bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia on Reverse Remodeling, Heart Failure, and Treated Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in MADIT‐CRT
Authors: MITTAL SUNEET , AKTAS MEHMET K. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , MCNITT SCOTT , KUTYIFA VALENTINA , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH
Published: May 2014

PVCs/NSVT and Outcomes in MADIT‐CRT

Introduction

This study determined whether the presence of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was predictive of clinical events in MADIT‐CRT (multicenter automatic defibrillator implantation trial‐cardiac resynchronization therapy) patients treated with CRT‐defibrillator.

Methods and Results

We analyzed 24‐hour Holters for the presence of NSVT. Patients were then stratified by the etiology (ischemic or nonischemic) of cardiomyopathy. The impact of NSVT on heart failure events (HF), implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy for rapid ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation (VF), and reverse remodeling was determined. At least a single episode of NSVT was recorded in 483 (49%) patients. These patients had a higher burden of premature ventricular contractions, lower percentage of biventricular (BiV) pacing, and significantly less reduction in left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes. The risk of HF was significantly greater in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and NSVT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–5.61; P = 0.002). The risk of rapid VT/VF was significantly greater (in both ischemic and nonischemic patients) when NSVT was observed (HR 2.06; 95% CI: 1.30–3.26; P = 0.002 in ischemic patients; HR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.80–5.28; P < 0.001 in nonischemic patients).

Conclusions

MADIT‐CRT patients with NSVT had a high burden of ventricular ectopy, lower percentage of BiV pacing, and less reverse remodeling. These patients had an increase in HF (in nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients) and rapid VT/VF ICD therapies (in ischemic and nonischemic patients). These findings may have implications for the management of nonsustained ventricular ectopy in CRT patients.
Pseuderanthemum pubescens sp. nov. (Acanthaceae) from Thailand
Authors: Choopan Thiamhathai , Grote Paul J.
Published: May 2014

Pseuderanthemum pubescens T. Choopan & P. J. Grote, a new species from southeastern Thailand is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. longistylum J. B. Imlay by leaves being pubescent instead of glabrous and by the corolla lobes being purple with reddish purple dots on all 5 lobes instead of dotted on lower lip only.
Angiotensin‐(1–7) Prevent Atrial Tachycardia Induced Sodium Channel Remodeling
Authors: WANG XUEWEN , LI GUANGPING
Published: May 2014

Background

Activation of the renin‐angiotensin system plays an important role in atrial electrical remodeling; angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)) counterbalances the actions of angiotensin II. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Ang‐(1–7) on cardiac sodium current (INa) in a canine model of atrial tachycardia.

Methods

Eighteen dogs were randomly assigned to sham, pacing, or pacing + Ang‐(1–7) groups (n = 6 in each group). Rapid atrial pacing (500 beats/min) was maintained for 2 weeks, while the dogs in the sham group were not paced. Ang‐(1–7) (6 μg/kg/h) was administered intravenously during pacing. Whole‐cell patch clamp techniques were utilized to record INa from canine atrial myocytes. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to assess possible underlying changes in cardiac Na+ channels (Nav1.5).

Results

Our results showed that INa density and expression of the Nav1.5 mRNA significantly decreased following pacing (P < 0.05 vs sham); however, the half‐activation voltage (V1/2act) and half‐inactivation voltage (V1/2inact) of INa were not significantly altered (P > 0.05 vs sham). Ang‐(1–7) treatment significantly increased INa densities and hyperpolarized V1/2act without concomitant changes in V1/2inact but have no effect on the expression of the Nav1.5 gene.

Conclusions

Ang‐(1–7) significantly increased INa densities, which contributed to improving intraatrial conduction and decreasing the likelihood of atrial fibrillation maintenance.
Bioengineered Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Analogue Delivered as an Angiogenic Therapy Significantly Restores Viscoelastic Material Properties of Infarcted Cardiac Muscle
Authors: Trubelja Alen , MacArthur John W. , Sarver Joseph J. , Cohen Jeffrey E. , Hung George , Shudo Yasuhiro , Fairman Alexander S. , Patel Jay , Edwards Bryan B. , Damrauer Scott M. , Hiesinger William , Atluri Pavan , Joseph Woo Y.
Published: May 2014

Ischemic heart disease is a major health problem worldwide, and current therapies fail to address microrevascularization. Previously, our group demonstrated that the sustained release of novel engineered stromal cell-derived factor 1-α analogue (ESA) limits infarct spreading, collagen deposition, improves cardiac function by promoting angiogenesis in the region surrounding the infarct, and restores the tensile properties of infarcted myocardium. In this study, using a well-established rat model of ischemic cardiomyopathy, we describe a novel and innovative method for analyzing the viscoelastic properties of infarcted myocardium. Our results demonstrate that, compared with a saline control group, animals treated with ESA have significantly improved myocardial relaxation rates, while reducing the transition strain, leading to restoration of left ventricular mechanics.
Fabrication of Polymer-Derived Silicon Oxycarbide Microparts and Their Mechanical Characteristics
Authors: Namazu Takahiro , Kudara Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Yoshio
Published: May 2014

