bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Structural Analysis of Deployment of Scissors Structure in Space
Authors: Takatsuka Masao , Ohmori Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

The objective of the present study is to investigate the dynamic motion of a deployable structure, which is composed of a scissors mechanism assumed to be deployed in space with a self-balancing moment by actuators. For this purpose, the present paper focuses on how to calculate the dynamic motion of deployment of the scissors mechanism in space with a self-balancing moment, in consideration of its mass and rotational friction around the joints, and showing its numerical results. The present paper also checks the stress and deflection of the frame, as a problem of the structural analysis of an unstable structure without outer boundaries.
Analysis of the Precision of the Structural Performance of the 65 m-Antenna Reflector
Authors: Hong-Liang Qian , Yan Liu , Feng Fan , Li Fu , Guo-Xi Liu
Published: June 2013

To investigate the effect of various loads on the reflector surface, provide reference for actuator adjustment, and guarantee the excellent performance of giant radio telescopes, a detailed study on the surface accuracy of the main reflector of the Shanghai 65 m-antenna structure is completed. This paper introduces the method for seeking a best-fitted paraboloid, the method for calculating the surface precision and the method for figuring out the optimum pitch angle to install and adjust the main reflector. Taking different pitch angles, wind velocities, non-uniform temperature field and reflective panel stiffness into consideration, the effects of gravity, wind loads and temperature on surface precision are systematically analyzed. The result shows that the optimum adjustment angle for installing the main reflector is 48.9°, and the corresponding maximum value of precision under gravity is 0.73 mm, with a pitch angle of 5°; the effect of non-uniform temperature field on surface precision approximates that of the gravity load, to which due attention needs to pay. Moreover, in contrast with gravity load, the effects of working wind speed and uniform temperature field on surface precision are much smaller, in a lower order of magnitude. The methods proposed and the results obtained in this paper provide reference for structural design and surface precision analysis of this kind of all-movable antennae.
Study of Various Tensegrity Modules as Building Blocks for Slender Booms
Authors: Safaei Seif Dalil , Eriksson Anders , Micheletti Andrea , Tibert Gunnar
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the structural performance of long and slender tensegrity booms. Previous studies show that tensegrity structures are generally more flexible than conventional trusses or space frames. The aims here were (i) to quantify how much more flexible eleven different tensegrity booms are, when compared to state-of-the-art truss booms, (ii) to find a general explanation for this. The performance criterion used for the comparison was the first natural frequency of the boom. A finite element program with truss elements was used to compute the natural frequencies around the initial prestressed configurations. The results show that tensegrity booms have between one and three orders of magnitude lower natural frequencies than truss booms. It is concluded that for the best performing tensegrity booms, the bending stiffness is independent of the level of pre-stress and the number of infinitesimal mechanisms as the bending stiffness is given mainly by the material stiffness of the tension elements and not the geometric stiffness as the infinitesimal mechanisms are not activated by bending. Thus, whereas the level of pre-stress and the presence of infinitesimal mechanisms play major roles for the stiffness of some tensegrity structures, the axial stiffness and orientation of tension elements are most important for the studied slender booms.
Design of a Spar Buoy for Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Romanò C. , Giorcelli E. , Mattiazzo G. , Raffero M.
Published: June 2013

Offshore wind Energy demonstrated to be one of the most promising technologies for growing electric energy demand worldwide. The main objective of this research was to conceive a floating offshore structure for supporting wind turbines. The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by deep water, especially in the western area, from Italy towards Spain, and this makes floating support structures desirable, since in deep water they are cheaper than bottom fixed piles [1]. An aerodynamic, electric and mechanic model was developed and tested against experimental results of laboratory and wind tunnel tests on a small scale wind turbine, demonstrating its reliability, so it was used to determine actions on the floater and a first concept design was performed using commercial software for marine structures analysis. Further steps in this process will include integration of the turbine model with hydrodynamic calculations, as well flume, tank and open sea tests for the designed floater.
An Investigation of Different Offshore Wind Turbine Jacket Support Foundation Models Designed for Central Mediterranean Deep Waters
Authors: Gauci Thomas , Sant Tonio , Muscat Martin , Mollicone Pierluigi , Camillieri Duncan
Published: June 2013

The trend for improving the cost effectiveness of offshore wind turbines is to maximise wind turbine size while minimising support structure costs. Minimising the support structure costs in deeper waters is undoubtedly more challenging. Studies have shown that the type of foundation model used at the base of the support structure has a significant influence on the overall design result. Two foundation models are studied independently: the pinned foundation and the rigid foundation. The effect of the foundation type on the modeled overall support structure characteristics, are investigated. The objective of this study is to produce an optimised jacket design for a 70 metre water depth in the central Mediterranean region. The study shows that different foundation types influence the internal loads of the individual jacket members and consequently affect the structure's natural frequencies. The final result shows that the jacket structure with a rigid foundation design was 5.4 tonnes lighter than its pinned counterpart.
Wakes Calculation in a Offshore Wind Farm
Authors: Crasto Giorgio , Castellani Francesco
Published: June 2013

