bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of self-management support interventions for men with long-term conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Galdas Paul , Fell Jennifer , Bower Peter , Kidd Lisa , Blickem Christian , McPherson Kerri , Hunt Kate , Gilbody Simon , Richardson Gerry
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of self-management support interventions in men with long-term conditions.

Methods

A quantitative systematic review with meta-analysis.

Data sources

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched to identify published reviews of self-management support interventions. Relevant reviews were screened to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of self-management support interventions conducted in men alone, or which analysed the effects of interventions by sex.

Review methods

Data on relevant outcomes, patient populations, intervention type and study quality were extracted. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of interventions in men, women, and mixed-sex sub-groups.

Results

40 RCTs of self-management support interventions in men, and 20 eligible RCTs where an analysis by sex was reported, were included in the review. Meta-analysis suggested that physical activity, education, and peer support-based interventions have a positive impact on quality of life in men. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to make strong statements about whether self-management support interventions show larger, similar or smaller effects in men compared with women and mixed-sex groups.

Conclusions

Clinicians may wish to consider whether certain types of self-management support (eg, physical activity, education, peer support) are particularly effective in men, although more research is needed to fully determine and explore this.
The feasibility of meeting the WHO guidelines for sodium and potassium: a cross-national comparison study
Authors: Drewnowski Adam , Rehm Colin D , Maillot Matthieu , Mendoza Alfonso , Monsivais Pablo
Published: March 2015

Objective

To determine joint compliance with the WHO sodium–potassium goals in four different countries, using data from nationally representative dietary surveys.

Setting

Compared to national and international recommendations and guidelines, the world's population consumes too much sodium and inadequate amounts of potassium. The WHO recommends consuming less than 2000 mg sodium (86 mmol) and at least 3510 mg potassium (90 mmol) per person per day.

Participants

Dietary surveillance data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007–2010) for the USA; the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición 2012 for Mexico; the Individual and National Study on Food Consumption (INCA2) for France; and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) for the UK.

Primary outcome measures

We estimated the proportion of adults meeting the joint WHO sodium–potassium goals in the USA, the UK, France and Mexico.

Results

The upper bounds of joint compliance with the WHO sodium–potassium goals were estimated at 0.3% in the USA, 0.15% in Mexico, 0.5% in France and 0.1% in the UK.

Conclusions

Given prevailing food consumption patterns and the current food supply, implementing WHO guidelines will be an enormous challenge for global public health.
Reasons for smoking cessation attempts among Japanese male smokers vary by nicotine dependence level: a cross-sectional study after the 2010 tobacco tax increase
Authors: Tanihara Shinichi , Momose Yoshito
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To examine the association between smoking cessation attempts during the previous 12 months, motivators to quit smoking and nicotine dependence levels among current male smokers after Japan's massive 2010 tobacco tax increase.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A self-reported questionnaire about smoking habits, nicotine dependence levels and factors identified as motivators to quit smoking was administered to 9378 employees working at a company located in Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan (as of 1 October 2011).

Participants

A total of 2251 male current smokers 20–69 years old.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Nicotine dependence level assessed by Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence (FTCD), smoking cessation attempts during the previous 12 months and motivators for smoking cessation.

Results

The proportion of current smokers who had attempted to quit smoking within the previous 12 months was 40.6%. Nicotine dependence level of current smokers was negatively associated with cessation attempts during the previous 12 months. Motivators for smoking cessation differed by nicotine dependence levels. ‘The rise in cigarette prices since October 2010’ as a smoking cessation motivator increased significantly at the medium nicotine dependence level (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.90); however, this association was not statistically significant for individuals with high nicotine dependence (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.92). ‘Feeling unhealthy’ was significantly negatively associated for medium (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.65) and high (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.71) nicotine dependence levels. Trend associations assessed by assigning ordinal numbers to total FTCD score for those two motivators were statistically significant.

Conclusions

The efficacy of smoking cessation strategies can be improved by considering the target group's nicotine dependence level. For smokers with medium and high nicotine dependence levels, more effective strategies aimed at encouraging smoking cessation, such as policy interventions including increasing tobacco taxes, are needed.
Mammograms on-the-go—predictors of repeat visits to mobile mammography vans in St Louis, Missouri, USA: a case–control study
Authors: Drake Bettina F , Abadin Salmafatima S , Lyons Sarah , Chang Su-Hsin , Steward Lauren T , Kraenzle Susan , Goodman Melody S
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Among women, breast cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer and second most common cause of cancer-related death. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which women use mobile mammography vans for breast cancer screening and what factors are associated with repeat visits to these vans.

Design

A case–control study. Cases are women who had a repeat visit to the mammography van. (n=2134).

Participants

Women who received a mammogram as part of Siteman Cancer Center's Breast Health Outreach Program responded to surveys and provided access to their clinical records (N=8450). Only visits from 2006 to 2014 to the mammography van were included.

