bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicine‐taking experiences and associated factors: comparison between Arabic‐speaking and Caucasian English‐speaking patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alzubaidi H. , Mc Mamara K. , Chapman C. , Stevenson V. , Marriott J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore and compare medication‐taking experiences and associated issues in Arabic‐speaking and Caucasian English‐speaking patients with Type 2 diabetes in Australia.MethodsVarious healthcare settings in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, were purposefully selected to obtain a diverse group of participants with Type 2 diabetes. Recruitment occurred at diabetes outpatient clinics in two tertiary referral hospitals, six primary care practices and ten community centres. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured individual interviews and group interviews were employed. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded thematically. Data collection continued until saturation was reached.ResultsIn total, 100 participants were recruited into two groups: 60 were Arabic‐speaking and 40 were Caucasian English‐speaking. Both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Only 5% of the Arabic‐speaking participants had well‐controlled diabetes compared with 17.5% of the participants in the English‐speaking group. Arabic‐speaking participants actively changed medication regimens on their own without informing their healthcare professionals. Arabic‐speaking patients had more knowledge gaps about their prescribed treatments, compared with the English‐speaking group. Their use of diabetes medicines was heavily influenced by peers with diabetes and family members; conversely, they feared revealing their diagnosis within the wider Arabic community due to stigma and collective negative social labelling of diabetes. Confidence in non‐Arabic‐speaking healthcare providers was lacking.ConclusionsFindings yielded new insights into medication‐taking practices and associated factors in Arabic‐speaking patients with diabetes. It is vital that healthcare professionals working with Arabic‐speaking patients adapt their treatment approaches to accommodate different beliefs and views about medicines.
Type 2 diabetes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy screening using dynamic pupillometry
Authors: Lerner A. G. , Bernabé‐Ortiz A. , Ticse R. , Hernandez A. , Huaylinos Y. , Pinto M. E. , Málaga G. , Checkley W. , Gilman R. H. , Miranda J. J. ,   the CRONICAS Cohort Study Group
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimTo determine if changes in pupillary response are useful as a screening tool for diabetes and to assess whether pupillometry is associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study with participants drawn from two settings: a hospital and a community site. At the community site, individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes as well as a random sample of control individuals without diabetes, confirmed by oral glucose tolerance test, were selected. Participants underwent an LED light stimulus test and eight pupillometry variables were measured. Outcomes were diabetes, defined by oral glucose tolerance test, and cardiac autonomic dysfunction, determined by a positive readout on two of four diagnostic tests: heart rate response to the Valsalva manoeuvre; orthostatic hypotension; 30:15 ratio; and expiration‐to‐inspiration ratio. The area under the curve, best threshold, sensitivity and specificity of each pupillometry variable was calculated.ResultsData from 384 people, 213 with diabetes, were analysed. The mean (±sd) age of the people with diabetes was 58.6 (±8.2) years and in the control subjects it was 56.1 (±8.6) years. When comparing individuals with and without diabetes, the amplitude of the pupil reaction had the highest area under the curve [0.69 (sensitivity: 78%; specificity: 55%)]. Cardiac autonomic neuropathy was present in 51 of the 138 people evaluated (37.0%; 95% CI 28.8–45.1). To diagnose cardiac autonomic neuropathy, two pupillometry variables had the highest area under the curve: baseline pupil radius [area under the curve: 0.71 (sensitivity: 51%; specificity: 84%)], and amplitude of the pupil reaction [area under the curve: 0.70 (sensitivity: 82%; specificity: 55%)].ConclusionsPupillometry is an inexpensive technique to screen for diabetes and cardiac autonomic neuropathy, but it does not have sufficient accuracy for clinical use as a screening tool.
