bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Method in the Linear Theory of Viscoelastic Materials with Voids
Authors: Svanadze Maia M. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
In the present paper the linear theory of viscoelasticity for Kelvin–Voigt materials with voids is considered and some basic results of the classical theory of elasticity are generalized. Indeed, the basic properties of plane harmonic waves are established. The explicit expression of fundamental solution of the system of equations of steady vibrations is constructed by means of elementary functions. The Green’s formulas in the considered theory are obtained. The uniqueness theorems of the internal and external basic boundary value problems (BVPs) are proved. The representation of Galerkin type solution is obtained and the completeness of this solution is established. The formulas of integral representations of Somigliana type of regular vector and regular (classical) solution are obtained. The Sommerfeld-Kupradze type radiation conditions are established. The basic properties of elastopotentials and singular integral operators are given. Finally, the existence theorems for classical solutions of the internal and external basic BVPs of steady vibrations are proved by using of the potential method (boundary integral method) and the theory of singular integral equations.
Lingual thyroid: diagnosis using a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography
Authors: Dolezal J , Vizda J , Horacek J , Spitalnikova S 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAim:To present a rare case of lingual thyroid detected using a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography in a young woman with hypothyroidism.Materials and methods:A 29-year-old woman was screened for autoimmune thyroid disorders in early pregnancy, and found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. No thyroid tissue was found in the anterior neck upon ultrasonography, raising suspicions of an ectopic thyroid. The patient was treated with levothyroxine throughout the remainder of her pregnancy, and developed postpartum thyroiditis requiring an increase in levothyroxine dosage. Whole-body scintigraphy and zoomed static head and neck scintigraphy were performed. Abnormal 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake was observed in the oral region, whereas no uptake was found in the usual thyroid location. Hybrid imaging using single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography was performed to improve three-dimensional representation of the area of increased activity.Results:The latter imaging modality detected ectopic thyroid tissue in the tongue.Conclusion:Whole body 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy and a hybrid of single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography are effective imaging modalities for the investigation of ectopic thyroid tissue. The latter modality is particularly recommended, as it allows more precise spatial visualisation of increased isotope uptake activity in the head and neck.
Inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane after acute otitis media
Authors: Byun J , Massi DS , Sehgal A , Saadia-Redleaf M 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjective:To describe a relatively unknown clinical entity – inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane after acute otitis media – and its simple out-patient treatment.Study design:Retrospective review of case series.Setting:Subspecialty practice at a tertiary hospital.Patients:Seven patients diagnosed previously with acute otitis media with perforation or otitis externa, and with persistent ear discomfort.Methods:Retrospective chart review.Results:The patients presented with weeks to months of persistent hearing loss after acute otitis media with perforation or acute otitis externa. Visits to their primary care physicians had been uninformative. After comparison of the affected and unaffected tympanic membranes, a thin, hard cast was identified and removed from the affected tympanic membrane. Improvement in hearing was documented in the three patients who underwent audiometric testing; the remainder had subjective improvement without audiometric evaluation.Conclusion:Otolaryngologists should be aware of the possibility of an inflammatory cast of the tympanic membrane following acute otitis media with perforation or otitis externa, and should carefully compare the unaffected and affected ears in such cases. Treatment – removal of the rigid cast – is both simple and effective.
Academic Affiliated Training Centers in Humanitarian Health, Part I: Program Characteristics and Professionalization Preferences of Centers in North America
Authors: Burkle Frederick M. , Walls Alexa E. , Heck Joan P. , Sorensen Brian S. , Cranmer Hilarie H. , Johnson Kirsten , Levine Adam C. , Kayden Stephanie , Cahill Brendan , VanRooyen Michael J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe collaborative London based non-governmental organization network ELRHA (Enhancing Learning and Research for Humanitarian Assistance) supports partnerships between higher education institutions and humanitarian organizations worldwide with the objective to enhance the professionalization of the humanitarian sector. While coordination and control of the humanitarian sector has plagued the response to every major crisis, concerns highlighted by the 2010 Haitian earthquake response further catalyzed and accelerated the need to ensure competency-based professionalization of the humanitarian health care work force. The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative sponsored an independent survey of established academically affiliated training centers in North America that train humanitarian health care workers to determine their individual training center characteristics and preferences in the potential professionalization process. The survey revealed that a common thread of profession-specific skills and core humanitarian competencies were being offered in both residential and online programs with additional programs offering opportunities for field simulation experiences and more advanced degree programs. This study supports the potential for the development of like-minded academic affiliated and competency-based humanitarian health programs to organize themselves under ELRHA's regional “consultation hubs” worldwide that can assist and advocate for improved education and training opportunities in less served developing countries.Burkle Jr FM, WallsAE, HeckJP, SorensenBS, CranmerHH, JohnsonK, LevineAC, KaydenS, CahillB, VanRooyenMJ. Academic affiliated training centers in humanitarian health, Part 1: program characteristics and professionalization preference of centers in North America. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013:28(2):1-8.
