bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The European Medicines Agency Review of Bosutinib for the Treatment of Adult Patients With Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Summary of the Scientific Assessment of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use
Authors: Hanaizi Zahra , Unkrig Christoph , Enzmann Harald , Camarero Jorge , Sancho-Lopez Arantxa , Salmonson Tomas , Gisselbrecht Christian , Laane Edward , Pignatti Francesco
Published: March 2014

On March 27, 2013, a conditional marketing authorization valid throughout the European Union was issued for bosutinib (Bosulif) for the treatment of adult patients with chronic-phase, accelerated-phase, and blast-phase Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) previously treated with one tyrosine kinase inhibitor or more and for whom imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib are not considered appropriate treatment options. Bosutinib is a kinase inhibitor that targets the BCR-ABL kinase. The recommended dose is 500 mg of bosutinib once daily. The main evidence of efficacy for bosutinib was based on a CML subgroup analysis of study 3160A4-200, a phase I/II study of bosutinib in Ph+ leukemia in imatinib-resistant or intolerant CML. The subgroup was defined based on the presence of a BCR-ABL kinase domain mutation that would be expected to confer resistance to dasatinib (F317, E255) or nilotinib (E255, Y253, F359) and expected to have sensitivity to bosutinib or based on the presence of medical conditions or prior toxicities that may predispose the patient to unacceptable risk in the setting of nilotinib or dasatinib therapy. A conditional marketing authorization was granted because of the limited evidence of efficacy and safety currently supporting this last-line indication.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity in a Woman With a 9-Year History of Ovarian Cancer: Is Exposure to Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin a Factor?
Authors: Randon Giovanni , Nicoletto M. Ornella , Milite Nicola , Muggia Franco , Conte Pierfranco
Published: March 2014

This paper reports the case of a platinum-sensitive patient who developed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity after exposure to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). The authors conclude that identification of patients at major risk of PLD-related secondary malignancies and strategies for early detection and reduction of oral carcinogenesis are priorities for future study.
Learning From Gus
Authors: Shuman Andrew G.
Published: March 2014

A coalescence of life events highlighted thoughts about dealing with loss as doctors, as patients, and as parents. The unfairness of death is mourned as well as the inability to prevent it. Perhaps in medicine, as in parenthood, people move on, taking memories along for the ride.
Clinical Trial Results: A Clinical Trial Bazaar!
Authors: Fojo Antonio Tito , Bates Susan E.
Published: March 2014

The Oncologist's Clinical Trial Results section welcomes both positive and negative results in an effort to share information, speed discovery, and inform the field. Clinical Trial Results submissions have shown how succinctly the salient features of a submission can be presented, with more in-depth information to be found online.
Electrokinetic properties of pasteurii and aquimarina bacteria
Authors: Keykha Hamed A. , Huat Bujang B. K. , Asadi Afshin , Zareian Mohsen , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: March 2014

An investigation of the electrokinetic properties of Sporosarcina pasteurii and Sporosarcina aquimarina bacteria is presented here. The surface charge of bacteria in different pH values was characterised by zeta potential measurements. Results show that both type strains are pH dependent and have negative zeta potential in the low and high pH range. S. pasteurii has a more negative charge in comparison to S. aquimarina. The bacteria size of S. pasteurii was 2–3 µm, whereas S. aquimarina has a size of 1–2 µm in culture media, which has a potential to transport these type strains into fine soils. The results of the electrophoresis mobility of S. pasteurii bacteria show that the bacteria were transported under electric fields. These results demonstrate that electrokinetics can be used for bacterial transport in soils with low hydraulic conductivity.
Mix design for recycled aggregate thermal insulation concrete with mineral admixtures
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Zhao Lin , Liu Yuanzhen , Li Zhu
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to prepare a type of recycled aggregate thermal insulation concrete (RATIC), in which thermal insulation particles (TIPs) were used as solid sealed ‘holes' instead of air holes to allow the thermal conductivity coefficient of the concrete to be reduced. This paper presents the results of a laboratory study on the performance of natural and recycled aggregate concrete, which was prepared by the incorporation of TIPs and different mineral admixtures including ultrafine slag (UFS), nanosilica (NS) and nanocalcium carbonate (NCC). The compressive strength, thermal conductivity coefficient and dry density of the concrete mixtures were determined. The experimental results demonstrate that glazed hollow beads, at the optimal level of 130%, significantly reduced the thermal conductivity property of the recycled aggregate concrete. The properties of the concrete were improved by the addition of UFS and NS, while NCC produced a negative impact. As far as compressive strength was concerned, the replacement of cement by 10% UFS or 1% NS improved the mechanical performance, while the replacement of cement by 1·5% NCC and the addition of TIPs decreased the compressive strength of the recycled aggregate concretes. The effects of the UFS and NS mineral admixtures produced greater performance improvements in the concrete than the recycled coarse aggregate. Finally, the optimal mix proportion was determined. For this mix, the thermal conductivity coefficient and compressive strength of the concrete were 0·305 W/(m.K) and 46·7 MPa respectively.
Detection and sizing of extended partial blockages in pipelines by means of a stochastic successive linear estimator
Authors: Massari Christian , Yeh Tian Chyi J. , Ferrante Marco , Brunone Bruno , Meniconi Silvia
Published: March 2014

