bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty liver and serum cholinesterase are independently correlated with HbA1c levels: Cross-sectional analysis of 5384 people
Authors: Katoh Shuichi , Peltonen Markku , Wada Takashi , Zeniya Mikio , Sakamoto Yoichi , Utsunomiya Kazunori , Tuomilehto Jaakko 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: To examine the association between glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fatty liver markers. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis stratified subjects into quintiles based on HbA1c. Fatty liver using ultrasonography scores (FLUS) were assigned as follows: 2 points, moderate or severe fatty liver; 1 point, mild fatty liver; and 0 points, normal liver. Subjects with viral hepatitis, alcohol intake >175 g/week or receiving hypoglycaemic treatment were excluded. Results: The study included 5384 subjects. Serum cholinesterase (ChE) and FLUS showed a significant graded increase with increasing HbA1c. In linear regression analysis stratified by body mass index (BMI) and age, ChE and FLUS were significantly associated with lower (1 + 2) and higher (3 + 4 + 5) HbA1c quintiles, respectively, independent of BMI and age. Conclusions: The findings show that both ChE and FLUS are significantly correlated with HbA1c, independent of BMI and age.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in the Patella
Authors: Gomoll Andreas H. , Gillogly Scott D. , Cole Brian J. , Farr Jack , Arnold Ryan , Hussey Kristen , Minas Tom 
Published: March 2014

Background: Cartilage defects in the patella are common, and a subset of patients does not respond to nonoperative measures. While most cartilage repair techniques have demonstrated good outcomes in the femoral condyles, the patellofemoral compartment poses special challenges. Hypothesis: Repair of patellar cartilage defects with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) will provide lasting improvements in pain and function. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients were treated at 1 of 4 participating cartilage repair centers with ACI for cartilage defects in the patella; bipolar (patella + trochlea) defects were included as well. All patients were followed prospectively for at least 4 years with multiple patient-reported outcome instruments, including the International Knee Documentation Committee, Short Form–12, modified Cincinnati Rating Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Knee Society scores. Treatment failure was defined as structural failure of the graft combined with pain requiring revision surgery. Results: A total of 110 patients were available for analysis. As a group, they experienced both statistically significant and clinically important improvements in pain and function in all physical outcome scales. The International Knee Documentation Committee improved from 40 ± 14 preoperatively to 69 ± 20 at the last follow-up; the Cincinnati Rating Scale, from 3.2 ± 1.2 to 6.2 ± 1.8; and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, from 50 ± 22 to 29 ± 22 (all P < .0001). Ninety-two percent of patients stated that they would choose to undergo ACI again, and 86% rated their knees as good or excellent at the time of final follow-up. Nine patients (8%) were considered treatment failures, and 16% reported that their knees were not improved. Conclusion: Cartilage repair in the patellofemoral joint is arguably not without its challenges. Autologous chondrocyte implantation remains off-label in the patella, a fact that needs to be discussed with prospective patients during the informed consent process. However, when performed with attention to patellofemoral biomechanics, self-rated subjective good and excellent outcomes can be achieved in more than 80% of patients treated with ACI, even in a patient population with large and frequently bipolar defects such as the one presented in this study. However, final functional scores, although significantly improved, still reflected residual disability in this challenging group of patients.
Beyond Unity in Diversity: Cosmopolitanizing Identities in a Globalizing World
Authors: Ang Ien 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe greater interconnectivity and interdependence unleashed by globalization are not creating a more harmonious, cosmopolitan humanity. On the contrary, the more global the world becomes, the more insistent particular differences, especially of the nationalist kind, are being articulated around the world, often leading to tension and conflict. This seeming paradox cannot be reconciled through simple mantras of ‘unity in diversity’. Rhetorical references to ‘a single humanity’ to overcome structurally entrenched divisions (as institutionalized in the world system of nation-states) are not sufficient for the attainment of greater pan-human solidarity. In response to this predicament this paper argues for a processual cosmopolitan perspective, in which a humanistic universalism should not be seen as a static moral ideal, but as a social and political horizon that must be worked towards, but probably never achieved, through a painstaking and continuing process of cosmopolitanization against the grain of powerful modes of particularist closure.
Security-reliability performance of cognitive AF relay-based wireless communication system with channel estimation error
Authors: Gu Qi , Wang Gongpu , Gao Li , Peng Mugen 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this paper, both the security and the reliability performance of the cognitive amplify-and-forward (AF) relay system are analyzed in the presence of the channel estimation error. The security and the reliability performance are represented by the outage probability and the intercept probability, respectively. Instead of perfect channel state information (CSI) predominantly assumed in the literature, a certain channel estimation algorithm and the influence of the corresponding channel estimation error are considered in this study. Specifically, linear minimum mean square error estimation (LMMSE) is utilized by the destination node and the eavesdropper node to obtain the CSI, and the closed form for the outage probability and that for the intercept probability are derived with the channel estimation error. It is shown that the transmission security (reliability) can be improved by loosening the reliability (security) requirement. Moreover, we compare the security and reliability performance of this relay-based cognitive radio system with those of the direct communication system without relay. Interestingly, it is found that the AF relay-based system has less reliability performance than the direct cognitive radio system; however, it can lower the sum of the outage probability and the intercept probability than the direct communication system. It is also found that there exists an optimal training number to minimize the sum of the outage probability and the intercept probability.
Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor gene linkage and copy number variation analysis by droplet digital PCR
Authors: Roberts Chrissy h , Jiang Wei , Jayaraman Jyothi , Trowsdale John , Holland Martin J , Traherne James A 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) gene complex has considerable biomedical importance. Patterns of polymorphism in the KIR region include variability in the gene content of haplotypes and diverse structural arrangements. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to identify different haplotype motifs and to enumerate KIR copy number variants (CNVs). ddPCR detected a variety of KIR haplotype configurations in DNA from well-characterized cell lines. Mendelian segregation of ddPCR-estimated KIR2DL5 CNVs was observed in Gambian families and CNV typing of other KIRs was shown to be accurate when compared to an established quantitative PCR method.
Early childhood educators’ knowledge and abilities in planning language learning environments
Authors: Ofner Daniela , Thoma Dieter 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this explorative study we investigate (1) how early childhood educators differ in their planning of language training, and (2) if their planning abilities in the context of language training increase with their linguistic content knowledge. We interviewed fifteen early childhood educators from southern Germany on their planning and reflection practices in language training and videotaped them during a language training session to assess how systematic their planning activities were. We qualitatively analyzed the interviews and developed a detailed coding scheme that allowed us to create a planning score. We previously tested their knowledge about language, first and second language acquisition, assessment, and training with a standardized test for language training competence (SprachKoPFv06). In qualitative analyses we identified two types of early childhood educators: elaborate and restricted planners. Correlational analyses and group comparisons suggest that educators with more language-specific knowledge are more systematic and target-oriented when planning language learning environments.
Potential Overtreatment and Undertreatment of Diabetes in Different Patient Age Groups in Primary Care After the Introduction of Performance Measures
Authors: de Vries Sieta T. , Voorham Jaco , Haaijer-Ruskamp Flora M. , Denig Petra 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE
To assess whether after the introduction of diabetes performance measures decreases in undertreatment correspond with increases in overtreatment for blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control in different patient age groups.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a cohort study using data from the Groningen Initiative to Analyse Type 2 Diabetes Treatment (GIANTT) database. General practices were included when data were available from 1 year before to at least 1 year after the introduction of diabetes performance measures. Included patients had a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Potential overtreatment was defined as prescribing maximum treatment or a treatment intensification to patients with a sustained low-risk factor level. Potential undertreatment was defined as a lack of treatment intensification in patients with a sustained high-risk factor level. Percentages of over- and undertreated patients at baseline were compared with those in subsequent years, and stratified analyses were performed for different patient age groups.