Telemetry‐Based Mortality Estimates of Juvenile Spot in Two North Carolina Estuarine Creeks
Authors: Friedl Sarah E. , Buckel Jeffrey A. , Hightower Joseph E. , Scharf Fred S. , Pollock Kenneth H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe estimated natural mortality rates (M) of age‐1 SpotLeiostomus xanthurusby using a sonic telemetry approach. Sonic transmitters were surgically implanted into a total of 123 age‐1 Spot in two North Carolina estuarine creeks during spring 2009 and 2010, and the fish were monitored by using a stationary acoustic receiver array and manual tracking. Fates of telemetered Spot were inferred based on telemetry information from estimated locations and swimming speeds. Potential competitors of age‐1 Spot were assessed through simultaneous otter trawl sampling, while potential predators of Spot were collected using gill nets and trammel nets. The number of inferred natural mortalities was zero in 2009 (based on 29 telemetered Spot at risk) and four in 2010 (based on 52 fish at risk), with fish being at risk for up to about 70 d each year. Catches of potential competitors or predators did not differ between years, and age‐1 Spot were not found in analyzed stomach contents of potential predators. Our estimated 30‐dMof 0.03 (95% credible interval = 0.01–0.07) was lower than that predicted from weight‐based (M= 0.07) and life‐history‐based (M= 0.06–0.36) estimates. Our field‐based estimate ofMfor age‐1 Spot in this estuarine system can assist in the assessment and management of Spot by allowing a direct comparison withM‐values predicted from fish size or life history characteristics. The field telemetry and statistical analysis techniques developed here provide guidance for future telemetry studies of relatively small fish in open, dynamic habitat systems, as they highlight strengths and weaknesses of using a telemetry approach to estimateM.
Alvarado score: a guide to computed tomography utilization in appendicitis
Authors: Tan Winson Jianhong , Pek Wansze , Kabir Tousif , Goh Yaw Chong , Chan Weng Hoong , Wong Wai Keong , Ong Hock Soo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough useful in evaluation of suspected appendicitis, not all patients require computed tomography (CT) evaluation. Clinical stratification of patients who benefit from CT evaluation is essential. We utilize the Alvarado score (AS) to stratify patients with suspected appendicitis into subgroups who benefit from CT evaluation and propose an objective algorithm with AS guiding CT utilization.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of medical records of all patients admitted for suspected appendicitis over a 6‐month duration. Relevant data were recorded. The AS for each patient was determined retrospectively and correlated with histological and CT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for various ASs and for CT.ResultsThree hundred fifty‐eight patients were studied, with 167 males (46.6%) and 191 females (53.4%). Prevalence of appendicitis was 50% (179 patients). Two hundred fourteen patients (59.8%) had CT performed. Surgery was performed for 206 patients (57.5%). Overall negative appendicectomy rate was 13.1%. Patients who underwent CT evaluation had a negative appendicectomy rate of 5.7% compared to 17.9% in those without CT evaluation (P = 0.009). CT scan had a sensitivity and specificity of 92.6% and 96.9%, respectively. An AS greater than 3 had a sensitivity superior to CT (95.5%), while an AS of 9 or greater had a specificity superior to CT (100%).ConclusionsIn suspected appendicitis, patients who benefit from CT evaluation are those with the AS ranging from 4 to 8. We propose a management algorithm with the AS guiding the necessity for CT evaluation.
Sensitivity and specificity of a commercial BSE kit for the detection of ovine scrapie
Authors: Yamamoto Takuji , Ushiki‐Kaku Yuko , Yokoyama Takashi , Hattori Shunji 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTo examine the sensitivity of a commercially available bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) kit (NippIBL) for the detection of ovine scrapie, 50 scrapie‐positive ovine samples from the UK, and 54 scrapie‐negative ovine samples from Japan were obtain and tested using this kit. The sensitivity and specificity of NippIBL for ovine samples were 96% and 100%, respectively. The detection limit of the abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) of NippIBL was examined using diluted scrapie‐positive samples. The sensitivity of NippIBL to ovine scrapie was 3–10 times superior to that of another commercial BSE diagnosis kit. Thus, the NippIBL kit proved more effective for the detection of ovine scrapie.