Effective water system management depends upon knowledge of the current state of a water pipeline system network. For example, in many cases, partial blockages in a water pipeline system are a source of inefficiencies, and result in an increase of pumping costs. These anomalies must be detected and corrected as early as possible. In this study, an algorithm is developed for detecting blockages by means of pressure transient measurements and estimating the diameter distribution resulting from their formation. The algorithm is a stochastic successive linear estimator that provides statistically the best unbiased estimate of diameter distribution due to partial blockages and quantifies the uncertainty associated with these estimates. We first present the theoretical formulation of the algorithm and then test it with a numerical case study.
A model for overland flow and associated processes within the Hydroinformatics Modelling System
Authors: Simons Franz , Busse Tobias , Hou Jingming , Özgen Ilhan , Hinkelmann Reinhard
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a numerical model suitable for a broad range of surface flow problems such as overland flow, wetting and drying processes, varying flow conditions and shock waves. It is based on solution of two-dimensional fully dynamic shallow water equations using a cell-centred finite-volume method. Numerical fluxes are computed with a Harten, Lax and van Leer approximate Riemann solver with a contact wave restored. The scheme is second-order accurate in space, and a total variation diminishing method is used to avoid spurious oscillations in the solution. For extending the model to rainfall-runoff applications, infiltration is considered as a constant runoff coefficient and by the Green–Ampt model. The model is implemented in the Hydroinformatics Modelling System, an object-oriented framework that enables the implementation and simulation of single and multiple processes in different spatial and temporal resolutions, as well as their interactions. The capabilities of the model are shown by comparison with analytical solutions and experimental data of a flash flood and a surface runoff experiment. Finally, a real rainfall-runoff event in a small alpine catchment is investigated. Overall, good agreement of numerical and analytical results, as well as measurements, has been obtained.
Pumps as turbines (PATs) in water distribution networks affected by intermittent service
Authors: Puleo Valeria , Fontanazza Chiara Maria , Notaro Vincenza , De Marchis Mauro , Freni Gabriele , La Loggia Goffredo
Published: March 2014

A hydraulic model was developed in order to evaluate the potential energy recovery from the use of centrifugal pumps as turbines (PATs) in a water distribution network characterized by the presence of private tanks. The model integrates the Global Gradient Algorithm (GGA), with a pressure-driven model that permits a more realistic representation of the influence on the network behaviour of the private tanks filling and emptying. The model was applied to a real case study: a District Metered Area in Palermo (Italy). Three different scenarios were analysed and compared with a baseline scenario (Scenario 0 – no PAT installed) to identify the system configuration with added PATs that permits the maximal energy recovery without penalizing the hydraulic network performance. In scenarios involving PAT on service connections, the specification of PAT operational parameters was also evaluated by means of Monte Carlo Analysis. The centralized solution with a PAT installed downstream of the inlet node of the analysed district, combined with local PATs on the larger service connections, proves to be the most energy-efficient scenario.
Using remote sensing to enhance modelling of fine sediment dynamics in the Dutch coastal zone
Authors: Kamel A. M. Y. , El Serafy G. Y. , Bhattacharya B. , van Kessel T. , Solomatine D. P.
Published: March 2014

Modelling fine sediment dynamics, including transport, deposition and re-suspension, is very complex. This led to studies that validate the modelled suspended particulate matter (SPM) based on in-situ measurements. While in-situ measurements are often sparse in time and space, satellite measurements provide us with higher spatial and temporal resolution. This information can be used to validate and enhance the model's capability of predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of SPM. In this paper, the SPM retrieved from the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) on board European Space Agency's ENVISAT spacecraft is used to carry out a thorough calibration and validation of the SPM description provided by the Delft3DWAQ model of the Southern North Sea for the year 2007. In an uncertainty analysis framework, the key model parameters affecting the SPM distributions were first identified in predefined physical regions. The sensitivity of the model to slight changes in those parameters is tested and the spatial and temporal errors compared to remote sensing images were identified and a new set of parameters has been suggested and further subjected to uncertainty to define prediction intervals of the SPM distribution at a number of locations. The so-called adapted model has been validated against independent data and has shown a decrease in errors, particularly along the Dutch coast.
Automated construction of evolutionary algorithm operators for the bi-objective water distribution network design problem using a genetic programming based hyper-heuristic approach
Authors: McClymont Kent , Keedwell Edward C. , Savić Dragan , Randall-Smith Mark
Published: March 2014

