bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adopting and assimilating new non-pharmaceutical technologies into health care: A systematic review
Authors: Robert Glenn , Greenhalgh Trisha , Macfarlane Fraser , Peacock Richard
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To explore what is known about organizational processes that determine whether (and the extent and rate at which) new non-pharmaceutical technologies are adopted and assimilated into routine health care.

Methods:

Electronic searching of four databases, hand searching of six journals and electronic citation tracking searches of three key research papers. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results:

Ninety-nine empirical studies and seven narrative overviews informed the findings. The majority (62%) of the studies took a deterministic approach (mainly using cross-sectional mailed questionnaires) and typically studied the impact of organizational variables - such as organizational size - on the rate of adoption of technological innovations. The remaining studies were process-based using a single- or multi-case study approach. The organizational processes that determine whether and how technological innovations are adopted and assimilated into routine health care practice are dependent upon the specific innovation concerned, the different actors involved at various points in time, and the particular organizational context in which decisions are made. It is important to see ‘adoption’ and ‘assimilation’ as part of an ongoing process rather than discrete events, and as a process that comprises both ‘formal’ organizational and ‘informal’ decisions by individual users (the latter often shaped by discussions with their peers and colleagues).

Conclusions:

Further process-based studies are needed to provide a clearer evidence base for recommendations on how to facilitate the adoption and assimilation of beneficial new technologies. Three theoretical perspectives could form the basis of such studies and produce practical advice for managers and practitioners.
Relational and management continuity survey in patients with multiple long-term conditions
Authors: Gulliford Martin , Cowie Luke , Morgan Myfanwy
Published: July 2010

Objective:

To quantify problems of relational and management continuityof care in patients with multiple long-term conditions.

Methods:

A mailed questionnaire survey was conducted among people aged 60 years and older from 15 general practices. The questionnaire included 16 items concerning relational and management continuity of care. The number of long-term conditions was measured using the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire.

Results:

Data were analysed for 1,125 participants, a response rate of 37%. There were 123 (11%) with no long-term conditions, 225 (20%) with one, 284 (25%) with two, 218 (19%) with three and 275 (24%) with four or more. Factor analysis confirmed two factors with seven items for management continuity (alpha 0.88) and nine items for relational continuity (alpha 0.83). Experiences of difficulties with management continuity were higher in participants with three long-term conditions or more (adjusted odds ratio 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 3.73), with ‘poor’ self-rated health (2.21, 1.21 to 4.02), or at least three hospital outpatient attendances each year (2.60, 1.32 to 5.12). The number of long-term conditions was not consistently associated with relational continuity. Difficulties of relational continuity were experienced by participants with ‘poor’ self-rated health (2.11, 1.16 to 3.85). Patients with more frequent general practice consultations experienced fewer difficulties of relational continuity (0.63, 0.42 to 0.92).

Conclusion:

People with many long-term conditions are at increased risk of inadequate management continuity with potential negative impacts on their care. Experiences of relational continuity, with potential buffering effects, are not associated with the number of long-term conditions.
Glaucoma Medication Ignored in General Medical and Surgical Patients
Authors: Masri Ibrahim , Robinson Rosemary
Published: July 2010

Objectives

To quantify the risk glaucoma patients are at, having their eye treatment omitted on admission to non-ophthalmic wards at a tertiary referral centre.

Design

A criterion audit surveying all adult inpatients on 13 wards at a tertiary referral centre on two separate dates to reduce convenient sample bias.

Setting

A tertiary referral centre in the West Midlands of England.

Participants

All inpatients on 13 general medical and surgical wards were surveyed on two different dates. Glaucoma patients were identified by looking at electronic clinical letters.

Main outcome measures

Glaucoma patients were identified based on the electronic clinical letters. Their inpatient drug charts were scrutinized to determine whether their eye treatment was omitted. In case of omission, a standardized message was left with the drug chart notifying the team looking after the patient of the missing treatment. The response to the message prompt was noted two weeks later.

Results

In total, 837 patients were surveyed. Thirty-one glaucoma patients were identified. Eighteen patients (58.06%) had their drops omitted. Out of the 18 patients, 16 (88.88%) had no documented indication for stopping regular glaucoma treatment. None of the 18 patients had an alternative treatment prescribed.