In this paper, fabrication and mechanical characterization of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) microparts made from polycarbosilane (PCS) precursor is described. The developed fabrication technique is a combination of ultraviolet thick photoresist lithography and slip casting. The slips consisting of β-SiC nanoparticles and a PCS solution are cast into SU-8 photoresist micromold, fabricated on a porous tungsten carbide plate. The plate works as a filter for solid–liquid separation. The cast slips are fired at 1000 °C in N2 gas flow for an hour. During the firing, the SiOC body can be released from the mold because of SU-8 vaporization at 450 °C. By using the technique, we have successfully produced SiOC microgears with diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. To improve the mechanical reliability, the polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process is carried out. The influence of the PIP process is evaluated by means of the nanoindentation test. The Young's modulus and hardness are increased with increasing PIP process cycles. From energy dispersive X-ray measurement results, it is found that their distributions are related to the amount of oxygen and the carbon-to-silicon ratio.
Kinematic Synthesis of Structures for Metamorphic Serial Manipulators
Authors: Valsamos Charalampos , Moulianitis Vassilis , Aspragathos Nikos
Published: May 2014

In this work a method for the kinematic synthesis of structure topologies for modular metamorphic serial manipulators is presented. A detailed description of this class of robot manipulators is presented, in order to clarify their basic elements and their basic structural definitions. Based on these, the metamorphic structure representation (MSR) is proposed for the systematic representation of this type of metamorphic manipulator structures. A thorough examination of the possible metamorphic links that can be constructed is presented and used for the definition of the manipulator's structure evaluation criteria, to formulate a multicriteria evaluation index. The problem of the optimal kinematic synthesis of metamorphic structures is formulated and the process of automated generation of structures according to the specified requirements is presented. The results are presented in detail, in order to reflect their validity and the advantages that the proposed process for the kinematic synthesis of topologies for the modular metamorphic manipulator provides to the designer.
Deep mantle matters
Authors: Williams Quentin
Published: May 2014

Experiments reveal how some deep seismic anomalies near the core-mantle boundary might be generated

[Also see Research Article by

Zhang
et al.

and Report by

Andrault
et al.

]
Testing gauge/gravity duality on a quantum black hole
Authors: Maldacena Juan
Published: May 2014

A numerical test shows that string theory can provide a self-consistent quantization of gravity

[Also see Report by

Hanada
et al.

]
Physicists say it's simple
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2014

If the poor will always be with us, an analogy to the second law of thermodynamics may explain why
Can disparities be deadly?
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: May 2014

Controversial research explores whether living in an unequal society can make people sick
While emerging economies boom, equality goes bust
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: May 2014

Inequality spikes in developing nations around the world
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum wikim18, Isolated from Korean Kimchi
Authors: Jang Ja Young , Lim Hyeong In , Park Hae Woong , Choi Hak-Jong , Kim Tae-Woon , Kang Miran , Lee Jong-Hee
Published: May 2014

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus plantarum
strain wikim18, isolated from the traditional Korean food kimchi. The reads generated by Ion Torrent PGM were assembled into 327 contigs. RAST annotation of the genome revealed 12 tRNAs and 3,316 protein-coding gene sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp. Strain Thr, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Casuarina cunninghamiana
Grown in Egypt
Authors: Hurst Sheldon G. , Oshone Rediet , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Morris Krystalynne , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Thomas W. Kelley , Ktari Amir , Salem Karima , Mansour Samira , Gtari Maher , Tisa Louis S.
Published: May 2014

Nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria of the genus
Frankia
are symbionts of woody dicotyledonous plants termed actinorhizal plants. We report here a 5.3-Mbp draft genome sequence for
Frankia
sp. stain Thr, a nitrogen-fixing actinobacterium isolated from root nodules of
Casuarina cunninghamiana
collected in Egypt.
Autoimmune pulmonary proteinosis in a Chilean teenager, a rare aetiology of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Strickler Alexis , Boza Maria Lina , Koppmann Andres , Gonzalez Sergio
Published: May 2014

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is rare and encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases, and is even rarer in children than in adults. ILDs compromise more than 100 different entities, including pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). There are many causes of PAP in children, including surfactant protein gene mutations (SFTPB,SFTPC,ABCA3,TTF-1),GMCSFreceptor mutations and antigranulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor autoantibodies. We report a case of a 13-year-old Chilean girl who presented with an 8-month history of progressive exercise intolerance, fatigability and diminished school performance. Physical examination revealed resting tachypnoea, a few basal bilateral inspiratory crackles, and hypoxaemia on minimal exertion. Clinical suspicion and evaluation, including international collaboration, led to the diagnosis of autoimmune PAP and specific therapy for the condition.
Late presentation of a subiliacus haematoma after an apophyseal injury of the anterior inferior iliac spine
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asim , Whitaker Samuel Richard , Ibrahim Mazin S , Haddad Fares S
Published: May 2014

