bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Marrow–derived Cells and Biophysical Stimulation for Talar Osteochondral Lesions
Authors: Cadossi Matteo , Buda Roberto Emanuele , Ramponi Laura , Sambri Andrea , Natali Simone , Giannini Sandro
Published: June 2014

Background:

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) frequently occur after ankle sprains in young patients participating in sports activities. These injuries may lead to chronic pain, joint swelling, and finally osteoarthritis, therefore, surgical repair is frequently needed. A collagen scaffold seeded with bone marrow–derived cells (BMDCs) harvested from patient’s iliac crest and implanted into the OLT through a single arthroscopic procedure has been recently proposed as an effective treatment option. Nevertheless, BMDCs, embedded in an inflammatory environment, tend to differentiate toward a fibroblast phenotype with a consequential loss of mechanical characteristics. Biophysical stimulation with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has been shown to promote anabolic chondrocyte activity, stimulate proteoglycan synthesis, and reduce the release of the most relevant pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of PEMFs on clinical outcome in patients who underwent BMDCs transplantation for OLT.

Methods:

Thirty patients affected by grade III and IV Outerbridge OLT underwent BMDCs transplantation. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to either experimental group (PEMFs 4 hours per day for 60 days starting within 3 days after operation) or control group. Clinical outcome was evaluated with (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) AOFAS score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Short Form-36 (SF-36).

Results:

Significantly higher AOFAS score was recorded in the experimental group both at 6 or 12 months follow-up. At 60 days and 6 and 12 months follow-up, significant lower pain was observed in the experimental group. No significant difference was found in SF-36 between groups.

Conclusion:

A superior clinical outcome was found in the experimental group with more than 10 points higher AOFAS score at final follow-up. Biophysical stimulation started soon after surgery aided patient recovery leading to pain control and a better clinical outcome with these improvements lasting more than 1 year after surgery.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
Do Postliver Transplant Patients Need Thromboprophylactic Anticoagulation?
Authors: Mukerji Amar Nath , Karachristos Andreas , Maloo Manoj , Johnson David , Jain Ashokkumar
Published: June 2014

Postoperative thromboprophylactic anticoagulation against Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is standard of care with current evidence-based guidelines. However, majority of liver transplant (LT) patients have thrombocytopenia and/or prolonged INR before surgery. Studies or guidelines regarding role of prophylactic anticoagulation after LT are lacking. There is a need to balance the risk of thrombosis with significant hemorrhage, implying those needing transfusion or return to OR due to bleeding. We conclude that after LT, anticoagulation is not required routinely for DVT/PE prophylaxis. Rather, it is indicated in specific circumstances, chiefly for prophylaxis of hepatic artery thrombosis or portal vein thrombosis in cases with use of grafts, pediatric cases, small size vessels, Budd Chiari syndrome, amongst others.
Functionality of alternative protein in gluten-free product development
Authors: Deora Navneet Singh , Deswal Aastha , Mishra Hari Niwas
Published: June 2014

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by ingested gluten from wheat, rye, barley, and other closely related cereal grains. The current treatment for celiac disease is life-long adherence to a strict gluten-exclusion diet. The replacement of gluten presents a significant technological challenge, as it is an essential structure-building protein, which is necessary for formulating high-quality baked goods. A major limitation in the production of gluten-free products is the lack of protein functionality in non-wheat cereals. Additionally, commercial gluten-free mixes usually contain only carbohydrates, which may significantly limit the amount of protein in the diet. In the recent past, various approaches are attempted to incorporate protein-based ingredients and to modify the functional properties for gluten-free product development. This review aims to the highlight functionality of the alternative protein-based ingredients, which can be utilized for gluten-free product development both functionally as well as nutritionally.
Evaluation of bioactive compounds of black mulberry juice after thermal, microwave, ultrasonic processing, and storage at different temperatures
Authors: Jiang Bo , Mantri Nitin , Hu Ya , Lu Jiayin , Jiang Wu , Lu Hongfei
Published: June 2014

The effect of different sterilization methods (thermal, microwave, and ultrasonic processing) on the main bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of black mulberry juice during selected storage time (8 days) and temperatures (5, 15, and 25 ℃) was investigated. The antioxidant activity of thermal-treated juice depleted with storage time, whilst both ultrasound- and microwave-treated juices showed transient increase in antioxidant activity during the first 2 days that later decreased with storage time. Lower temperature storage preserved more bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, especially in ultrasound sterilized samples. The activation energy values were 15.99, 13.07, and 12.81 kJ/mol for ultrasonic, microwave, and thermal pasteurization processes, respectively. In general, ultrasound-sterilized samples showed higher total phenolics, anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity compared to the microwave- and thermal-processed juice during the storage time especially at lower temperatures.
The language of feelings: A reading and storytelling group in an adolescent unit
Authors: Killick Steve , Bowkett Steve
Published: June 2014

