bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Microalloying (Including Rare-Earth Metals) on the Phase Composition and Properties of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Umarova Tatyana
Published: March 2017

In connection with the search for new materials and the more extensive use of metals and alloys with special physical and chemical properties, rare-earth metals (REMs) are attracting increasing interest not only as alloying additives but also as the main components of structural materials. The Al-Fe alloys are of great practical interest, and the purpose of this work was to study the influence of microalloying by REMs on the mechanical and acoustic damping properties of Al-Fe alloys. REMs were selected as alloying components because of their properties and their widespread use in improving the structure and properties of structural alloys, including mechanical and acoustic damping properties. The results of these investigations are expected to enable the use of secondary Al (i.e., waste Al manufacture with a high Fe impurity concentration) as a base material for the development of structural alloys with improved mechanical properties for use in mechanical and electrical engineering applications. The use of secondary Al will provide economic advantages and will contribute to the conservation of resources.This work is actual because Al alloyed with Fe and REMs can be used as corrosion-resistant materials and conductive materials in electronics and for automotive and aircraft engines, wires, cables, rods, tires and other products of the electrical engineering industry, thus expanding the scope of applications of these alloys [1-4].
Some Studies on the Bulging Characteristics of Cold-Upset Steel Preforms
Authors: Rajeshkannan Ananthanarayanan
Published: March 2017

Present investigation pertains to establish the bulging characteristics of sintered steel preforms under cold upsetting. Cylindrical preforms of Fe-0.8%C and with 1%Mo and 2%Mo of 86% initial theoretical density and 0.4 initial aspect ratio have been produced through conventional powder metallurgy techniques. These preforms were further subjected to secondary deformation, that is, cold upsetting under nil and zinc stearate lubricant conditions. The results obtained from this experiment were used to study the bulging characteristics with densification and hoop stress. An empirical equation is determined between these parameters and is found to follow a power law relationship.
Epoxidation of Waste Rubber/Zeolite Powder as Potential Filler for Epoxy Resin
Authors: Ondoy Karl , Pajarito Bryan B.
Published: March 2017

This study reports the epoxidation of waste rubber/zeolite (WR/Z) powder using performic acid solution and its use as potential filler for epoxy resin. WR/Z powder was produced by mechanical grinding using a bench grinder and was epoxidized in performic acid solution for 0 – 90 min of treatment time under ambient conditions. Degree of epoxidation determined by attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was found to increase up to 40 min treatment time where the highest number of epoxide structures was formed. At longer treatment time (> 40 min), most of the epoxide structures were opened up through hydrolysis forming ether, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Flexural tests showed that the flexural modulus of epoxy resin was increased after incorporation of epoxidized WR/Z (EWR/Z) powder. Increased EWR/Z powder loading resulted to decreased maximum flexural stress and more brittle epoxy resin.
Temperature Dependence of Degradation of Colored Oxo-Biodegradable Low-Density Polyethylene Films under Accelerated Thermal Aging
Authors: Maalihan Reymark D. , Pajarito Bryan B.
Published: March 2017

This work reports the effect of temperature on degradation of colored low-density polyethylene (PE) films during thermal aging. Film samples were formulated according to Taguchi design of experiments where colorant, thickness, and pro-oxidant concentration were varied accordingly. Tensile properties of films were monitored with time during heat aging in a hot air oven at 50, 70, and 90 °C. Likewise, surfaces of aged films were analyzed to evaluate the degree of oxidation of PE during thermal aging. The Arrhenius equation was then used to predict the lifetime of PE at an in-use temperature of 30 °C. Results indicate that increasing the temperature reduces the tensile strength and modulus of films. Formation of carbonyl groups as degradation products is also observed at higher temperatures. Consequently, thermal aging at 90 °C offers the highest extent of degradation of exposed films. Regression analysis reveals that white films degrade at a higher rate than yellow and non-colored films. The presence of TiO2 in white films shortens the lifetime of PE while amine stabilizer in yellow films enhances the stability of PE during thermal aging.
Conductivity Improvement of Silver Nanowire Transparent Electrodes by Surface Plasma Treatment
Authors: De Guzman Nathaniel , Lopez Joybelle , Vasquez Jr. Magdaleno , Balela Mary Donnabelle
Published: March 2017

High aspect ratio silver nanowires (Ag NWs) were successfully synthesized by CuCl2-mediated synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction were employed to investigate the morphology and structure of the Ag products, respectively. Suspensions of Ag NW in ethanol were coated on glass substrates by Meyer rod coating to fabricate transparent conducting electrodes (TCE’s). The electrodes were then plasma treated at a power of 75 W. The effects of increasing plasma treatment time and oxygen exposure on the sheet resistance of the transparent electrodes were investigated. A sheet resistance of 8 Ω/sq with an optical transmittance of 80 % at 550nm was obtained for an electrode with a nanowire density of 0.18 mg/cm2 after 5 mins of plasma (Ar) exposure.
New characters and redescription ofDendroctonus vitei(Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Armendáriz-Toledano Francisco , García-Román Jazmín , López María Fernanda , Sullivan Brian T. , Zúñiga Gerardo
Published: March 2017