This paper is focusing on the wake modeling in large offshore wind farms. Over the sea the ambient turbulence is much lower than onshore, wakes persist for long distances, mixing in a complex pattern. Hence an accurate evaluation of the wakes become crucial in the estimation both of the production and loads. Regarding loads the main effect of the turbines wakes is an increase of turbulence compared to the ambient one. A careful assessment of the wakes is therefore required when analyzing offshore wind farms. The approaches in estimating the wake losses go from simple theoretical or empirical laws to full rotor aerodynamic calculations; in between there is a range of intermediate calculations.

Two approaches will be presented: the use of relative simple equations (also called analytical models) which are the standards in the wind resource assessment and a more accurate, but computationally more demanding, the actuator disc technique.
Acoustic Characteristics of Underwater Composite Materials at Oblique Incidence of Sound Wave
Authors: Guolong Liang , Fubin Pang
Published: June 2013

The acoustic characteristics of composite materials with viscoelastic coatings and the structure of underwater vehicles are discussed in this paper. A typical underwater vehicle in accordance with its acoustic characteristics, can approximately be seen as an elastic shell filled with air, whose echo wave is a great threat to its safety. In this study, viscoelastic coating is introduced to reduce the reflected wave by absorbing unwanted sounds. The absorption coefficient of the composite materials at oblique incidence of sound wave is deduced, and the influencing factors of the absorption coefficient are analyzed.
Assessment Techniques for the Evaluation of Concrete Structures After Fire
Authors: Annerel Emmanuel , Taerwe Luc
Published: June 2013

As concrete structures exposed to fire behave in most cases very well, it could be of economic interest to repair the fire damaged structure. For this purpose a damage assessment based on scientific research is required as first step. In this paper, the Schmidt Rebound Hammer and colorimetry are addressed as tools for this assessment. Firstly, the effect of both methods is studied on heated siliceous concrete specimens under laboratory conditions. Secondly, the practical applicability of both methods is examined by evaluating the fire damage of a concrete girder exposed to a real fire. Both techniques show to be very useful in evaluating the fire damage of the girder.
Organization of nutrition and health promotion activities in the field of nutrition and physical activity in primary schools
Authors: Wolnicka Katarzyna , Jaczewska-Schuetz Joanna
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The organization of nutrition and physical activity at school is an important element which influences the health of the student’s development and disposition to learn.
Aim. The study was to evaluate the organization of the nutrition and health promotion activities in the field of nutrition and physical activity carried out in primary schools.
Material and methods. The study was conducted in the school year 2010/2011 in 58 primary schools, urban and rural areas of five randomly selected regions. The evaluation was based on analysis of anonymous questionnaires among school principals regarding the organization of nutrition in schools, and programs / preventive actions related to the improvement of nutrition and physical activity among children and adolescents in these schools.
Results. About 40.8% of students eat meals at school among the schools offering school lunches, including 38.5% in urban schools and slightly more – 42.4% in rural schools. Most schools (87.7%) are carrying out programs / activities related to the improvement of nutrition and physical activity, including 93.5% of urban schools and 80.8% of rural schools. Among the directors of schools in which there are shops, 80.5% declared that the school introduced some restrictions but in small range. It was found that in 42.9% of schools there are food and beverage advertisements. Participation in the extra-curricular sports activities organized by these school is declared by 36.6% of the students.
Conclusions. In Poland the problem of nutrition in schools is not yet adequately resolved for many reasons, including organizational and financial ones. However, the increasing involvement of schools in educational activities related to the improvement of nutrition and physical activity among children and adolescents by conducting numerous activities and health promotion programs was found.
The influence of tobacco smoking on physical activity and length and quality of sleep among medical students. A preliminary study
Authors: Torres Kamil , Staśkiewicz Grzegorz , Pietrzyk Łukasz , Lisiecka Justyna , Torres Anna , Maciejewski Ryszard
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Smoking brings about negative consequences such as addiction and disturbance of the natural homeostasis of organism. Physical activity and the amount of sleep also seem to be vital as far as the health is concerned.
Aim. Evaluation of the influence of smoking habit on physical activity, length and quality of sleep among medicine students and confirmation if the origin takes part in this correlation.
Material and methods. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 134 Polish (P group), American (A group) and Norwegian (N group) students of the Medical University of Lublin. Students were asked about their sport preferences, smoking habits, sleeping and studying habits. To assess differences between the three study groups the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test were used.
Results. The majority of students from the P, A and N groups do not smoke. Among the P group, nonsmokers made up 90%, among A group, 88% and in the N group, 80%. All three groups of medical students claim that smoking negatively influences physical condition. In group P, 10% of students reported sleep-related problems, while in groups A and N, 30.4% and 24%, respectively. All of the smokers think that their sleep duration is not long enough in comparison to the nonsmokers.
Conclusions. All three ethnic groups of medical students demonstrated an overall positive attitude towards living a healthy lifestyle, however significant differences were observed between the groups of different origins. The results indicated that smoking strongly influences different habits.
Influence of the domicile on healthy behaviors of pregnant women
Authors: Adamczyk Jakub Grzegorz , Turska Anna , Boguszewski Dariusz
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The motor activity, eating habits, preventive behaviors, psychological attitude, or health practice can have a fundamental influence on pregnancy and childbirth.
Aim. Presenting and comparing healthy behaviors of pregnant women living in the area of big city and small town.
Material and methods. The examined group covered 171 women after childbirth staying at the labor ward. The examination was conducted on the second or third day after the childbirth, with the use of the author’s questionnaire including 37 questions.
Results. The attitudes of pregnant women were health promoting. The pregnancy induced women to take up new or continue healthy behaviors. An essential relationship was confirmed between the physical activity during pregnancy and the mood as well as physical fitness after childbirth.
Conclusions. In the face of the achieved results, special attention should be paid to the promotion of healthier lifestyle of pregnant women; especially to various forms of the motor activity.
The technical infrastructure of dialysis centres as part of the price of health services
Authors: Dryl-Rydzyńska Teresa , Książek Piotr ,   Fresenius Nephrocare Polska Sp. z o.o.
Published: June 2013