The role of serum methylglyoxal on diabetic peripheral and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy: the ADDITION Denmark study
Authors: Hansen C. S. , Jensen T. M. , Jensen J. S. , Nawroth P. , Fleming T. , Witte D. R. , Lauritzen T. , Sandbæk A. , Charles M. , Fleischer J. , Vistisen D. , Jørgensen M. E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimsCardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy are common diabetic complications and independent predictors of cardiovascular disease. The glucose metabolite methylglyoxal has been suggested to play a causal role in the pathogeneses of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and possibly diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross‐sectional association between serum methylglyoxal and diabetic peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in a subset of patients in the ADDITION‐Denmark study with short‐term screen‐detected Type 2 diabetes (duration ~ 5.8 years).MethodsThe patients were well controlled with regard to HbA1c, lipids and blood pressure. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was assessed by measures of resting heart rate variability and cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was assessed by vibration detection threshold (n = 319), 10 g monofilament (n = 543) and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire (n = 966). Painful diabetic neuropathy was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory short form (n = 882).ResultsNo associations between methylglyoxal and cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests or any measures of diabetic peripheral neuropathy or painful diabetic neuropathy were observed. However, a positive association between methylglyoxal and several heart rate variability indices was observed, although these associations were not statistically significant when corrected for multiple testing.ConclusionSerum methylglyoxal is not associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy or painful diabetic neuropathy in this cohort of well‐treated patients with short‐term diabetes.
Successful surgical management of abdominal abscessation secondary to Strongylus edentatus migration
Authors: Bell R. P. , Reed S. K. , Messer N. T. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis report describes the successful surgical management of abdominal abscessation secondary to Strongylus edentatus migration. Abdominal abscesses are a relatively common source of recurrent fever in the horse and are primarily managed with long‐term antimicrobial administration. However, identification of the definitive cause, extent of the abscesses and successful resolution in this case were not possible without an exploratory celiotomy to facilitate surgical resection.
Polymerase chain reaction‐based national surveillance programme to determine the distribution and prevalence of Taylorella equigenitalis in South African horses
Authors: May C. E. , Guthrie A. J. , Keys B. , Joone C. , Monyai M. , Schulman M. L. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe response to the first outbreak of contagious equine metritis in South Africa included pioneering a web‐based platform to coordinate key aspects of a national, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based stallion screening programme to determine the distribution and prevalence of Taylorella equigenitalis in stallions and exposed mares.ObjectivesTo define the hypothesised pre‐existing status of T. equigenitalis in the South African equine population and progression of the epidemiological investigation via the implementation of a molecular diagnostic‐based surveillance programme.Study designRetrospective case series.MethodsScreening for T. equigenitalis was via a qPCR assay on genital swabs obtained from predilection sites in stallions and mares with subsequent confirmation using bacterial culture according to prescribed methods.ResultsThe initial outbreak investigation identified 4 horses including the index stallion and mare. Traceback of in‐contact horses identified 26 horses, including a subpopulation focus at the South African Lipizzaner Centre where 24/33 resident stallions tested positive for T. equigenitalis on qPCR. The national screening programme identified an additional 9 stallions. A total of 39 horses (36 stallions and 3 mares) tested positive for T. equigenitalis by qPCR and T. equigenitalis was isolated from 23 of these stallions and 2 of these mares. In addition to the index property, an artificial breeding centre where the index case was first identified, an additional 12 properties with infected horses were identified in 3/9 provinces. Horses on 11 of these 12 properties were directly linked to the index property. Two incidents of T. equigenitalis transmission associated with artificial insemination were recorded.Conclusions
T. equigenitalis was present in a subpopulation focus within the South African horse population prior to the outbreak identification in April 2011. Horizontal fomite‐associated spread was the most probable route of transmission between stallions. The targeted surveillance of stallions and exposed mares using a qPCR‐based screening programme expedited investigation of the distribution and prevalence of T. equigenitalis infection in South African horses. The application of qPCR provided a sensitive and practical screening test for identification of T. equigenitalis‐positive animals as part of an emergency response to the first identified cases of T. equigenitalis infection in South African horses.