The water distribution network (WDN) design problem is primarily concerned with finding the optimal pipe sizes that provide the best service for minimal cost; a problem of continuing importance both in the UK and internationally. Consequently, many methods for solving this problem have been proposed in the literature, often using tailored, hand-crafted approaches to more effectively optimise this difficult problem. In this paper we investigate a novel hyper-heuristic approach that uses genetic programming (GP) to evolve mutation operators for evolutionary algorithms (EAs) which are specialised for a bi-objective formulation of the WDN design problem (minimising WDN cost and head deficit). Once generated, the evolved operators can then be used ad infinitum in any EA on any WDN to improve performance. A novel multi-objective method is demonstrated that evolves a set of mutation operators for one training WDN. The best operators are evaluated in detail by applying them to three test networks of varying complexity. An experiment is conducted in which 83 operators are evolved. The best 10 are examined in detail. One operator, GP1, is shown to be especially effective and incorporates interesting domain-specific learning (pipe smoothing) while GP5 demonstrates the ability of the method to find known, well-used operators like a Gaussian.
Development of HydroClimatic Conceptual Streamflow (HCCS) model for tropical river basin
Authors: Bhagwat Parag P. , Maity Rajib
Published: March 2014

Combined processes of land-surface hydrology and hydroclimatology influence the response of a watershed to different hydroclimatic variables. In this paper, streamflow response of a watershed to hydrometeorological variables is investigated over a part of two tropical Indian rivers – Narmada and Mahanadi. The proposed HydroClimatic Conceptual Streamflow (HCCS) model is able to consider the time-varying basin characteristics and major hydrologic processes to model basin-scale streamflow using climate inputs at a daily scale. In addition, the proposed model is able to provide additional overall estimates of ground water recharge component and evapotranspiration component from the entire basin. Moreover, ability to consider the time-varying watershed characteristics and hydroclimatic inputs renders the proposed model usable for assessment of future streamflow variation. This application is also investigated for both the study basins. In general, the methodological approach of the proposed model can be applied to other tropical basins for daily streamflow modelling as well as future streamflow assessment.
Process design and management for integrated flood risk management: exploring the multi-layer safety approach for Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Authors: van Herk Sebastiaan , Zevenbergen Chris , Gersonius Berry , Waals Hans , Kelder Ellen
Published: March 2014

New flood risk management policies account for climate and socio-economic change by embracing a more integrated approach. Their implementation processes require: collaboration between a group of stakeholders; combining objectives and funding from various policy domains; consideration of a range of possible options at all spatial scale levels and for various time horizons. Literature provides limited guidance on how to organise a collaborative planning process to devise integrated flood risk management (IFRM) plans. This paper presents a case study where a recently developed framework for process design and management has been used and evaluates whether or not the collaborative planning process led to an IFRM plan. The case study is Dordrecht (NL) where the new multi-layer-safety (MLS) approach has been applied in the context of the Delta Programme. The Delta Programme investigates how the Netherlands can adapt to the effects of climate change. MLS comprises three flood safety layers to reduce flood risk: flood protection, spatial planning, and emergency response. The framework has been shown to be effective in the delivery of an IFRM plan, it has been enriched by defining the interfaces between and phasing of planning activities, and can be further improved to better guide implementation and governance activities.
First Case of Liver Abscess in Scandinavia Due to the International Hypervirulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae Clone ST23
Authors: Gundestrup Svend , Struve Carsten , Stahlhut Steen G. , Hansen Dennis SchrØder
Published: March 2014

This is the first case report from Scandinavia of a pyogenic liver abscess caused by a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate belonging to the international hyper virulent clone ST23. The patient, an 85-year old Caucasian, had no history of foreign travel or any classical predisposing factors for infection. The isolate was hypermucoviscous of capsular serotype K1 and carried the virulence factors aerobactin, allS, kfu and rmpA.
Imitation in Mediation: Effects of the Duration of Mimicry on Reaching Agreement
Authors: Fischer-Lokou Jacques , Guéguen Nicolas , Lamy Lubomir , Martin Angélique , Bullock Andrea
Published: March 2014

We conducted 2 experiments (N = 180 participants in Study 1 and N = 102 in Study 2) to examine the effect of imitation shown by a mediator towards negotiators who were on opposing sides in regard to a financial decision being made by a fictitious company. Contrary to what
was expected, data in the first study showed that, when the mediator imitated the negotiator during the first 5 minutes of an interview, this was insufficient to predispose negotiators to be more likely to reach an agreement with one another. The results in the second study showed that imitation
conducted over a longer time and repeated more often during negotiations predisposed opposing parties to be more likely to agree with one another. Applications and limitations of these studies are discussed.
The Relationship Between Work Stress and Mental Health in Medical Workers in East China
Authors: Hu Yixin , Wang Dawei , Xu Guangxing , Xu Ping
Published: March 2014