Introduction. A healthcare provider, operating in frames of the general healthcare insurance is required by law to have a certain technical infrastructure. Thus, the technical infrastructure is an essential component of a healthcare service. The condition of infrastructure components determines the safety and quality of the healthcare services.
Aim. Definition of all the cost elements of technical infrastructure on the basis of a model of the average Polish dialysis centre
Material and methods. Basing on data from literature and my own data obtained from 73 dialysis centres belonging to the Fresenius Nephrocare Polska Group, and the previously elaborated theoretical model of the haemodialysis centre, I have presented the constituents of the technical infrastructure of a dialysis centre from a cost perspective.
Results. The components of the costs of daily handling the building infrastructure and monitoring the technical condition of medical apparatuses have been discussed in detail. The sources of financing of the technical infrastructure of dialysis centre have also been presented.
Conclusions. Changes in the rules of financing health services under common health insurance, so as to include all of the components necessary to provide the service, including the necessary technical infrastructure, are a matter of fundamental importance. Without it, it will not be possible to carry out an economic reform of hospitals – irrespective of the legal form under which they function.
Investments in health care with the use of EU funds
Authors: Furtak-Niczyporuk Marzena , Książek Piotr , Drop Bartłomiej , Warchoł-Sławińska Ewa , Fałkowski Adam , Okoński Piotr
Published: June 2013

Introduction. An important element in increasing citizens’ health security is to improve the health infrastructure, the standard of medical equipment and the effectiveness in health emergency. Financial resources from the EU funds turned out to be great support for the health care system. Especially important was the nationwide program Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment in which one of the priorities directly aimed at strengthening health security and improving the efficiency of the healthcare system in the area of investment in the health care of supra-regional importance, as well as for the broadly understood medical emergency services.
Aim. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the support for investment in health care and their representation of in the country, resulting from the co-financing from the EU funds from the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment (OPIE), Priority 12 called “Health safety and improving the efficiency of the health care system”
Material and methods. Research material consisted of data from the National Information System of the Ministry of Regional Development, a report on the implementation of the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment the data of Ministry of Health, available reports, analyses and evaluation studies, and subject literature.
Results. As part of the development of emergency medical services 346 ambulances were purchased, 52 hospital emergency wards and 66 landing sites for rescue helicopters were created or rebuilt. For the treatment of victims with severe injuries, 13 trauma centers for adults were created. In addition, there were purchased 13 170 pieces of equipment and medical apparatus, and 56 treatment facilities of supra-regional importance were expanded or renovated.
Conclusions. EU funds contributed to the improvement of services for patients requiring the assistance in sudden life-threatening conditions and provided the possibility of improving the quality of patient care requiring specialized equipment and medical apparatus, as well as increased the access to highly specialized medical procedures.
Knowledge of the patient’s rights among the subjects treated in the Voivodship Specialist Hospital in Zgierz
Authors: Bando Anna , Kocur Józef
Published: June 2013