Comparison of the management and in‐hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome patients in Australia and New Zealand: results from the binational SNAPSHOT acute coronary syndrome 2012 audit
Authors: Ellis C. , Hammett C. , Ranasinghe I. , French J. , Briffa T. , Devlin G. , Elliott J. , Lefkovitz J. , Aliprandi‐Costa B. , Astley C. , Redfern J. , Howell T. , Carr B. , Lintern K. , Bloomer S. , Farshid A. , Matsis P. , Hamer A. , Williams M. , Troughton R. , Horsfall M. , Hyun K. , Gamble G. , White H. , Brieger D. , Chew D. ,   Bi‐National Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) ‘SNAPSHOT’ Audit Group
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground/AimsWe aimed to assess differences in patient management, and outcomes, of Australian and New Zealand patients admitted with a suspected or confirmed acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsWe used comprehensive data from the binational Australia and New Zealand ACS ‘SNAPSHOT‘ audit, acquired on individual patients admitted between 00.00 h on 14 May 2012 to 24.00 h on 27 May 2012.ResultsThere were 4387 patient admissions, 3381 (77%) in Australia and 1006 (23%) in New Zealand; Australian patients were slightly younger (67 vs 69 years, P = 0.0044). Of the 2356 patients with confirmed ACS, Australian patients were at a lower cardiovascular risk with a lower median Global Registry Acute Coronary Events score (147 vs 154 P = 0.0008), but as likely to receive an invasive coronary angiogram (58% vs 54%, P = 0.082), or revascularisation with percutaneous coronary intervention (32% vs 31%, P = 0.92) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (7.0% vs 5.6%, P = 0.32). Of the 1937 non‐segment elevation myocardial infarction/unstable angina pectoris (NSTEMI/UAP) patients, Australian patients had a shorter time to angiography (46 h vs 67 h, P < 0.0001). However, at discharge, Australian NSTEMI/UAP survivors were less likely to receive aspirin (84% vs 89%, P = 0.0079, a second anti‐platelet agent (57% vs 63%, P = 0.050) or a beta blocker (67% vs 77%, P = 0.0002). In‐hospital death rates were not different (2.7% vs 3.2%, P = 0.55) between Australia and New Zealand.ConclusionsOverall more similarities were seen, than differences, in the management of suspected or confirmed ACS patients between Australia and New Zealand. However, in several management areas, both countries could improve the service delivery to this high‐risk patient group.
Effect of Zirconium on the Structure and Congruent Crystallization of a Supercooled Calcium Aluminosilicate Melt
Authors: Strukelj Eozen , Comte Monique , Roskosz Mathieu , Richet Pascal 
Published: March 2015

The influence of zirconium as a nucleating agent on the congruent crystallization and relevant physical properties of a supercooled calcium aluminosilicate melt of a composition close to CaAl2SiO6 has been investigated up to 6 mol% ZrO2. Zirconium marginally affects rheological and structural properties, decreasing the viscosity of the Zr‐free melt by no more than 0.25 log unit and, as observed by Raman spectroscopy, not changing significantly the polymerization state of the material. Whereas the Zr‐free melt crystallizes congruently and heterogeneously from the sample surface to yield yoshiokaite, a stuffed derivative of the nepheline structure, addition of zirconia promotes instead bulk crystallization of tetragonal ZrO2 and then of yoshiokaite. The latter process takes place in two stages: dissolved Zr first promotes homogeneous precipitation of zirconia before yoshiokaite crystallizes congruently from a Zr‐depleted volume of melt around zirconia precipitates. This process makes zirconium, and probably other poorly soluble oxides, valuable to control congruent crystallization in silicate glass‐ceramics. From the recorded thermograms, an enthalpy of crystallization of 40 and 46 kJ/mol has been determined at 1060 and 1140 K, respectively, for CaAl2SiO6 yoshiokaite, a very low value that is likely due to the extensive atomic disorder of crystals precipitating at high degrees of supercooling.