RESULTS
For BP, undertreatment significantly decreased from 61 to 57% in the first year after the introduction of performance measures. In patients &gt;75 years of age, undertreatment decreased from 65 to ∼61%. Overtreatment was relatively stable (∼16%). For glycemic control, undertreatment significantly increased from 49 to 53%, and overtreatment remained relatively stable (∼7%).

CONCLUSIONS
The improvement of BP undertreatment after introduction of the performance measures did not correspond with an increase in overtreatment. The performance measures appeared to have little impact on improving glucose-regulating treatment. The trends did not differ among patient age groups.
Risk Factors for Incident Peripheral Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) Trial
Authors: Althouse Andrew D. , Abbott J. Dawn , Forker Alan D. , Bertolet Marnie , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Thurston Rebecca C. , Mulukutla Suresh , Aboyans Victor , Brooks Maria Mori ,   for the BARI 2D Study Group
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article was to define risk factors for incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a large cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), overall and within the context of differing glycemic control strategies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI 2D) randomized controlled trial assigned participants to insulin-sensitizing (IS) therapy versus insulin-providing (IP) therapy. A total of 1,479 participants with normal ankle-brachial index (ABI) at study entry were eligible for analysis. PAD outcomes included new ABI ≤0.9 with decrease at least 0.1 from baseline, lower extremity revascularization, or lower extremity amputation. Baseline risk factors within the overall cohort and time-varying risk factors within each assigned glycemic control arm were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS
During an average 4.6 years of follow-up, 303 participants (20.5%) experienced an incident case of PAD. Age, sex, race, and baseline smoking status were all significantly associated with incident PAD in the BARI 2D cohort. Additional baseline risk factors included pulse pressure, HbA1c, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (P &lt; 0.05 for each). In stratified analyses of time-varying covariates, changes in BMI, LDL, HDL, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were most predictive among IS patients, while change in HbA1c was most predictive among IP patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with T2DM, traditional cardiovascular risk factors were the main predictors of incident PAD cases. Stratified analyses showed different risk factors were predictive for patients treated with IS medications versus those treated with IP medications.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition and Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: Results of an 8-Week Open-Label Proof-of-Concept Trial
Authors: Perkins Bruce A. , Cherney David Z.I. , Partridge Helen , Soleymanlou Nima , Tschirhart Holly , Zinman Bernard , Fagan Nora M. , Kaspers Stefan , Woerle Hans-Juergen , Broedl Uli C. , Johansen Odd-Erik 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE
Adjunctive-to-insulin therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition may improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We evaluated the glycemic efficacy and safety of empagliflozin 25 mg daily in 40 patients treated for 8 weeks in a single-arm open-label proof-of-concept trial (NCT01392560).