Conclusions

This audit confirms that eye drops are often overlooked on non-ophthalmic wards.
Re-Evaluation of the Diagnosis of Porphyria Cutanea Tarda in Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort
Authors: Peters T J , Levell N J
Published: July 2010

Objectives

Two biographies of Admiral Francis Beaufort (1774-1857) have stated that, aged 20-25 years, he suffered from porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) that was ‘cured’ following severe blood loss during a naval skirmish. We have examined the evidence concerning the nature of his skin disease.

Design

Primary records, most notably Beaufort's correspondence with his family, his journals and his father's diaries were sought out and analysed.

Setting

This case report is discussed in the context of 18th-century naval medicine and concepts and treatment of skin disease.

Results

The description of his lesions, their age of onset, their progression and response to treatment, particularly topical tar and associated features are quite inconsistent with a diagnosis of PCT. His mother, Mary Waller Beaufort (1739-1821), consulted Dr Robert Darwin in 1803 about a painful skin disease affecting her legs. Detailed description of the lesions and a contemporary diagnosis are not available but possible diagnoses include chronic psoriasis and stasis eczema.

Conclusions

A more tenable diagnosis is that Francis Beaufort had chronic plaque psoriasis remitted by bed rest and convalescence in the sunny Mediterranean climate with cessation of alcohol consumption and improved nutrition as well as topical and oral medications.
A Study of the Association Between Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Eftekharian Mohammad Mahdi , Basiri Zahra , Kashani Khosro Mani , Langroudi Ladan
Published: July 2010

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the chronic autoimmune disease with several opinions about its aetiology, has affected more than 50 million people in the world. The aim of this 2008 study was to investigate the association between smoking and RA in Hamedan, a western city of Iran.Methods:As a case-control study, information from 130 cases and 130 controls, matched for age and sex, were collected by questionnaire and analysed using SPSS (chi-square, phi and Cramer tests).Results:From 130 cases, 80 cases were females and the rest were males. Statistical analysis showed that smoking less or more than 10 cigarettes daily has a significant association with RA in both sexes, together or separately (p< .05). However, there is no significant association between duration of smoking cessation within 2 years or more, and RA in both sexes (p> .05). This means that cigarette cessation at any time can be useful in RA prevention.Conclusion:Considering previous global investigations on this topic and the results of our study, it seems that smoking even low numbers of cigarettes affects the presence of RA and it is never too late to give up smoking.
Smoking Relapse Prevention Programs and Factors That Predict Abstinence: A Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of Workplace Group Counselling and Proactive Phone Counselling
Authors: Mayer Colombine , Vandecasteele Hilde , Bodo Martial , Primo Catherine , Slachmuylder Jean-Louis , Kaufman Léon , Razavi Darius
Published: July 2010

Aims:Most smokers who quit smoking usually relapse. Smoking relapse prevention programs are thus needed and their optimal content and duration should be therefore studied. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of two relapse prevention programs designed for subjects who reported to be abstinent after a smoking cessation program and to assess predictors of abstinence 9 months later.Participants and design:Two-hundred and seventy-five adults who reported to be abstinent were randomised in two 9-month relapse prevention programs: Workplace Group Counselling Program (WGC) or Proactive Phone Counselling Program (PPC).Measurements:Assessment included questionnaires (Brief Symptom Inventory, BSI; Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, DEBQ; Life Event Scale; sociodemographic and companies' characteristics; and companies' policy toward smoking), and abstinence measurements (self-report, breath carbon monoxide level and urinary cotinine concentration level).Findings:Quit rates at 9 months were respectively 57.5% in the PPC arm and 61.7% in the WGC arm (p= .552). Regression analysis indicated that urinary cotinine concentration level lower than or equal to 317ng/ml was associated with higher rate of abstinence (OR= 4.75, 95% CI = 1.23–18.30,p= .024). Moreover having higher BSI global severity index (OR= .36; 95% CI = .15–.83;p= .017), DEBQ external eating scores (OR= .67; 95% CI = .45–1.00;p= .050) and a free program (OR= .46; 95% CI = .22–.99;p= .048) were associated with lower rate of abstinence.Conclusions:Efficacy was similar for the two programs. This study underlines the need to monitor distress, eating behaviours, lapses and motivation, and to include in future relapse prevention programs specific psychological and/or pharmacological interventions that consider these dimensions.
Two new species of Polysiphonia (Ceramiales, Florideophyceae) from the western Atlantic
Authors: Stuercke Brooke , Freshwater D. Wilson
Published: July 2010