This article describes a “Reading and Storytelling Group” that ran at an adolescent inpatient unit and outlines how fictional stories, both read and told, can develop psychological insights such as mentalization and emotional literacy. The structure of the group is described, and some of the activities and responses of the young people are illustrated. How activities such as this can have therapeutic benefits without being ostensibly “therapy” are discussed.
Syntactically conditioned code-switching? The syntax of numerals in Beni-Snous Berber
Authors: Souag Lameen , Kherbache Fatma
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives:

Grammatical rules in one language that induce the speaker to switch to another language (Matras’ ‘bilingual suppletion’) are reported for two languages: Beni-Snous Berber (as described in Destaing’s 1907 work Etude sur le dialecte berbère des Beni-Snous), and Jerusalem Domari (as described in Matras’s 2012 work A grammar of Domari). Few details are available, yet the two cases show greater similarities than expected if any grammatical rule could specify switching. This paper seeks to describe the phenomenon more precisely and to provide a principled explanation for the similarities.

Methodology:

Destaing claims that numerals greater than 10 obligatorily select for Arabic nouns, but provides few examples and no frequency indications. The description was made more precise by examining all numeral+noun phrases in published texts, supplemented by elicitation. Contact effects were distinguished from retentions through comparison with nearby Berber and Arabic varieties.

Data and analysis:

Destaing’s text corpus yielded 213 numeral+noun phrases; another 169 were elicited in 2013 from seven surviving speakers. In both datasets, counterexamples to Destaing’s original claim were found, but switching was restricted to numerals greater than 10, and Fisher’s exact test confirmed this factor’s significance.

Findings:

Beni-Snous Berber – like Domari – shows a statistically significant tendency to use Arabic nouns with numerals for which Arabic and Berber selectional requirements conflict. Modern speakers additionally show optional syntactic calquing in such cases, accompanied by fewer switches. These facts are predicted by the hypothesis that ‘bilingual suppletion’ is induced by words shared across the two languages with different selectional requirements.

Originality:

‘Bilingual suppletion’ remains little-researched, and its relative frequency in corpus data has not previously been examined. No restrictive explanation for it has previously been proposed.

Implications:

The results indicate that ‘rules’ inducing language switching (always optional) can emerge naturally from conflicts between grammars within bilingual populations, rather than needing to be directly encoded in the grammar.
A systematic review of eHealth interventions to improve health literacy
Authors: Jacobs Robin J , Lou Jennie Q , Ownby Raymond L , Caballero Joshua
Published: June 2014

Implementation of eHealth is now considered an effective way to address concerns about the health status of health care consumers. The purpose of this study was to review empirically based eHealth intervention strategies designed to improve health literacy among consumers in a variety of settings. A computerized search of 16 databases of abstracts (e.g. Biomedical Reference Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Computers & Applied Sciences Complete, Health Technology Assessments, MEDLINE) were explored in a systematic fashion to assess the presence of eHealth applications targeting health literacy. Compared to control interventions, the interventions using technology reported significant outcomes or showed promise for future positive outcomes regarding health literacy in a variety of settings, for different diseases, and with diverse samples. This review has indicated that it is feasible to deliver eHealth interventions specifically designed to improve health literacy skills for people with different health conditions, risk factors, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Integrating the social into CEPAL’s neo-structuralist discourse
Authors: Mahon Rianne
Published: June 2014

This article focuses on the incorporation of the social into the economic development discourse(s) of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). Since its inception, CEPAL has played an important role in the region. In the postwar period, CEPAL helped to develop the theoretical justification for the import-substituting industrialisation (ISI) then sweeping the region. In response to the dismantling of ISI in the 1980s, CEPAL developed its neo-structuralist alternative. It is argued that the eventual incorporation of a social dimension into its neo-structuralist discourse occurred in response to the shifts in the global universe of social policy discourse as well as the failure of neo-liberal structural adjustment to deliver the promised benefits, documented by CEPAL’s Social Development Division.
The Nursing Division of the Israeli Health Ministry Moves Nursing Into the Forefront of Health Care
Authors: Greenberger Chaya , Haron Yafa , Riba Shoshana
Published: June 2014

The Nursing Division of the Israeli Ministry of Health, with the Government Nursing Officer at its helm, plays a pivotal role in promoting the nursing profession and influencing national health policy. In terms of nursing, the division is authorized to set, upgrade, and audit professional standards; create new specialties; formulate, oversee, and accredit educational programs; and award license to practice. In terms of broad policy, it has a voice in shaping general health priorities and allocating resources. Through the strategic use of the Nursing Division’s vested powers and in collaboration and consultation with stakeholders, current nursing roles are being expanded and new ones are being developed to meet the needs of the population. The aim of this article is to describe and analyze the contribution of the Nursing Division under leadership of the Government Nursing Officer in promoting nursing and health care in Israel over the last decade.
The structure of rhetorical defense in public diplomacy: Israel’s social account of the 2010 Turkish flotilla incident
Authors: Mor Ben D
Published: June 2014

