bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excess Testosterone Exposure Alters Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis Dynamics and Gene Expression in Sheep Fetuses
Authors: Roselli Charles E. , Amodei Rebecka , Gribbin Kyle P. , Corder Keely , Stormshak Fred , Estill Charles T.
Published: September 2016

Prenatal exposure to excess androgen may result in impaired adult fertility in a variety of mammalian species. However, little is known about what feedback mechanisms regulate gonadotropin secretion during early gestation and how they respond to excess T exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous exposure to T on key genes that regulate gonadotropin and GnRH secretion in fetal male lambs as compared with female cohorts. We found that biweekly maternal testosterone propionate (100 mg) treatment administered from day 30 to day 58 of gestation acutely decreased (P < .05) serum LH concentrations and reduced the expression of gonadotropin subunit mRNA in both sexes and the levels of GnRH receptor mRNA in males. These results are consistent with enhanced negative feedback at the level of the pituitary and were accompanied by reduced mRNA levels for testicular steroidogenic enzymes, suggesting that Leydig cell function was also suppressed. The expression of kisspeptin 1 mRNA, a key regulator of GnRH neurons, was significantly greater (P < .01) in control females than in males and reduced (P < .001) in females by T exposure, indicating that hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin secretion was also affected by androgen exposure. Although endocrine homeostasis was reestablished 2 weeks after maternal testosterone propionate treatment ceased, additional differences in the gene expression of GnRH, estrogen receptor-β, and kisspeptin receptor (G protein coupled receptor 54) emerged between the treatment cohorts. These changes suggest the normal trajectory of hypothalamic-pituitary axis development was disrupted, which may, in turn, contribute to negative effects on fertility later in life.
Trade, Domestic Frictions, and Scale Effects
Authors: Ramondo Natalia , Rodríguez-Clare Andrés , Saborío-Rodríguez Milagro
Published: September 2016

Because of scale effects, idea-based growth models imply that larger countries should be much richer than smaller ones. New trade models share the same counterfactual feature. In fact, new trade models exhibit other counterfactual implications associated with scale effects: import shares decrease and relative income levels increase too steeply with country size. We argue that these implications are largely a result of the standard assumption that countries are fully integrated domestically. We depart from this assumption by treating countries as collections of regions that face positive costs to trade among themselves. The resulting model is largely consistent with the data. (JEL F11, F14, F43, O47, R12)
Does Early Life Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Permanently Harm Childhood Welfare? Evidence from Cigarette Tax Hikes
Authors: Simon David
Published: September 2016

Evidence suggests that excise taxes on tobacco improve fetal health. However, it remains unknown if smoke exposure in early life causes lasting harm to children. I find that in utero exposure to a dollar increase in the state cigarette tax causes a 10 percent decrease in sick days from school and a 4.7 percent decrease in having two or more doctor visits. I present additional evidence for decreases in hospitalizations and asthma. This supports the hypothesis that exposure to cigarette smoke in utero and infancy carries significant medium-term costs, and that excise taxes can lead to lasting intergenerational improvements in well-being. (JEL H25, H71, I12, J13)
Características clínicas, prevalência e diagnóstico de vulvovaginites em ambulatório do interior do Rio Grande do Sul
Clinical characteristics and prevalence of vulvovaginitis in a clinic in the interior of the Rio Grande do Sul
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.657.p160-165.2016
Authors: Tabile Patrícia Micheli , Lucena Hérika , Chaves Jéssica , Fischborn Juliana , Jucá Renata Becker
Published: September 2016

Introdução:  As vulvovaginites são uma das principais queixas no atendimento rotineiro de ginecologia. O diagnóstico correto e o tratamento precoce dessas afecções são importantes além de prevenir possíveis repercussões no trato genital superior. Objetivo: Conhecer as características clínicas e a prevalência das vulvovaginites. Metodologia: Estudo transversal de natureza exploratória e descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa sobre mulheres que foram atendidas na Unidade de Atendimento de um Ambulatório de Ginecologia do Sistema Integrado de Saúde (SIS) na Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, no período de setembro de 2014 a maio de 2015. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, queixas clínicas, exame ginecológico e achados no exame a fresco. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS 22.0. Resultados: Do total de 200 pacientes atendidas no ambulatório, 66 (33%) foram selecionadas para realização do exame a fresco. A leucorreia fisiológica foi diagnosticada em 35 pacientes (53,0%), a vaginose bacteriana em 24 (36,5%), a candidíase em 6 (9,0%) e a tricomoníase em 1 (1,5%). Na vaginose bacteriana leucorreia com odor fétido, na candidíase leucoréia grumosa branca, prurido, ardência, vulva eritematosa e dispaurenia foram significativos para o diagnóstico (p < 0,05). Conclusões: Observou-se que a faixa etária das mulheres acometidas por vulvovaginites foi compatível com a literatura, predominando em idade reprodutiva. Constatou-se que a vaginose bacteriana foi a mais diagnosticada e que a leucorreia com odor fétido foi o sintoma estatisticamente significativo para o diagnóstico. Da mesma forma, a candidíase, com leucorreia grumosa branca, prurido, ardência, vulva eritematosa e dispareunia.
Vivências de homens na gestação de alto risco da companheira
Experiences of men in cases of high-risk pregnancy of their partners
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.751.p181-186.2016
Authors: Semente Priscilla Alekianne Soares do Nascimento , Macedo Vanucce Freitas , Fernandes Eliana Regina Lima , Teixeira Gracimary Alves , Araújo Mércio Gabriel de , Carvalho Jovanka Bittencourt Leite de
Published: September 2016