Apophyseal injuries are particularly common in adolescents when the growth spurt that accompanies puberty places increased strain on developing bones and muscles. Bone growth in particular exceeds that of soft tissues resulting in relatively tight musculature and subsequent excessive strain at these sites of tendon insertion into bone. We describe a case of a young athlete who presented with chronic hip pain after an anterior inferior iliac spine apophyseal injury with subsequent haematoma formation under the iliacus muscle. There was no evidence of a bleeding disorder. In view of the late presentation, he was managed non-operatively. This injury requires a low threshold for early cross-sectional imaging. The delay in management in this case did not lead to any long-term sequelae.
An unusual mechanism of foreign body aspiration: a vignette from the emergency department
Authors: Pelham Andrew
Published: May 2014

A 49-year-old male patient with asthma presented with what appeared to be an acute exacerbation of his condition. On closer questioning, he was admitted to ‘inhaling something’ that may have been caught in the mouthpiece of his inhaler and wondered whether there might be something in his chest. On examination, he had a monophonic high-pitched wheeze in his right mid-zone; chest X-ray confirmed the presence of a foreign body in his right main bronchus. As it was after normal working hours, he was referred for bronchoscopy under the cardiothoracic surgeons at St George's. He made a full recovery, and now keeps a used 5 pence coin in a jar on his mantelpiece.
Osteoid osteoma as a cause of anterior ankle pain in a runner
Authors: Tsitskaris Konstantinos , Illing Rowland , House Charles , Oddy Michael J
Published: May 2014

We report the case of an osteoid osteoma in the dorsal talar neck of a healthy long-distance runner, masquerading as anterior ankle impingement syndrome. We discuss the diagnosis and successful treatment using percutaneous CT-guided laser photocoagulation. A concise review of the principles of the management of osteoid osteomas is also presented.
On the Bott–Chern cohomology and balanced Hermitian nilmanifolds
Authors: Latorre Adela , Ugarte Luis , Villacampa Raquel
Published: May 2014

The Bott–Chern cohomology of six-dimensional nilmanifolds endowed with invariant complex structure is studied with special attention to the cases when balanced or strongly Gauduchon Hermitian metrics exist. We consider complex invariants introduced by Angella and Tomassini and by Schweitzer, which are related to the [Formula: see text]-lemma condition and defined in terms of the Bott–Chern cohomology, and show that the vanishing of some of these invariants is not a closed property under holomorphic deformations. In the balanced case, we determine the spaces that parametrize deformations in type IIB supergravity described by Tseng and Yau in terms of the Bott–Chern cohomology group of bidegree (2, 2).
Conway and iteration hemirings Part 1
Authors: Droste M. , Ésik Z. , Kuich W.
Published: May 2014

Conway hemirings are Conway semirings without a multiplicative unit. We also define iteration hemirings as Conway hemirings satisfying certain identities associated with the finite groups. Iteration hemirings are iteration semirings without a multiplicative unit. We provide an analysis of the relationship between Conway hemirings and (partial) Conway semirings and describe several free constructions. In the second part of the paper we define and study hemimodules of Conway and iteration hemirings, and show their applicability in the analysis of quantitative aspects of the infinitary behavior of weighted transition systems. These include discounted and average computations of weights investigated recently.
Superderivations with invertible values
Authors: Demir Çağrı , Albaş Emine , Argaç Nurcan , Fošner Ajda
Published: May 2014

We examine the structure of unital associative superalgebras [Formula: see text] having nonzero superderivations with zero or invertible values. Under some mild assumptions, we show that such a superalgebra [Formula: see text] is either a division superalgebra [Formula: see text], or [Formula: see text], or it is a local superalgebra with a unique maximal graded ideal [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. We also describe in details the local superalgebras that are possible.
On differential rational invariants of classical motion groups
Authors: Bekbaev Ural Dj. , Rakhimov Isamiddin S. , Muminov Qabildjan K.
Published: May 2014

A pure algebraic approach to differential invariants of curves and surfaces is presented. By the use of this approach the explicit formulae for the generating differential invariants and invariant differential operators for the generic curves in n-dimensional classical geometries are constructed.
Chemical splitting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes to enhance electrochemical capacitance for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Xinlu , Li Tongtao , Zhang Xinlin , Zhong Qineng , Li Hongyi , Huang Jiamu
Published: May 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were chemically split and self-assembled to a flexible porous paper made of graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs). The morphology and microstructure of the pristine MWCNTs and GONRs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. And the specific surface area and porosity structure were measured by N 2 adsorption-desorption. The longitudinally split MWCNTs show an enhancement in specific capacitance from 21 F g-1 to 156 F g-1 compared with the pristine counterpart at 0.1 A g-1 in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolytes. The electrochemical experiments prove that the chemical splitting of MWCNTs will make inner carbon layers opened and exposed to electrochemical double layers, which can effectively improve the electrochemical capacitance for supercapacitors.
Age-related changes in inter-joint coordination during walking
Authors: Ihlen Espen A. F.
Published: May 2014