Introduction. Patients’ rights are closely related to and derived from the idea of human rights. The progresses of civilization as well as medical advances have contributed to the legal regulations, which are designed to protect the patients. Their knowledge is an important factor in the doctor-patient interaction, shaping the correct relationships and defining the behavior in problem situations. Knowledge of the patient’s rights allows you to fully benefit from health care services and prevent violations and negligence in relation to the patient.
Aim. Assessment of the knowledge of patients’ rights in the group of patients treated in the Voivodship Specialist Hospital in Zgierz.
Material and methods. The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire created by the authors. The study group consisted of 100 randomly selected adult patients of both sexes. The questionnaire included 23 questions on knowledge of the patient’s rights, methods of obtaining information on the patient’s rights, the patient’s rights violation, the acquisition of knowledge about the patient’s rights and socio-demographic data (gender, age and education of the respondents).
Results. The analysis of the results shows sufficient knowledge of patient’s rights, however, without going too much into details. The most common source of information about the patient’s rights in the opinion of respondents is television. Ninety four percent of them are convinced of the existence of the phenomenon of patient’s rights violations in Poland; 47% of the respondents have experienced
it personally. Most violations concern the right to medical care and information.
Conclusions. The results point to the need for a better knowledge of the patient’s rights by both health professionals and the patients themselves.
The influence of dietary supplements advertising on the Lublin university students
Authors: Rudnicka-Drożak Ewa , Misztal-Okońska Patrycja , Młynarska Magdalena
Published: June 2013

Introduction. The media has a powerful influence on the audience; its power of manipulation often directs our actions and shapes our knowledge. The characteristic feature of the press that distinguishes it from other sources of information is the opportunity to go back to the previously read content. This makes it more reliable than other messages. Currently, numerous advertisements that encourage the use of multiple dietary supplements are placed in media.
Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether and how the advertising of dietary supplements placed in popular magazines for women affects the young recipient.
Material and methods. The research method used was a diagnostic survey and the research technique – a questionnaire survey. The survey comprised 12 questions about the reception and the impact of advertising of dietary supplements on the respondents as well as 4 questions on demographics.
Results. The respondents noticed that in the press the majority of advertisements concern dietary supplements supporting weight loss (20%), or strengthening hair or nail (19%). Sixty five per cent of the respondents used supplements, including 52% of respondents taking 1 dietary supplement, and 48% using two or 3 preparations. Under the influence of advertising in the press, 12% of respondents started to use supplementation. Sixty seven per cent of respondents buy this kind of preparations for health problems, rather than refer to the doctor for expert advice. Seventy six per cent of consultees believe that dietary supplements are completely safe to use.
Conclusions. Respondents willingly use dietary supplements. One of the reasons for their reaching for supplementation is the effect of advertisements appearing in the press. Respondents have great confidence in the safety of dietary supplements; often use them without consulting a doctor or a pharmacist.
The complexity of the process of service purchase planning by the National Health Fund
Authors: Skrzypek Mariusz , Szymańska Jolanta , Buczek Bartłomiej
Published: June 2013

Planning of health service purchase from public funds is a complicated management process, influenced by numerous legal, economic and political limitations. The task of the National Health Fund is to guarantee the fulfilment of health needs of all entitled individuals.
The key stage of the process is the prognosis of the entitled clients’ health needs. This calls for a precise definition of the concept of “health needs”, identification, classification and measurement of the needs. However, the perspective of meeting the needs collides with the perspective of maintaining the resources of service providers. It is the latter that have instruments, ability and interest to impose their perspective on the payer. This translates into the form the plan of healthcare service purchase.
The key factors influencing the process of service purchase planning by the National Health Fund as a public payer were analyzed:
1. Predicting selected populations’ health needs, including their identification, measurement and the quality of source data.
2. Political necessity to bring together the needs of the patient by the payer (health needs) and the needs of the service provider (preservation of resources, infrastructure).
3. Limited and insufficient public means available for the services.
Efficacy and Safety of Mirtazapine in Fibromyalgia Syndrome Patients: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Yeephu Suwimon , Suthisisang Chuthamanee , Suttiruksa Saithip , Prateepavanich Pradit , Limampai Patchara , Russell Irwin Jon
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Data from an open-label trial suggest that mirtazapine might prove useful in treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

OBJECTIVE

To obtain preliminary efficacy data of mirtazapine for estimation of sample size requirements for a Phase 2 clinical trial in FMS.

METHODS

This 13-week randomized controlled trial compared the effects of mirtazapine 15 mg/day, mirtazapine 30 mg/day, and placebo in 40 patients with FMS. The primary outcomes were change in Pain Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and proportion of pain responders (≥30% PVAS reduction). Secondary outcomes included scores from the Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Patient Global Assessment, and self-reported adverse events.