In public diplomacy, states are often called upon to defend themselves rhetorically when they are blamed by foreign actors for untoward action. Why do states engage in rhetorical defense and how do they go about it? To answer this question, the author employs social accounts theory to theorize the motivation and structure of rhetorical defense. Following a discussion of social accounts, he analyzes the tactics of blame avoidance and argues that they are constructed from validity claims of truth, rightness, and sincerity, as stipulated by Habermas in his theory of communicative action. This structure of rhetorical defense as accounts is then examined in a case study of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense of his government’s actions in the 2010 Turkish flotilla incident. The empirical study suggests that rhetorical defense is indeed composed of validity claims, but more specifically that these revolve mostly around norm-in-context claims, namely arguments that seek to establish a fit between norms and situations.
The influence of education and income on responses to the QuickDASH questionnaire
Authors: Finsen V
Published: June 2014

We studied the influence of levels of income and education on QuickDASH scores. The scores were collected in a random sample of 1376 residents of Norway. The level of income was divided into four bands and level of education into five bands. The mean QuickDASH score for both men and women fell with every increase in education and income level. For women the mean score was 30 for those with the shortest education and 9 for those with the longest ( p < 0.001). The corresponding figures for men were 19 and 7 ( p < 0.01). The women with the lowest level of income had a mean score of 23, compared with 8 for women with the highest income level ( p < 0.001). For men the corresponding mean scores were 20 and 5 ( p < 0.001). Analysis of variance showed that age alone accounted for 16% of the variability of the scores among women and 7% among men. When levels of education and income were added to the analysis, these three factors accounted for 21% of the variability among women and 13% among men. We conclude that socioeconomic factors significantly influence QuickDASH scores.

Level of evidence: 3
Official statistics and Big Data
Authors: Struijs Peter , Braaksma Barteld , Daas Piet JH
Published: June 2014

The rise of Big Data changes the context in which organisations producing official statistics operate. Big Data provides opportunities, but in order to make optimal use of Big Data, a number of challenges have to be addressed. This stimulates increased collaboration between National Statistical Institutes, Big Data holders, businesses and universities. In time, this may lead to a shift in the role of statistical institutes in the provision of high-quality and impartial statistical information to society. In this paper, the changes in context, the opportunities, the challenges and the way to collaborate are addressed. The collaboration between the various stakeholders will involve each partner building on and contributing different strengths. For national statistical offices, traditional strengths include, on the one hand, the ability to collect data and combine data sources with statistical products and, on the other hand, their focus on quality, transparency and sound methodology. In the Big Data era of competing and multiplying data sources, they continue to have a unique knowledge of official statistical production methods. And their impartiality and respect for privacy as enshrined in law uniquely position them as a trusted third party. Based on this, they may advise on the quality and validity of information of various sources. By thus positioning themselves, they will be able to play their role as key information providers in a changing society.
The Effect of Six Different Corrective Feedback Strategies on Iranian English Language Learners’ IELTS Writing Task 2
Authors: Sanavi Reza Vahdani , Nemati Majid
Published: June 2014

Scholars have long studied the effect of corrective feedback strategies on the writing ability of language learners, but few have formed designs in which more than three feedback strategies have been used. In this research, the ultimate goal was to discover how International English Language Testing System (IELTS-) candidates could be helped to perform better in the writing component of the test with the feedback they get. To this end, 186 learners attending IELTS preparation classes in three different English language institutes participated in this quasi-experimental study. A one-way ANOVA was run to discover the significant difference among the six groups. The findings proposed that Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing ability improved as a result of the employment of writing feedback strategies but that reformulation strategy was the most effective one. Teachers can, thus, benefit from the finding of this research by studying the way they should tackle the learners’ inaccurate productions as far as different writing score band descriptors are concerned.
Green synthesis of bi-component copper oxide composites and enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Yang R. C. , Zhang Z. H. , Ren Y. M. , Zhang X. , Chen Z. M. , Xu M. D.
Published: June 2014

A facile and green route was proposed for the synthesis of bi-component copper oxide composite without any templates and additives. The effects of D-(+)-glucose amount, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the morphology and constitution of the products were investigated by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and UV-vis DRS in detail. The results indicate that a series of Cu2O–CuO bi-component copper oxide composites with various morphologies can be easily obtained. Structure characterisation and photocatalytic tests show that the bi-component Cu2O–CuO composites exhibited better photodecolouration of methylene blue than those of the Cu2O, CuO, and Cu–CuO compounds owing to the existence of the synergistic effect between the CuO and Cu2O.
Who is the best donor for a related HLA haplotype-mismatched transplant?
Authors: Wang Yu , Chang Ying-Jun , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Kai-Yan , Liu Dai-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Chen Huan , Han Wei , Chen Yu-Hong , Wang Feng-Rong , Wang Jing-Zhi , Chen Yao , Yan Chen-Hua , Huo Ming-Rui , Li Dan , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2014