We evaluated the relationship between work stress and mental health in 440 medical workers in East China. We used a modified version of the Work Stress Profile with good psychometric properties to evaluate 3 dimensions of work stress: task, interpersonal relationship, and role ambiguity.
Results showed that role ambiguity work stress was higher in women than in men and overall work stress and task work stress were higher in married than in unmarried participants. In addition, overall work stress and interpersonal relationship work stress were higher in participants who worked
in urban areas than in those who worked in rural areas. Work stress was positively correlated with mental health, which was measured with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. Interpersonal relationship work stress and role ambiguity work stress were significant predictors of mental health.
Compassion as the Affective Dimension of Public Service Motivation in a Chinese Context
Authors: Liu Bangcheng , Zhang Xiaoyi , Lv Xiaojun
Published: March 2014

We investigated the generalizability of compassion as the affective dimension of public service motivation (PSM) as observed in Western society to the context of social workers in China. We also examined the effects of compassion on job satisfaction. We found that the affective
dimension of PSM was present in the Chinese social workers. However, we split the factorial structure of Perry's (1996) original 8-item scale into 2 subgroups of negatively and positively phrased items (4 items in each subgroup). Further analysis indicated that the shortened scale of 4 negative
items had the best fit. We also found that compassion had a marginally positive relationship with job satisfaction of the social workers.
Individual Differences in Risk-Taking Tendency and Framing Effect
Authors: Huangfu Gang
Published: March 2014

I investigated the relationship between framing effect and individuals' level of tendency to take risks. The results showed that the strength of the tendency of individuals to take risks influences the occurrence of framing effect. Frame had relatively less impact on those participants
whose tendency to take risks was stronger than that of other people and people in this group tended to pursue risks in both positive and negative frame conditions. Frame had a stronger impact on those participants with a weaker risk-taking tendency, and they tended to avoid risks under positive
framing conditions but pursued risks under negative framing. These results explain the preference shift phenomenon, whereby a tendency to take risks under a positive framing condition becomes stronger under a negative framing condition (unidirectional framing effect), that has been found in
previous studies. The results also confirmed that framing influenced participants' reaction time, which was shorter in the positive frame condition than in the negative frame condition.
Mediating Effect of Social Support on the Relationship Between Self-Evaluation and Depression
Authors: Ma Ze-wei , Quan Peng , Liu Tian
Published: March 2014

An inverse relationship between self-evaluation and depression has been established in previous research. In this study we tested hypotheses that social support acts as a mediator between self-evaluation and depression. A sample of 538 undergraduates completed a series of questionnaires
to measure self-evaluation, depression, and social support. As predicted, correlations were found for self-evaluation, depression, and social support. Social support was shown to be a partial mediator in the relationship between self-evaluation and depression thus supporting our hypotheses.
Influence of Characteristics of the Internet of Things on Consumer Purchase Intention
Authors: Chang YaPing , Dong XueBing , Sun Wei
Published: March 2014

We studied the mechanism of the influence of the Internet of Things (IOT) product characteristics on consumer purchase intention. The results of a survey of 360 consumers showed that 6 dimensions of IOT product characteristics influence purchase intention; namely connectivity, interactivity,
telepresence, intelligence, convenience, and security. We found that customer experience was the key mediating variable in the relationship between IOT product characteristics and purchase intention. Connectivity, interactivity, telepresence, intelligence, convenience, and security all positively
influenced purchase intention via functional experience. Furthermore, connectivity, telepresence, convenience, and security positively influenced purchase intention via emotional experience. Our findings in the study provide some points of reference for improvement of IOT product design.
Flow cytometric determination of osmotic behaviour of animal erythrocytes toward their engineering for drug delivery
Authors: Kostic Ivana , Ilic Vesna , Bukara Katarina , Mojsilovic Slavko , Djuric Zorka , Draskovic Petra , Bugarski Branko
Published: March 2014

Despite the fact that the methods based on the osmotic properties of the
cells are the most widely used for loading of drugs in human and animal
erythrocytes, data related to the osmotic properties of erythrocytes derived
from animal blood are scarce. This work was performed with an aim to
investigate the possibility of use the flow cytometry as a tool for
determination the osmotic behaviour of porcine and bovine erythrocytes, and
thus facilitate the engineering of erythrocytes from animal blood to be drug
carriers. The method of flow cytometry successfully provided the information
about bovine and porcine erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and made the initial
steps in assessment of erythrocyte shape in a large number of erythrocytes.
Although this method is not able to confirm the swelling of pig erythrocytes,
it indicated to the differences in pig erythrocytes that had basic
hematological parameters inside and outside the reference values. In order to
apply/use the porcine and bovine erythrocytes as drug carriers, the method of
flow cytometry, confirming the presence of osmotically different fractions of
red blood cells, indicated that various amounts of the encapsulated drug in
porcine and bovine erythrocytes can be expected.
Political Scrutiny and Tax Law Compliance: Evidence from the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
Authors: Cao Jian , Chen Yunhao , Clemons Roy , Kinney Michael R.
Published: March 2014