Objetivo: descrever a vivência do homem na gestação de alto risco. Metodologia: pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida com onze homens/companheiros em um centro de saúde reprodutiva. Os dados foram coletados no mês de outubro de 2010 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. As falas foram transcritas pela técnica da análise de conteúdo e analisadas por meio do interacionismo simbólico. Resultados e discussões: os pais apresentaram angústia diante da gravidez de alto risco por considerar um momento novo em sua vida. Os homens justificaram sua ausência no pré-natal, devido à jornada de trabalho, mesmo sua companheira apresentando uma gestação de risco; também as incertezas e alterações que transcorrem na gestação potencializaram emoções. Considerações finais: observou-se que o homem possui papel significativo, gerando efeito tranquilizador diante da situação de alto risco. Logo, o cônjuge apresenta papel significativo no pré-natal de alto risco; entretanto, é necessário que os profissionais favoreçam e estimulem uma maior participação do homem nesse período.
Avaliação dos conhecimentos e atitudes de prevenção sobre a febre maculosa entre profissionais de saúde no Brasil
Knowledge and attitudes of prevention evaluation of spotted fever among health care professionals in Brazil
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.851.p152-159.2016
Authors: Oliveira Stefan Vilges de , Caldas Eduardo Pacheco de , Limongi Jean Ezequiel , Gazeta Gilberto Salles
Published: September 2016

Introdução: A febre maculosa (FM) é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos, o que, no Brasil, preocupa as autoridades do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) por apresentar elevados coeficientes de letalidade. Objetivo: Descrever os conhecimentos e as atitudes de prevenção sobre a FM entre profissionais do SUS. Métodos: Foi realizado entre os meses de outubro a dezembro de 2015, um inquérito sobre os conhecimentos e as atitudes de prevenção sobre a FM entre os profissionais da saúde. Um questionário na plataforma FormSUS foi submetido a 426 profissionais de todo o Brasil que previamente já haviam participado de capacitações e atividades que envolviam o tema em questão. Vinte unidades federadas foram respondedoras da pesquisa (112/426). Foi possível verificar que a maioria dos profissionais de saúde conhece as condutas de notificação e de investigação epidemiológica. As incorporações recentes no programa de vigilância epidemiológica são de conhecimento da maioria dos respondentes. A rotatividade dos profissionais foi mencionada como principal dificultador das ações de vigilância da doença. Ações de fortalecimento dos programas de vigilância são realizadas de forma esporádica, somente no momento da ocorrência de casos de FM e não ocorrem de forma integral no âmbito do SUS. Conclusão: Cabe a cada segmento do SUS buscar seguir as diretrizes do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica da FM para que, de forma integral, se consiga reverter o panorama de morbimortalidade desta importante doença no Brasil.
Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) e sua associação entre lesões cervical e anal em mulheres
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and its association between cervical and anal injuries in women
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.860.p174-180.2016
Authors: Brito Luciane Maria Oliveira , Chein Maria Bethânia da Costa , Monteiro Sally Cristina Moutinho , Corrêa Rita da Graça Carvalhal Frazão , De Oliveira Márcia Maria Hiluy Nicolau , Silva Flávio Roberto Santos , Cutrim Patrícia Travassos , Bringel Marília de Oliveira , De Castro Mariana Santos , Barbosa Mariane Fernandes
Published: September 2016

Introdução: Entre as doenças virais sexualmente transmissíveis, a infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) configura-se como a mais comum, e sua incidência vem aumentando acentuadamente nos últimos trinta anos. A infecção anal por subtipos específicos do HPV predispõe o indivíduo à neoplasia intraepitelial anal, que pode evoluir para o câncer de forma similar ao colo uterino. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação tipo-específica entre infecções anais e cervicais, assim como os aspectos citopatológicos das lesões anais pelo vírus HPV em mulheres de São Luís, Maranhão. Métodos: Estudo analítico transversal com 27 mulheres atendidas no Centro de Pesquisa Clínica da UFMA, entre agosto de 2012 e julho de 2015, mediante entrevista e realização de exames complementares. Resultados: As mulheres tinham, em média, 32 anos. Em relação ao resultado do PCR, 77,7% das pacientes apresentaram resultado positivo para HPV anal, sendo o subtipo 16 o mais frequente (47,6%). Na região cervical, 88,8% apresentaram PCR positivo, sendo o mais comum o subtipo 16 (47,8%). A coinfecção anal e cervical pelo HPV foi observada em 74% das mulheres. 93,3% dos resultados de citologia anal não apresentaram alteração, assim como 72,2% das anuscopias realizadas. Conclusões: A infecção cervical por HPV é um fator sugestivo de risco para o desenvolvimento da infecção na região anal.
Perfil antropométrico e alimentar de pré-escolares de uma escola pública do Alto Paranaíba, MG
Anthropometric and dietary profile of preschool children in a public school in Alto Paranaíba, MG
doi:10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v4i3.864.p166-173.2016
Authors: Cornélio Muriele Pereira Mendes , Almeida Martha Elisa Ferreira de
Published: September 2016