Comparison of the effects explained by variations in the bovine PLAG1 and NCAPG genes on daily body weight gain, linear skeletal measurements and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program
Authors: Hoshiba Hiroshi , Setoguchi Kouji , Watanabe Toshio , Kinoshita Akihiro , Mizoshita Kazunori , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Takasuga Akiko 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe c.1326T>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the NCAPG gene, which leads to an amino acid change of Ile442 to Met442, was previously identified as a candidate causative variation for a bovine carcass weight quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 6, which was associated with linear skeletal measurement gains and daily body weight gain at puberty. Recently, we identified the stature quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) in the PLAG1‐CHCHD7 intergenic region as the causative variations for another carcass weight QTL on chromosome 14. This study aimed to compare the effects of the two QTL on growth and carcass traits using 768 Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program and to determine whether a genetic interaction was present between them. The FJX_250879 SNP representing the stature QTL was associated with linear skeletal measurements and average daily body weight gain at early and late periods during adolescence. A genetic interaction between FJX_250879 and NCAPG c.1326T>G was detected only for body and rump lengths. Both were associated with increased carcass weight and Longissimus muscle area, and NCAPG c.1326T>G was also associated with reduced subcutaneous fat thickness and increased carcass yield estimate. These results will provide useful information to improve carcass weight in Japanese Black cattle.
Measurement of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies in serum and colostrum of Holstein and Japanese Black cows
Authors: Kanno Yoshiya , Ohtsuka Hiromichi , Yoshikawa Yasunaga , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Orino Koichi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAnti‐ferritin autoantibody is a ferritin‐binding protein commonly found in mammals; it is thought to form an immune complex with ferritin and thereby mediate the rapid clearance of circulating ferritin. The aim of this study is to determine concentrations of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG and IgA) in serum and colostrum of Holstein (H) and Japanese Black (JB) cows within 24 h of normal calving. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from cows of various ages (2–11 years) and calving number (1–8 live births). Mean ferritin concentrations were higher in colostrum than in serum for both breeds, and higher colostrum ferritin concentrations were found in H than JB cows. IgA antibodies in serum and colostrum from both breeds had negligible ferritin‐binding activity. For both breeds, IgM and IgG antibodies had higher ferritin‐binding activity in colostrum than in serum. There was a significant correlation between IgM and IgG ferritin‐binding activities in serum and colostrum of H and JB cows. These results suggest that ferritin and IgM and IgG autoantibodies are actively transferred from the blood stream to the colostrum at prepartum or early lactation.
More donors or more delayed graft function? A cost‐effectiveness analysis of DCD kidney transplantation
Authors: Snyder Rebecca A. , Moore Deonna R. , Moore Derek E. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractExpansion of the donor pool with expanded criteria donors and donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors is essential. DCD grafts result in increased rates of primary non‐function (PNF) and delayed graft function (DGF). However, long‐term patient and graft survival is similar between donation after brain death (DBD) donors and DCD donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of the use of DCD donors. A Markov‐based decision analytic model was created to simulate outcomes for two wait list strategies: (i) wait list composed of only DBD organs and (ii) wait list combining DBD and DCD organs. Baseline values and ranges were determined from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database and literature review. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test model strength and parameter variability. The wait list strategy consisting of DBD donors only provided recipients 5.4 Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) at $65 000/QALY, whereas a wait list strategy combining DBD + DCD donors provided recipients 6.0 QALYs at a cost of $56 000/QALY. Wait lists with DCD donors provide adequate long‐term survival despite more DGF. This equates to an improvement in quality of life and decreased cost when compared to remaining on dialysis for any period of time.
Clinical features and outcomes of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients in Brazil: a report of the last decade
Authors: Marques Igor D. B. , Azevedo Luiz S. , Pierrotti Lígia C. , Caires Renato A. , Sato Víctor A. H. , Carmo Lilian P. F. , Ferreira Gustavo F. , Gamba Cristiano , de Paula Flávio J. , Nahas William C. , David‐Neto Elias 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundAmong kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), tuberculosis is one of the most common opportunistic infections and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of tuberculosis in KTRs.MethodsRetrospective single‐center observational study involving all cases of tuberculosis in KTRs between 2000 and 2010.ResultsOf the 1549 KTRs evaluated, 43 (2.8%) developed tuberculosis, translating to an annual incidence of 803 cases/100 000 patients, considerably higher than that reported for the general population of Brazil. The median time to tuberculosis (TB) onset after transplantation was 196 d (range, 19–3626 d). Of the KTRs with tuberculosis, 67% became infected within the first year post‐transplant, 74% had pulmonary tuberculosis, and 7% had a previous history of active tuberculosis. No tuberculosis prophylaxis was employed before or after transplantation. The most common symptoms were fever (in 79%), cough (in 35%), and dyspnea (in 16%). The median time from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment was 28 d. The median duration of antituberculosis therapy was 196 d. In 15 patients (35%), the immunosuppressive therapy was reduced, and the incidence of acute rejection was higher in patients with tuberculosis than in those without (44% vs. 28%). Mortality during tuberculosis treatment was 12% (5 cases), and all five deaths were attributed to tuberculosis. Ten‐yr death‐censored graft survival and patient survival were similar between patients with tuberculosis and those without.ConclusionAmong KTRs, symptoms of tuberculosis are often attenuated, which leads to delayed diagnosis, and tuberculosis‐related mortality remains high.