Existing methods to assess inter-joint coordination in human walking have several important weaknesses. These methods are unable to define 1) the instantaneous changes in coordination within the stride cycle, 2) coordination between multiple joints, or 3) the coupling strength of joint rotations rather than their phase relationships. The present paper introduces a new method called generalized wavelet coherence analysis (GWCA) that solves these three fundamental limitations of previous methods. GWCA combines wavelet coherence analysis with a matrix correlation method to define instantaneous correlation coefficients as the coupling strength for an arbitrary number of joint rotations. The main purpose of the present study is to develop GWCA to quantify inter-joint coordination and thereby assess age-related differences in the coordination of human gaits. Nine young and 19 healthy older persons walked 5 min on a treadmill at three different gait speeds. Joint rotations of the lower extremities were assessed by a Vicon three-dimensional motion capture system. The main results indicated that the older group had significant weaker correlations ( t-tests: P < 0.0001) in the preswing phase compared with the younger group for all gait speeds. The age-related differences in inter-joint coordination were more pronounced than the age-related differences in rotations of the individual joints. The intra-stride changes in inter-joint coordination were in agreement with recent findings of intra-stride modulations in neural activity in the sensorimotor cortex. Thus change in the inter-joint coordination assessed by GWCA might be an early indicator of functional decline.
A new species of Streptocephalus (Crustacea: Anostraca: Streptocephalidae) from the Western Ghats, India, with a key to the Asian species
Authors: ROGERS D. CHRISTOPHER , PADHYE SAMEER
Published: May 2014

We present and describe the fairy shrimp Streptocephalus sahyadriensis sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of India. This species is most similar to S. simplex Gurney, 1906 and S. dichotomus Baird, 1860 sharing similar basic antennal appendage morphology. However, S. sahyadriensis sp. nov. differs in the form of the ornamentation on the peduncle and the arrangement and form of spines on the antennal appendage. The three species also have different egg surface morphologies. The Asian species of Streptocephalus are discussed and a key to species is provided.
Radar Performance Monitoring Using the Angular Width of the Solar Image
Authors: Huuskonen Asko , Kurri Mikko , Hohti Harri , Beekhuis Hans , Leijnse Hidde , Holleman Iwan
Published: May 2014

A method for the operational monitoring of the weather radar antenna mechanics and signal processing is presented. The method is based on the analysis of sun signals in the polar volume data produced during the operational scanning of weather radars. Depending on the hardware of the radar, the volume coverage pattern, the season, and the latitude of the radar, several tens of sun hits are found per day. The method is an extension of that for determining the weather radar antenna pointing and for monitoring the receiver stability and the differential reflectivity offset. In the method the width of the sun image in elevation and in azimuth is analyzed from the data, together with the center point position and the total power, analyzed in the earlier methods. This paper describes how the width values are obtained in the majority of cases without affecting the quality of the position and power values. Results from the daily analysis reveal signal processing features and failures that are difficult to find out otherwise in weather data. Moreover, they provide a tool for monitoring the stability of the antenna system, and hence the method has great potential for routine monitoring of radar signal processing and the antenna mechanics. Hence, it is recommended that the operational solar analysis be extended into the analysis of the width.
Lowest numbers of primary CD8+ T cells can reconstitute protective immunity upon adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Stemberger Christian , Graef Patricia , Odendahl Marcus , Albrecht Julia , Dössinger Georg , Anderl Florian , Buchholz Veit R. , Gasteiger Georg , Schiemann Matthias , Grigoleit Götz U. , Schuster Friedhelm R. , Borkhardt Arndt , Versluys Birgitta , Tonn Torsten , Seifried Erhard , Einsele Hermann , Germeroth Lothar , Busch Dirk H. , Neuenhahn Michael
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Lowest numbers of ex vivo–selected CD8+ memory T cells can reconstitute pathogen-specific immunity in immunocompromised hosts.
Using generic preference-based measures in mental health:
psychometric validity of the EQ-5D and SF-6D
Authors: Mulhern Brendan , Mukuria Clara , Barkham Michael , Knapp Martin , Byford Sarah , Soeteman Dj⊘ra , Brazier John
Published: May 2014

Background

Generic preference-based measures (EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) and SF-6D) are used
in the economic evaluation of mental health interventions. However, there
are inconsistent findings regarding their psychometric properties.

Aims

To investigate the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D and SF-6D in
different mental health conditions, using seven existing data-sets.

Method

The construct validity and responsiveness of the measures were assessed
in comparison with condition-specific indicators.

Results

Evidence for construct validity and responsiveness in common mental
health and personality disorders was found (correlations 0.22–0.64;
effect sizes 0.37–1.24; standardised response means 0.45–1.31). There was
some evidence for validity in schizophrenia (correlations 0.05–0.43), but
responsiveness was unclear.