RESULTS

Significant within-group PVAS reductions from baseline were observed in all 3 groups, with the greatest improvement in the mirtazapine 30-mg group (p < 0.005); between-group difference was not significant. The proportion of pain responders did not meet significance criteria (66.67% for mirtazapine 30 mg, 50% for mirtazapine 15 mg, 41.67% for placebo). Significant within-group improvement in JSS scores was seen for mirtazapine 30 mg (p < 0.01) and mirtazapine 15 mg (p < 0.05). Between-group comparison achieved significance for JSS item 3, waking several times per night (p < 0.05). On the PGIC, 72.73% felt better with both mirtazapine dosages compared with 50% for placebo. Within-group FIQ responses indicated improvement in only mirtazapine-treated groups, whereas within-group improvement for HAM-D and Patient Global Assessment was observed in all groups. Based on our findings, the sample size requirement (80% power, 5% type I error) should be 83 per group to detect PVAS change difference between mirtazapine 30 mg and placebo. Common mirtazapine-related adverse events were increased appetite and weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with FMS taking mirtazapine exhibited within-group significant improvement in most of the measured outcomes. Between-group analysis was predictably compromised by the small sample size. Mirtazapine was well tolerated. Further study with a larger sample size is likely to be useful.
Medication Errors in HIV-Infected Hospitalized Patients: A Pharmacist's Impact
Authors: Eginger Kristin H , Yarborough Laura L , Inge Lisa DeVito , Basile Sharon A , Floresca Donald , Aaronson Patrick M
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) decreases morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Unfortunately, HAART medication errors are prevalent in hospitalized patients with HIV infection. Appropriate regimen administration and adherence are essential for treatment success.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of pharmacist interventions on the rate of medication errors in HIV-infected hospitalized patients who had been prescribed HAART in the outpatient setting.

METHODS

Hospitalized patients aged 18 years or older receiving HAART and/or opportunistic infection (OI) prophylaxis were screened for inclusion. Data collection for each enrolled patient included demographic information, pertinent laboratory results, and inpatient and outpatient medication regimens. Patient medication profiles were reviewed within 72 hours of admission. HAART and/or OI prophylaxis errors were classified by type and frequency. Following the pharmacist intervention, prescribers' responses to each recommendation and the estimated time per intervention were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were included in this investigation and 210 HAART and OI prophylaxis errors were documented. Of patients receiving HAART and/or OI prophylaxis, 54.7% had at least 1 medication error on admission. An average of 2.4 errors per patient was identified. Dose omission (45.5%) was the most common error type among combined HAART and OI prophylaxis regimens, followed by incorrect regimen (17.1%) and incorrect dose (15.1%). Prescribers accepted 90% of pharmacist recommendations. A pharmacist was able to amend 94.7% of correctable HAART errors, as well as 89.9% of correctable combined HAART and OI prophylaxis errors. An estimated 18.5 minutes of pharmacist time were spent per patient requiring an intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A clinical pharmacist's targeted review of outpatient-prescribed HAART and/or OI primary prophylaxis regimens of hospitalized HIV-infected patients can reduce most medication errors during hospitalization.
Posaconazole Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults with Cancer
Authors: Bernardo Valeria A , Cross Shane J , Crews Kristine R , Flynn Patricia M , Hoffman James M , Knapp Katherine M , Pauley Jennifer L , Molinelli Alejandro R , Greene William L
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Limited information exists regarding the use of posaconazole for treating systemic fungal infections in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the recommended posaconazole dose in patients weighing less than 34 kg is 18–24 mg/kg daily, given in 4 divided doses. For patients aged 13 years or older or those weighing 34 kg or more, the recommended dose is 800 mg daily, given orally in 4 divided doses.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the current posaconazole dosing guidelines achieve target posaconazole plasma concentrations of 0.7 μg/mL or greater.

METHODS

This retrospective clinical study examined data from patients who received treatment-dose posaconazole and had at least 1 posaconazole plasma concentration measurement.

RESULTS

Data from 33 patients who received posaconazole for the treatment of fungal infections were analyzed. The median age of patients was 11.5 years (range 0.5–23.2). Twenty-one of 33 patients (63.6%) had posaconazole concentrations of 0.7 μg/mL or greater (median 1.4; range 0.7–2.98) at the first measurement. The median posaconazole dosage referenced to total body weight in these patients was 20 mg/kg/day. Patients with concentrations less than 0.7 μg/mL (median 0.4; range 0.025–0.69) received lower posaconazole dosages when referenced to body weight (median 12.9 mg/kg/day; p = 0.02). Of the 12 patients with concentrations less than 0.7 μg/mL, 7 (58.3%) were aged 13 years or older.