The taxonomic status ofDendroctonus viteiWood (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) andDendroctonus mexicanusHopkins is supported by biological and morphological data. However, the differentiation of these species has been extremely difficult because most of the morphological characters have not been well illustrated and some of them are geographically variable. Seminal rod shape has been the only reliable characteristic to identify these species. The main purpose of this study was to look for new morphological characters for the identification of these species as well as to evaluate geographic variation of those previously reported characters in order to produce a comprehensive redescription ofD. vitei. A total of 33 morphological characters from antenna, stridulatory apparatus, male and female genitalia, and external morphology were compared between the similar speciesD. viteiandD. mexicanus, and we identified five novel diagnostic characters and confirmed previously reported characters that differentiate these two species from each other and from other species in theDendroctonus frontalisZimmermann complex (sensu stricto). Furthermore, these characters and those of the seminal rod allowed us to re-evaluate some previously reported records for other species to broaden the known distribution ofD. vitei.
Assessing the role of generalist predators in the biological control of alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Rand Tatyana A.
Published: March 2017

Alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) is a major pest of alfalfa throughout the United States of America. Biological control research has disproportionately focussed on introduced parasitoids. Generalist predators may also be important, but experimental work evaluating their impacts is lacking. I combined a cross-site survey with a predator exclusion experiment to identify key predators, and test for impacts on weevil survival and plant defoliation levels in Montana and North Dakota, United States of America. Spiders (Araneae) dominated the complex, followed by Nabidae (Hemiptera) and Coccinellidae (Coleoptera). None of the dominant predators showed aggregative responses to weevil (Hypera postica (Gyllenhal); Coleoptera: Curculionidae) or pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris); Hemiptera: Aphididae) densities across 10 sites surveyed. However, weevil densities were positively correlated with both coccinellid and nabid densities across transects at the experimental site. Thus, predator groups traditionally associated with aphids can show strong aggregative numerical responses to alfalfa weevil larvae at smaller scales. Predator exclusion revealed no significant predator effects on larval survival or alfalfa damage. However, final densities of pea aphids were significantly higher in exclusion treatments relative to controls. The results suggest that even under conditions where predators exert significant pressure on aphids, they may still have minimal impacts on weevils. Additional experimental work is necessary to determine the broader potential of generalist predators as alfalfa weevil control agents.
Interference of the T Cell and Antigen-Presenting Cell Costimulatory Pathway Using CTLA4-Ig (Abatacept) Prevents Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Pathology
Authors: Whitfield Sarah J. C. , Taylor Chris , Risdall Jane E. , Griffiths Gareth D. , Jones James T. A. , Williamson E. Diane , Rijpkema Sjoerd , Saraiva Luisa , Vessillier Sandrine , Green A. Christopher , Carter Alun J.
Published: March 2017

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a bacterial superantigen that binds the receptors in the APC/T cell synapse and causes increased proliferation of T cells and a cytokine storm syndrome in vivo. Exposure to the toxin can be lethal and cause significant pathology in humans. The lack of effective therapies for SEB exposure remains an area of concern, particularly in scenarios of acute mass casualties. We hypothesized that blockade of the T cell costimulatory signal by the CTLA4-Ig synthetic protein (abatacept) could prevent SEB-dependent pathology. In this article, we demonstrate mice treated with a single dose of abatacept 8 h post SEB exposure had reduced pathology compared with control SEB-exposed mice. SEB-exposed mice showed significant reductions in body weight between days 4 and 9, whereas mice exposed to SEB and also treated with abatacept showed no weight loss for the duration of the study, suggesting therapeutic mitigation of SEB-induced morbidity. Histopathology and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that SEB mediated lung damage and edema, which were absent after treatment with abatacept. Analysis of plasma and lung tissues from SEB-exposed mice treated with abatacept demonstrated significantly lower levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ (p < 0.0001), which is likely to have resulted in less pathology. In addition, exposure of human and mouse PBMCs to SEB in vitro showed a significant reduction in levels of IL-2 (p < 0.0001) after treatment with abatacept, indicating that T cell proliferation is the main target for intervention. Our findings demonstrate that abatacept is a robust and potentially credible drug to prevent toxic effects from SEB exposure.
Pathogenesis of Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Masarone Daniele , Maddaloni Valeria , Rubino Marta , Fratta Fiorella , Cirillo Annapaola , Spinelli Barrile Ludovica , Pacileo Roberta , Fusco Adelaide , Coppola Guido , Pisacane Francesca , Calabrò Paolo , Calabrò Raffaele , Bossone Edoardo , Russo Maria Giovanna , Pacileo Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an enigmatic disease with a multifactorial and still unresolved pathogenesis. Postulated mechanisms include catecholamine excess, coronary artery spasm, and microvascular dysfunction, however catecholamines seem to play a central role in the pathophysiology of TTS. In facts catecholamines have relevant effects on the vasculature and myocardium. Toxic direct effects of catecholamine on myocardium are mediated by multiple pathway including functional hypoxia, metabolic changes and changes in membrane permeability leading to various electrolytic imbalances. Recently report of familial cases has suggested a genetic component. Further research is required to help clarify the proposed hypotheses and to increase our understanding of the cardiovascular responses to acute stress and the pathophysiology underpinning TTS.
Measurement of Troponin in Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Connelly Andrew , Findlay Iain N. , Coats Caroline J.
Published: March 2017