Key Points

There is a need to identify the best HLA haplotype-mismatched related donor. Use of young, male, NIMA-mismatched donors results in the best survival after HLA haplotype-mismatched related donor transplants.
Meanings of existential uncertainty and certainty for people diagnosed with cancer and receiving palliative treatment: a life-world phenomenological study
Authors: Karlsson Magdalena , Friberg Febe , Wallengren Catarina , Öhlén Joakim
Published: June 2014

Background

Many people around the world are getting cancer and living longer with the disease. Thanks to improved treatment options in healthcare, patients diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal cancer can increasingly live for longer. Living with cancer creates existential uncertainty, but what does this situation mean for the individual? The purpose of the study is to interpret meanings of existential uncertainty and certainty for people diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal cancer and receiving palliative treatment.

Methods

This study is part of a larger project in which 7 men and 7 women aged between 49 and 79 participated in a study of information and communication for people with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. A total of 66 interviews were conducted with participants who were followed up over time. The narrative interviews were transcribed verbatim and the texts were analysed in three steps: naive reading, structural analysis and interpreted whole by utilizing a phenomenological life-world approach.

Results

This study has identified different spheres in which people diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal cancer vacillate between existential uncertainty and certainty: bodily changes, everyday situations, companionship with others, healthcare situations and the natural environment. Existing in the move between existential uncertainty and certainty appears to change people’s lives in a decisive manner. The interview transcripts reveal aspects that both create existential certainty and counteract uncertainty. They also reveal that participants appear to start reflecting on how the new and uncertain aspects of their lives will manifest themselves –a new experience that lays the foundation for development of knowledge, personal learning and growth.

Conclusions

People diagnosed with advanced gastrointestinal cancer and receiving palliative care expressed thoughts about personal learning initiated by the struggle of living with an uncertain future despite their efforts to live in the present. Their personal learning was experienced through a changed life for themselves and having to confront their own pending death and develop self-insight regarding finality of life. Healthcare professionals can try to support people receiving palliative treatment for cancer by diversifying avenues for their personal growth, thus helping them manage their existential uncertainty and gravitate towards greater existential certainty.
The synthesis and characterization of monodispersed chitosan-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles via a facile one-step solvothermal process for adsorption of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Shen Mao , Yu Yujing , Fan Guodong , Chen Guang , Jin Ying min , Tang Wenyuan , Jia Wenping
Published: June 2014

Preparation of magnetic nanoparticles coated with chitosan (CS-coated Fe3O4 NPs) in one step by the solvothermal method in the presence of different amounts of added chitosan is reported here. The magnetic property of the obtained magnetic composite nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements (VSM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed the identification of spherical nanoparticles with about 150 nm in average diameter. Characterization of the products by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated that CS-coated Fe3O4 NPs were obtained. Chitosan content in the obtained nanocomposites was estimated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorption properties of the CS-coated Fe3O4 NPs for bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated under different concentrations of BSA. Compared with naked Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the CS-coated Fe3O4 NPs showed a higher BSA adsorption capacity (96.5 mg/g) and a fast adsorption rate (45 min) in aqueous solutions. This work demonstrates that the prepared magnetic nanoparticles have promising applications in enzyme and protein immobilization.
The influence of negative training set size on machine learning-based virtual screening
Authors: Kurczab Rafał , Smusz Sabina , Bojarski Andrzej J
Published: June 2014

Background

The paper presents a thorough analysis of the influence of the number of negative training examples on the performance of machine learning methods.

Results

The impact of this rather neglected aspect of machine learning methods application was examined for sets containing a fixed number of positive and a varying number of negative examples randomly selected from the ZINC database. An increase in the ratio of positive to negative training instances was found to greatly influence most of the investigated evaluating parameters of ML methods in simulated virtual screening experiments. In a majority of cases, substantial increases in precision and MCC were observed in conjunction with some decreases in hit recall. The analysis of dynamics of those variations let us recommend an optimal composition of training data. The study was performed on several protein targets, 5 machine learning algorithms (SMO, Naïve Bayes, Ibk, J48 and Random Forest) and 2 types of molecular fingerprints (MACCS and CDK FP). The most effective classification was provided by the combination of CDK FP with SMO or Random Forest algorithms. The Naïve Bayes models appeared to be hardly sensitive to changes in the number of negative instances in the training set.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the ratio of positive to negative training instances should be taken into account during the preparation of machine learning experiments, as it might significantly influence the performance of particular classifier. What is more, the optimization of negative training set size can be applied as a boosting-like approach in machine learning-based virtual screening.
Validation of pharyngeal findings on sleep nasopharyngoscopy in children with snoring/sleep disordered breathing
Authors: Ramji Maleka , Biron Vincent L , Jeffery Caroline C , Côté David WJ , El-Hakim Hamdy
Published: June 2014

Objective

To validate the pharyngeal findings in sleep nasopharyngoscopy (SNP) of children with snoring - sleep disordered breathing (S-SDB).