Outcome measures

The main outcome is having a repeat visit to the mammography van. Among the participants, 25.3% (N=2134) had multiple visits to the mobile mammography van. Data were analysed using χ2tests, logistic regression and negative binomial regression.

Results

Women who were aged 50–65, uninsured, or African-American had higher odds of a repeat visit to the mobile mammography van compared with women who were aged 40–50, insured, or Caucasian (OR=1.135, 95% CI 1.013 to 1.271; OR=1.302, 95% CI 1.146 to 1.479; OR=1.281, 95% CI 1.125 to 1.457), respectively. However, the odds of having a repeat visit to the van were lower among women who reported a rural ZIP code or were unemployed compared with women who provided a suburban ZIP code or were employed (OR=0.503, 95% CI 0.411 to 0.616; OR=.868, 95% CI 0.774 to 0.972), respectively.

Conclusion

This study has identified key characteristics of women who are either more or less likely to use mobile mammography vans as their primary source of medical care for breast cancer screening and have repeat visits.
Association of breast feeding with early childhood dental caries: Japanese population-based study
Authors: Kato Tsuguhiko , Yorifuji Takashi , Yamakawa Michiyo , Inoue Sachiko , Saito Keiko , Doi Hiroyuki , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: March 2015

Objectives

We investigated the association between breastfeeding duration during the first half year of life and the risk of early childhood caries from the age of 30 to 66 months in Japan.

Design

Observational study of a longitudinal survey.

Setting

A secondary data analysis of the Japanese Longitudinal Survey of Babies in the 21st Century.

Participants

43 383 infants at the age of 6 months.

Outcome measures

Early childhood caries—defined as a child's visit to a dentist for treatment of dental caries during the past 12 months—was ascertained from the caregiver from the age of 30 months in the survey. We estimated the risk of dental caries each year according to duration of breast feeding using logistic regression analyses. We controlled for a set of biological factors (birth weight, sex, parity and maternal age at delivery) and socioeconomic factors (maternal educational attainment and smoking status, marital status at delivery, family income and region of birth and residence).

Results

We found that infants who had been breast fed for at least 6 or 7 months, both exclusively and partially, were at elevated risk of dental caries at the age of 30 months compared with those who had been exclusively formula fed. Adjusted ORs were 1.78 (95% CI, (1.45 to 2.17)) for the exclusively breastfed group and 1.39 (1.14 to 1.70) for the partially breastfed group. However, the associations became attenuated through the follow-up period and were no longer statistically significant beyond the age of 42 months for the partially breastfed group and beyond the age of 54 months for the exclusively breastfed group.

Conclusions

We found an association between breast feeding for at least 6 or 7 months and elevated risk of dental caries at age 30 months. However, the association became attenuated as children grew older.
Mental health and functional impairment outcomes following a 6-week intensive treatment programme for UK military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a naturalistic study to explore dropout and health outcomes at follow-up
Authors: Murphy Dominic , Hodgman Georgina , Carson Carron , Spencer-Harper Lucy , Hinton Mark , Wessely Simon , Busuttil Walter
Published: March 2015

Objective

Combat Stress, a UK national charity for veterans with mental health problems, has been funded by the National Health Service (NHS) to provide a national specialist service to deliver treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This paper reports the efficacy of a PTSD treatment programme for UK veterans at 6 months follow-up.

Design

A within subject design.

Setting

UK veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD who accessed Combat Stress.

Participants

246 veterans who received treatment between late 2012 and early 2014.

Intervention

An intensive 6-week residential treatment programme, consisting of a mixture of individual and group sessions. Participants were offered a minimum of 15 individual trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy sessions. In addition, participants were offered 55 group sessions focusing on psychoeducational material and emotional regulation.

Main outcome measures

Clinicians completed measures of PTSD and functional impairment and participants completed measures of PTSD, depression, anger and functional impairment.

Results

We observed significant reductions in PTSD scores following treatment on both clinician completed measures (PSS-I: −13.0, 95% CI −14.5 to −11.5) and self-reported measures (Revised Impact of Events Scale (IES-R): −16.5, 95% CI −19.0 to −14.0). Significant improvements in functional impairment were also observed (eg, Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HONOS): −6.85, 95% CI −7.98 to −5.72). There were no differences in baseline outcomes between those who completed and those who did not complete the programme, or post-treatment outcomes between those we were able to follow-up at 6 months and those lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

In a naturalistic study we observed a significant reduction in PTSD scores and functional impairment following treatment. These improvements were maintained at 6 month follow-up. Our findings suggest it may be helpful to take a closer look at combining individual trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy and group sessions when treating veterans with PTSD. This is the first UK study of its kind, but requires further evaluation.
Respiratory health status and its predictors: a cross-sectional study among coal-based sponge iron plant workers in Barjora, India
Authors: Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Chattopadhyay Chaitali , Kaltenthaler Eva
Published: March 2015

Objectives

During the past decade, coal-based sponge iron plants, a highly polluted industry, have grown rapidly in Barjora, India. The toxic effects of particulate matters and gaseous pollutants include various respiratory diseases. Understanding workers’ perception of respiratory health is essential in people-centred healthcare. The aim of the study was to assess their respiratory health status and to determine its predictors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Coal-based sponge iron plants in Barjora, India.