Troponins are thin myofilament proteins that regulate the contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The cardio-specific troponin I (TnI) and T (TnT) proteins are sensitive and specific biomarkers of myocardial injury which over the past twenty years have revolutionised the diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction. With the advent of high sensitivity assays the role for cardiac troponins is possibly expanding. Elevated levels are associated with adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in heart failure and the general population. Studies in cardiomyopathies are generally small with <200 patients, but serum troponin levels can be chronically raised and detect subclinical myocyte damage. This review examines all major published studies of cardiac troponin measurement in cardiomyopathies. There is considerable variability among studies regarding assays used and definitions of abnormal results but elevated troponin levels are almost invariably related to poor prognosis and their negative predictive value is important.
Late presentation of delayed hemothorax after blunt chest trauma in a patient with impaired liver function
Authors: Authried Georg , Søgaard Teisner Ane , Stenger Michael
Published: March 2017

Delayed hemothorax (DHTX) after blunt chest trauma (BCT) is fairly uncommon but nevertheless associated with a substantial morbidity. DTHX is often related to several or displaced rib fractures and usually presented within the first few days or weeks after the chest trauma. We present a case with an unusual late presentation of DTHX 4½ months following a BCT with several non-displaced rib fractures after falling down a staircase. Furthermore, we argue that patients with impaired liver function may have an increased risk of bleeding complications after BCT with associated rib fractures and should be considered for more intensive follow-up.
A rare cause of wheezing
Authors: Cho Alexander H. , Logan Jessica , Ahari Jalil
Published: March 2017

A 24-year-old African American female nonsmoker, with a reported history of asthma presented to the hospital with 2 weeks of shortness of breath and sputum production. She had a chest X-ray and computed tomography scan that displayed evidence of a right upper lobe collapse. She subsequently had a bronchoscopy that revealed an endobronchial lesion at the opening of the right upper lobe bronchus. Biopsies performed were consistent with a granular cell tumor. Granular cell tumors are rare submucosal tumors of Schwann cell origin. Resection of the right upper lobe resolved her symptoms and wheezing.
Psoas muscle tuberculosis in Greece: report of two cases
Authors: Grigorakos Leonidas , Sgountzos Vassilis , Simopoulou Sophia , Lazarescu Daria , Mavropanou Domenica , Georgiadou Anthi , Tamvakis Vassilis
Published: March 2017

Between January 2013 and January 2014, two patients with lower left abdominal pain were admitted to Sotiria Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece. They were diagnosed with psoas muscle tuberculosis based on the results of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and radiological findings from chest X-rays and computed tomography. Administration of antitubercular chemotherapy reduced the inflammation, while clinical symptoms significantly improved within the first three weeks. Patients were discharged from the hospital two months later. Their follow-up consists of monthly check-ups, while continuing the anti-tuberculosis treatment successfully. We underline the importance of keeping a high suspicion of muscle tuberculosis in patients with psoas abscess, which, although not a seldom phenomenon, it should be taken into consideration as an etiology of muscular disease not only in regions where tuberculosis is endemic but also in countries with high incidence of immigrants or refugees originating from such areas.
Mosquitocidal properties of Ocimum canum Sims (Lamiaceae) leaf extracts against dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Prabhavathi O. , Yuvarajan R. , Natarajan D.
Published: March 2017

The Ocimum plant was traditionally used for mosquitoes repellent and control in India especially in Tamil Nadu. In this research, deals with the larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal potential of three different solvent extracts of O. canum against Aedes aegypti. The overall result highlights that the chloroform extracts of O. canum were shown significant larvicidal (15.027 mg/L) activity at 24 h of exposure. The pupicidal and adulticidal activity of this plant exhibits highest mortality against A. aegypti within 24 h at the dose ranges of 89.773 mg/mL, 41.912 mg/mL respectively. The chloroform extracts contain major phyto-constituents like phenol, alkaloids, protein and tannins. Thin layer chromatography profiles also provide a database for the presence of active components. GC-MS analysis of bioactive chloroform extract revealed that a total of seventeen compounds, six were considered as major and the remaining as minor compounds. The spectral studies of FT-IR denoted the functional groups of bioactive components like alkenes, ketone, hydroxyl and others. Based on the outcome of results show that Ocimum canum have found to potent ability for controlling the mosquitoes, it can be used as an ideal eco-friendly agent for arresting dengue fever in future.
Bio-control efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) against the citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep., Gracillariidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Saeidi K. , Saeidi E.
Published: March 2017