Introdução: a fase pré-escolar é um período de importantes mudanças alimentares a qual tem contribuído para o excesso de peso em crianças de todas as classes econômicas. Objetivo: analisar o perfil antropométrico e alimentar de pré-escolares de uma escola pública municipal de Rio Paranaíba, MG. Métodos: para a realização da pesquisa de caráter transversal e quantitativa, analisou-se o perfil antropométrico e alimentar (frequência alimentar de alguns alimentos e a distribuição percentual de nutrientes da alimentação escolar) de crianças. Para avaliar o consumo da alimentação escolar entre os gêneros, utilizou-se o Teste Mann Whitney, e na associação do consumo dos alimentos obesogênicos e o estado nutricional, por gênero, utilizou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado, ambos a 5%. Resultados: das 58 crianças avaliadas, os meninos apresentaram mais excesso de peso. Os pré-escolares apresentaram uma ingestão diária elevada de alimentos obesogênicos (achocolatados, biscoitos recheados e suco em pó), e baixo para aqueles considerados saudáveis (beterraba, cenoura, mamão e os folhosos). Entre os alimentos obesogênicos avaliados, o achocolatado em pó foi o mais consumido, e apenas o consumo de salgadinho (chips), pelos meninos, correlacionou-se com o excesso de peso. As meninas com excesso de peso apresentaram uma maior ingestão de proteínas, carboidratos, lipídios e ferro na alimentação escolar. Conclusão: embora somente o consumo de salgadinho correlacionou-se ao excesso de peso, alguns pré-escolares apresentaram uma ingestão diária elevada de alimentos obesogênicos e baixo para aqueles considerados saudáveis, bem como maiores quantidades de proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios na alimentação escolar, fatos que podem contribuir para o excesso de peso apresentado.l das crianças, elevando o peso das mesmas e ocasionar prejuízos funcionais ao organismo.
Electronic medical records in humanitarian emergencies – the development of an Ebola clinical information and patient management system
Authors: Jobanputra Kiran , Greig Jane , Shankar Ganesh , Perakslis Eric , Kremer Ronald , Achar Jay , Gayton Ivan
Published: September 2016

By November 2015, the West Africa Ebola epidemic had caused 28598 infections and 11299 deaths in the three countries most affected. The outbreak required rapid innovation and adaptation. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) scaled up its usual 20-30 bed Ebola management centres (EMCs) to 100-300 beds with over 300 workers in some settings. This brought challenges in patient and clinical data management resulting from the difficulties of working safely with high numbers of Ebola patients. We describe a project MSF established with software developers and the Google Social Impact Team to develop context-adapted tools to address the challenges of recording Ebola clinical information. We share the outcomes and key lessons learned in innovating rapidly under pressure in difficult environmental conditions. Information on adoption, maintenance, and data quality was gathered through review of project documentation, discussions with field staff and key project stakeholders, and analysis of tablet data. In March 2015, a full prototype was deployed in Magburaka EMC, Sierra Leone. Inpatient data were captured on 204 clinical interactions with 34 patients from 5 March until 10 April 2015. Data continued to also be recorded on paper charts, creating theoretically identical record “pairs” on paper and tablet. 85 record pairs for 32 patients with 26 data items (temperature and symptoms) per pair were analysed. The average agreement between sources was 85%, ranging from 69% to 95% for individual variables. The time taken to deliver the product was more than that anticipated by MSF (7 months versus 6 weeks). Deployment of the tablet coincided with a dramatic drop in patient numbers and thus had little impact on patient care. We have identified lessons specific to humanitarian-technology collaborative projects and propose a framework for emergency humanitarian innovation. Time and effort is required to bridge differences in organisational culture between the technology and humanitarian worlds. This investment is essential for establishing a shared vision on deliverables, urgency, and ownership of product.
Gut chemosensing: implications for disease pathogenesis
Authors: Berg Christopher J. , Kaunitz Jonathan D.
Published: September 2016

The ability of humans to sense chemical signals in ingested substances is implicit in the ability to detect the five basic tastes; sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Of these, sweet, bitter, and umami tastes are detected by lingual G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recently, these receptors were also localized to the gut mucosa. In this review, we will emphasize recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of foregut luminal chemosensing, with special emphasis on cell surface GPCRs such as the sweet and proteinaceous taste receptors (TASRs), short- and long-chain fatty acid (FA) receptors, and bile acid receptors. The majority of these luminal chemosensors are expressed on enteroendocrine cells (EECs), which are specialized endocrine cells in the intestine and pancreas that release gut hormones with ligand activation. These gut hormones are responsible for a wide variety of physiologic and homeostatic mechanisms, including glycemic control, appetite stimulation and suppression, regulation of gastric emptying, and trophic effects on the intestinal epithelium. Released from the EECs, the gut peptides have paracrine, autocrine, and endocrine effects. Additionally, EECs have unique direct connections to the enteric nervous system enabling precise transmission of sensory data to and communication with the central nervous system. We will also describe how gut sensors are implicated in gut hormone release, followed by examples of how altered gut chemosensing has been implicated in pathological conditions such as metabolic diseases including diabetes and obesity, functional dyspepsia, helminthic infections, colitis, gastric bypass surgery, and gastric inflammation and cancer.
From the Co-Editors
Authors: Robbins Rich , Shaffer Leigh , Burton Shannon Lynn
Published: September 2016