CONCLUSIONS

The current dosing approach for posaconazole yielded therapeutic plasma concentrations more frequently in patients younger than 13 years than in those 13 years or older. This difference may be related to the practice of capping adolescent and young adult doses at the suggested maximum adult daily dose. Therefore, we recommend weight-based dosing in all pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer, with routine therapeutic drug monitoring to ensure adequate concentrations.
Aclidinium Bromide: An Alternative Long-Acting Inhaled Anticholinergic in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Woods J Andrew , Nealy Kimberly L , Barrons Robert W
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide, a novel, long-acting inhaled muscarinic receptor antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2012, as a treatment in the management of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DATA SOURCES

Literature was identified through PubMed/MEDLINE (2000-March 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts using the search terms aclidinium, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, anticholinergic, and muscarinic antagonist. In addition, US government websites, including fda.gov and clinicaltrials.gov , were reviewed for pertinent information. Forest Laboratories, Inc provided previously unpublished clinical trial data. All reference citations from identified publications were reviewed for possible inclusion.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All identified Phase 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of aclidinium bromide were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Once- and twice-daily aclidinium bromide was assessed for efficacy and safety in patients with moderate to severe COPD. In comparison to placebo, aclidinium significantly improves trough and peak forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Significant increases in trough and peak FEV1 were sustainable for up to 64 weeks. In addition to improvement in trough and peak FEV1, twice-daily aclidinium 400 μg induced clinically meaningful improvements in the health status of patients with moderate to severe COPD. Aclidinium was generally well tolerated, with headache, cough, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis the most common treatment-related adverse effects noted in clinical trials. Aclidinium did not demonstrate a difference in the incidence of systemic anticholinergic-associated adverse effects in comparison to placebo or active comparator.

CONCLUSIONS

Aclidinium bromide is a novel, inhaled, long-acting anticholinergic that, when administered at the FDA-approved dose, safely produces clinically and statistically significant bronchodilation and improves health status in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Long-term clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of aclidinium are warranted.
Variation in pigment content of Thalassia testudinum seedlings in response to changes in salinity and light
Authors: Howarth Jacqueline F. , Durako Michael J.
Published: June 2013

Changes in pigment content allow seagrasses to photo-acclimate to dynamic light environments, but light- and salinity-induced stress may reduce this ability. In this study, Thalassia testudinum seedlings were exposed to two light treatments (50–70% reduction and full sun) and three salinity treatments (20, 35, and 50) in a 44-day mesocosm experiment. Variation in leaf pigment content (chlorophylls and carotenoids) was determined three times a day (0900, 1200, and 1800 h) during pretreatment, at treatment target conditions, and following a recovery period in the pretreatment conditions using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seedlings in the salinity 50 treatment had reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid content after 6 days at their target salinity, a common stress response in plants. High salinity also induced increased nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) during midday. The shaded seedlings had significantly lower chlorophyll a:b ratios, due largely to the increased chlorophyll b content. Epoxidation state (EPS) and NPQ significantly varied during the day among all the treatments, suggesting that the seedlings responded quickly to the diurnal fluctuations in light. No significant residual differences among the treatment seedlings were detected for chlorophylls or carotenoids from leaves sampled at the conclusion of the recovery period. The results indicate that hypersalinity caused increased sensitivity to high irradiances in T. testudinum seedlings, requiring an increased photoprotection.
A reassessment of the foliose Bangiales (Rhodophyta) in the Balearic Islands including the proposed synonymy of Pyropia olivii with Pyropia koreana
Authors: Vergés Alba , Comalada Natàlia , Sánchez Noemí , Brodie Juliet
Published: June 2013

A taxonomic reevaluation of the foliose Bangiales placed in the genus Porphyra from the Balearic Islands, based on the historical and recent collections, has resulted in a new floristic composition of this group. The molecular, morphological, and karyological analysis reveals that for these islands, there are no Porphyra species, and only two members of the genus Pyropia are present: Pyropia elongata and Pyropia koreana. The sequence data of the rbcL plastid gene indicate that Pyropia olivii and Pyropia koreana are conspecific. We, therefore, propose the synonymy of Pyropia olivii with Pyropia koreana, which is the taxon with nomenclatural priority. The study with the fresh and old material has revealed that neither Porphyra umbilicalis nor Pyropia leucosticta are present in this area and that most of the old herbarium material that has gone under this name belongs to Pyropia elongata.
Checklist of the marine macroalgae of Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Tu , Le Nhu Hau , Lin Showe-Mei , Steen Frederique , De Clerck Olivier
Published: June 2013

Despite a rich seaweed flora, information about Vietnamese seaweeds is scattered throughout a large number of often regional publications and, hence, difficult to access. This paper presents an up-to-date checklist of the marine macroalgae of Vietnam, compiled by means of an exhaustive bibliographical search and revision of taxon names. A total of 827 species are reported, of which the Rhodophyta show the highest species number (412 species), followed by the Chlorophyta (180 species), Phaeophyceae (147 species) and Cyanobacteria (88 species). This species richness is comparable to that of the Philippines and considerably higher than Taiwan, Thailand or Malaysia, which indicates that Vietnam possibly represents a diversity hotspot for macroalgae. A comparison of the species composition with neighbouring countries yielded surprisingly low similarities. Rather than an indication of a biogeographical pattern, we are of the opinion that the low similarity with neighbouring countries is primarily an artifact resulting from taxonomic inconsistencies. The checklist presented here could serve as a valuable tool to reveal the seaweed diversity in Vietnam and to stimulate intraregional comparative research.
New records of three dictyotalean brown algae for Turkey
Authors: Taşkın Ergün
Published: June 2013