The citrus leaf miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep., Gracillariidae), is one of the most destructive pest of citrus and related Rutaceae and ornamental plants in Iran. Larvae damage leaves by creating serpentine feeding mines, which have been lead to reduce yield. Resistance and toxicity problems derived from synthetic insecticides have made it necessary to find more effective and healthier alternatives; therefore, bio-insecticides (i.e., Bacillus thuringiensis) are becoming an important component in plant protection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of B. thuringiensis against P. citrella. Eight B. thuringiensis concentrations were used against P. citrella L3 on orange and mortality was recorded at 1, 4, 7 and 10 days after spraying. The results showed that B. thuringiensis significantly affected mortality of P. citrella. After 1, 4, 7 and 10 days of spraying 108 concentration of B. thuringiensis had significantly caused the highest mortality to the pest with 59.8, 68.4, 73.6 and 77.0%, respectively. Then the mortality percent decreased until it reached 6.5, 9.5, 39.3 and 46.7% at 101 concentration, respectively. In conclusion, the study indicated that B. thuringiensis is effective in controlling P. citrella under laboratory conditions.
Genetic diversity of rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker) from Northern Iran and comparison with other countries
Authors: Shayanmehr M. , Yoosefi-Lafooraki E.
Published: March 2017

Rice striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is considered the major pest of rice in Iran. Because of the serious damage on rice in Northern Iran, the present study was conducted to investigate genetic diversity within populations of C. suppressalis, from Mazandaran using a template of cytochrome oxidase I gene, 750 bps, (COI). Later the haplotypes from Iran were compared with those found in other countries. According to the results of this study, there is very low genetic diversity (two haplotypes) among different populations of this pest in populations of Northern Iran. The genetic similarity and low levels of genetic diversity of these populations suggest that the pest colonization occurred relatively recently and there is high gene flow between these populations of the province. In addition, haplotypes of Mazandaran province are different with those found in other countries. The similarity of Iranian population (Simorgh) with one population from China indicated that China might be the origin of C. suppresalis.
Phoretic uropodine mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) associated with the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Iran
Authors: Farmahiny Farahani V.R. , Ahadiyat A. , Mašán P. , Dehvari M.A.
Published: March 2017

During an investigation on phoretic mite associates of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, in Sistan and Balouchestan Province of Iran, two uropodine species were collected and identified as Centrouropoda almerodai (Uropodidae) and Uroobovella marginata (Dinychidae). This is the first record of the genus Centrouropoda from Iran and the first record of phoretic mites associated with this weevil from the country.
Nysius cymoides (Spinola) on Chenopodium quinoa Willd. cultivated in Italy
Authors: Bocchi S. , Cinquanta D. , Negri M. , Dioli P. , Limonta L.
Published: March 2017

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) (Family: Amaranthaceae – APG classification) is an Andean grain recently introduced on the European market and cultivated in experimental fields. In one of these experimental fields, in San Giorgio Piacentino (Italy), a heavy bug infestation was observed. The species was identified as Nysius cymoides (Spinola) (Heteroptera Lygaeidae), a polyphagous species known as a pest of different crops. It occurs in the Mediterranean area from the sea level to the alpine meadows.
Heleniella helvetica sp. n., a cold stenothermic species inhabiting the upper Rhône catchment in central Switzerland [Diptera, Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae]
Authors: Moubayed-Breil J. , Lods-Crozet B.
Published: March 2017

A description of the male adult of Heleniella helvetica sp. n is provided based on material collected in pristine lotic habitats delimited by the crenal and rhithral of the cold stenothermic springfed stream, which is located in the upper Rhône catchment (Mutt stream, central Switzerland, altitude 1800-2600 m). H. extrema Albu, 1972 represents the nearest species to H. helvetica sp. n. from which it can be separated by the following combination of characters: chaetotaxy of the thorax; low value of the BR ratio; distribution pattern of setae on tergite IX and anal point; anal point broad basally, parallel-sided medially and bearing dorsal setae; inferior volsella long nose-like lobe projecting downwards; gonostylus twisted, macroseta unusually inserted medially on a distinct cylindrical and projecting prominence. H. extrema and H. helvetica sp. n. currently belong to the emended extrema-group, which includes two additional new undescribed species both confined to glacier habitats: H. sp.1, known from the Mutt stream located in central Switzerland (altitude 2200-2400 m); H. sp. A, known from the Eastern Pyrenees (France, altitude 2200-2300 m). Taxonomic remarks, key to male adults of known Heleniella species from Europe and comments on the ecology and geographical distribution of the new species are given.
Therapeutic relationship: Is it still heart of nursing?
Authors: Mirhaghi Amir , Sharafi Simin , Bazzi Ali , Hasanzadeh Farzaneh
Published: March 2017