With the addition of history to the title of the Theory, Philosophy, and History of Advising Commission of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, the time has come to reflect on this growing commission as a means to track and record the growth and development of the theoretical debates and questions regarding the field of academic advising. Therefore, I present the rise of the Theory, Philosophy, and History Commission through the lens of two founding members: Marc Lowenstein and Peter Hagen. I also provide insight into the trajectory of dialogue reflected in conference presentations, publications, and primary source documents from NACADA and others.
Communication – the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: September 2016

The internet has opened up countless opportunities to everyone, not least of which are the dental practices that harness it for marketing their business. But what does it mean for dental nurses? Gaby Bissett hears from a practice that is perfect at communication – and looks at the risks that come with social media
Treatment of large, complex, non-healing wounds with cryopreserved amniotic suspension allograft: a case series
Authors: Marcus B.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Cryopreserved amniotic suspension allograft (CASA) is a regenerative tissue suspension containing amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components used for soft-tissue repair, replacement, and reconstruction. The aim of this case series is to examine its effects in different wound types.

Method:

In a retrospective series CASA was applied to chronic non-healing wounds. All patients were treated at a single center between June 2013 and December 2014. The criterion for application of CASA was lack of progress toward wound healing despite standard treatments and adjuvant therapies.

Results:

We assessed five patients aged between 39 to 86 years old. Three patients had surgical/radiation wounds, one had a sacral pressure ulcer, and one had a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). All patients experienced progressive improvement in wound area and volume during treatment with CASA. One patient (postmastectomy tissue necrosis) required surgical closure in conjunction with removal of retained sutures. CASA applied topically and subcutaneously was particularly well suited to application in these wounds with large sinus tracts or undermining. All five patients experienced complete wound closure following one to two applications of CASA over 5 to 22 weeks.

Conclusion:

This series highlights the effective use of CASA in recalcitrant large soft-tissue wounds, DFUs, and deep wounds with tendon exposure.

Declaration of interest:

This study was supported by a grant from Derma Sciences (Princeton, NJ, US).
Viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane for a non-surgical approach to closure in complex wounds
Authors: Suzuki K. , Michael G. , Tamire Y.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Advances in wound treatment have yielded successful approaches to complex wound closure through plastic surgery or other staged surgical methods. However, not all patients or wounds are candidates for such increasingly rigorous levels of interventions. The exploration of non-surgical treatment options that promote anatomical and functional tissue replacement on an outpatient basis without donor site morbidity is necessary to maximise opportunities for patient mobility and rehabilitation. The native components found in human placental membranes may offer alternative properties for the clinical management of these complex wounds.

Method:

A 10-month, single-centre effectiveness review was conducted on the clinical outcomes in patients (n=12) treated with Grafix, a viable intact cryopreserved human placental membrane (vCPM), for complex wounds characterised by exposed bone, tendon, muscle, or hardware. Wounds were treated with routine standard of care in addition to weekly grafting with a vCPM.

Results:

The average baseline wound area and duration at presentation were 17.5 cm2 and 11.2 weeks. All twelve cases resulted in granulation over the exposed structures followed by complete wound re-epithelialisation without the concomitant use of negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or surgical intervention. The mean 4-week percentage area reduction was 62.5 %. The mean time to closure was 10 weeks with a mean graft use of 8.1 grafts. Of the wounds seven (58%) presented with exposed tendon associated with an actively moving joint, the functional integrity of which was maintained with a return to the previous range of motion upon wound closure.

Conclusion:

These outcomes illustrate that vCPM is a clinically effective option in the non-surgical management of complex wounds in the outpatient setting, contributing to timely definitive closure without the risk of associated donor site morbidity.

Declaration of interest:

Kazu Suzuki, DPM, CWS is a member of the Speakers' Bureau at Osiris Therapeutics Inc., Georgina Michael and Yeabsera Tamire belong to the Department of Medical Affairs at Osiris Therapeutics Inc.
The long-term outcome of childhood supracondylar humeral fractures
Authors: Sinikumpu J-J. , Victorzon S. , Pokka T. , Lindholm E-L. , Peljo T. , Serlo W.
Published: September 2016

Aims

We present the clinical and radiographic outcome of 81 children with Gartland type I to III supracondylar humeral fractures at a minimum follow-up of ten years (mean 12.1 years; 10.3 to 16.1) following injury.

Patients and Methods

The clinical and functional outcomes are compared with normal age- and gender-matched individuals. The population-based study setting was first identified from the institutional registries; the rate of participation was 76%. Controls were randomly selected from Finnish National Population Registry.

Results

According to Flynn's criteria, most fractures (75.3%) resulted in a satisfactory (“good or excellent”) outcome. Satisfactory recovery was achieved in 75.0% of type I fractures treated by closed splinting (p = 0.013). Type II fractures were associated with both satisfactory (57.7%) and unsatisfactory (42.3%) results, regardless of the type of treatment, although the numbers were small in the sub groups. Most type III fractures were treated operatively, and most (76%) had a satisfactory outcome according to Flynn’s criteria (p = 0.015). Compared with none among the normal subjects, flexion of the elbow was reduced by >  10° at long-term follow-up in 20 cases (24.7%, p < 0.001) and 9 (11.1%) had a reduced flexion of > 15° (p = 0.004). In patients who had sustained a type III fracture, the carrying angle was decreased by 35.7% (from 9.8° to 6.3°; p = 0.048). All patients achieved an excellent Mayo Elbow Performance Score (mean 96.4 points).