Long‐term history and synchrony of mountain pine beetle outbreaks in lodgepole pine forests
Authors: Jarvis Daniel S. , Kulakowski Dominik 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimA subcontinental‐scale outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae) has affected millions of hectares of forest in the western USA and Canada over the past 15 years. Little research has examined the long‐term and broad‐scale history of MPB outbreaks, which is necessary to provide a baseline for comparing current and future outbreak extents. We examine the long‐term history of MPB outbreaks in western Colorado, and analyse the synchrony of previous outbreaks across western North America.LocationWestern Colorado for tree‐ring analysis; western North America for comparative analysis.MethodsWe used dendroecological methods to reconstruct the history of MPB outbreaks since the 1700s in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests in Colorado. We then combined these new records with previously published data on MPB outbreaks to examine the historical synchrony of outbreaks across western North America.ResultsThe tree‐ring record indicated that multiple cross‐site MPB outbreaks occurred in Colorado lodgepole pine forests, initiating c. 1760s, 1780s, 1820s–1830s, 1860s, 1910s, 1960s and 1980s. Comparative analysis indicated that these outbreak dates coincide with documented and reconstructed MPB outbreaks in British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah.Main conclusionsSeveral subcontinental‐scale MPB outbreaks have occurred in lodgepole pine forests over the past three centuries. Although the current study does not address the intensity of past outbreaks, it does indicate that previous outbreaks appear to have been highly synchronous across western North America. The subcontinental, rather than purely local, nature of these outbreaks is important for putting recent and future outbreaks of MPB into a broader ecological context. This study presents the longest tree‐ring reconstruction of MPB outbreaks in the southern Rocky Mountains available to date, as well as the first subcontinental long‐term comparative analysis of MPB outbreaks in western North America.
Clinical and anthropological perspectives on chemical relaxing of afro‐textured hair
Authors: Aryiku S.A. , Salam A. , Dadzie O.E. , Jablonski N.G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe culturally engrained practice of ‘relaxing’ afro‐textured hair has been linked with hair and scalp disorders. Herein, we discuss the evolution of human hair types, focusing in particular on afro‐textured hair. We explore the biological features of this hair type, and discuss the different methods employed to straighten afro‐textured hair, focusing in particular on chemical straightening. We also examine clinical, anthropological, and psychological issues associated with this latter practice. Examples of common scalp pathologies associated with chronic hair relaxing, such as alopecia, hair breakage, caustic burns and irritant contact dermatitis, are also highlighted. The data presented herein should enable clinicians to engage in culturally appropriate discussions with their patients about issues of appearance and conformity.
Short‐ and long‐term efficacy and mechanism of action of tumescent suction curettage for axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Feldmeyer L. , Bogdan I. , Moser A. , Specker R. , Kamarashev J. , French L.E. , Läuchli S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundAxillary hyperhidrosis is a common and distressing problem interfering with the life of affected individuals. Currently, local surgery is the treatment of choice once conservative treatment has failed.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of tumescent suction curettage (TSC) in treating axillary hyperhidrosis and to correlate it with histological markers.MethodsThirty patients (17 females and 13 males, average age 29.9 years) underwent TSC. After tumescent anaesthesia, a suction cannula was inserted in the axilla on each side through two tiny incisions and subcutaneous tissue was removed by suction. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and complications, and in a subset of patients performed biopsies before surgery, as well as 1 month and 1 year after the operation.ResultsIn comparison with preoperative values, the sweat rate was diminished by 85% after 1 month, 71% after 6 months, 77% after 12 months and 61% after 24 months. The reduced efficacy with time was histologically correlated with an increase in the innervation, whereas the number of sweat glands continued to diminish. The majority of patients were satisfied with the operation but the satisfaction diminished with time. Patients with the highest preoperative sweat rates were the most satisfied after the intervention.ConclusionTSC is an effective and safe treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. The long‐term recurrence may be due to reinnervation.