In the present paper, three dictyotalean brown algae (Dictyopteris lucida, Dictyota cyanoloma, and Padina pavonicoides) are reported for the first time from Turkey. D. cyanoloma and P. pavonicoides are also reported for the first time from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The species were collected in the sublittoral zone near İzmir (Aegean coast of Turkey). The data concerning the habitat and morphology of these species are presented.
Presepsin (sCD14-ST) in preoperative diagnosis of abdominal sepsis
Authors: Vodnik Tatjana , Kaljevic Goran , Tadic Tanja , Majkic-Singh Nada
Published: June 2013

Background:The aim of the study was to identify the diagnostic significance of presepsin in acute abdominal conditions and also to examine the correlation between presepsin, procalcitonin (PCT) and other parameters.

Methods:To detect presepsin we used a new rapid method based on a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The clinical usefulness of presepsin to differentiate bacterial and non-bacterial infection [including systemic inflammation response syndrome (SIRS)] was studied and compared with PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC).

Results:The presepsin values in different conditions were (mean±standard deviation): healthy group (n=70) 258.7±92.53 pg/mL; SIRS (n=30) 430.0±141.33 pg/mL; sepsis (n=30) 1508.3±866.6 pg/mL. The presepsin values were significantly higher in patients with sepsis than the SIRS group (p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) for discriminating of the SIRS from the sepsis patients was 0.996 for presepsin and it was greater than the AUC of PCT (0.912), CRP (0.857) or WBC (0.777).

Conclusions:The ROC curve of the SIRS patient without infection and the sepsis patient showed that the presepsin concentration was a significantly sensitive indicator of sepsis and useful marker for the rapid diagnosis of sepsis.
Ionic Liquids as Green Solvents for the Extraction of Endosulfan from Aqueous Solution: A Quantum Chemical Approach
Authors: Pilli Santhi Raju , Banerjee Tamal , Mohanty Kaustubha
Published: June 2013

This work presents a judicious screening of 986 possible ionic liquid (IL) combinations for the removal of Endosulfan using COSMO-RS (Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents) model. Initially, benchmarking studies have been carried out for α-Endosulfan, β-Endosulfan, Endosulfan sulfate, Endosulfan-alcohol, Endosulfan lactone, and Endosulfan ether by comparing COSMO-RS experimental and predicted octanol–water partition coefficients. Thereafter, COSMO-RS selectivity predictions were done on 986 ionic liquid combinations at infinite dilution. The order of selectivity for the five cation groups were found to be as follows: [TBP] > [TIBMP] > [TBMP] > [C2DMIM] > [BEPYR] > [DPPYR] > [C4DMIM] > [C8MPY] > [BTNH] > [BETNH]. Highest selectivity was obtained for phosphonium based IL namely: [TBP][TOS] (212.5). Anions such as [C8H17SO4], [Br], [Sal], [TOS], [MDEGSO4], and [DEC] contributed high selectivities because of the absence of sterical shielding effect around their charge centers. Further capacity and the performance index (PI) values were calculated and predicted along with selectivity. The increasing order of performance index values were found to follow: [TBP][Sal] (1.71+E5) > [DPPYR][Br] (1.07+E6) > [C2DMIM] (1.01+E6) > [C8MPY][Cl] (1.6+E5) > [BETNH][DEC] (1.2+E5).
Lexical fields of predictive and personalized medicine1)
Authors: Mathieu Thierry , Bermont Laurent , Boyer Jean-Christophe , Versuyft Céline , Evrard Alexandre , Cuvelier Isabelle , Couderc Remy , Peoc’h Katell
Published: June 2013

With human genome mapping, the omics revolution and the empowering sequencing technologies developed at the turn of the century, the new goals in medicine are to switch from population medicine to individualized therapies, not only to cure diseases but also to prevent them. The purpose of this review by the pharmacogenetics and predictive medicine working group of the French clinical biology society (SFBC) is to situate in their correct context the notions of personalized medicine, pharmacogenetics, genetics and genomics, emphasizing their interactions and discussing their significance for researchers and clinicians.
Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of two new 1-acetyl-3-alkylimidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Huanhuan Xu , Wenjuan Zhu , Pingmei Wang , Dafei Wang , Qiang Li
Published: June 2013

Two new functionalized ionic liquids, 1-acetyl-3-alkylimidazolium iodides, were synthesized by the reactions of 1-acetylimidazole with alkyl iodides under solvent-free condition. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, IR, UV-Vis and elemental analysis. The 1-acetyl-3-ethylimidazolium iodide (3a) is a solid and 1-acetyl-3-hexylimidazolium iodide (3b) is a viscous liquid at room temperature.
Stereoselective synthesis of (E)-halomethylidene[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium and analogous [1,3]oxazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium halides starting from 3-N-substituted 2-propargylthio(oxy)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones
Authors: Slivka Marina , Krivovjaz Andrej , Slivka Mikhailo , Lendel Vasil
Published: June 2013

