published: December 2013

In pig production, pregnant sows are either housed in individual crates or in groups, the latter being mandatory in the EU since 2013. The consequences of different housing conditions on the immune system are however poorly investigated, although immunological alterations may have severe consequences for the animal’s health, performance, and welfare. This study assessed measures of blood celluar immunity with special emphasis on T cells in pregnant German Landrace sows either housed in individual crates or in a social group. Blood samples were taken at four samplings pre partum to evaluate numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations, mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine-producing T cells. Plasma cortisol concentrations were evaluated as an indicator of stress. We found lower blood lymphocyte numbers (p < 0.01) in individually housed as opposed to group-housed sows, an effect due to lower numbers of cytotoxic T cells, naive TH cells, and CD8+ gd-T cells. Individually housed sows showed higher cortisol concentrations (p < 0.01), whereas lymphocyte functionality did not differ between sows of both housing systems. Possible implications and underlying mechanisms for the endocrine and immunological differences are discussed. We favor the hypothesis that differences in the stressfulness of the environment contributed to the effects, with crate-housing being a more stressful environment—at least under conditions of this study.
Fabrication of Nanodiamond Coating on Steel
Authors: Velázquez Rafael , Neto Victor , Uppireddi Kishore , Weiner Brad , Morell Gerardo
Published: December 2013

The hardness, heat conductivity and low friction coefficient of microcrystalline diamond make it a suitable candidate for tribological applications. However, its roughness and high deposition temperature pose significant obstacles to these applications. We have successfully grown nanocrystalline diamond on steel at 400 °C by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition by employing a CrN interfacial layer. Nanocrystalline diamond combines hardness and surface smoothness required in tribological applications. Microcrystalline diamond and carbon nanotubes can also be grown by controlling the deposition parameters. The fabricated films were characterized with Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Competition of Dynamic Self-Confidence and Inhomogeneous Individual Influence in Voter Models
Authors: Xiong Fei , Liu Yun , Zhu Jiang
Published: December 2013

In social systems, agents often have different ability to persuade neighbors to adopt their opinions. In this paper, we aim to investigate how the location and heterogeneity of influencers in social networks can improve convergence. We propose a voter model with dynamic self-conviction and heterogeneous individual influence which is related to the underlying network topology. An agent may keep its current opinion according to personal conviction, or otherwise, it may preferentially choose the opinion of the neighbor that has a great influence. Individual conviction evolves during the dynamic process, and can be strengthened by social recognition. Simulations indicate our model has three nontrivial results. First, the conservation of average magnetization in the voter model is broken under the effect of individual conviction and influence, and the system evolves to an ordered state in which one opinion is dominant, but total consensus is prevented by extremists. Furthermore, individual influence has a subtle action on opinion evolution. The heterogeneity of individual influence accelerates the relaxation process, but, with the action of dynamic conviction, more heterogeneous influence does not mean the average magnetization will be more ordered. In addition, when competing with agents’ conviction, more heterogeneous individual influence plays a more significant role in agents’ decisions. These results are helpful for understanding some aspects of collective phenomena that occur on online social media.
New Results on Fractional Power Series: Theories and Applications
Authors: El-Ajou Ahmad , Arqub Omar , Zhour Zeyad , Momani Shaher
Published: December 2013

In this paper, some theorems of the classical power series are generalized for the fractional power series. Some of these theorems are constructed by using Caputo fractional derivatives. Under some constraints, we proved that the Caputo fractional derivative can be expressed in terms of the ordinary derivative. A new construction of the generalized Taylor’s power series is obtained. Some applications including approximation of fractional derivatives and integrals of functions and solutions of linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations are also given. In the nonlinear case, the new and simple technique is used to find out the recurrence relation that determines the coefficients of the fractional power series.
Ribozyme Activity of RNA Nonenzymatically Polymerized from 3′,5′-Cyclic GMP
Authors: Pino Samanta , Costanzo Giovanna , Giorgi Alessandra , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit , Mauro Ernesto
Published: December 2013

3′,5′-Cyclic GMP spontaneously nonenzymatically polymerizes in a base-catalyzed reaction affording G oligonucleotides. When reacted with fully or partially sequence-complementary RNA (oligo C), the abiotically generated oligo G RNA displays a typical ribozyme activity consisting of terminal ligation accompanied by cleavage of an internal phosphate site of the donor oligonucleotide stem upon attack of the acceptor 3′ terminal OH. This reaction is dubbed Ligation following Intermolecular Cleavage (LIC). In a prebiotic perspective, the ability of oligo G polynucleotides to react with other sequences outlines a simple and possible evolutionary scenario based on the autocatalytic properties of RNA.
Thermal CFD Analysis of Tubular Light Guides
Authors: Šikula Ondřej , Mohelníková Jitka , Plášek Josef
Published: December 2013

Tubular light guides are applicable for daylighting of windowless areas in buildings. Despite their many positive indoor climate aspects they can also present some problems with heat losses and condensation. A computer CFD model focused on the evaluation of temperature distribution and air flow inside tubular light guides of different dimensions was studied. The physical model of the tested light guides of lengths more than 0.60 m proves shows that Rayleigh numbers are adequate for a turbulent air flow. The turbulent model was applied despite the small heat flux differences between the turbulent and laminar model. The CFD simulations resulted into conclusions that the growing ratio of length/diameter increases the heat transmission loss/linear transmittance as much as by 50 percent. Tubular light guides of smaller diameters have lower heat transmission losses compared to the wider ones of the same lengths with the same outdoor temperature being taken into account. The simulation results confirmed the thermal bridge effect of the tubular light guide tube inside the insulated flat roof details. The thermal transmittance of the studied light guides in the whole roof area was substituted with the point thermal bridges. This substitution gives possibility for simple thermal evaluation of the tubular light pipes in roof constructions.