Melatonin regulates the rhythmic migration of neutrophils in live zebrafish
Authors: Ren Da‐long , Li Ya‐juan , Hu Bing‐bing , Wang Han , Hu Bing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe circadian clock plays a vital role in physiology and behavior such as the sleep–wake cycle and blood pressure and hormone levels. Immune responses also display circadian rhythmicity and particularly pineal melatonin contributes to immunological processes. Little attention, however, is given to mechanisms underlying rhythmic neutrophil responses to the injury. Here, we used a transgenic Tg(lyz:EGFP) zebrafish tail fin transection model to investigate whether the recruitment of neutrophils toward the injured site is regulated by the circadian clock. We found that migrating neutrophils display robust rhythmicity, peaking at darkness. Melatonin positively regulates rhythmic neutrophil migration, as evidenced that treatment with melatonin at low dosage can significantly enhance neutrophil recruitment toward the injured site, which is attenuated by luzindole treatment and in pinealectomized fish. Furthermore, using a transgenic zebrafish eyeball model, we observed that melatonin enhances secretion of two cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐8, both of which markedly enhance neutrophil migration. Taken together, these results highlight a positive role of melatonin in rhythmic neutrophil migration and help obtain a better understanding of circadian regulation in immunology.
Where we are with point‐of‐care testing
Authors: Johannessen A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryViral hepatitis claims one million lives each year. Scaling up treatment for hepatitis B and C in resource‐limited settings is not possible without access to reliable diagnostic tools. This article gives an overview of current technologies and the pipeline for easy‐to‐use assays for serological and virological analyses, which can be performed at the site of patient care (‘point‐of‐care assays’). Furthermore, the utility of dried blood spots for hepatitis B and C viral load testing is discussed. In addition to simple and reliable diagnostics, there is a need for a sustainable funding scheme and generic production of antiviral drugs to reduce the burden of viral hepatitis worldwide.
Report onDrosophila melanogasterlarvae without functional tracheae
Authors: Wang Y. , Zuber R. , Oehl K. , Norum M. , Moussian B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA network of tubes, the tracheal system, ensures circulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in insects. A stabilizing chitinous cuticle lines this ectodermal tissue that commonly fills with gas shortly before hatching. In this study, we report onDrosophila melanogasterlarvae that lack a functional tracheal system through the reduction of the expression of the cuticle genekkvorsnslby specificRNAinterference in tracheal cells of the embryo. These embryos complete development and hatch arguing that functional tracheae are not required for embryogenesis. After hatching, larvae with dysfunctional tracheae ingest only little food and grow slowly. Without attaining the critical size for stage transition, a few of them moult to the next larval stage. We further show that hypoxia is induced in these larvae that conceptually switch to skin respiration. The rescue response is, however, futile and the respective larvae die latest after 4 days. Hence, a small body size and skin respiration per se are insufficient to ensure survival. Based on our data, we hypothesize that a low oxygen concentration entails a conflict between the developmental progress and a protective programme destined to restrict growth under hypoxia.D. melanogasterlarvae with dysfunctional tracheae will be useful to identify those factors accounting for the impact of respiration on growth and development ultimately allowing understanding these aspects of insect ecology.
White rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum horn development and structure: a deceptive optical illusion
Authors: Boy S. C. , Raubenheimer E.J. , Marais J. , Steenkamp G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe alleged traditional medicinal properties of rhinoceros horn resulted in a dramatic escalation in rhinoceros poaching in South Africa. Despite the listing of all species of rhinoceros in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened animals, their numbers are still declining rapidly. Based on the assumption that rhinoceros' horn consists of a collection of hollow tubules and intertubular hollow spaces, which allow internal fluid distribution, a horn devaluation procedure through infusion of chemicals and dyes was recently introduced. This procedure is costly and has a mortality risk. This study study provides the first detailed description of the development and resultant structure of the rhinoceros horn. The unique solid structure which consists of a large number of tightly packed filaments is the result of the cellular orientation of squamous epithelium corneocytes. What was previously thought to be microtubules is an optical illusion created by the orientation of the corneocytes in the solid filaments. We contest the scientific basis for infusing chemicals into the rhinoceros horn as a deterrent for human use.