Conclusion

The long-term outcome of extension-type supracondylar humeral fractures is generally good, but not exclusively benign, with the potential for long-term pain and ulnar nerve sensitivity, and a decrease in grip strength and range of movement in type II and type III fractures. Bony remodelling cannot be relied upon to correct any residual deformity. In particular, type II fractures have impaired long-term recovery and justify individual consideration in their treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1410–17.
Comparison of femoral component migration between Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G in cemented total hip arthroplasty
Authors: van der Voort P. , Valstar E. R. , Kaptein B. L. , Fiocco M. , van der Heide H. J. L. , Nelissen R. G. H. H.
Published: September 2016

Aims

The widely used and well-proven Palacos R (a.k.a. Refobacin Palacos R) bone cement is no longer commercially available and was superseded by Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G in 2005. However, the performance of these newly introduced bone cements have not been tested in a phased evidence-based manner, including roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA).

Patients and Methods

In this blinded, randomised, clinical RSA study, the migration of the Stanmore femoral component was compared between Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G in 62 consecutive total hip arthroplasties. The primary outcome measure was femoral component migration measured using RSA and secondary outcomes were Harris hip score (HHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and Short Form 36 (SF-36).

Results

Femoral component migration was comparable between Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G during the two-year follow-up period with an estimated mean difference of 0.06 mm of subsidence (p = 0.56) and 0.08° of retroversion (p = 0.82). Five hips (three Refobacin bone cement R and two Palacos R + G) showed non-stabilising, continuous migration; the femoral cement mantle in these hips, was mean 0.7 mm thicker (p = 0.02) and there were more radiolucencies at the bone-cement interface (p = 0.004) in comparison to hips showing stabilising migration. Post-operative HHS was comparable throughout the follow-up period (p = 0.62). HOOS, EQ5D, and SF-36 scores were also comparable (p-values >  0.05) at the two-year follow-up point.

Conclusion

Refobacin bone cement R and Palacos R + G show comparable component migration and clinical outcome during the first two post-operative years. Hips showing continuous migration are at risk for early failure. However, this seems to be unrelated to cement type, but rather to cementing technique. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1333–41.
Abnormalities of gait caused by ankle arthritis are improved by ankle arthrodesis
Authors: Brodsky J. W. , Kane J. M. , Coleman S. , Bariteau J. , Tenenbaum S.
Published: September 2016

Aims

The surgical management of ankle arthritis with tibiotalar arthrodesis is known to alter gait, as compared with normal ankles. The purpose of this study was to assess post-operative gait function with gait before arthrodesis.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively studied 20 patients who underwent three-dimensional gait analysis before and after tibiotalar arthrodesis. Cadence, step length, walking velocity and total support time were assessed. Kinetic parameters, including the moment and power of the ankle in the sagittal plane and hip power were also recorded.

Results

Significant improvement was recorded across numerous parameters compared with pre-operative measurements. Temporal-spatial data demonstrated a significant increase in step length (p = 0.003) and velocity (p = < 0.001). Total support time decreased for the unaffected limb (p = 0.01). Kinematic results demonstrated that in the affected limb, total sagittal range of movement did not change significantly (p = 0.1259). However, the arc of movement had a near congruent shift with mean maximal dorsiflexion increasing from 5° (-17° to 16°) to 12° (5° to 18°) (p < 0.001) and mean maximal plantarflexion decreasing from 6.8° (6° to 21°) to 0.9° (-9° to 8°) (p = 0.003). Mean hip joint range of movement increased by 6° (-7° to 24°; p = 0.003). Kinetic results demonstrated no statistically significant change in ankle power (p = 0.1292). However, there was an increase in ankle moment (p = 0.04) and hip power (p = 0.01) in the surgically treated extremity. Sagittal plane range of movement was not reduced after tibiotalar fusion.

Conclusion

Although following tibiotalar arthrodesis the gait demonstrated never matched the gait shown in unaffected ankles, compared with the pre-operative analysis there was improvement in numerous temporal-spatial, kinematic, and kinetic measures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1369–75.
Religión y espacio público: el conflicto en torno a la regulación del velo integral islámico
Authors: Griera Mar , Burchardt Marian
Published: September 2016

En la última década la cuestión del velo integral ha generado acalorados debates políticos en numerosos países europeos y ha sido objeto de una creciente regulación jurídica a nivel europeo, estatal y local. A partir de un estudio de caso, este artículo se centra en analizar en profundidad los procesos de problematización y regulación legal del velo integral en Cataluña. El objetivo es examinar las razones que explican la emergencia de esta problemática y analizar de qué manera se construyen los argumentos que apoyan o desaprueban la regulación local del uso del velo integral en el espacio público. El objetivo es comprender cómo los discursos en torno a la laicidad y la religión en el espacio público se traducen en posiciones concretas, y cómo se configuran, articulan y confrontan diferentes concepciones sobre el significado, y los límites, de la libertad religiosa en el contexto de ese conflicto. El artículo concluye afirmando la necesidad de ubicar el conflicto más allá de la cuestión religiosa y entenderlo, también, como consecuencia de la naturaleza excluyente del espacio público contemporáneo y la creciente regulación de sus usos.
Hubungan Jenis Kelamin, Usia Gestasi, dan Berat Badan Lahir dengan Sindrom Rubela Kongenital
Authors: Tandililing Lily Cahyani , Setiabudi Djatnika , Risan Nelly Amalia
Published: September 2016