A convenient procedure for the stereoselective synthesis of [1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium halides and analogous [1,3]oxazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium halides 5 and 6 is reported. 2-Propargylthio-3-R-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones and 2-propargyloxy-3-R-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones were treated with bromine or iodine in AcOH to afford (E)-halomethylidene[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium and (E)-halomethylidene-[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidinium halides, respectively.
Hemicelluloses extraction from giant bamboo (Bambusa balcooa Roxburgh) prior to kraft or soda-AQ pulping and its effect on pulp physical properties
Authors: Vena Phumla Faith , Brienzo Michel , del Prado García-Aparicio María , Görgens Johann F. , Rypstra Tim
Published: June 2013

The alkaline and acid preextraction of giant bamboo (Bambusa balcooa Roxburgh), grown in South Africa, before kraft and soda-anthraquinone (AQ) pulping was in focus and the effects of NaOH concentration, temperature, and time on hemicelluloses extraction were studied by means of a statistical experimental design. The NaOH concentration exerted the strongest influence, solubilizing up to 20.4% of the available xylan with 2.0 M NaOH at 90°C for 240 min. The optimal extraction condition was achieved with 1 M NaOH at 90°C for 240 min, in the course of which 13.6% of the xylan was removed; the screened pulp yield was 50.4% without viscosity reduction, whereas the burst index of the handsheets was even improved. In the case of dilute acid preextraction before soda-AQ pulping, 11.3% xylan could be removed without affecting the pulp quality. The viscosity of the pulp was even better than that of pulps from nonextracted bamboo. The biorefinery approach, alkaline preextraction in combination with kraft pulping, is superior to the approach, acid prehydrolysis/soda-AQ pulping.
Pull-out method for direct measuring the interfacial shear strength between short plant fibers and thermoplastic polymer composites (TPC)
Authors: Wang Hao , Tian Genlin , Wang Hankun , Li Wanju , Yu Yan
Published: June 2013

Thermoplastic polymer composites reinforced with short plant fiber are worldwide in focus of research activities. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) is an important indicator for evaluating the bonding quality between the fiber and the matrix polymer. However, the direct measurement of IFSS is especially difficult in the case of short fibers. In the present article, a method is proposed to this purpose, which is related to the known “fiber pulling out” methodology. In the case of single bamboo fibers, the IFSS in a polypropylene (PP) matrix was on, an average, of 5 MPa, which can be considered as weak. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed a rough inner surface in PP cavities left after fiber pulling out. This is direct evidence that a mechanical interlocking mechanism is active in the interphase between the hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic matrix.
Objective outcome evaluation of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject for university students
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Tsien-Wong Teresa B.K. , Cheng Chung Tai , Yan Hai Rong
Published: June 2013

A quasi-experimental study with an experimental group (n=195) and a control group (n=71) was conducted to examine the effectiveness of a leadership and intrapersonal development subject at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Results showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender ratio, age, and background family characteristics. Analyses of covariance controlling for pretest differences between the two groups revealed that students in the experimental group generally showed higher levels of psychosocial competence in terms of composite variables that include resilience, social competence, emotional competence, cognitive competence, behavioral competence, self-determination, self-efficacy, and beliefs in the future. In conjunction with other sources of evaluation findings, the present study suggests that this subject is able to promote the holistic development of Chinese university students in Hong Kong.
Preparation, Storage and Distribution of Coated and Uncoated Chicken Meat Products
Authors: Labropoulos Athanasios E. , Varzakas Theo , Anestis Stelios , Kostas Tsoukos , Panagiotou Panagiotis
Published: June 2013

The production of coated foods using batters and breading is widespread in various meat, fish and vegetable products including poultry, i.e. chicken meat cuts. Thus, samples of coated and uncoated chicken meat cuts, i.e. leg and breast, fried or baked were applied in this study. Five batter samples as well as a breading coating sample were evaluated against non coated samples for physicochemical and sensory characteristics. The results indicated that batters enriched with protein produced coating systems with increased crispiness and adhesion while batters enriched with modified corn starches resulted in improved product yields. A combination of wheat flours with modified waxy corn starches resulted in products with excellent adhesive properties, desirable thickness, good crispness and appearance. The cooked meat pieces (coated and uncoated) were packaged after cooling in plastic bags and stored at ‒18C for further analysis, i.e. moisture, water activity, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and pH values. The results showed reduction in moisture and water activity values and increase in pH and TBA values for the tested (coated and uncoated) products at 0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 weeks of testing periods. Sensory evaluation analysis showed a significant preference for the coated samples compared to the uncoated products.