Integrated morphological and molecular analyses of Polysiphonia species revealed that two western Atlantic species identified as P. denudata and P. urceolata (=P. stricta) represent undescribed taxa. Polysiphonia schneideri sp. nov. is proposed for specimens previously referred to P. denudata that are ecorticate and have six (5–7) pericentral cells, lateral branches that arise in the axils of trichoblasts, rhizoids cut-off from pericentral cells, trichoblasts irregularly arranged and not on every segment, spermatangial stichidia forming as a furcation of trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia arranged in straight series. Polysiphonia kapraunii sp. nov. is proposed for specimens previously referred to P. urceolata (=P. stricta) that are ecorticate and have four pericentral cells, lateral branches that replace trichoblasts, rhizoids in open connection with pericentral cells, trichoblasts irregularly arranged and not on every segment, spermatangial stichidia forming as a furcation of trichoblasts, and tetrasporangia arranged in straight series. Phylogenetic analyses of rbcL show that the newly described species are unique and clearly distinct from the species with which they had previously been identified.
Natural Selection and the Distribution of Identity-by-Descent in the Human Genome
Authors: Albrechtsen Anders , Moltke Ida , Nielsen Rasmus
Published: July 2010

There has recently been considerable interest in detecting natural selection in the human genome. Selection will usually tend to increase identity-by-descent (IBD) among individuals in a population, and many methods for detecting recent and ongoing positive selection indirectly take advantage of this. In this article we show that excess IBD sharing is a general property of natural selection and we show that this fact makes it possible to detect several types of selection including a type that is otherwise difficult to detect: selection acting on standing genetic variation. Motivated by this, we use a recently developed method for identifying IBD sharing among individuals from genome-wide data to scan populations from the new HapMap phase 3 project for regions with excess IBD sharing in order to identify regions in the human genome that have been under strong, very recent selection. The HLA region is by far the region showing the most extreme signal, suggesting that much of the strong recent selection acting on the human genome has been immune related and acting on HLA loci. As equilibrium overdominance does not tend to increase IBD, we argue that this type of selection cannot explain our observations.
Behavioral Responses to Hypoxia in Drosophila Larvae Are Mediated by Atypical Soluble Guanylyl Cyclases
Authors: Vermehren-Schmaedick Anke , Ainsley Joshua A , Johnson Wayne A , Davies Shireen-A , Morton David B
Published: July 2010

The three Drosophila atypical soluble guanylyl cyclases, Gyc-89Da, Gyc-89Db, and Gyc-88E, have been proposed to act as oxygen detectors mediating behavioral responses to hypoxia. Drosophila larvae mutant in any of these subunits were defective in their hypoxia escape response—a rapid cessation of feeding and withdrawal from their food. This response required cGMP and the cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel, cng, but did not appear to be dependent on either of the cGMP-dependent protein kinases, dg1 and dg2. Specific activation of the Gyc-89Da neurons using channel rhodopsin showed that activation of these neurons was sufficient to trigger the escape behavior. The hypoxia escape response was restored by reintroducing either Gyc-89Da or Gyc-89Db into either Gyc-89Da or Gyc-89Db neurons in either mutation. This suggests that neurons that co-express both Gyc-89Da and Gyc-89Db subunits are primarily responsible for activating this behavior. These include sensory neurons that innervate the terminal sensory cones. Although the roles of Gyc-89Da and Gyc-89Db in the hypoxia escape behavior appeared to be identical, we also showed that changes in larval crawling behavior in response to either hypoxia or hyperoxia differed in their requirements for these two atypical sGCs, with responses to 15% oxygen requiring Gyc-89Da and responses to 19 and 25% requiring Gyc-89Db. For this behavior, the identity of the neurons appeared to be critical in determining the ability to respond appropriately.
Ornithosis – case report and actual questions
Authors: Balla Eszter , Petrovay Fruzsina , Hóka Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2010