Latar belakang. Sindrom rubela kongenital (SRK) masih merupakan masalah kesehatan di Indonesia. Berdasarkan penelitian terdahulu. faktor usia gestasi, berat badan lahir, dan jenis kelamin berhubungan dengan kasus confirmed sindrom rubela kongenital.Tujuan. Menentukan hubungan jenis kelamin, usia gestasi, dan berat badan lahir dengan kasus probable SRK.Metode. Penelitian observasional analitik dengan rancangan potong lintang. Data retrospektif diperoleh dari rekam medis pasien rawat inap dan rawat jalan usia <1 tahun periode 1 Januari 2008-31 Desember 2014, dengan kode diagnosis (ICD-10) meliputi congenital rubella syndrome, congenital heart disease, congenital cataract, sensorineural hearing loss, cerebral palsy, dan neonatal jaundice. Klasifikasi kasus SRK berdasarkan CDC 2009, yaitu suspected, probable, confirmed, dan infection only. Pemilihan subjek secara purposive sampling. Analisis statistik dilakukan dengan analisis bivariat dan regresi logistik untuk faktor dengan p<0,25 dengan Rasio Odds (RO) dan Interval Kepercayaan (IK) 95%.Hasil. Didapat 133 subjek klasifikasi SRK suspected (96), terdiri atas probable (29) dan confirmed (8). Mayoritas subjek laki-laki (58,6%), usia ibu 25-29 (48,9%) tahun, multipara (54,1%), dan tanpa riwayat vaksinasi rubela (100%). Hubungan bermakna didapatkan dalam analisis regresi logistik pada faktor jenis kelamin (p=0,002; OR 6,656; IK95% 2,046–21,657) dan berat badan lahir (p<0,001; OR 10,365; IK95% 2,839–37,834).Kesimpulan. Jenis kelamin dan berat badan lahir berhubungan dengan kasus probable SRK. Diperlukan penelitian prospektif untuk menentukan hubungan usia gestasi dengan kasus probable SRK.
Bioenergie-Regionen stärken
Authors: Bredemeier Michael , P. Lamersdorf Norbert , Ammer Christian
Published: September 2016

Die Produktion und Bereitstellung holzbasierter Biomasse zur Energiegewinnung ist ein Baustein der Energiewende. Dabei spielen so unterschiedliche Herausforderungen wie Flächenverfügbarkeit, ökonomische Konkurrenzfähigkeit gegenüber anderen Landnutzungsformen bis hin zur öko logischen Verträglichkeit von Energieholz eine Rolle.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Induced Injury to the Small Intestine
Authors: Tachecí Ilja , Kopáčová Marcela , Rejchrt Stanislav , Bureš Jan
Published: September 2016

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) induced enteropathy represents an important complication of one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide. Due to previous diagnostics difficulties the real prevalence of this disease was underestimated for a long time. The pathogenesis of NSAID-enteropathy is more multifactorial and complex than formerly assumed but has still not been fully uncovered. A combination of the local and systemic effect plays an important role in pathogenesis. Thanks to novel enteroscopy methods (wireless capsule endoscopy, double balloon enteroscopy), small bowel lesions are described in a substantial section of NSAID users although most are clinically asymptomatic. The other non-invasive tests (small bowel permeability, faecal calprotectin, scintigraphy using faecal excretion of 111-indium-labelled leukocytes etc.) proposed for diagnostics are not generally used in clinical practice, mainly because of their non-specificity. Despite intensive research into possible treatment, the main measure for patients with NSAID-enteropathy is still withdrawal of NSAIDs. Double balloon enteroscopy plays an important role in the treatment of complications (bleeding, strictures).
Lyapunov Matrices Approach to the Parametric Optimization of a System with Two Delays
Authors: Duda Jozef
Published: September 2016

In the paper a Lyapunov matrices approach to the parametric optimization problem of time-delay systems with two commensurate delays and a P-controller is presented. The value of integral quadratic performance index of quality is equal to the value of the Lyapunov functional for the initial function of time-delay system. The Lyapunov functional is determined by means of the Lyapunov matrix.
Characterization of Intor:Swiss Albino Mice Adopted in the Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera – Torlak, Belgrade in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Živković Irena , Rajnpreht Irena , Minić Rajna , Mitić Katarina , Aleksić Iva , Kadrić Jasminka , Petrušić Vladimir
Published: September 2016

The Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera Torlak was established in 1927, while the first vaccine was produced in the Institute in 1930. Vaccines production implies using experimental animals, including mice, in in-process controls. The laboratory mice which have been in use in Torlak Institute from the very beginning belong to Swiss albino outbred stock. This stock, which has been in use for more than 80 years contains a large number of mice maintained at all times, was recently named Intor:Swiss. Biological characteristics of Intor:Swiss stock, are presented in this paper for the first time. Taking into account the presented characteristics, the Institute Torlak’s Swiss mice are suitable for use in pharmaceutical studies, vaccine development research and basic research, as well as in toxicological studies. The publication of data on the Intor:Swiss mice represents a contribution to the international scientific community, since it offers the possibility for obtaining an additional outbred mouse stock for research.
The Influence of Different Chemical Forms of Selenium Added to the Diet Including Carnosic Acid, Fish Oil and Rapeseed Oil on the Formation of Volatile Fatty Acids and Methane in the Rumen, and Fatty Acid Profiles in the Rumen Content and Muscles of Lambs
Authors: Miltko Renata , Rozbicka-Wieczorek J. Agnieszka , Więsyk Edyta , Czauderna Marian
Published: September 2016