Participants

258 coal-based sponge iron plant workers.

Primary outcome measure

Respiratory health status was measured using the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) total score. 100 and 0 represent the worst and best possible respiratory health status, respectively.

Statistical analyses

The two-part model (frequency (any worse respiratory health status) and severity (amount of worse respiratory health status)) was developed for the score, as the data were positively skewed with many zeros.

Results

The mean (SD) SGRQ total score was 7.7 (14.5), the median (IQR) was 0.9 (9.0), and the observed range was 0–86.6. The best possible SGRQ total score was reported by 46.9% of workers. Independent predictors of worse respiratory health status were cleaner domestic cooking fuel (coefficient −0.76, 95% CI −1.46 to −0.06, p=0.034) and personal history of any respiratory disease (1.76, 1.04 to 2.47, p<0.001) in case of frequency; and family history of any respiratory disease (0.43, 0.02 to 0.83, p=0.039) and personal history (1.19, 0.83 to 1.54, p<0.001) in case of severity.

Conclusions

Less than half of the coal-based sponge iron plant workers in Barjora have the best possible respiratory health status. The predictors of worse respiratory health status were identified. The study findings could be taken into consideration in future interventional studies aimed at improving the respiratory health status of these workers.
Initial healthcare and coping preferences are associated with outcome 1 year after whiplash trauma: a multicentre 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Myrtveit Solbjørg Makalani , Carstensen Tina , Kasch Helge , Ørnbøl Eva , Frostholm Lisbeth
Published: March 2015

Objective

Individuals exposed to whiplash collisions have to cope with the stressful event as well as early physical symptoms. As in other chronic pain conditions, coping has been associated with outcome after whiplash. In this study, our aim was to examine whether initial coping preferences were associated with the development of chronic whiplash.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Primary care.

Methods

740 acute whiplash patients were recruited from emergency units and general practitioners after car collisions in Denmark. Within 10 days postinjury, participants were asked what they believed could help them get better. At 12-month follow-up, the level of neck pain and capability to work was obtained. Whether coping preferences (baseline) were associated with outcome was investigated using multiple regression analyses.

Results

Persistent neck pain was most strongly associated with preferring medications (mean difference=1.24 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.82)) and sickness absence (mean difference=1.18 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.82)). Reduced work capability was most strongly associated with preferring medications (OR=3.53 (95% CI 2.13 to 5.86)), sickness absence (OR=3.05 (95% CI 1.80 to 5.17)) and being referred to a physiotherapist/chiropractor (OR=3.03 (95% CI 1.33 to 6.91)). Active coping was associated with better outcomes: Participants preferring to change their lifestyle were protected against reduced work capability (OR=0.11 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.78)). Individuals who wanted to keep living as usual only (no other preference reported) were protected against neck pain (mean difference −1.62 (95% CI −2.39 to −0.84)) and reduced work capability (OR=0.09 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.64)).

Conclusions

A simple nine-item measure of coping preferences is associated with the development of chronic neck pain and reduced capability to work following whiplash trauma and may be used to identify individuals at risk of poor recovery.
Patient and professional user experiences of simple telehealth for hypertension, medication reminders and smoking cessation: a service evaluation
Authors: Cottrell Elizabeth , Cox Tracey , O'Connell Phil , Chambers Ruth
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To establish patient and professional user satisfaction with the Advice & Interactive Messaging (AIM) for Health programme delivered using a mobile phone-based, simple telehealth intervention, ‘Florence’.

Design

A service evaluation using data extracted from Florence and from a professional user electronic survey.

Setting

425 primary care practices across 31 Clinical Commissioning Groups in England.

Participants

3381 patients registered on 1 of 10 AIM protocols between March 2013 and January 2014 and 77 professional users.

Intervention

The AIM programme offered 10 clinical protocols, in three broad groups: (1) hypertension diagnosis/monitoring, (2) medication reminders and (3) smoking cessation. Florence sent patients prompts to submit clinical information, educational messages and user satisfaction questions. Patient responses were reviewed by their primary healthcare providers.

Primary outcome measures

Patients and professional user experiences of using AIM, and within this, Florence.

Results

Patient activity using Florence was generally good at month 1 for the hypertension protocols (71–80%), but reduced over 2–3 months (31–60%). For the other protocols, patient activity was 0–39% at 3 months. Minimum target days of texting were met for half the hypertension protocols. 1707/2304 (74%) patients sent evaluative texts responded at least once. Among responders, agreement with the adapted friends and family statement generally exceeded preproject aspirations. Professional responders were generally positive or equivocal about the programme.