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act [U.S. House of Representatives 2004]) created a tax holiday encouraging firms to repatriate foreign earnings and invest that capital in the United States. However, the Act did not require a direct tracing of the spending of repatriated funds; accordingly, repatriating firms could ignore the investment prescriptions of the Act, since tax regulators were provided no legally viable basis to pursue violations of the spending requirements. We use this event to provide evidence on the effect of political scrutiny on firms' tax law compliance in a setting where regulatory enforcement plays essentially no role. Our findings suggest that repatriating firms facing greater levels of policymaker scrutiny, relative to other repatriating firms, exhibited greater compliance with the Act by increasing relative expenditures on permitted uses (R&D investment) and restraining expenditures on nonpermitted uses. We also find that the spending patterns are different only for the group of high-scrutiny firms (i.e., there is a threshold effect). Our estimates imply that the repatriation tax holiday induced, among such high-scrutiny firms alone, $0.41 of additional R&D spending per revenue dollar forgone by the Treasury under the Act. The evidence is generally consistent with the political cost hypothesis.

Data Availability: The data used for this study are from the public sources identified in the text, with the exception of the marginal tax rate data provided by John Graham from Duke University.
The Association Between Patient-Reported Self-management Behavior, Intermediate Clinical Outcomes, and Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the KORA-A Study
Authors: Laxy Michael , Mielck Andreas , Hunger Matthias , Schunk Michaela , Meisinger Christa , Rückert Ina-Maria , Rathmann Wolfgang , Holle Rolf
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the impact of diabetes self-management behavior (SMB) on long-term outcomes. We aimed to examine the association among patient-reported SMB, intermediate clinical outcomes, and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were collected from 340 patients with type 2 diabetes of the KORA-A study (1997/1998) who were recruited from two previous population-based surveys (n = 161) and a myocardial infarction registry (n = 179) in southern Germany. Based on previous methodological work, a high level of SMB was defined as being compliant with at least four of six different self-care dimensions, comprising physical exercise, foot care, blood glucose self-monitoring, weight monitoring, having a diet plan, and keeping a diabetes diary. The vital status of the participants was observed until 2009. Multivariable linear, logistic, and Cox regression models were applied to assess the association with intermediate clinical outcomes at baseline and to predict mortality over the follow-up period, adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and disease-related factors.

RESULTS

In the cross-sectional perspective, a high level of SMB was weakly associated with a lower glycated hemoglobin A1c level (−0.44% [−4.8 mmol/mol] [95% CI −0.88 to 0.00]), but not with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, or the presence of microalbuminuria, peripheral arterial disease, or polyneuropathy. During a mean follow-up time of 11.6 years, 189 patients died. SMB was a preventive factor for all-cause (hazard ratio 0.61 [95% CI 0.40–0.91]) and cardiovascular mortality (0.65 [95% CI 0.41–1.03]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although measuring SMB is difficult and the used operationalization might be limited, our results give some indication that a high level of SMB is associated with prolonged life expectancy in patients with type 2 diabetes and highlight the potential impact of the patients’ active contribution on the long-term trajectory of the disease. We assume that the used proxy for SMB is associated with unmeasured, but important, dimensions of health behavior.
Simultaneous GLP-1 and Insulin Administration Acutely Enhances Their Vasodilatory, Antiinflammatory, and Antioxidant Action in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Novials Anna , Canivell Silvia , La Sala Lucia , Pujadas Gemma , Esposito Katherine , Testa Roberto , Bucciarelli Loredana , Rondinelli Maurizio , Genovese Stefano
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the simultaneous administration of GLP-1 and insulin may increase their vasodilatory, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant action in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In two groups of persons with type 2 diabetes, two sets of experiments were performed. The first group had two normoglycemic-normoinsulinemic clamps with or without GLP-1 and two normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with or without GLP-1. The second group had two hyperglycemic-normoinsulinemic clamps and two hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps with or without GLP-1.

RESULTS

During the normoglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) increased, while soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1), plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), nitrotyrosine, and interleukin (IL)-6 decreased compared with normoglycemic-normoinsulinemic clamp. Similar results were obtained with the infusion of GLP-1 during the normoglycemic-normoinsulinemic clamp. The combination of hyperinsulinemia and GLP-1 in normoglycemia was accompanied by a further FMD increase and sICAM-1, 8-iso-PGF2α, nitrotyrosine, and IL-6 decrease. During the hyperglycemic-normoinsulinemic clamp, FMD significantly decreased, while sICAM-1, 8-iso-PGF2α, nitrotyrosine, and IL-6 significantly increased. When hyperglycemia was accompanied by hyperinsulinemia or by the simultaneous infusion of GLP-1, these phenomena were attenuated. The simultaneous presence of hyperinsulinemia and GLP-1 had an increased beneficial effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the combination of insulin and GLP-1 is more effective than insulin or GLP-1 alone in improving endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.
Effect of a bandage or tendon boot on skin temperature of the metacarpus at rest and after exercise in horses
Authors: Westermann Simone , Windsteig Viola , Schramel Johannes P. , Peham Christian
Published: March 2014

Objective—To determine the skin temperature of the metacarpus in horses associated with the use of bandages and tendon boots, compared with the bare limb, at rest and after 20 minutes of lunging.