Lambs were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. For 35 days lambs were fed a diet including 2% rapeseed oil, 1% fish oil and 0.1% carnosic acid (the control group) or two experimental diets supplemented with 0.35 mg ∙ kg−1Se as selenized-yeast (SeY) (the SeY diet) or selenate (the selenate diet). Muscles (Musculus longissimus dorsi(MLD) andMusculus biceps femoris(MBF)), ruminal fluids and microbiota were collected from each lamb. SeY supplementation most effectively stimulated the accumulation of straight-chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs),iso-branched-chain VFAs, CO2and CH4in the ruminal fluid. The contents of CO2, CH4and VFAs including straight-chain VFAs with the exception ofiso-branched-chain VFAs were most effectively reduced by the selenite diet. The control diet most efficiently increased the concentration sums ofodd-saturated fatty acids (odd-SFAs) andiso-SFAs in microbiota. The SeY diet most efficiently reduced acetic acid to propionic acid ratio in the ruminal fluid. The selenate diet improved animal performance by reducing ruminal concentrations of CH4and CO2. The SeY diet and especially the selenate diet reduced the biohydrogenation to C18:0 when compared with the control diet. The selenate diet more efficiently reduced the concentration sums of all SFAs (ΣSFAs) and all fatty acids (ΣFAs) inMLDandMBFthan the SeY diet, which most effectively increased the concentrations of ΣSFAs and ΣFAs inMLDandMBF. The selenate diet most effectively increased the body mass gain of lambs.
Sign-changing two-peak solutions for an elliptic free boundary problem related to confined plasmas
Authors: Pisante Giovanni , Ricciardi Tonia
Published: September 2016

By a perturbative argument, we construct solutions for a plasma-type problem with two
opposite-signed sharp peaks at levels 1 and

-
γ

{-\gamma}

, respectively, where

0
<
γ
<
1

{0<\gamma<1}

. We establish some physically relevant qualitative properties for such solutions,
including the connectedness of the level sets
and the asymptotic location of the peaks as

γ
→

0
+

{\gamma\to 0^{+}}

.
Strukturwandel der Wirtschaft und Entlastung der Umwelt
Authors: Simonis Udo E.
Published: September 2016

Schrumpfen und Wachsen sind, wie die theoretische Reflexion zeigt, inhärente Bestandteile des Strukturwandels der Wirtschaft und sie sollten, wie die empirische Analyse erweist zu elementaren Bestandteilen einer ökologischen Strukturpolitik werden. In diesem Aufsatz wird anhand vergleichender empirischer Studien festgestellt dass der autonome wirtschaftliche Strukturwandel zwar eine notwendige, jedoch keine hinreichende Bedingung einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung (sustainable development) ist. In der Praxis ist Politik daher weiterhin gefragt – eine effektive ökologische Politik allerdings, die vor allem – aber nicht ausschließlich – von zwei Ressorts formuliert und implementiert werden muss: der Umwelt und der Wirtschaftspolitik.
Measuring Drama in Goose-like Games
Authors: Neto J.P. , Silva J.N.
Published: September 2016

For games of complete information with no chance component, like Chess, Go, Hex, and Konane, some parameters have been identified that help us understand what makes a game pleasant to play. One of these goes by the name of drama.

Briefly, drama is linked to the possibility of recovering from a seemingly weaker position, if the player is strong enough. This is an important requirement to prevent initial advantages to be amplified into unavoidable and thus uninteresting victories. Drama is a feature that arguably good board games should have, since it is relevant in the perception of the play experience as pleasant.

Despite its intrinsic qualitative nature, we suggest the adaptation of the concept of drama to games of pure chance and propose a set of objective criteria to measure it. Some parameters are here used to compare Goose-like games, which we compute via computer simulation for some well-know games. A statistical analysis is performed based on the play of millions of matches done by computer simulation. The article discusses correlations and patterns found among the collected data. The methodology presented herein is general and can be used to compare other types of board games.
Human papillomavirus infection mechanism and vaccine of vulva carcinoma
Authors: Tong Qing , Zheng Lingqi , Zhao Ruiying , Xing Tianling , Li Yunbo , Lin Tong , Zhang Xuan , Jin Zhe
Published: September 2016

Vulvar carcinoma is a rare tumor occurring in female patients. Though more than 40% of vulva cancers are due to the infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), understanding of HPV and vulvar carcinoma is insufficient. HPV expression is regulated by cellular and viral transcription factors that bind to specific elements within the ligase chain reaction. These proteins bind with different affinity to host cell proteins and disrupt normal epithelial differentiation and apoptosis. Immunotherapy does not target tumors, but instead targets the host immune system. Active immunotherapy is tumor-targeting or immune-targeting monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. Nonspecific active immunotherapy is mainly cytokine therapy. In the treatment and prevention of HPV, the most popular research projects were regarding peptide, recombinant protein and DNA-based vaccines, recombinant virus and other targets in HPV infection. Since the cervix and vulva are both susceptible areas, these studies may be able to help reduce prevalence of vulvar precancerous lesions and prevent all cancers caused by HPV.
Economic and Social Sustainability of Real Estate Market and Problems of Economic Development – a Historical Overview
Authors: Kauškale Linda , Geipele Ineta
Published: September 2016