Design

Prospective agreement diagnostic study on retrospective data.

Methods

We conducted an inter-and intra-rater agreement study on video documentations of SNP performed on children (non-syndromic, complex, or operated upon) who presented with S-SDB. The videos featured various pharyngeal findings (normal, collapse, mixed or obstruction). Three ‘non-expert’ raters at various stages in their otolaryngological careers rated the videos independently, and on two separate occasions following an instructional session. We calculated both weighted and non-weighted linear kappa.

Results

Each independent observer rated sixty-one videos (2 weeks apart). Intra-observer agreement was 0.64 ± 0.08 (95% CI 0.48-0.81), 0.74 ± 0.07 (95% CI 0.60-0.88), 0.59 ± 0.08 (95% CI 0.43-0.74), for raters 1, two and three. Weighted kappa was 0.6 ± 0.1 (95% CI 0.41-0.79), 0.8 ± 0.06 (95% CI 0.7-0.92), 0.7 ± 0.07 (95% CI 0.57-0.83), respectively. Inter-rater agreements between raters one and two, two and three, three and four were 0.83 ± 0.06 (95% CI 0.71-0.95), 0.52 ± 0.08 (95% CI 0.36-0.70), and 0.53 ± 0.08 (95% CI 0.37-0.69), respectively. Weighted kappa was 0.83 ± 0.073 (95% CI 0.69-0.98), 0.68 ± 0.06 (95% CI 0.56-0.79), and 0.64 ± 0.07 (95% CI 0.49-0.78), respectively.

Conclusions

This is the first validation of pharyngeal findings on SNP in children. It is based on a four types’ classification. Overall reproducibility amongst the three raters and their agreement was moderate to good. Further work should be phase four trials investigating the impact on outcome.
Formulation of inhalable lipid-based salbutamol sulfate microparticles by spray drying technique
Authors: Daman Zahra , Gilani Kambiz , Rouholamini Najafabadi Abdolhossein , Eftekhari Hamid Reza , Barghi Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2014

Background

The aim of this work was to develop dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations of salbutamol sulfate (SS) by the aid of solid lipid microparticles (SLmPs), composed of biocompatible phospholipids or cholesterol.

Methods

The SLmPs were prepared by using two different solvent systems (ethanol and water-ethanol) and lipid carriers (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cholesterol) with/without L-leucine in the spray drying process. The spray-dried microparticles were physically-mixed with coarse lactose monohydrate in order to make our final DPI formulations and were investigated in terms of physical characteristics as well as in vitro drug release profile and aerosolization behavior.

Results

We observed significant differences in the sizes, morphologies, and in vitro pulmonary depositions between the formulations. In particular, the SS-containing SLmPs prepared with water-ethanol (30:70 v/v) solution of DPPC and L-leucine which had then been blended with coarse lactose (1:9 w/w) exhibited the highest emitted dose (87.9%) and fine particle fraction (42.7%) among the formulations. In vitro drug release study indicated that despite of having a significant initial burst release for both cholesterol and DPPC-based microparticles, the remained drug released more slowly than the pure drug.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential of using lipid carriers as well as L-leucine in DPI formulations of SS to improve its aerosolization behavior and retard the release profile of the drug.
Removal of phenol and bisphenol-A catalyzed by laccase in aqueous solution
Authors: Asadgol Zahra , Forootanfar Hamid , Rezaei Shahla , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2014

Background

Elimination of hazardous phenolic compounds using laccases has gained attention during recent decades. The present study was designed to evaluate the ability of the purified laccase from Paraconiothyrium variabile (Pv L) for elimination of phenol and the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A. Effect of laccase activity, pH, and temperature on the enzymatic removal of the mentioned pollutants were also investigated.

Results

After 30 min treatment of the applied phenolic pollutants in the presence of Pv L (5 U/mL), 80% of phenol and 59.7% of bisphenol A was removed. Increasing of laccase activity enhanced the removal percentage of both pollutants. The acidic pH of 5 was found to be the best pH for elimination of both phenol and bisphenol A. Increasing of reaction temperature up to 50°C enhanced the removal percentage of phenol and bisphenol A to 96.3% and 88.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

To sum up, the present work introduced the purified laccase of P. variabile as an efficient biocatalyst for removal of one of the most hazardous endocrine disruptor bisphenol A.
A systematic review of gemcitabine and taxanes combination therapy randomized trials for metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Hu Qian , Jiang Jun-xia , Luo Long , Yang Xing , Lin Xiao , Dinglin Xiao-xiao , Zhang Wei , Wu Jun-yan , Yao He-rui
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Gemcitabine/taxanes-based combination shows anti-tumor activity for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, but there is a debate regarding the advantages of gemcitabine and taxanes regimens as a first-line or second-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Here we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and toxicity for patients receiving chemotherapy with or without GT-based regimens.