Conclusions

Satisfaction with AIM appeared optimal when patients were carefully selected for the protocol; professional users were familiar with the system, the programme addressed a problem with the previous service delivery that was identified by users and users took an active approach to achieve clinical goals. However, there was a significant decrease in patients’ use of Florence over time. Future applications may be optimised by identifying and addressing reasons for the waning use of the service and enhancing support during implementation of the service.
The Head Injury Retrieval Trial (HIRT): a single-centre randomised controlled trial of physician prehospital management of severe blunt head injury compared with management by paramedics only
Authors: Garner Alan A , Mann Kristy P , Fearnside Michael , Poynter Elwyn , Gebski Val
Published: March 2015

Background

Advanced prehospital interventions for severe brain injury remains controversial. No previous randomised trial has been conducted to evaluate additional physician intervention compared with paramedic only care.

Methods

Participants in this prospective, randomised controlled trial were adult patients with blunt trauma with either a scene GCS score <9 (original definition), or GCS<13 and an Abbreviated Injury Scale score for the head region ≥3 (modified definition). Patients were randomised to either standard ground paramedic treatment or standard treatment plus a physician arriving by helicopter. Patients were evaluated by 30-day mortality and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores. Due to high non-compliance rates, both intention-to-treat and as-treated analyses were preplanned.

Results

375 patients met the original definition, of which 197 was allocated to physician care. Differences in the 6-month GOS scores were not significant on intention-to-treat analysis (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.66, p=0.62) nor was the 30-day mortality (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.38, p=0.66). As-treated analysis showed a 16% reduction in 30-day mortality in those receiving additional physician care; 60/195 (29%) versus 81/180 (45%), p<0.01, Number needed to treat =6. 338 patients met the modified definition, of which 182 were allocated to physician care. The 6-month GOS scores were not significantly different on intention-to-treat analysis (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.75, p=0.56) nor was the 30-day mortality (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.66, p=0.84). As-treated analyses were also not significantly different.

Conclusions

This trial suggests a potential mortality reduction in patients with blunt trauma with GCS<9 receiving additional physician care (original definition only). Confirmatory studies which also address non-compliance issues are needed.

Trial registration number

NCT00112398.
Expression of p40 and laminin 332 in metaplastic spindle cell carcinoma of the breast compared with other malignant spindle cell tumours
Authors: D'Alfonso Timothy M , Ross Dara S , Liu Yi-Fang , Shin Sandra J
Published: March 2015

Aims

To determine the use of p40 and laminin 332 (LN332) immunostains for diagnosing metaplastic carcinoma by studying the expression of these and other routine markers in spindle cell metaplastic carcinomas and other malignant spindle cell tumours.

Methods

We identified cases of spindle cell metaplastic carcinoma (n=36) and other atypical/malignant spindle cell tumours, including 20 phyllodes tumours (14 borderline, six malignant) and 23 spindle cell sarcomas (three primary to breast). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for p40 and two LN332 chains, β3 (kalinin B1) and γ2 (lamC2). The expression of these markers was compared with p63 and cytokeratins.

Results

p40 and p63 expression was seen in 21 of 36 (58.3%) and 33 of 36 (91.7%) metaplastic carcinomas, respectively. No phyllodes tumours showed stromal expression of p40 or p63. One of 23 (4.3%) sarcomas showed focal weak p63 staining. LamC2 and kalinin B1 expression was seen in 28 of 36 (77.8%) and 26 of 36 (72.2%) metaplastic carcinomas, respectively. LamC2 and kalinin B1 each showed positive stromal cell expression in two of 20 (10%) phyllodes tumours. No sarcomas showed staining with lamC2. Kalinin B1 staining was seen in 17 of 23 (73.9%) sarcomas, including two of three primary breast sarcomas. Cytokeratin expression was seen in 32 of 36 (88.9%) metaplastic carcinomas and diffuse staining was most often seen in 34βE12 and CK5.

Conclusions

The diagnostic value of relatively novel markers p40 and LN332 was found to be less than that of routinely used markers (p63 and cytokeratins). p40 proved to be a specific marker but lacked the sensitivity of p63, while LN332 showed staining in a significant proportion of phyllodes tumours and sarcomas.
The impact of the economic crisis on unmet dental care needs in Spain
Authors: Calzón Fernández Silvia , Fernández Ajuria Alberto , Martín José Jesús , Murphy Matthew Joseph
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To analyse the impact that the economic crisis and the evolution of socioeconomic inequality before (2007) and during (2011) the current crisis have had on unmet dental care needs in Spain.

Methods

The Living Conditions Surveys from the years 2007 and 2011 were used, including 44 138 adults aged under 65 years. A descriptive and stratified analysis was carried out along with the calculation of the concentration index and a multivariate logistic regression jointly and separately by gender. The dependent variable was unmet dental care needs and the independent variables were income, employment status, gender, age, education and chronic disease. A dummy variable was created for the year of survey completion as a proxy measure for the economic crisis. The SPSS V.20 software was used.