RESULTS
Mean A1C decreased from 8.0 ± 0.9% (64 ± 10 mmol/mol) to 7.6 ± 0.9% (60 ± 10 mmol/mol) (P &lt; 0.0001), fasting glucose from 9.0 ± 4.3 to 7.0 ± 3.2 mmol/L (P = 0.008), symptomatic hypoglycemia (&lt;3.0 mmol/L) from 0.12 to 0.04 events per patient per day (P = 0.0004), and daily insulin dose from 54.7 ± 20.4 to 45.8 ± 18.8 units/day (P &lt; 0.0001). Mean urinary excretion of glucose increased from 19 ± 19 to 134 ± 61 g/day (P &lt; 0.0001). Weight decreased from 72.6 ± 12.7 to 70.0 ± 12.3 kg (P &lt; 0.0001), and waist circumference decreased from 82.9 ± 8.7 to 79.1 ± 8.0 cm (P &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS
This proof-of-concept study strongly supports a randomized clinical trial of adjunctive-to-insulin empagliflozin in patients with T1D.
Majorization properties for a new subclass of θ-spiral functions of order γ
Authors: Tang Huo , Li Shu-hai , Deng Guan-tie 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In the present paper, we introduce a new subclass S
p,q,s,λm,l(γ, θ) of θ-spiral functions of order γ defined by a class of generalized multiplier transformations. Majorization properties for functions belonging to the class S
p,q,s,λm,l(γ, θ) are considered. Moreover, we point out some new or known consequences of our main result.
Sharing sets of q-difference of meromorphic functions
Authors: Qi Xiaoguang , Yang Lianzhong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This paper is devoted to proving some uniqueness results for meromorphic functions f(z) share sets with f(qz). We give a partial answer to a question of Gross concerning a zero-order meromorphic function f(z) and its q-difference f(qz).
Convergence of series in three parametric Mittag-Leffler functions
Authors: Paneva-Konovska Jordanka 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In this paper we consider a family of 3-index generalizations of the classical Mittag-Leffler functions. We study the convergence of series in such functions in the complex plane. First we find the domains of convergence of such series and then study their behaviour on the boundaries of these domains. More precisely, Cauchy-Hadamard, Abel, Tauber and Littlewood type theorems are proved as analogues of the classical theorems for the power series.
Optimal ambiguous discrimination between states given by two projections
Authors: Kaniowski Krzysztof 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Let P
0 and P
1 be projections in a Hilbert space H. We shall construct a class of optimal measurements for the problem of discrimination between quantum states $$\rho _i = \tfrac{1}
{{\dim P_i }}P_i$$, with prior probabilities π
0 and π
1. The probabilities of failure for such measurements will also be derived.
Bridging science and conscience (or growing up on research ethics!)
Authors: Vaidya Abhinav 
Published: March 2014

Not available.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 109-111Uploaded date : 2/28/2014DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9933
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in individuals undergoing comprehensive cardiac and general medical check-up at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital
Authors: Karki D B , Neopane A , Joshi S , Pant Subash , Sharma Lucky , Shrestha Pradeep , Yogal Rijendra 
Published: March 2014