Real estate market development and its sustainability are closely associated with history and development. Numerous problems have existed in society in the course of the years, including socio-economic problems. Real estate market development is also closely related to economic development, philosophical issues, and the analysis of these issues over the course of time makes it possible to explore both the historical development of these issues and the problems. The objective of the study is to analyze the main economic and real estate market development problems in the course of history by placing special emphasis on the economic development cycle and sustainability issues. Analysis, induction, deduction, historical and logical access methods were used in the research. Economic problems affect also the real estate market development, so the analysis of these problems is necessary in order to find possible solution opportunities.
Positive Influencing Factors of Commercial Property Development: Case of Lithuania
Authors: Komisarov Valery , Kauškale Linda , Lepkova Natalija
Published: September 2016

Presently the conditions for the commercial property development in Lithuania are favourable. The market indicators are demonstrating positive tendencies. Many international companies are entering the Lithuanian markets because of the supportive governmental instruments of competitive policy for these international companies. There is high demand for the commercial premises, and the respective governmental authorities are regularly improving the construction procedures. These are the factors, which are affecting the commercial property development activities in Lithuania. The aim of this paper is to highlight the factors, which are positively affecting the commercial property development in Lithuania. The key market indicators, supportive instruments for international companies and improvements of the construction procedures in Lithuania are reviewed by the authors, with prime focus on the capital of Lithuania − Vilnius. This paper is intended as guidance to the developers, who are entering the Lithuanian commercial property market.
Impact Investment of Project Financing: Opportunity for Banks to Participate in Supporting Green Economy
Authors: Ganbat Khaliun , Popova Inessa , Potravnyy Ivan
Published: September 2016

The article analyses impact investment of project financing. Companies’ own funds, own funds of the consortium members, the company’s own resources and budget funding, own funds of the company on the basis of a production sharing agreement, borrowed funds; the funds raised by the bond issue are all considered as the project financing sources in the natural resource field. The purpose of this article is to consider various opportunities to support environmentally oriented projects in the framework of project financing, including through attracting funds of banks for the development of “green” economy. The role of banks and the banking sector in supporting environmentally and socially oriented projects is analysed. The experience of banks in Asia, Europe and the United States in terms of “green” economy projects is shown. Moreover, environmental and social risks, and impact of a project, the project compliance with the norms and standards of responsible finance are all considered in this article.

Classification of environmental projects with the purpose of project financing is proposed, and also the scheme of interaction between stakeholders is shown, including banks, in the implementation of projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, impact investment in financing projects with the participation of banking sector is analysed and justified on the example of such countries as Mongolia, Russia, Japan, the United States and others. Evaluation procedures and the selection of projects for social investment purposes are shown in the article, including the measures of supporting banks for the project implementation in the field of “green” economy. The following research methods are considered: systematic analysis, environmental economic analysis environmental auditing, statistical methods for evaluating the costs and benefits from implementing environmentally oriented projects, methods of assessment of damage from environmental pollution, etc.
Facile and efficient synthesis of xanthenedione derivatives promoted by niobium pentachloride
Authors: dos Santos Willian H. , Da Silva-Filho Luiz C.
Published: September 2016

Xanthenedione derivatives were synthesised in one-pot reactions between arylaldehyde derivatives and 1, 3-cyclohexanedione promoted by niobium pentachloride. This new method is simple, cost-effective, high-yielding with a good variety of substrates generality, and can be conducted within reasonable reaction times.
Co-precipitation behaviour of titanium-containing silicate solution
Authors: Lü Hui-Hong , Wu Min-Zhi , Zhang Zheng-Li , Wu Xing-Rong , Li Liao-Sha , Gao Zhi-Fang
Published: September 2016

The co-precipitation behaviour of a simulated Al
Chinese–German Computational and Applied Mathematics
Authors: Hoppe Ronald H. W. , Hu Jun , Peter Malte A. , Rannacher Rolf , Shi Zhongci , Xu Xuejun
Published: September 2016

This short article is the epilog of the 14 preceding papers in this and the previous issue of CMAM. All are extracted from the 5th Chinese–German Workshop on Computational and Applied Mathematics
at Augsburg but submitted as individual papers to the journal.
A FACS-based screening strategy to assess sequence-specific RNA-binding of Pumilio protein variants in E. coli
Authors: Kellermann Stefanie J. , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: September 2016

Sequence-specific and programmable binding of proteins to RNA bears the potential to detect and manipulate target RNAs. Applications include analysis of subcellular RNA localization or post-transcriptional regulation but require sequence-specificity to be readily adjustable to any target RNA. The Pumilio homology domain binds an eight nucleotide target sequence in a predictable manner allowing for rational design of variants with new specificities. We describe a high-throughput system for screening Pumilio variants based on fluorescence-activated cell sorting of E. coli. Our approach should help optimizing variants obtained from rational design regarding folding and stability or identifying new variants with alternative binding modes.