Relationship was introduced as an essential element of care since the beginning of theorizing in nursing. However therapeutic relationship has been conceptualized by different theorists, an integrated approach is not provided. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to explain the therapeutic relationship in the contemporary nursing practice. Electronic databases were searched from conception to October 2015 using keywords including therapeutic, relationship, communication, nurse, and patient. We used PRISMA guideline to report data. Original studies relevant to the therapeutic relationship were included. Exclusion criteria include abstracts that were irrelevant to the concept of study, grey literature and review and commentary articles. Disagreements between researchers were solved by consensus. Twenty studies were finally included into the review process. Data were organized into three categories including composition of therapeutic relationship, context of therapeutic relationship and confirmation of therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is composed of significant knowing and meaningful connecting with patients. Few studies confirmed applicability of therapeutic relationship in nursing practice. Therapeutic relationship ensures humanity to be preserved during nursing care and patients’ hospital stay; it faces with strong barriers such as nursing shortage. The nursing shortage seriously threatens the heart of nursing. Therapeutic relationship needs to be investigated further in order to be supported by evidence-based nursing in order to confirm the applicability of relationshipbased caring theories.
Anatomic substrate to pain originating in the disc and chronic low back pain posture damage resolution
Authors: Romeo Alfredo , Chierchia Marianna , Baiano Carolina , Ronca Dante
Published: March 2017

Chronic low back pain is a disease that most often affects people between 45 and 64 years. The incidence of low back pain goes from 60 to 90% and the annual incidence is 5%. Often low back pain is accompanied or replaced by an irradiated lower limb pain, configuring the symptomatology of lumboradiculalgia, whose most frequent cause is the disco-radicular conflict. The cause of the onset of pain, even excruciating, in cases of radicular compression of disc origin is not yet clear. Low back pain of disc origin is thought to be caused by direct mechanical compression factors; by indirect mechanical factors ischemia or venous stasis of vasa nervorum; and by type of immune-mediated inflammatory factors (reaction hernia) and/or biochemical evidence related to the disc type (the presence of substances which induce the inflammatory reaction). When a patient is suffering by chronic low back pain, apart from the algic problem, a series of changes in posture will occur, which contribute to worsen low back pain itself. The effects of a polluted posture and, therefore, the muscle retraction manifest in the joints in the form of compression, axial rotation and translation, resulting in modifications of the skeletal morphology (scoliotic attitudes, hyperkyphosis, valgus and varus of the knee, etc.) and possibly evolving into important postural disorders. Currently, the treatment of chronic low back pain and postural secondary disorders is still an open problem. The aim of this preliminary study is: i) to highlight the high incidence of low back pain by providing evidence that there is an anatomical substrate to low back pain originating in the disc; ii) and to assess the effects of the use of oxygen-ozone percutaneous paravertebral intramuscular therapy in synergy with a functional rehabilitation program in a group of patients suffering from chronic low back pain. From the data obtained, the combination of percutaneous paravertebral intramuscular oxygen-ozone therapy with functional rehabilitation is confirmed as an effective and safe method, whose favorable results are evident at the level of lumbar pain symptoms, postural secondary abnormalities, disability in activities of daily living, the mood and tone of the psychological state.
The speed of reinfusion affects the vascular system during ozone major autohemotherapy
Authors: Rimini Daniele , Molinari Filippo , Liboni William , Simonetti Vincenzo , Franzini Marianno
Published: March 2017

Ozone major autohemotherapy (O-MAHT) is a way of ozonetherapy administration consisting of drawing patient’s venous blood, mixing with oxygen/ozone, and reinfusing it into the vein. Some ozone therapists reported side effects during the O-MAHT, but the origin has not been described yet. We investigated the effect of blood drawing velocity during O-MAHT to see its effects on the vascular system and symptomatology. We administered O-MAHT to 11 subjects, and we interleaved fast and slow reinfusions. We monitored cerebral macrocirculation with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and tissue microcirculation with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Annoying symptoms appeared just during the fast reinfusion periods. NIRS and TCD parameters revealed vasoconstriction during fast reinfusion and improved metabolism during slow reinfusion. Overall, our investigation well discriminated fast from slow reinfusion velocity.
The role of ozone in the treatment of the acute phase of ischemic heart disease
Authors: Ciampa Stefano , Dequerquis Giovanni , Lettieri Biagio
Published: March 2017