Results

During the period under analysis, the unmet needs for dental services increased (from 6.2% to 7.2%) along with the concentration index (from −0.1412 to −0.189). The main correlations with unmet needs were: unemployment (OR=1.46), lower income (OR=2.44 for the income quintile) and the year 2011 with respect to 2007 (OR 1.13). For women, the OR is greater according to income level (2.44 compared with 1.77 in men) and the year 2011 (1.21 compared with 1.06), while for men unemployment had a greater effect (OR=1.52 compared with 1.46).

Conclusions

There has been an increase in unmet dental care needs as well as in the social gradient for service access. The most vulnerable groups are those with less purchasing power and the unemployed. The economic crisis has also increased this unmet need.
Who speaks for whom? Health humanities and the ethics of representation
Authors: Garden Rebecca
Published: March 2015

The medical or health humanities are in essence a form of advocacy, a means of addressing a problem of underrepresentation. They focus on suffering, rather than pathology, and on sociocultural understandings of illness and disability, rather than a narrow biomedical perspective. The health humanities thus analyse and attempt to recalibrate the power imbalance in healthcare. This article reviews health humanities scholarship that addresses underrepresentation through the analysis of illness and disability narratives. It examines the ethics of representation by exploring how literary representation functions, its aesthetic as well as political dimensions, and how it operates as a relay mechanism for power. The mechanism of representation is further explored through a reading of Eli Clare's narrativeExile and Pride. Donna Haraway's notion ofarticulationsis proposed as a tool for a more ethical approach to representation. The article suggests that transparency about the power health humanities scholars stand to gain through representation may contribute to a more ethical health humanities practice.
Lesion location, stability, and pretreatment management: factors affecting outcomes of endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis
Authors: Alexander Matthew D , Rebhun Jeffrey M , Hetts Steven W , Kim Anthony S , Nelson Jeffrey , Kim Helen , Amans Matthew R , Settecase Fabio , Dowd Christopher F , Halbach Van V , Higashida Randall T , Cooke Daniel L
Published: March 2015

Background and purpose

The proper role of endovascular treatment of cervicocerebral atherosclerosis is unclear. Posterior circulation disease has not been investigated as extensively as disease in the anterior circulation. In this study, we characterized the rates of technical success, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and death or disability, for both acute and elective endovascular treatment of atherosclerosis in the vertebrobasilar system.

Methods

We identified patients with atherosclerosis of the vertebrobasilar circulation who underwent endovascular intervention at our hospital through retrospective medical record review, and evaluated the association between lesion and treatment features and subsequent stroke, death, or disability at 30 days and 1 year.

Results

We identified 136 lesions in 122 patients, including 13 interventions for acute strokes. Technical success was achieved in 123 of 136 cases (90.4%). Elective procedures had higher rates of technical success (6.5% vs 15.4%, p=0.21) and better clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, intracranial lesions were associated with more disability (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 30 days (OR 7.1, p=0.01) and 1 year (OR 10, p=0.03). Patients with non-hypoperfusion related symptoms had fewer strokes at follow-up at 1 year when treated after an asymptomatic interval of >10 days compared with those treated within 10 days of the presenting symptoms (OR 0.2, p=0.03). Statin treatment prior to intervention was associated with favorable outcomes across several examined endpoints. Preoperative antiplatelet treatment was associated with lower rates of disability at 30 days and 1 year (OR 0.1, p<0.01 and OR 0.07, p=0.01, respectively), and preoperative anticoagulation treatment was associated with higher rates of death at 30 days, particularly when prescribed for reasons other than atrial fibrillation (OR 6.4, p=0.01).

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of symptomatic vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis can be performed safely and with good outcomes. Technical results were better for those with extracranial disease while clinical outcomes were more favorable in those patients with non-progressive symptoms in the subacute period and those receiving statin therapy.
Cardiovascular disease in HIV patients: from bench to bedside and backwards
Authors: Cerrato Enrico , Calcagno Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Biondi-Zoccai Giuseppe , Mancone Massimo , Grosso Marra Walter , Demarie Daniela , Omedè Pierluigi , Abbate Antonio , Bonora Stefano , DiNicolantonio James J , Estrada Vicente , Escaned Javier , Moretti Claudio , Gaita Fiorenzo
Published: March 2015

HIV patients are exposed to a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events, due to complex interactions between traditional risk factors and HIV infection itself in terms of ongoing endothelial dysfunctional immune activation/inflammation and increased risk of thrombosis. On the other hand, long-span antiretroviral therapy administration still raises questions on its long-term safety in an era in which life expectancy is becoming longer and longer while treatment of non-HIV-related serious events is increasingly raising concern. In this article, we will critically analyse the current knowledge of pathological and clinical aspects pertaining to the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with HIV.
Scaled physical and numerical modelling of static soil pressures on box culverts
Authors: Abuhajar Osama , Newson Tim , El Naggar Hesham
Published: March 2015