Methods

The randomized controlled trials were performed by searching Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and conference proceedings. We identified eight randomized controlled trials and then extracted and combined the data using to calculate hazard ratios (HR). The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP). The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and acute toxicity. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 4.2.

Results

Eight eligible trails were identified. These studies involved 2234 patients with metastatic breast cancer, (1122 patients received GT-based combination regimen and 1112 patients received a regimen without the combination). A fixed-effects model meta-analysis showed that ORR and TTP are superior for GT-treated patients ORR (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.53), TTP (HR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.71-0.89). And GT-based combination significantly improved OS in the first-line subgroup (HR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99). However, there were significant differences regarding acute hematological toxicity, particularly thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion

Gemcitabine/taxanes-treated patients with metastatic breast cancer showed a significant improvement in the ORR, TTP and OS (first-line background) compared to patients not treated with the combination regimen.
Metabolic suppression in mammalian hibernation: the role of mitochondria
Authors: Staples James F.
Published: June 2014

Hibernation evolved in some small mammals that live in cold environments, presumably to conserve energy when food supplies are low. Throughout the winter, hibernators cycle spontaneously between torpor, with low metabolism and near-freezing body temperatures, and euthermia, with high metabolism and body temperatures near 37°C. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this natural model of extreme metabolic plasticity is important for fundamental and applied science. During entrance into torpor, reductions in metabolic rate begin before body temperatures fall, even when thermogenesis is not active, suggesting active mechanisms of metabolic suppression, rather than passive thermal effects. Mitochondrial respiration is suppressed during torpor, especially when measured in liver mitochondria fuelled with succinate at 37°C in vitro. This suppression of mitochondrial metabolism appears to be invoked quickly during entrance into torpor when body temperature is high, but is reversed slowly during arousal when body temperature is low. This pattern may reflect body temperature-sensitive, enzyme-mediated post-translational modifications of oxidative phosphorylation complexes, for instance by phosphorylation or acetylation.
Evaluation of Fourier Transform-Near Infrared Spectroscopic Measurements for the Quantification of Curcumin in Turmeric Herbal Medicines
Authors: Kasemsumran S. , Apiwatanapiwat W. , Suttiwijitpukdee N. , Vaithanomsat P. , Thanapase W.
Published: June 2014

In this investigation, Fourier transform-near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the curcumin content in commercial turmeric herbal medicines. Two different sample presentations originating from a turmeric capsule and powder were evaluated and compared using an FT-NIR spectrometer equipped with a 30-capsule sample plate in the wavenumber region of 11,500–6000 cm−1 (transmittance mode) and a 6-vial sample plate in the wavenumber region of 10,000–4000cm−1 (reflectance mode), respectively. One hundred and forty samples of turmeric herbal medicines were divided into two sets: a training set with 110 samples and a prediction set with 30 samples. High-quality FT-NIR spectra for the turmeric powder containing the informative regions of curcumin (6850, 6000 and 4600 cm−1) were obtained while collecting FT-NIR data on the powder samples in the glass vials. A successful partial least-squares calibration model for curcumin content in commercial turmeric herbal medicine powders was then obtained by utilising the entire spectral region (10,000–4000 cm−1) as well as a second derivative spectral pretreatment containing seven principal components. The best model for predicting curcumin in 30 test samples returned a coefficient of determination ( r2) of 0.98, a root mean squares error of prediction ( RMSEP) of 0.13% that was only 1.35 times the standard error of laboratory and a ratio of RMSEP to the standard deviation of curcumin content in the prediction set ( RPD) of 7.76. These statistical values confirmed the high predictive performance of this model. All these results confirm that the use of turmeric herbal medicine powder and a wide informative wavenumber range of 10,000–4000 cm−1 can increase the efficacy of FT-NIR spectroscopy for the rapid and non-destructive analysis of curcumin content in commercial turmeric herbal medicines. By contrast, models developed for determining curcumin in turmeric contained in capsules were not suitable for analytical purposes.
Using Fourier Transform near Infrared Spectroscopy to Estimate the Nutritional Value in Whole and Milled Naked Oats
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhou Haitao , Ren Guixing
Published: June 2014

Naked oat is an important grain cereal that originated in, and is cultivated mostly in, China. Naked oat grain has a good processing performance because it is hulless. Its products are important sources of good nutritional protein, dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acid and polyphenol, all of which have demonstrable benefits for human health. To select the appropriate industry material and develop genotypes with a high nutrient content more efficiently, a fast screening method is needed. In the present study, calibration models were developed from Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectra of whole grain and milled grain samples for the estimation of protein, starch, lipid, β-glucan and avenanthramides content in naked oats from an initial set. The optimised models of protein, starch, lipid, β-glucan and avenanthramides in whole grain/milled samples indicated coefficients of determination ( R2) of 0.98/0.98, 0.97/0.98, 0.97/0.97, 0.98/0.98 and 0.90/0.90 and root mean square errors of cross-validation of 0.40/0.35%, 0.59/0.52%, 0.27/0.24%, 0.09/0.06% and 60.4/59.2 mg kg−1. Test validations yielded root mean square errors of prediction of 0.46/0.40%, 0.68/0.63%, 0.26/0.26%, 0.10/0.09% and 47.7/46.3 mg kg−1 with residual predictive deviations of 5.38/6.30, 5.07/5.15, 6.06/6.24, 5.13/6.17 and 3.37/3.56. These findings showed that FT-NIR could be used as a rapid and accurate method for selecting higher-quality naked oats in a breeding programme as well as for quality control by the food industry.
Tearing Instability of Isolated Compressible Vortices
Authors: Menshov Igor
Published: June 2014