Animals—10 adult horses.

Procedures—Skin temperature on the bare metacarpus of both forelimbs was measured at rest and after lunging. Subsequently, a bandage was applied to the left metacarpus and a tendon boot to the right metacarpus and skin temperature was measured at rest and after lunging. Skin temperature was measured with fixed sensors and thermographically.

Results—Mean ± SD skin temperatures of the bare metacarpi were 14.1 ± 2.4°C (left) and 14.1 ± 3.4°C (right) at rest, and 14.4 ± 1.8°C (left) and 13.6 ± 2.6°C (right) after exercise. Skin temperatures under the bandage were 15.3 ± 1.6°C at rest and 24.8 ± 3.6°C after exercise. Skin temperatures under the tendon boot were 15.3 ± 2.6°C at rest and 20.6 ± 2.9°C after exercise. Skin temperatures under the bandage and tendon boot were significantly higher after exercise than at rest. Skin temperatures at rest were not significantly different with a bare limb, bandage, or tendon boot.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Skin temperature of the metacarpus in horses increased significantly during exercise but not at rest when a bandage or tendon boot was used. The authors speculate that both a bandage and a tendon boot accelerate the warmup phase of exercise. Further research should focus on the effects of warmup and maximum exercise on the temperature of other anatomic structures such as tendons.
Effects of ultraviolet radiation produced from artificial lights on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in captive domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi)
Authors: Emerson Jessica A. , Whittington Julia K. , Allender Matthew C. , Mitchell Mark A.
Published: March 2014

Objective—To determine the effects of UVB radiation produced by artificial lights on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi).

Animals—9 juvenile domestic rabbits.

Procedures—After an acclimation period, rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane, and an initial blood sample was collected for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive 12-hour exposure to UVB radiation produced by 2 compact fluorescent lights daily (n = 5) or no UVB supplementation (4) commencing on day 1. The UVB radiation emitted into the cage was measured at 9 points approximately 34 cm from the surface of the UVB light sources (representing the position of the rabbits in the cage) after 10 hours of exposure on days 1, 8, and 14. On day 14, another blood sample was collected from anesthetized rabbits for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration.

Results—The UVB radiation level was 8.3 to 58.1 μW/cm2 for the exposed rabbits and consistently < 0.001 μW/cm2 for the control rabbits. Mean ± SD serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in the rabbits that were or were not provided supplemental UVB radiation for 14 days differed significantly (66.4 ± 14.3 nmol/L and 31.7 ± 9.9 nmol/L, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Exposure to UVB radiation produced by artificial light significantly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in juvenile rabbits. Because vitamin D is an essential hormone in vertebrates, these findings suggested that the provision of supplemental UVB radiation to captive rabbits may be important.
Relation between Emotion Regulation and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis Review
Authors: Hu Tianqiang , Zhang Dajun , Wang Jinliang , Mistry Ritesh , Ran Guangming , Wang Xinqiang
Published: March 2014

This meta-analysis examined the relationship between emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) and mental health (measured by life-satisfaction, positive affect, depression, anxiety, and negative affect). 48 studies, which included 51 independent samples, 157 effect sizes, and 21,150 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that cognitive reappraisal was correlated significantly and positively with positive indicators of mental health ( r=.26) and negatively with negative indicators of mental health ( r=–.20). Expressive suppression was correlated negatively with positive indicators of mental health ( r=–.12), and positively with negative indicators of mental health ( r=.15). Expressive suppression was correlated positively with positive indicators of mental health within the category of samples with Western cultural values ( r=–.11) but not the category with Eastern cultural values. Moreover, the correlation of expressive suppression and negative indicators of mental health was stronger in the Western cultural values category ( r=.19) than in the Eastern cultural values category ( r=.06). Therefore, it is necessary for follow-up studies about emotion regulation and mental health to consider some moderator variable like the culture.
Comparing Technical Proficiency of Elite Table Tennis Players with Intellectual Disability: Simulation Testing versus Game Play
Authors: van Biesen Debbie , Mactavish Jennifer J. , Vanlandewijck Yves C.
Published: March 2014