Background: Metabolic syndrome represents a constellation of metabolic derangements including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease. Since it is associated with higher risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, timely detection is important. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in individuals undergoing comprehensive cardiac and general medical check-up at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. The other objectives were to find the gender and ethnic prevalence of this condition. Methods: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital among 389 healthy participants of both gender and above 20 years of age who underwent comprehensive cardiac and general medical check-up. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed using US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Results: Out of the 389 subjects, 56 persons were found to be having metabolic syndrome (14.40%). Metabolic syndrome was more common in female and obese people and the prevalence did not differ with ethnicity. Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the present study has been found to be 14.40 %. It is important to diagnose this condition in time so that subsequent complications can be prevented.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 112-116DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9934Uploaded date : 2/28/2014
A comparison of epidural analgesia provided by Bupivacaine plus Pethidine, Bupivacaine plus Morphine, or Bupivacaine plus Morphine plus Midazolam for lower limb orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Sharma Nil Raj , Timalsena Pradip , DC Sundip 
Published: March 2014

Background: Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia in orthopaedic surgeries helps to prevent thromboembolic phenomenon by increasing venodynamics. Adequate post-operative analgesia with good patient satisfaction has been observed with this technique. Objective: To assess the duration of postoperative analgesia and complications in patients receiving epidural anaesthesia with Morphine, Midazolam and Pethidine in combination with Bupivacaine. Methods: We prospectively studied 75 patients who were scheduled for elective lower limb orthopaedic surgery with epidural anaesthesia at Lumbini Medical College, Palpa from 2010 March to 2012 March. They were randomly divided by lottery method into three equal groups. Group ‘A’ (BP) received 50 mg epidural Pethidine (3 ml) with 13 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine. Group ‘B’ (BM) received 5 mg (3 ml) epidural Morphine with 13 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine and Group ‘C’ (BMM) received 5 mg (1 ml) epidural Morphine with 13 ml 0.5% Bupivacaine and 2 mg (2 ml) epidural Midazolam. All the patients were observed for 24 hours for quality of analgesia and other side effects like nausea, vomiting and pruritus. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-16) software. Results: The result of the study shows the duration of analgesia was prolonged in BM group than BP group and even more so in BMM group (p value <0.001). Incidence of nausea and vomiting in BMM group was lower than in BP and BM group but statistically the difference was not significant (p value: 0.489). Pruritus was absent in BP group, less in BMM group while significantly higher in BM group. Conclusion: The use of epidural Morphine and Midazolam in combination with Bupivacaine is the satisfactory method of post operative analgesia. When Midazolam is added, duration of analgesia can be increased with decrease in incidence of nausea, vomiting and pruritus.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 117-121DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9961Uploaded date : 3/4/2014
Prevalence of smoking and perceived health problems among male population of Dharan municipality
Authors: Poudel Sabitra , Gurung Kumari Dammar 
Published: March 2014

Background: Smoking accounts for 8.8% of annual deaths worldwide. It is practiced by about a third of world population aged 15 years or older. About 73% of these smokers are in developing countries with overall prevalence in Nepal ranging from 25% to 73% in adult men. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of smoking among the male population, identify the perceived health problems, association between smoking status and selected variables and association between smoking status and existing health problems among respondents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic random sampling among male population of Dharan municipality. The sample size was 180. Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of smoking was 41.7%. Sixty eight percentage of the respondents had started smoking at the age of 11 to 20 years and most of them initiated smoking due to peer pressure. Forty three percentage of former smokers and 52% of current smokers had experienced different kinds of health problems like cough and troubled breathing which they perceived as smoking related. A total of 64% of former smokers had quitted smoking due to health problems. Respondents with low educational status were more smokers (p<0.05), those who were unemployed and if employed then unskilled/semi skilled workers were more smokers (p<0.01). Current smokers experienced more health problems like cough and troubled breathing than non smokers (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study shows that young people are more vulnerable to start cigarette smoking so there should be frequent positive reinforcement of antismoking campaign focusing more on youth and as well the smoking advertisements should be discouraged.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 129-138DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9963Uploaded date : 3/4/2014
A rare case of unruptured tubal pregnancy at ten weeks of gestation
Authors: Aryal Shreyashi , Thapa Meena , Karki Chanda 
Published: March 2014

Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition and can present itself in diverse ways. This case reports a 23 years primigravida, admitted with history of amenorrhoea of ten weeks and right sided unruptured tubal pregnancy diagnosed on routine ultrasonography. On laparoscopy, there was an unruptured tubal pregnancy with gestational sac measuring around 6 × 5 cm. The foetus had crown rump length of 32 mm and foot length of 5 mm; both of which correspond probably to 10 to 11 weeks size. Segmental resection of the affected part of the fallopian tube was done laparoscopically. Rarely tubal pregnancy can remain asymptomatic and unruptured for longer duration of gestation than the usual scenario. The reported average duration of diagnosis of unruptured tubal pregnancy is of nine weeks and this case explores the possibility of removing an intact foetus at longer gestational age through laparoscopy.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College Vol. 2, No. 3, Issue 5, Jul.-Sep., 2013 Page: 148-151DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i3.9966Uploaded date : 3/4/2014