The present paper describes the role of ozone in the treatment of the acute phase of ischemic heart disease. Two studies are presented: the first mechanically induced myocardial ischemia in rats; the second involved 42 consecutive patients with an outcome comparable to the UA/non-Q wave NSTEMI AMI group of the ENACT study, divided randomly into 2 groups with homogeneous quantitative levels (NYHA class II-III) and was evaluated at weeks 8 and 12 of treatment with ozone. Both studies confirm that i) the effectiveness of ozone therapy increases in relation to how early and how long treatment is performed; and ii) that ozone reduces the relative risk both of ischemic (infarct extension) and arrhythmia complications.
Critical-Thinking Skills of First-Year Athletic Training Students Enrolled in Professional Programs
Authors: Bates Dana K. , Sikkema Jill A. , Nynas Suzette M. , Culp Clinton
Published: March 2017

Context:

The Examination of Professional Degree Level document presented to the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Directors states that research in athletic training education has not investigated differences in the critical-thinking skills of professional athletic training students.

Objective:

Investigate the differences in critical thinking and other demographic variables across first-year athletic training students enrolled in professional bachelor's- and master's-degree programs.

Design:

Quantitative study.

Setting:

District 10 athletic training programs.

Patients or Other Participants:

Students (N = 40) enrolled within their first 6 months of a professional athletic training program were asked to complete the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). Twelve first-year master's-degree students (8 female, 4 male) and 28 bachelor's-degree students (18 female, 10 male) completed the CCTST (age = 20.73 ± 3.09 years).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Athletic training students in District 10 were asked to complete the CCTST during the first 6 months of their respective programs. Independent t tests were used to evaluate the difference in critical-thinking scores between professional master's- and bachelor's-degree athletic training students. A 1-way analysis of variance was conducted to determine differences in critical-thinking skills with regard to gender, age, and parental educational level.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in critical-thinking skills between bachelor's- and master's-degree athletic training students enrolled in a professional athletic training program (P = .991). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in critical-thinking skills with regard to gender (P = .156), age (P = .410), or parental education level (P = .156).

Conclusions:

The results suggest master's students do not have greater critical-thinking skills than professional bachelor's students before engaging in athletic training education. Therefore, as the professional degree of athletic training transitions to the graduate level, athletic training educators may need to investigate and use pedagogical practices that will graduate critically thinking athletic trainers.
Clinical Education in Athletic Training
Authors: Edler Jessica R. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Walker Stacy
Published: March 2017

Context:

Clinical education is a foundational component of healthcare education by which students acquire, practice, and demonstrate competency in clinical proficiencies through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences. Currently, the most common practice of clinical education in athletic training is clinical integration.

Objective:

The purposes of this article are to describe how athletic training and similar health professions implement clinical education and to present clinical immersion as an alternative to clinical integration.

Background:

Clinical education is delivered differently across healthcare disciplines. Some disciplines use clinical immersion, while others use clinical integration. Some professions have specific requirements, while others are left to the discretion of the program administrators. However, few professions are measuring the effectiveness of each, leading to questions about best-practice models in clinical education.

Description:

Clinical integration occurs when students complete clinical and didactic course work concurrently, while in the clinical immersion model, students are immersed in patient care full time with little or no didactic course work. A hybrid model of clinical education includes both integration and immersion.

Clinical Advantage(s):

Preliminary research within nursing suggests that students engaged in clinical immersion perform better on certification examinations than do those from an integration model. The clinical immersion model is enhanced by the implementation of standardized patients and simulations to prepare students for immersive experiences. These encounters provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate competency before engaging in patient care, which promotes patient safety.

Conclusion(s):

Program administrators have the opportunity and professional responsibility to explore different curricular models and to ultimately develop better methods of preparing future athletic trainers. Moreover, educators have a responsibility to measure and report outcomes to help provide a body of knowledge regarding best practices in clinical education.
Evidence-based case selection: An innovative knowledge management method to cluster public technical and vocational education and training colleges in South Africa
Authors: Visser Margaretha M. , Van Biljon Judith A. , Herselman Marlien
Published: March 2017

Background: Case studies are core constructs used in information management research. A persistent challenge for business, information management and social science researchers is how to select a representative sample of cases among a population with diverse characteristics when convenient or purposive sampling is not considered rigorous enough. The context of the study is post-school education, and it involves an investigation of quantitative methods of clustering the population of public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in South Africa into groups with a similar level of maturity in terms of their information systems.Objectives: The aim of the study was to propose an evidence-based quantitative method for the selection of cases for case study research and to demonstrate the use and usefulness thereof by clustering public TVET colleges.Method: The clustering method was based on the use of a representative characteristic of the context, as a proxy. In this context of management information systems (MISs), website maturity was used as a proxy and website maturity model theory was used in the development of an evaluation questionnaire. The questionnaire was used for capturing data on website characteristics, which was used to determine website maturity. The websites of the 50 public TVET colleges were evaluated by nine evaluators. Multiple statistical techniques were applied to establish inter-rater reliability and to produce clusters of colleges.Results: The analyses revealed three clusters of public TVET colleges based on their website maturity levels. The first cluster includes three colleges with no websites or websites at a low maturity level. The second cluster consists of 30 colleges with websites at an average maturity level. The third cluster contains 17 colleges with websites at a high maturity level.Conclusion: The main contribution to the knowledge domain is an innovative quantitative method employing a characteristic (in this case website maturity) as a proxy for MIS maturity. The method can be applied in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research, to group a population and thereby simplify the process of sample selection of cases for further in-depth investigation.
Correlation between frontal sinus dimensions and cephalometric indices: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tehranchi Azita , Motamedian Saeed Reza , Saedi Sara , Kabiri Sattar , Shidfar Shireen
Published: March 2017