The present paper addresses the instability of a compressible vortex flow. We consider a family of so-called isolated vortices – the circular planar vortices that have zero circulation (net vorticity). The term “isolation” implies the presence of a shield in the vorticity field – a region of vorticity of common sign surrounding the central domain where the vorticity is oppositely signed. To model such a vorticity field, a generalized Taylor-type profile for the swirl velocity in the radial direction is employed, which involves two parameters: intensity μ (proportional to the maximal velocity) and steepness β (characterizing the scale of the shield zone). Vortices are assumed to be compressible and homentropic. The linear-stability analysis is carried out, which shows that isolated vortices can exhibit both stable and unstable behavior depending on the model parameters μ and β. By numerical simulations of the non-linear stage, the unstable normal modes are shown to evolve towards tearing of the basic vortex with formation of smaller secondary vortical structures.
Understanding and Reduction of Cruise Jet Noise at Aircraft Level
Authors: Huber Jérôme , Fleury Vincent , Bulté Jean , Laurendeau Estelle , Sylla Amadou André
Published: June 2014

Within the LINFaN research project, Airbus and Rolls-Royce have jointly investigated the acoustic impact of supersonic jet noise on the fuselage of an Airbus A340 equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines in cruise conditions. The main results are presented in this paper. The influence of chevron fan nozzles designed to reduce cruise jet noise on the rear fuselage is investigated. The characterization of both the acoustic field and the aerodynamic flow is carried out. The acoustic data are obtained from a microphone array on the rear fuselage. After specific data de-noising, the acoustic spectra radiated on the fuselage by only the right inner engine are estimated. Beamforming acoustic maps are also computed to localize the jet noise sources. Besides, the supersonic jet flows are characterized by RANS CFD approach. For the baseline round nozzle, the acoustic results show the presence of two distinct broadband shock-associated noise contributions on the fuselage. The first pattern is observed in the far aft section of the fuselage for Strouhal numbers based on the jet mixing diameter and velocity between St = 4 and 6. The other pattern, around St = 1, radiates preferably forward. In addition, the high frequency source is located between 4 and 5 mixed jet diameters past the secondary nozzle exhaust plane, while the low frequency source is located farther downstream between 7 and 8 mixed jet diameters. Shock-associated noise is usually associated with the interaction between shock cells and turbulent shear-layers. We postulate that the high-frequency noise component results from the interaction between the shock-cells in the secondary flow and the inner shear-layer, while the low-frequency component is due to the interaction between shock cells and the outer shear-layer. This interpretation is consistent with two observations. The first observation is a strong modification of the measured high frequency noise when the engine is pushed to high power. At this regime shock cells are present in the primary flow and the inner shear layer interacts with two supersonic flows, hence modifying emitted noise. The second observation is the reduction of low-and high-frequency noise by the introduction of chevron fan nozzles. The flow field results confirm the strong impact of chevrons on the structure of the shock cells in the fan stream: they are consistent with the experimental observations of the characteristic shock noise frequencies. For the Trent 500 engine, appropriate immersive fan chevrons may bring noise reductions by as much as 6dB SPL integrated over a relevant Strouhal number range [0.7; 2]. However, the reduction level due to the chevrons varies with the engine operating conditions. A given chevron nozzle may be found more efficient at reducing noise levels at low engine operating regime than at high regime.
Aeroacoustics of Supersonic Boundary Layers
Authors: Gaponov Sergey A.
Published: June 2014

Present paper is devoted to those acoustical problems which are also related to the problem of the turbulence onset in high-speed boundary layers. Basic equations governing linear development of both hydrodynamic and acoustic waves in high-speed boundary layers are presented. Results of the theoretical investigation on external acoustic wave influence on the flat plate boundary layer are described. The intensity of disturbances excited by an acoustic wave inside the boundary layer has been studied. It has been found that interaction of sound with the boundary layer lead to an increase of the amplitude of disturbances inside the boundary. It has been shown that the amplitude of fluctuations inside the boundary layer may exceed the amplitude of the external acoustic field in many times. Besides in the paper nonlinear generation of increasing perturbations by acoustics is studied.
Data Quality and Completeness in a Web Stroke Registry as the Basis for Data and Process Mining
Authors: Lanzola Giordano , Parimbelli Enea , Micieli Giuseppe , Cavallini Anna , Quaglini Silvana
Published: June 2014