Conclusions

EQ-5D and SF-6D can be used in the economic evaluation of interventions
for common mental health problems with some confidence. In schizophrenia,
a preference-based measure focused on the impact of mental health should
be considered.
A Weird (LANGUAGE) Tale: Variation and Change in the Adjectives of Strangeness
Authors: Tagliamonte Sali A. , Brooke Julian
Published: May 2014

This article presents a synchronic quantitative study of adjectives in the semantic field of strangeness in a large North American city, Toronto, the largest urban center in Canada. The analysis is based on nearly 2,000 adjectives, representing 11 different types, as in She’s really weird and She’s odd. The distribution of these adjectives in apparent time provides startling evidence of change. The adjective strange is quickly moving out of favor, and weird has expanded dramatically, usurping all other forms. Neither linguistic nor social factors are implicated in this change, suggesting that lexical replacement is the prevailing mechanism driving the development. Consideration of the broader context reveals that renewal and recycling of these adjectives is rooted in the history of English and is progressing in parallel at least across British and North American English. The actuation of the shift toward weird may be rooted in developments in literature and mass media, revealing that adjectives are a vibrant area of the grammar that may be used to track cultural influences on linguistic change.
Social status differences regulate the serotonergic system of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni
Authors: Loveland Jasmine L. , Uy Natalie , Maruska Karen P. , Carpenter Russ E. , Fernald Russell D.
Published: May 2014

Serotonin (5-HT) inhibits aggression and modulates aspects of sexual behaviour in many species, but the mechanisms responsible are not well understood. Here, we exploited the social dominance hierarchy of Astatotilapia burtoni to understand the role of the serotonergic system in long-term maintenance of social status. We identified three populations of 5-HT cells in dorsal and ventral periventricular pretectal nuclei (PPd, PPv), the nucleus of the paraventricular organ (PVO) and raphe. Dominant males had more 5-HT cells than subordinates in the raphe, but the size of these cells did not differ between social groups. Subordinates had higher serotonergic turnover in the raphe and preoptic area (POA), a nucleus essential for hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function. The relative abundance of mRNAs for 5-HT receptor (5-HTR) subtypes 1A and 2A (htr1a, htr2a) was higher in subordinates, a difference restricted to the telencephalon. Because social status is tightly linked to reproductive capacity we asked whether serotonin turnover and the expression of its receptors correlated with testes size and circulating levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). We found negative correlations between both raphe and POA serotonin turnover and testes size, as well as between htr1a mRNA levels and circulating 11-KT. Thus increased serotonin turnover in non-aggressive males is restricted to specific brain nuclei and is associated with increased expression of 5-HTR subtypes 1A and 2A exclusively in the telencephalon.
QUALITY BASED CREDIT RISK MITIGATION FOR BANK PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT: EMPIRIC STUDY IN AN INDONESIAN BANK
Authors: Avieni Nini
Published: May 2014

There is an ongoing controversy over whether risk mitigation inherently enhances business performance. The aim of this paper is to settle the controversy, and provide insights roles of risk mitigation on corporate strategy. Author examined implication of Lean Six Sigma at credit risk mitigation system at one of Indonesia banks.  Based on responses from 112 credit analysts and database of business units performance indicators, this research showed a relationship between the implication of Lean Six Sigma at credit risk mitigation system and unit bank's performance. Quality Based Credit Risk Mitigation which is credit risk mitigation using Lean Six Sigma system will enhance business units’ performance through improvement in credit quality and credit process efficiency.
ESSENTIAL OIL OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS
Authors: Juraeva Aziza , Azizov Olim , Abdullabekova Viloyat , Yunusxodjaeva Nodira
Published: May 2014

The article presents the results of research into component composition of raw calendula’s essential oil. The study was conducted by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry method under the following conditions: column - CP-Wax58FFAPCB24,5 mmx 250mm x0,20 mmnominal, the mobile-phase-He (helium), speed-column mobile phase-1.0 ml /min, volume sample injection-5mkl; resolutions(5:1), in the Split, high-boiling chamber -220 ◦C, detector temperature 275◦C; Aux-200 ◦ C, column temperature 70C◦ gradually increased from 10◦C / min to 250◦C, maintained to the end of analysis temperature regime(250◦C)for 5min.In the course of the research the following substances were indentified - 1H cyclopropazulen-0, 981%, α-amorphous-1, 926%, γ-cadinene-11, 598%, 1H-cyclopropazulen 4-oldecahydro-1-0.825% viridiflorol-2, 029%, β-cubeb -3.809%, T-1 muurololnaftalenol-8.522%.In addition, it was ascertained that in different parts of the world calendula’s essential oils differ from each other in qualitative composition and quantitative components.
Postpartum tightening operations on two delivery wards in Sudan
Authors: Berggren V , Bergstrom S , Yagoub A Elsiddig , Satti A Mahmoud , Khalifa M Abdel , Aziz F Abdel
Published: May 2014