The response of buried box culverts is a complex soil–structure interaction problem, where the relative stiffness between the soil and structure is a critical factor. In addition, soil arching is an important aspect of the soil–culvert interaction problem. A series of static scaled physical model centrifuge tests were performed to investigate soil–culvert interaction. Two different box culvert thicknesses and Nevada sand specimens with different relative densities were used to explore the interaction between the sand and box culverts under different conditions. The static loading consisted of the self-weight from the soil body. The responses of the box culvert were recorded for all loading conditions. The results were evaluated in terms of bending moment, soil pressure, and soil–culvert interaction factors. Soil pressures were evaluated using different experimental methods, which provided comparable results. The soil pressure observed on the culvert top slab showed parabolic distribution, i.e., higher values at the edges and lower at the centre than the theoretical vertical soil (overburden) pressure. The horizontal soil pressure on the side wall increased with depth. The soil–culvert interaction factors decreased at the centre and increased at the edges of the top slab, as the thickness and relative stiffness of the culvert decreased.
DFT-ONIOM study of the dopamine–β-CD complex: NBO and AIM analysis
Authors: Djemil Rayenne , Attoui-Yahia Ouassila , Khatmi Djameleddine
Published: March 2015

In this work, we conducted a systematic search of the minimum energy of a dopamine–β-cyclodextrin complex via different ONIOM approaches using both mixed (DFT-HF) and nonmixed (DFT-DFT) combinations. Different density functionals were employed: B3LYP, MPW1PW91, M05-2X, M06-2X, and ωB97X-D. Two different basis sets were used on the dopamine–β-cyclodextrin complex; a lower basis set (3-21G*) is used on β-cyclodextrin and a higher basis set (6-31G(d)) is used on dopamine. To fulfill this task, complexation and deformation energies were determined. The relative performance of these functionals was compared with that obtained with the DFT method at the M06-2X/6-31G(d) level that is chosen as a reference method. Although we did not clearly establish an assessment of the relative performance of these density functionals, the efficacy of the ONIOM combination (DFT-HF) is shown compared with a nonmixed ONIOM combination (DFT-DFT). The intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions of the complex obtained with the full M06-2X/6-31G(d) have been analyzed with the atoms-in-molecules and natural bond rrbital methodologies.
Identification of electrochemical reaction products in lithium–oxygen cells with 7Li nutation spectroscopy
Authors: Reeve Zoë E.M. , Goward Gillian R. , Bain Alex D.
Published: March 2015

In the Li–O2 battery system, it is has been shown to be challenging to differentiate the discharge products or determine the electrolyte stability with direct 7Li NMR. Defined 7Li quadrupole lineshapes are not observed for cycled cathodes. Here, 7Li nutation NMR is demonstrated to be an effective method for the identification of Li2O2 in cycled cathodes. The 7Li quadrupole interaction of Li2O2 (35 kHz) and Li2CO3 (120 kHz) are of similar magnitude to typically radiofrequency fields (ranging from 40 to 60 kHz). The 7Li nutation frequency will therefore be influenced by both interactions. The discharge products of the cycled cathodes were determined by comparing the 7Li nutation frequencies of the cycled cathodes to the 7Li nutation frequency of the pristine materials when the applied radiofrequency field was 30 kHz. Li2CO3 was determined to be the main discharge product in the propylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate and trimethyl phosphate electrolyte systems, since the 7Li nutation frequencies of the cathodes corresponded to the 7Li nutation frequency of pristine Li2CO3. The 7Li nutation frequency of the tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether cathode was between the 7Li nutation frequencies of both pristine Li2O2 and pristine Li2CO3, indicating that both Li2O2 and Li2CO3 were discharge products influencing the observed nutation frequency. From 7Li nutation NMR the novel trimethyl phosphate electrolyte was determined to be an unsuitable Li–O2 electrolyte, as the fast 7Li nutation frequency indicated that Li2O2 was not a primary discharge species. With 17O NMR, Li2CO3 was confirmed to be a main discharge product formed with the trimethyl phosphate electrolyte.
Biomolecule conjugated nanoparticle synthons for detection of food contaminants
Authors: Zaman Md. Badruz , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Hanifi-Moghaddam Pejman
Published: March 2015

This article investigates recent research on a series of photoluminescent nanoparticles (NPs) and supramolecular chemistry at their surface. This in turn prompts the concept of quantum dots supramolecular synthons (QDSS) and foresees the inevitable path towards biomimetics and bioinspired technology. We highlight the methodology how to create QDSS by functional assembly of photoluminescent semiconductors and the surface binding of supramolecular ligands.
Effects of long-term chloroquine administration on the natural history of aortic aneurysms in mice
Authors: Ramadan Azza , Wheatcroft Mark D. , Quan Adrian , Singh Krishna K. , Lovren Fina , Dhingra Natasha , Teoh Hwee , Al-Omran Mohammed , Leong-Poi Howard , Verma Subodh
Published: March 2015