Technical skill proficiency among elite table tennis players with intellectual disabilities (ID) was investigated in this study using two approaches: an off-court simulation testing protocol and an on-court, standardized observational framework during game play. Participants included 24 players with ID ( M age = 25 yr., SD = 6; M IQ = 61, SD = 9), the top 16 performers, 13 men and 11 women, at the International Federation for sport for para-athletes with an intellectual disability (Inas) World Championships. Self-reported table tennis training experience of the players was 13 ± 5 yr. In the Simulation Testing condition, players were instructed to play five sets of basic and five sets of advanced skills, which were subsequently assessed by experts using a standardized and validated observational protocol. The same protocol was used to assess the same skills during Game Play. Ratings of overall technical proficiency were not significantly different between Simulation Testing and Game Play conditions. There was a strong positive correlation between technical proficiency measured during Game Play vs Simulation Testing for the variables flick, topspin forehand, and topspin backhand. No correlations were found for the variables contra, block, and push. Insight into this relationship is important for future development of classification systems for ID athletes in the Paralympic Games, because comparing competition observation with the athlete's potential shown during the classification session is essential information for classifiers to confirm the athlete's competition class.
Bandwidth Knowledge of Results on the Learning of the Saloon Dart Throwing Task
Authors: Coca-Ugrinowitsch Alessandra Aguilar , Benda Rodolfo Novellino , Aburachid Layla Maria , De Andrade André Gustavo Pereira , Greco Pablo Juan , Menzel Hans-Joacmn Karl , Ugrinowitsch Herbert
Published: March 2014

The effects of two different bandwidths of information of Knowledge of Results (KR) were investigated. 54 university students participated. The experiment consisted of an acquisition phase with practice of throwing a saloon dart as accurately as possible at a target lying on the floor 2.5 meters away until a specific area of the target was hit three trials in a row. Narrow bandwidth and Wide bandwidth groups received KR when performance was outside the bandwidth. A Control group received KR after every trial. A transfer test was run 10 min. later with 10 more trials and the target 3.0 m away, with no KR. Analyses showed that narrow KR bandwidth was associated with better learning of real world tasks.
RPE-Derived Work Rates Can Be Accurately Produced without External Feedback or Reference to the RPE Scale
Authors: Mauger Alexis R. , Huntley Tabo , Fletcher Iain M.
Published: March 2014

Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are used to prescribe exercise intensity. This study assessed whether the accurate production of exercise intensity is affected when the rater cannot see the RPE scale. After completing a graded exercise test, 15 active, male participants ( M age = 34, SD = 6.7 yr.; M mass = 73.9, SD = 14.8 kg, M height = 1.74, SD = 0.08 m) completed 3 × 4 min. cycling trials at four randomised RPE-based intensities (RPEs 11, 13, 15, and 17). Participants were allocated to a Full feedback group or a No feedback group (RPEs not in view). On the third trial, No feedback conditions were imposed on the Full feedback group. No statistically significant differences between groups' mean work rates were observed. Changing from Full feedback to No feedback conditions led to a significant overestimation between the trials for power output at RPE 11. Intra-class correlations were significant at RPEs 11, 13, and 17 between all trials for both conditions. Provided adequate familiarisation, active participants can accurately produce RPE derived work rates, even when RPE is not in view.
DDT and Personal Violence (Suicide and Homicide)
Authors: Lester David , Braaten Gary
Published: March 2014

For 12 industrialized nations in 1965, suicide and homicide rates were not associated with the per capita use of DDT.
Successful treatment of cardiogenic shock with an intraaortic balloon pump following aluminium phosphide poisoning
Authors: Mehrpour Omid , Amouzeshi Ahmad , Dadpour Bita , Oghabian Zohreh , Zamani Nasim , Amini Shahram , Hoffman Robert S.
Published: March 2014

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a highly toxic pesticide that inhibits cytochrome oxidase c and causes oxidative stress. Death results from refractory cardiogenic shock due to myocardial dysfunction. There is very little information regarding extracorporeal life support in severe AlP poisoning. Although several therapies are available, none are curative. We report on the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in a 24-year-old woman brought to our hospital after an intentional ingestion of a tablet of AlP (3 g), which caused refractory AlP-induced cardiogenic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient underwent gastric lavage with potassium permanganate, received sodium bicarbonate intravenously, and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Echocardiography at 36 h post ingestion showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <20 %. An IABP was inserted and the patient’s vital signs stabilised. After eight days, the IABP was removed and on day 20, the patient’s LVEF increased to 50 %. IABP was successfully used and may improve future prognoses for severely poisoned AlP patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. We encourage clinical toxicologists to examine this new treatment.
Assessment of coarse and fine hand motor performance in asymptomatic subjects exposed to hand-arm vibration
Authors: Popević Martin B. , Janković Srđan M. , Borjanović Srđan S. , Jovičić Slavica R. , Tenjović Lazar R. , Milovanović Aleksandar P.S. , Bulat Petar
Published: March 2014

A frequently encountered exposure profile for hand-arm vibration in contemporary occupational setting comprises workers with a long history of intermittent exposure but without detectable signs of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Yet, most of the published studies deal with developed HAVS cases, rarely discussing the biological processes that may be involved in degradation of manual dexterity and grip strength when it can be most beneficial - during the asymptomatic stage. In the present paper, a group of 31 male asymptomatic vibration-exposed workers (according to the Stockholm Workshop Scale) were compared against 30 male controls. They were tested using dynamometry and dexterimetry (modelling coarse and fine manual performance respectively) and cold provocation was done to detect possible differences in manual performance drop on these tests. The results showed reduced manual dexterity but no significant degradation in hand grip strength in the exposed subjects. This suggests that intermittent exposure profile and small cumulative vibration dose could only lead to a measurable deficit in manual dexterity but not hand grip strength even at non-negligible A(8) levels and long term exposures.
Abnormal sperm morphology in mouse germ cells after short-term exposures to acetamiprid, propineb, and their mixture
Authors: Rasgele Pinar Göç
Published: March 2014