Electronic health records often show missing values and errors jeopardizing their effective exploitation. We illustrate the re‐engineering process needed to improve the data quality of a web‐based, multicentric stroke registry by proposing a knowledge‐based data entry support able to help users to homogeneously interpret data items, and to prevent and detect treacherous errors. The re‐engineering also improves stroke units coordination and networking, through ancillary tools for monitoring patient enrollments, calculating stroke care indicators, analyzing compliance with clinical practice guidelines, and entering stroke units profiles. Finally we report on some statistics, such as calculation of indicators for assessing the quality of stroke care, data mining for knowledge discovery, and process mining for comparing different processes of care delivery. The most important results of the re‐engineering are an improved user experience with data entry, and a definitely better data quality that guarantees the reliability of data analyses.
Reducing Hospital ICU Noise: A Behavior‐Based Approach
Authors: Konkani Avinash , Oakley Barbara , Penprase Barbara
Published: June 2014

Noise in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is gaining increasing attention as a significant source of stress and fatigue for nursing staff. Extensive research indicates that hospital noise also has negative impact on patients. The objective of this study was to analyze noise variations as experienced by both nursing staff and patients, to gain a better understanding of noise levels and frequencies observed in ICU settings over extended (week‐long) durations, and to implement a low cost behavior modification program to reduce noise. The results of our study indicate that behavioral modification alone is not adequate to control excessive noise. There is a need for further research involving the supportive involvement by clinicians, ICU staff, along with effective medical device alarm management, and continuous process improvement methods.
Complex compression therapy in difficult circumstances
Authors: Hampel-Kalthoff C.
Published: June 2014

Es gibt eine statistisch nicht erfasste Patientenzahl, die über Jahre chronische Wunden an ihren Unterschenkeln haben. Viele dieser Patienten haben eine Odyssee von Krankenhausaufenthalten, Versorgungen in Wundzentren und anderen Versorgungsstrukturen erlebt. In der langen Krankheitsphase steht bei diesen Patienten weniger die Therapie als das Herstellen von „Normalität“ im Alltag und die Symptomkontrolle im Vordergrund. Normalität im Alltag bedeutet für oftmals die Auseinandersetzung mit chronischen Schmerzen und der starken Exsudation. Häufig ist zu beobachten, dass die Wundreinigung und die Sicherstellung der Kausaltherapie, in diesen Fällen also die Durchführung einer komplexen Kompressionstherapie, kaum bis gar nicht toleriert wird. Viele dieser Patienten gelten nicht selten als austherapiert. Anhand eines Fallbeispiels soll aufgezeigt werden, wie es gelingen kann, diesen Patienten nachhaltig zu helfen.
Compression therapy in sport
Authors: Surhoff S.
Published: June 2014

Sportkompressionsstrümpfe werden zuneh-mend während und auch außerhalb des Sports eingesetzt. Während sich medizinische Kompressionsstrümpfe bei phlebologischen und lymphologischen Erkrankungen längst bewährt haben, ist der Nutzen von Sport-kompressionsstrümpfen für den Sportler nicht zufrieden stellend geklärt. Viele Studien, die sich mit möglichen Auswirkungen der Sportkompressionsstrümpfe auf den Athleten beschäftigen, berücksichtigen die Produkteigenschaften nur unzureichend. Im Gegensatz zu medizinischen Kompressionsstrümpfen besteht hier keine einheitliche Norm. Ferner sind die Studien in der detaillierten Thematik zum Teil nicht vergleichbar. Mal ging es um Ganzkörperkompression, mal nur um die Unterschenkel. Mal lag die Intensität im Regenerationsbereich, mal an der Belastungsgrenze. Zudem erscheint eine Differenzierung des Outcome zwischen untrainiertem Sportler und Leistungssportlern sinnvoll. Es werden zusätzlich mehr verlässliche Messverfahren benötigt, um die bisher dünne Datenlage zu verbessern. Bis dahin ist in vielerlei Hinsicht kein abschließendes Urteil zu dieser Thematik möglich.
Contact allergy to compression stockings: Is this possible?
Authors: Kaufmann R. , Meissner M. , Valesky E. M.
Published: June 2014

In der Therapie der chronisch venösen Insuffizienz oder des Lymphödems sind Kompressionsstrümpfe ein Standard der Therapie. Trotzdem ist die Akzeptanz der Patienten relativ gering. Ein Grund dafür sind unter anderem auch Symptome wie Juckreiz, Brennen oder Rötung, die vom Patienten, aber auch häufig vom behandelnden Arzt als Allergie auf die Kompressionsstrümpfe gewertet werden. Die Übersichtsarbeit geht auf die Grundlagen der Kontaktallergien ein, zeigt wie häufig Allergien auf Kompressionsstrümpfe auftreten, welche Auslöser dafür in Frage kommen und beschreibt kurz die häufigen Differenzialdiagnosen, ihre Auslöser und Prävention.