Autophagy regulates cellular homeostasis and integrates the cellular pro-survival machinery. We investigated the role of autophagy in the natural history of murine abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). ApoE−/− mice were implanted with saline- or angiotensin II (Ang-II)-filled miniosmotic pumps then treated with either the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ; 50 mg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1, by intraperitoneal injection) or saline. Ang-II-elicited aneurysmal expansion of the suprarenal aorta coupled with thrombus formation were apparent 8 weeks later. CQ had no impact on the incidence (50% for Ang-II compared with 46.2% for Ang-II + CQ; P = NS) and categorical distribution of aneurysms. The markedly reduced survival rate observed with Ang-II (57.1% for Ang-II compared with 100% for saline; P < 0.05) was unaffected by CQ (61.5% for Ang-II + CQ; P = NS compared with Ang-II). CQ did not affect the mean maximum suprarenal aortic diameter (1.91 ± 0.19 mm for Ang-II compared with 1.97 ± 0.21 mm for Ang-II + CQ; P = NS). Elastin fragmentation, collagen accumulation, and smooth muscle attrition, which were higher in Ang-II-treated mice, were unaffected by CQ treatment. Long-term CQ administration does not affect the natural history and prognosis of experimental AAA, suggesting that global loss of autophagy is unlikely to be a causal factor in the development of aortic aneurysms. Manipulation of autophagy as a mechanism to reduce AAA may need re-evaluation.
The role of the petrophysical characteristics on the durability and conservation of some porous calcarenites from Southern Italy
Authors: Calia A. , Lettieri M. , Mecchi A. , Quarta G.
Published: March 2015

Highly porous and soft calcarenites, often called ‘calcareous tuffs’, are commonly found throughout Southern Italy and are traditionally used as building materials. The petrophysical features of some of them were determined, focusing on the microstructure (fabric and porosimetric characteristics) and on the properties related to water absorption, drying and water vapour permeability; the compressive strength was also measured. The mineralogical composition was analysed and a variable presence of clay minerals was found for the different varieties. Diverse levels of damage under a salt crystallization test were related to the mineralogical, petrographic and porosimetric features, the latter being a source of the heterogeneity of the investigated stones. Results of laboratory tests and observations of decay in the field suggest protection against water penetration as the primary requirement for slowing down the decay of such highly porous and soft stones. Some water-repellent products were tested for effectiveness in reducing water absorption and for compatibility with the original stones’ properties. Their use in the presence of salts was taken into account, including the performances of the treated stones under the salt crystallization test. Treatment issues were found to be strongly influenced by the porosimetric characteristics of the studied materials.
Geoethics and seismic risk perception: the case of the Pollino area, Calabria, southern Italy and comparison with communities of the past
Authors: De Pascale F. , Bernardo M. , Muto F. , Tripodi V.
Published: March 2015

This work is a synthesis of research into seismic risk perception in the Pollino area (southern Italy). Over the last 3 years, there has been an ongoing earthquake swarm affecting this area that straddles the border between the regions of Calabria and Basilicata. The perception of seismic risk is an important element in environmental planning. If land is considered in terms of reciprocal interaction between humans and their physical space, Geoethics can find a synthesis between humanistic and scientific knowledge with regard to the theme of disasters. Geoethics can especially help in terms of educating the population of an area about integrated risk management. It is believed that improved communications, awareness of risk complexity and levels of preparation would increase a community's resilience and allow for more effective planning. With this premise, a questionnaire was given to students in primary and secondary education, and to a sample of adults in some of the villages affected by the Pollino earthquake swarm. A comparison with people's mental representation of risk regarding great earthquakes of the past, such as those of Calabria in 1783, helps us to clarify the relationship between an extreme event and a disaster.
Geotourism: an opportunity to enhance geoethics and boost geoheritage appreciation
Authors: Allan Mamoon
Published: March 2015

Geotourism (tourism with a geological purpose) has great potential to sustain and conserve our geological heritage, which represents the collective memory of Mother Nature. It involves a sustainable, viable and responsible tourism development that enhances the wellbeing of the local communities. It further provides a holistic tourism experience, and offers opportunities for visitors and hosts to gain knowledge about the values of the geological tourism attractions. In addition, it is based on the best practice of geoethics for different parties involved in geological tourism activities. However, this paper will explore the role of geotourism as a geoconservation and geoeducation tool, and will investigate the role of geotourism operations in promoting the culture of geoethics in different geological tourism practices.
Inhibition of class I histone deacetylase activity represses matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression and preserves LV function postmyocardial infarction
Authors: Mani Santhosh K. , Kern Christine B. , Kimbrough Denise , Addy Benjamin , Kasiganesan Harinath , Rivers William T. , Patel Risha K. , Chou James C. , Spinale Francis G. , Mukherjee Rupak , Menick Donald R.
Published: March 2015