Affective symptoms and change in diabetes self‐efficacy and glycaemic control
Authors: Robertson S. M. , Amspoker A. B. , Cully J. A. , Ross E. L. , Naik A. D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsTo examine the role of baseline depression, anxiety and stress symptoms on post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy and glycaemic control (HbA1c).MethodsThe current study analysed data from patients (n = 85) with treated but uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes who participated in a comparative effectiveness study of two diabetes self‐management interventions. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the relationships between baseline affective symptoms and post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy and the moderating effects of baseline affective symptoms on the relationship between changes in diabetes self‐efficacy and post‐intervention HbA1c.ResultsBaseline depression was inversely associated with post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy (P = 0.0001) after adjusting for baseline characteristics including diabetes self‐efficacy. In contrast, normal–mild levels of stress were associated with higher post‐intervention diabetes self‐efficacy (P = 0.04). Anxiety and stress symptoms significantly and independently moderated the relationship between changes in diabetes self‐efficacy and post‐intervention HbA1c (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). Further evaluation of these interactions demonstrated that changes in diabetes self‐efficacy were associated with lower post‐intervention HbA1c, but only among those with higher baseline affective symptoms.ConclusionsWe found a moderating effect across affective symptoms on the relationship between diabetes self‐efficacy changes and post‐intervention HbA1c in the context of a self‐management intervention. Results suggest that patients with poorly controlled diabetes who have higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms may derive greater benefits from self‐management interventions known to improve diabetes self‐efficacy.
Why join groups? Lessons from parasite‐manipulatedArtemia
Authors: Rode Nicolas O. , Lievens Eva J.P. , Flaven Elodie , Segard Adeline , Jabbour‐Zahab Roula , Sanchez Marta I. , Lenormand Thomas 
Published: January 2013

AbstractGrouping behaviours (e.g. schooling, shoaling and swarming) are commonly explicated through adaptive hypotheses such as protection against predation, access to mates or improved foraging. However, the hypothesis that aggregation can result from manipulation by parasites to increase their transmission has never been demonstrated. We investigated this hypothesis using natural populations of two crustacean hosts (Artemia franciscanaandArtemia parthenogenetica) infected with one cestode and two microsporidian parasites. We found that swarming propensity increased in cestode‐infected hosts and that red colour intensity was higher in swarming compared with non‐swarming infected hosts. These effects likely result in increased cestode transmission to its final avian host. Furthermore, we found that microsporidian‐infected hosts had both increased swarming propensity and surfacing behaviour. Finally, we demonstrated using experimental infections that these concurrent manipulations result in increased spore transmission to new hosts. Hence, this study suggests that parasites can play a prominent role in host grouping behaviours.
Metabolism of endocannabinoids and related N‐acylethanolamines: Canonical and alternative pathways
Authors: Ueda Natsuo , Tsuboi Kazuhito , Uyama Toru 
Published: January 2013

Endocannabinoids are endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. Two arachidonic acid derivatives, arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, are considered to be physiologically important endocannabinoids. In the known metabolic pathway in mammals, anandamide and other bioactive N‐acylethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide, are biosynthesized from glycerophospholipids by a combination of Ca2+‐dependent N‐acyltransferase and N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipase D, and are degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase. However, recent studies have shown the involvement of other enzymes and pathways, which include the members of the tumor suppressor HRASLS family (the phospholipase A/acyltransferase family) functioning as Ca2+‐independent N‐acyltransferases, N‐acyl‐phosphatidylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing phospholipaseD‐independent multistep pathways via N‐acylated lysophospholipid, and N‐acylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing acid amidase, a lysosomal enzyme that preferentially hydrolyzes palmitoylethanolamide. Although their physiological significance is poorly understood, these new enzymes/pathways may serve as novel targets for the development of therapeutic drugs. For example, selective N‐acylethanolamine‐hydrolyzing acid amidase inhibitors are expected to be new anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drugs. In this minireview, we focus on advances in the understanding of these enzymes/pathways. In addition, recent findings on 2‐arachidonoylglycerol metabolism are described.