This paper describes a study to explore the prevalence of postpartum tightening operations of the vulva and reinfibulation (RI) in Sudan. Participatory observations with digital vaginal examinations before and after delivery were carried out on a sample of 100 women in two hospital settings. In 61% of the women tightening vulval operations had been carried out after delivery. Of the women who had not been submitted to female genital mutilation (FGM) with suturing before delivery, 35% had such an operation after delivery. Two out of 20 women without any primary FGM had undergone a tightening operation following delivery. In the two study settings observed, the prevalence of postpartum tightening operations was 61% and included women without previous FGM. The tradition of tightening operations of the vulva after delivery is an important issue for further research concerning the implicit socio-cultural determinants and their possible relation to the tradition of primary forms of FGM.
‘Difficult’ babies are more intelligent
Authors: Daniel Lincia
Published: May 2014

Due to an alarming shortage of doctors and nurses in the Philippines, midwives are taking on extra duties such as inserting immunizing mothers and their children as well as delivering babies.
Alcoholism and intimate partner violence
Authors: Mwaura James , Mawia Anne Mwikali , Chepchirchir Angeline
Published: May 2014

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that aimed to assess and document the prevalence of and relationship between alcoholism and gender based violence (GBV) in families in Kenya. The study lasted 24 months (March 2006 to March 2008). A total of 200 respondents (100 male subjects and their 100 female partners) were interviewed for the study. Out of the 100 men, 50 were experimental (confirmed alcoholics) and 50 were controls (non-alcoholics).

Data collection methods comprised the use of the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS2) (Strauss et al, 1996) to characterize conjugal violence and battering. Review of patients’ files yielded both quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis methods included use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that female partners of alcoholics suffered more intimate partner violence than their counterparts of nonalcoholics. The alcoholics subjected their female partners to more psychological aggression, physical assault, injury and sexual coercion than non-alcoholics.

This study concluded that conjugal acts of violence and aggression are both directly and indirectly associated with alcoholism. Broadly, these acts of violence and aggression are gender based violence against women perpetrated by their partners.

Although these acts of violence and aggression were found to be consequences of alcoholism in this study, alcoholism in the family could be the outcome of other underlying problems. This study therefore recommends that further research be conducted in this area to find out the family and societal factors that may lead to alcoholism.
Reproductive health and human rights
Authors: Lugina Helen
Published: May 2014

Reviewing the deliberations of the 1994 UN Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo and the 1995 UN World Conference on Women held in Beijing, one cannot stop reflecting on the issues and challenges that face midwifery and other relevant professions in ensuring that we are on course, especially in meeting the millenneum development goals (MDGs).
Maternal fee exemption in Senegal: is the policy a success?
Authors: Witter Sophie , Drame Fatoumata Bintou , Cross Suzanne
Published: May 2014

This article describes a qualitative research component of an evaluation of the national free delivery and caesarean policy (FDCP) in Senegal. Its aim was to establish community awareness and views on the policy, as well as perceived changes to cost and quality of services. 106 community representatives participated in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in four FDCP regions in November and December 2006. Awareness of the policy was patchy and respondents found that the concept of ‘free’ services was inappropriate even in theory, given that only certain costs were covered by the policy. In practice most reported that costs had not reduced significantly as a result of the policy, with the exception of caesareans in some areas. Transport and drugs are the major costs for households and neither is adequately covered by the FDCP. In some cases drugs costs have even risen. Moreover those living in remote areas are unable to benefit from this facility-based subsidy. Gender differences in relation to payment and decision making around delivery were also found. Policies to increase access to skilled care at delivery by reducing household costs need to target the core costs, such as drugs, and also to increase the predictability of charges. Extending infrastructure and addressing demand side costs are additional essential elements to reach the poorest in the community.
Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in rural Uganda
Authors: Anyango Jane F. , Muliira Joshua K.
Published: May 2014

The study examined factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant women in rural Uganda. The Conflict Tactics Scale was used to collect data from 120 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in a rural county of Uganda. Results show that 26% of the participants experienced IPV during the current pregnancy. The most common forms of violence were verbal aggression (48%) and minor violence (39%). IPV was associated with women's age, number of children, parity, and level of education. IPV was also associated with having a male partner who has multiple intimate partners, beliefs that a violent male partner should not be reported to legal authorities, and knowing someone with a violent partner. IPV during pregnancy is a major health problem in rural Uganda and this problem can be addressed through integration of IPV screening, counselling, treatment and legal referrals in all reproductive health services for pregnant women in rural Uganda.
Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practice in HIV-positive mothers
Authors: Shumba Teresiah , Gundani Helen Vupenyu
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge levels of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and EBF practice among HIV-positive mothers, who had babies aged 0–6 months.

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 81 study participants. A structured interview schedule was used to question participants on practice and knowledge. A Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix was used to explore the relationship between knowledge and practice.