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling, after myocardial infarction (MI), can result in LV dilation and LV pump dysfunction. Post-MI induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, have been implicated as causing deleterious effects on LV and extracellular matrix remodeling in the MI region and within the initially unaffected remote zone. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a class of enzymes that affect the transcriptional regulation of genes during pathological conditions. We assessed the efficacy of both class I/IIb- and class I-selective HDAC inhibitors on MMP-2 and MMP-9 abundance and determined if treatment resulted in the attenuation of adverse LV and extracellular matrix remodeling and improved LV pump function post-MI. MI was surgically induced in MMP-9 promoter reporter mice and randomized for treatment with a class I/IIb HDAC inhibitor for 7 days post-MI. After MI, LV dilation, LV pump dysfunction, and activation of the MMP-9 gene promoter were significantly attenuated in mice treated with either the class I/IIb HDAC inhibitor tichostatin A or suberanilohydroxamic acid (voronistat) compared with MI-only mice. Immunohistological staining and zymographic levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were reduced with either tichostatin A or suberanilohydroxamic acid treatment. Class I HDAC activity was dramatically increased post-MI. Treatment with the selective class I HDAC inhibitor PD-106 reduced post-MI levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 and attenuated LV dilation and LV pump dysfunction post-MI, similar to class I/IIb HDAC inhibition. Taken together, these unique findings demonstrate that selective inhibition of class I HDACs may provide a novel therapeutic means to attenuate adverse LV remodeling post-MI.
Peripheral microvascular function is altered in young individuals at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and correlates with myocardial diastolic function
Authors: Fernlund Eva , Schlegel Todd T. , Platonov Pyotr G. , Carlson Jonas , Carlsson Marcus , Liuba Petru
Published: March 2015

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death in the young. Based on previous reports of functional abnormalities in not only coronary but also peripheral vessels in adults with HCM, we aimed to assess both peripheral vascular and myocardial diastolic function in young individuals with an early stage of HCM and in individuals at risk for HCM. Children, adolescents, and young adults (mean age: 12 yr) with a family history of HCM who either had (HCM group; n = 36) or did not have (HCM-risk group; n = 30) echocardiography-documented left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy as well as healthy matched controls ( n = 85) and healthy young athletes ( n = 12) were included in the study. All underwent assessment with 12-lead electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging and laser Doppler with transdermal iontophoresis of ACh and sodium nitroprusside. LV thickness and mass were increased in HCM and athlete groups compared with control and HCM-risk groups. The mitral E-to- e′ ratio, measured via tissue Doppler, was increased in HCM ( P < 0.0001) and HCM-risk ( P < 0.01) groups compared with control and athlete groups, as were microvascular responses to ACh (HCM group: P = 0.045 and HCM-risk group: P = 0.02). Responses to ACh correlated with the E-to- e′ ratio ( r = 0.5, P = 0.001). Microvascular responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in all groups ( P > 0.2). HCM-causing mutations or its familial history are associated with changes in cardiac diastolic function and peripheral microvascular function even before the onset of myocardial hypertrophy. Tissue Doppler can be used to differentiate HCM from physiological LV hypertrophy in young athletes.
A novel pharmacological strategy by PTEN inhibition for improving metabolic resuscitation and survival after mouse cardiac arrest
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Huashan , Zhong Qiang , Zhu Xiangdong , Chen Sy-Jou , Qian Yuanyu , Costakis Jim , Bunney Gabrielle , Beiser David G. , Leff Alan R. , Lewandowski E. Douglas , ÓDonnell J. Michael , Vanden Hoek Terry L.
Published: March 2015

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Despite return of spontaneous circulation, patients die due to post-SCA syndrome that includes myocardial dysfunction, brain injury, impaired metabolism, and inflammation. No medications improve SCA survival. Our prior work suggests that optimal Akt activation is critical for cooling protection and SCA recovery. Here, we investigate a small inhibitor of PTEN, an Akt-related phosphatase present in heart and brain, as a potential therapy in improving cardiac and neurological recovery after SCA. Anesthetized adult female wild-type C57BL/6 mice were randomized to pretreatment of VO-OHpic (VO) 30 min before SCA or vehicle control. Mice underwent 8 min of KCl-induced asystolic arrest followed by CPR. Resuscitated animals were hemodynamically monitored for 2 h and observed for 72 h. Outcomes included heart pressure-volume loops, energetics (phosphocreatine and ATP from 31P NMR), protein phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and phospholamban, circulating inflammatory cytokines, plasma lactate, and glucose as measures of systemic metabolic recovery. VO reduced deterioration of left ventricular maximum pressure, maximum rate of change in the left ventricular pressure, and Petco2 and improved 72 h neurological intact survival (50% vs. 10%; P < 0.05). It reduced plasma lactate, glucose, IL-1β, and Pre-B cell colony enhancing factor, while increasing IL-10. VO increased phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β in both heart and brain, and cardiac phospholamban phosphorylation while reducing p-PDH. Moreover, VO improved cardiac bioenergetic recovery. We concluded that pharmacologic PTEN inhibition enhances Akt activation, improving metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurologic recovery with increased survival after SCA. PTEN inhibitors may be a novel pharmacologic strategy for treating SCA.