Pesticides are one of the most potent environmental contaminants, which accumulate in biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. Acetamiprid (Acm), a neonicotinoid insecticide, and Propineb (Pro), a dithiocarbamate fungicide, are widely used to control sucking insects and fungal infections on crops, respectively. The present study was undertaken to investigate the genotoxic effects of these compounds, individually and in mixtures, in mouse germ cells by using the sperm morphology assay. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.625, 1.25, and 2.50 μg mL-1 of Acm, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg mL-1 of Pro, and their mixture at the same concentrations over 24 and 48 h. Acm did not significantly increase the percentage of abnormal sperm at any concentration. The frequency of abnormal sperm significantly increased after 24 and 48 h of exposure to 50 μg mL-1 of Pro. The mixtures of 2.50 μg mL-1 of Acm and 50 μg mL-1 of Pro induced sperm abnormalities antagonistically both after 24 and 48 h of exposure. Results suggest that Acm was non-genotoxic for mouse germ cells, while Pro may have been a germ cell mutagen due to the observed increase in the frequency of sperm abnormalities. However, to gain better insight into the mutagenicity and DNA damaging potential of both of these pesticides, further studies at molecular level should be done.
3-nitrotyrosine levels in dichlorvos-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Guvenç Dilek , Aksoy Abdurrahman , Kursad Yavuz , Atmaca Enes , Yavuz Oguzhan
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate dichlorvos toxicity in terms of nitro-oxidative stress by determining 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels in the fore, mid, and hindbrain regions in acutely exposed rats. Male Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups of eight. Group 1 was administered a single intraperitoneal dichlorvos dose of 1.8 mg kg-1 (0.1xLD50) and group 2 a dose of 9 mg kg-1 (0.5xLD50). The control group received 0.5 mL saline solution via the same route. 3-NT and tyrosine (TYR) levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and expressed as a ratio of 3-NT to TYR. The 3-NT/1000 TYR ratios increased significantly in the fore-, mid- and hindbrains of the exposed groups compared to control (p<0.01). In the forebrain, the increase was also significant between the treated groups. Our study has confirmed that acute exposure to dichlorvos leads to nitro-oxidative stress in the brain and that 3-NT may play a role in the mechanism of dichlorvos neurotoxicity.
Biopharmaceutical characterisation of ciprofloxacin-metallic ion interactions: Comparative study into the effect of aluminium, calcium, zinc and iron on drug solubility and dissolution
Authors: Stojković Aleksandra , Tajber Lidia , Paluch Krzysztof J. , Djurić Zorica , Parojčić Jelena , Corrigan Owen I.
Published: March 2014

Ciprofloxacin bioavailability may be reduced when ciprofloxacin is co-administered with metallic ion containing preparations. In our previous study, physicochemical interaction between ciprofloxacin and ferrous sulphate was successfully simulated in vitro. In the present work, comparative in vitro ciprofloxacin solubility and dissolution studies were performed in the reactive media containing aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate or zinc sulphate. Solid phases collected from the dissolution vessel with aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and zinc sulphate were investigated for their properties. The results obtained indicate that different types of adducts may form and retard ciprofloxacin solubility and dissolution. In the case of aluminium, no phase changes were observed. The solid phase generated in the presence of calcium carbonate was identified as hydrated ciprofloxacin base. Similarly to iron, a new complex consistent with Zn(SO4)2(Cl)2(ciprofloxacin)2 × nH2O stoichiometry was generated in the presence of relatively high concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and zinc sulphate, indicating that small volume dissolution experiments can be useful for biorelevant dissolution tests.
Some variables affecting the characteristics of Eudragit E-sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complex as a tablet matrix for diltiazem hydrochloride
Authors: Yusif Rehab Mohammad , Hashim Irhan Ibrahim Abu , El-Dahan Marwa Salah
Published: March 2014

Eudragit E (EE)-sodium alginate (SA) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were prepared at pH 4 and 5.8 using sodium alginate of high (SAH) and low viscosity (SAL). The optimum EE-SA complexation mass ratio was determined using viscosity measurements. Interactions between EE and SA in PECs were characterized by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ HCl) tablets were prepared using the prepared EE-SA PECs and their physical mixtures at different ratios as matrices. Tablets were evaluated for swelling characteristics and in vitro drug release. Tablets containing EE-SAH physical mixtures of ratios (1.5:1 and 1:3) as matrices were effective in achieving sustained release of DTZ HCl, where the percent drug released was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared to that from tablets either containing the same ratios of EE-SAL physical mixtures or the preformed EE- -SAH and EE-SAL PECs.