Results showed a positive significant relationship between knowledge levels of EBF and EBF practice (r=.313, P=<.01), which suggests that as knowledge levels increase, EBF practice increases. A change in EBF knowledge explained a 9.8% change in EBF practice. Knowledge plays a critical role in the practice of EBF. A total of 54 (66.7%) of the participants strongly agreed that babies should be given milk for the first 6 months to reduce HIV transmission. This result supports the World Health Organization's policy, which advocates for EBF in HIV-positive mothers living in resource-restricted settings such as Zimbabwe.
Factors influencing initiation of antenatal care in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatosin O. Abimbola , Aluko Joel O. , Onibokun Adenike
Published: May 2014

Objective:

Late antenatal care (ANC) registration and irregular attendance have been implicated as factors preventing women from receiving the full benefits of effective ANC. Therefore, this study seeks to elicit the factors that impact pregnant women's timing of registration for ANC in a mission hospital, in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Method:

A cross-sectional study of 160 women attending the booking clinic over a 4-week period. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, index pregnancy, previous pregnancy and past obstetrical history.

Result:

Only 14 women (9.4%) booked at first trimester while 93 (62.4%) and 42 (28.2%) booked at second and third trimesters respectively. For previous and current pregnancies, the husband's instruction was the leading influence for booking, at 71 (45.8%) and 89 (57.4%) respectively. Knowledge of ANC timing, experience of loss of child and miscarriage were significant predictors of gestational age at booking.

Conclusion:

This study suggests the need for education at a pre-conceptual stage of the benefits of early initiation of ANC for women.
Strengthening professional development in Malawi
Authors: Chilomo Chrissie , Mondiwa Martha , Wasili Rose
Published: May 2014

Introduction: In 2010 the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi (NMCM) launched a mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) programme for all registered nurses and midwives and linked it to annual re-licensure. Despite the sensitisation activities and training conducted prior to its launch, an evaluation of the CPD programme revealed important barriers to uptake among the nursing workforce. Methods: The NMCM and other stakeholders successfully collaborated on a proposal to the African Health Professional Regulatory Collaborative (ARC) for nurses and midwives to strengthen the national CPD programme. Achievements: With the 1-year $10 000 ARC grant, the Malawi team began addressing challenges identified in the CPD evaluation. The team leveraged the success of the ARC grant to solicit support from other donors to further strengthen the CPD programme. Conclusion: Close stakeholder collaboration and seed funding from the ARC helped catalyse important advancements in the Malawi CPD programme.
Monitoring prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Botswana
Authors: Legwaila K , Motswere-Chirwa C , Matambo S , Kolobe T , Jimbo W , Keapoletswe K , Letsholathebe V , Lu L
Published: May 2014

Background

In Botswana, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme has succeeded in reducing rates of transmission of HIV from mother to child since the start of the national antiretroviral (ARV) programme in 2002.

Methods

Data on PMTCT interventions for women who delivered at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NRH), the second largest hospital in Botswana, from 2003 to 2012 were collected from maternity registers.

Results

Of 46 354 women, 33% were HIV-positive, 58% were HIV-negative, and 9% were not tested. The percentage of women with a known HIV status increased from 50% in 2003 to 97% in 2012. PMTCT uptake for women on any ARV increased from 61% in 2003 to 86% in 2012. Infants given azidothymidine (AZT) and nevirapine prophylaxis increased from 61% to 85%.

Conclusions

Review of maternity registers demonstrated improvement of multiple PMTCT interventions at NRH. This is a useful approach for monitoring programme quality and guiding strategic planning.
Establishing a national programme for continuing professional development of nurses and midwives in Swaziland
Authors: Msibi Glory S , Mkhonta Nkosazana Ruth , Nkwanyana Nkosinathi R , Mamba Bheki , Khumalo Gladys Thembisile
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Although required under the National Health Policy of the country, Swaziland lacked a comprehensive framework to support a CPD programme for the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Aims and Methods

Through consecutive grants from the African Health Professions Regulatory Collaborative, nursing and midwifery leaders in Swaziland were able to develop and implement a national programme for CPD. Methods included a comprehensive needs assessment, stakeholder sensitisation meetings to gain input and feedback on programme planning and development, and creation of a database for tracking compliance with CPD requirements.

Discussion

The project has succeeded in aligning nursing and midwifery practice requirements with national health policy through development and implementation of a national CPD programme in Swaziland. Budget constraints and limited time for project completion were challenges successfully mitigated by broad stakeholder engagement.