Objective: Growth prediction plays a significant role in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontics patients. It was hypothesized that the unique pattern of pneumatization of the frontal sinus as a component of craniofacial structure would influence the skeletal growth pattern and may be used as a growth predictor. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 subjects (78 females and 66 males) with a mean age of 19.26 ± 4.66 years were included in this retrospective study. Posterior-anterior and lateral cephalograms (LCs) were used to measure the frontal sinus dimensions. The skeletal growth pattern and relations of craniofacial structures were analyzed on LC using variables for sagittal and vertical analyses. Correlation between the frontal sinus dimensions and cephalometric indices was assessed by the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The SN-FH and SNA angles had significant associations with frontal sinus dimensions in all enrolled subjects (P < 0.05). In males, the SN-FH, sum of posterior angles, Pal-SN, and Jarabak index were significantly associated with the size of frontal sinus (P < 0.05). In females, the associations of SN-FH and gonial angles with frontal sinus dimensions were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that larger size of frontal sinus was associated with reduced inclination of the anterior cranial base, increased anterior facial height (in males), and increased gonial angle (in females) in the study population.
A comparative assessment of prosthetic outcome on enucleation and evisceration in three different etiological eye defects: A case series
Authors: Jamayet Nafij Bin , Kirangi John Kariuki , Husein Adam , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: March 2017

Enucleation and evisceration are the most common surgical procedures that are performed to manage tumor, trauma, and infection. Given the consequences of surgical intervention, the conditions of the remaining eye socket may affect future prosthetic rehabilitation. A custom-made ocular prosthesis can be used to help restore the esthetics and functional defects and to improve the quality of life of patients with such conditions. An assessment must be performed on the prosthetic outcome before rehabilitation. The etiology of defect, type of surgery, condition of the remaining socket, and patient's age should all be considered. This report discusses three different etiological eye defects that have undergone enucleation and evisceration and describes the factors that have a significant role in the esthetic and functional outcome of the prosthesis. This report should serve as a helpful aid for maxillofacial prosthodontists to understand the primary objective of rehabilitating each eye defect and to meet patient expectations.
“Ormocer an innovative technology”: A replacement for conventional cements and veneer? A comparative in vitro analysis
Authors: Rajeev Vini , Arunachalam Rajeev , Nayar Sanjna , Arunima P. R. , Ganapathy Sivadas , Vedam Vaishnavi
Published: March 2017

Objective: This in vitro study was designed to assess shear bond strength (SBS) of ormocer flowable (OF) resin as a luting agent, ormocer as an indirect veneer material with portrayal of modes of failures using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: Sixty maxillary central incisors were divided into Group I, II, and III with 20 samples each based on luting cement used. They were OF, self-adhesive (SA) cement, and total etch (TE) cement. These groups were subdivided into “a” and “b” of ten each based on the type of veneering materials used. Veneer discs were fabricated using Ormocer restorative (O) and pressable ceramic (C). Specimens were thermocycled and loaded under universal testing machine for SBS. The statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA post hoc Tukey honest significant difference method. Results: A significant difference was observed between the Groups I and II (P < 0.05). The highest mean bond strength when using ormocer veneer was obtained with the Group Ia (19.11 ± 1.92 Mpa) and lowest by Group IIa (8.1 ± 1.04 Mpa), whereas the highest mean bond strength while using ceramic veneer was of similar range for Group Ib (18.04 ± 4.08 Mpa) and Group IIIb (18.07 ± 1.40 Mpa). SEM analysis revealed OF and TE presented mixed type of failure when compared with SA where failure mode was totally adhesive. Conclusion: OF was found equally efficient like TE. Bond strength of ormocer as a veneer was not inferior to ceramic making it one of the promising additions in the field of dentistry.
Comparative antimicrobial efficacy of selected root canal irrigants on commonly isolated microorganisms in endodontic infection
Authors: Dubey Sandeep , Saha Suparna Ganguly , Rajkumar Balakrishnan , Dhole Tapan Kumar
Published: March 2017