Conclusions

Through collaborative efforts, nursing leadership in Swaziland successfully pooled resources to develop a national CPD programme that best suits their workforce needs.
Reading a normal ECG
Authors: Whitbread Mark
Published: May 2014

This is the first in a series of monthly ECGs where Mark Whitbread will present an ECG with a patient history and the reader will analyze it. The answer will be offered later in the journal.
Physical activity and exercise for patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Doherty Patrick
Published: May 2014

This article reviews the evidence and offers clinical guidance on the effectiveness of physical activity and exercise in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. It distils the inter-relationship between physical activity and exercise and associated recommendations in primary and secondary prevention into clinical advice, challenges traditional misconceptions on exercise risk and presents best practice guidelines on physical activity and exercise programme design.
Up-beat: Developing the role of arrhythmia nurses in the UK
Authors: Tagney Jenny
Published: May 2014

This article explores how the role of nurses who care for patients with, or at risk from, arrhythmias, has developed during the last decade. Developments have been fuelled by the inclusion, in March 2005, of an additional chapter in the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease: Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. This article will explore the involvement of arrhythmia nurses in developing this chapter and it will consider national developments, such as those with the British Heart Foundation, that these nurses are also involved in. There will be consideration of the issues surrounding the development of appropriate educational programmes, such as a lack of specific courses and the problems devising these, and there will be an examination of the new posts and suggestions for potential future developments.
Returning to work: Exploring the experiences of women with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Parry Amy , Worrall-Carter Linda , Page Karen , Kuhn Lisa , DiGiacomo Michelle
Published: May 2014

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the transition experiences of Australian women in resuming paid employment after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event.

Background: Until recently cardiovascular research has focused predominantly on men but this is changing and research exploring women’s experiences of ACS has increased. Despite knowing that many women do not resume paid employment following an ACS event, little is known about the experience of those women who do, even though it is understood that returning to the previous level of employment after an ACS event is a positive outcome.

Design: An exploratory qualitative approach underpinned by naturalistic inquiry was undertaken.

Methods: A purposive sample of seven women who had experienced their first ACS event 12 months ago was selected. Each woman was interviewed using a semi–structured format and their interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the transcript set and conceptual mapping were employed to formulate key themes.

Findings: All women (mean age 52.6 years) resumed paid employment at various stages during their recovery, but reported similar transition processes. Three key themes representing this process were identified: primary motivation; influence through guidance and support; and resuming paid employment.

Conclusions: Study findings revealed that these women required substantial support from family, friends and employers, with ongoing guidance from health professionals to return to paid work. The timeframes for their return varied and some modified their roles within the workforce to enable them to return to paid work. However, formal cardiac rehabilitation did not appear to have a significant impact on these participants’ decisions to return to work. They felt that more information about this decision may have been helpful if given at the time of cardiac rehabilitation.
Communication skills training for nurses working with patients with heart disease
Authors: Wilkinson Susie , Linsell Louise , Perry Rachel , Blanchard Karen
Published: May 2014

This pilot project evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a 3-day communication skills course for nurses working with patients with heart disease The outcomes were: the change in the nurses’ communication skills score from pre-course to 12 weeks post-course; the change in the nurses’ level of confidence in communicating with patients; the qualitative evaluation of the nurses views of the course for health professionals working with patients with heart disease.

Ten self-selected British Heart Foundation nurses were recruited to the project. They completed a communication skills course, pre- and post-course questionnaires and a focus group evaluation. The communication skills score increased by 6.0 points (P<0.02). The confidence scores increased by 33.0 points (P<0.001). The focus group data confirmed that an experiential method of communication training is feasible and acceptable to health professionals working with patients with heart disease.
Planning for 2010 and after
Authors: Yates Mike
Published: May 2014

Mike Yates looks at some of the recent developments in policy affecting cardiovascular care in England—and what direction the next 10-year strategy might take
Chronic kidney disease stages 4–5: Patient management
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Byrne Gobnait
Published: May 2014

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is classified into five stages with stages 1 to 3 identified as early CKD. This disease advances further in stage 4, while in stage 5 patients require renal replacement therapy (dialysis and transplantation) to survive. The risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are also the risk factors for CKD, while CKD is itself a key risk factor for CVD. A high proportion of patients with CKD will die from CVD. The nursing care of patients with stages 4–5 CKD includes the management of the many physical symptoms associated with these late stages such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, anaemia, potassium disorders, mineral and bone disorder, metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders. It is vital that patients are prepared for renal replacement therapies at CKD stage 5 which include timely education including nutritional support along with psychological and social support.
A heart failure service for a different kind of community
Authors: Vickers Debra
Published: May 2014

Debra Vickers is a British Hear t Foundation hear t failure nurse specialist based in the Western Isles, Scotland. She shares with Lucy Jolin the joys and challenges of working in one of the UK’s most remote areas.
The role of a cardiac rehabilitation specialist nurse
Authors: Brown Arlene
Published: May 2014

Arlene Brown outlines the role of the specialist nurse in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, shares her personal experiences and offers advice for readers interested in taking on a similar role.
Quantitative research: An overview
Authors: Holt Janet
Published: May 2014

Janet Holt presents an introduction to the philosphy and concepts of quantitative research. This is the first in a series of articles providing an introduction to the basics of research terminology, to help build confidence in reading and assessing primary research from the literature.