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three selected root canal irrigants (BioPure MTAD, metronidazole, aztreonam) against microbes commonly isolated from polymicrobial microbiota of root canal infection. Materials and Methods: This study was designed with four experimental groups (Group I - Bacteroides fragilis, Group II - Propionibacterium acnes, Group III - Enterococcus faecalis, Group IV - Candida albicans) based on the microbes selected for the study. Group I and Group II bacteria were used to compare and evaluate antimicrobial effect of BioPure MTAD, metronidazole, aztreonam, and normal saline. Group III and Group IV bacteria were used to compare and evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of BioPure MTAD, aztreonam, and normal saline. Normal saline was used as a control irrigant in this study. Agar disc diffusion method was applied to assess and compare the antimicrobial action of selected irrigants. Results: Metronidazole was found to be the most effective root canal irrigant against B. fragilis and P. acnes among the tested irrigants. Mean zone of inhibition against E. faecalis has been shown to be maximum by BioPure MTAD, followed by aztreonam. Antifungal effect against C. albicans was only shown by BioPure MTAD. Conclusions: Overall, BioPure MTAD is the most effective root canal irrigant as it has shown an antibacterial effect against all the tested microorganisms. However, metronidazole showed maximum antibacterial effect against obligate anaerobes. Aztreonam also showed an antibacterial effect in the present study, raising its possibility to be used as a root canal irrigant in the future.
Attitude and knowledge of isolation in operative field among undergraduate dental students
Authors: Al-Sabri Fuad Abdo , Elmarakby Ahmed Mohamed , Hassan Ahmed Mohammed
Published: March 2017

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general attitude of undergraduate dental students toward rubber dam use, specifically focusing on operative procedures before starting to serve community.Methods:Questionnaires were distributed to undergraduate clinical years' students of two private colleges; Al-Farabi Dental College, Riyadh, KSA and Buraidah Private Colleges, Qassim, KSA. Questions were asked about areas where the students used rubber dam in operative procedures, in which types of caries classes, and in which type of restoration they frequently used the rubber dam.Results: We found that students of both private dental colleges agreed with the opinions that proper isolation cannot be achieved for the restoration of operative procedures without using rubber dam and restoration placed under rubber dam have a greater longevity than those placed without.Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the perceptions of dental students on rubber dam need to be improved and strategies should be developed so that this valuable adjunct will comprise one of the indispensable elements of dental care.
Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of an alternative natural agent for disinfection of toothbrushes
Authors: Vignesh R. , Rekha C. Vishnu , Baghkomeh Parisa Norouzi , Annamalai Sankar , Sharmin Ditto
Published: March 2017

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial potency of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves in two different concentrations as a toothbrush disinfectant against three oral bacterial species.Materials and Methods: Aqueous extracts of P. guajava leaves were prepared at 20% and 30% concentrations and 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as control. The toothbrushes were equally divided into 9 groups with 10 toothbrushes per disinfectant, which were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Microbial culture was done after 5 min and 3 h of decontamination.Results: Group Ia and Ib showed that the presence of E. faecalis was observed in 8 (40%) of 20 toothbrushes. Group IIa and IIb showed a significant reduction in colony forming unit/toothbrush during 3 h evaluation. Group IIIa and IIIb showed nil growth during 3 h evaluation. Nil growth was observed with the control group for all three organisms. Statistically significant values were obtained for 5 min (P < 0.001) and 3 h (P < 0.001) disinfection period against L. acidophilus at two different concentrations.Conclusion: Aqueousextracts of guava leaves can be used as an alternative organic product for disinfection of toothbrushes.
Facial profile and maxillary arch dimensions in unilateral cleft lip and palate children in the mixed dentition stage
Authors: Gopinath Vellore Kannan , Samsudin Ab Rani , Mohd Noor Siti Noor Fazliah , Mohamed Sharab Hady Youssef
Published: March 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vertical and sagittal facial profile and maxillary arch width, depth, and length of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to compare them with healthy noncleft children in the mixed dentition stage (7–13 years). Materials and Methods: This study is conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. UCLP group comprised 48 patients with nonsyndromic UCLP who have had the lip and palate repaired, whereas the control group comprised 48 healthy noncleft cases. The lateral cephalometrics measurements were used to determine the vertical height, sagittal depth of the face, and cranial base length and angle. Maxillary arch dimensions were measured on the study cast including arch width, depth, and length. Results: Vertical facial height and sagittal depth measurements showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the mean growth pattern in UCLP group. The anterior cranial base length (S-N) was shorter in UCLP children (P < 0.001), while Ba-N length had no significant difference (P = 0.639). Nasion-Sella Tursica-Basion angle was significantly higher in the UCLP group (P = 0.016). Dental arch width with reference to canine-to-canine and first premolar-to- first premolar distance was significantly larger in control (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Mean vertical and sagittal facial dimensions in the UCLP children who do not undergo orthodontic treatment are significantly lesser in all directions of growth than healthy noncleft children. The maxillary dental arch had a normal depth but constricted in width and arch length.