A szerzők egy kritikus állapotú, intenzív osztályon ápolt beteg esetének ismertetése kapcsán foglalják össze az ornithosisdiagnosztika jelenlegi lehetőségeit, epidemiológiai, valamint terápiás vonatkozásait. A kórkép egyéb atípusos bakteriális kórképektől való elkülönítése a klinikai tünetek alapján megbízhatóan nem lehetséges, éppen ezért döntő, olykor életmentő jelentőséggel bír a madárkontaktus felderítése. Az anamnesztikus adatokat rögzítő klinikust mindez egyből a helyes diagnózis felé terelheti, ami az adekvát terápia révén gyors gyógyulást eredményezhet. E bejelentendő kórkép feltehetően mindmáig a gyakran félre- vagy későn diagnosztizált infekciók közé tartozik, így az alulreprezentáltnak tekinthető esetszám nem tükrözi a hazai valós epidemiológiai helyzetet. A szerzők célja, hogy felhívják a figyelmet erre a nem is olyan ritka, ám akár halálos kimenetelű megbetegedésre.
Amyloidosis
Authors: Trinn Csilla
Published: July 2010

Az amyloidosis különböző eredetű fibrilláris jellegű anyag extracelluláris felhalmozódása. Különböző szervekben lerakódva azok működését károsítja. A funkciókárosodásból adódnak a klinikai tünetek, az agyon kívül minden szerv érintett lehet, leggyakrabban a vese, a máj, a lép, a gastrointestinalis rendszer, az endokrin szervek, a bőr, a szív, a tüdő és a vegetatív idegrendszer. Speciális szövettani módszerek (kongóvörös festés, polarizált fényben való és elektronmikroszkópos, valamint immunohisztológiai vizsgálatok), adott klinikum esetén genetikai tesztek szükségesek a diagnózishoz. Az izotóppal jelzett szérum-amyloid-P-komponenssel végzett szcintigráfia a betegség kiterjedését, pontos lokalizációját mutatja meg, valamint segít a kezelés hatásának megítélésében. Leggyakoribb a plazmasejt-betegségekhez társuló, könnyűlánc-eredetű amyloidosis, kezelésében a kemoterápiának és őssejt-transzplantációnak jut szerep. A másik gyakori típus a krónikus fertőző vagy gyulladásos betegségekhez, ritka örökletes láz szindrómákhoz társuló amyloidosis. A fibrillumok a szérum-amyloid-A-ból képződnek, amelynek szintje a C-reaktív proteinnel párhuzamosan emelkedik. A kezelés fő pillére az alapbetegség befolyásolása, illetve a fibrillumok degradációjának elősegítése. Ritkábbak az örökletes amyloidosisformák, ezekben a mutációt szenvedett prekurzortól függően máj-, máj- és vese-, valamint máj- és szívtranszplantáció jön szóba.
Combined interferon, ribavirin treatment and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lengyel Gabriella , Fehér† János
Published: July 2010

A hepatocellularis carcinoma (HCC) a halálhoz vezető rosszindulatú daganatos betegségek között a hatodik leggyakoribb megbetegedés a világon. Az esetek döntő részében (80–90%) májcirrhosis talaján alakul ki. A cirrhosis fő oka a krónikus B- és C-vírus-fertőzés, valamint a tartós alkoholfogyasztás. A kóroki tényezők kezelése, megszüntetése csökkenti a HCC kockázatát. A szerzők összefoglalják azokat az irodalmi adatokat, amelyek a modern antivirális kezelés hatását vizsgálják a HCC előfordulására. Megállapítható, hogy az antivirális kezelés (interferon és nukleozidanalóg készítmény) akkor is csökkenti a HCC előfordulási gyakoriságát és a HCC kuratív kezelés utáni kiújulását, amikor az antivirális terápia nem eredményezi a vírus eliminációját. Elősegítheti a HCC kockázatának csökkenését a redox status egyensúlyának biztosítása is.
Bone Response to Early Orthodontic Loading of Endosseous Implants
Authors: Yavuz Umit , Kirtiloglu Tugrul , Acikgoz Gokhan , Turk Tamer , Trisi Paolo
Published: July 2010

This study evaluated the clinical, radiographic, and histologic responses of tissues surrounding implants loaded with a heavy force of 500g for 20 weeks after a 1-week healing period. Unilateral mandibular and maxillary alveolar ridges in the premolar areas of a male dog and the bilateral mandibular alveolar ridges of a female dog were chosen for implant placement. The control implants (1 in the maxilla, 3 in the mandible) were placed in these quadrants after a 12-week healing period following extraction. The test implants (1 in the maxilla, 3 in the mandible) were implanted in the same quadrants after a 4-month osseointegration period of the control implants. Abutments were attached to the control and test implants after a 1-week healing period for the test implants. Superelastic nickel-titanium coil springs, producing a force of 500g (≈5 N), were activated between control and test implants for 20 weeks. Light microscopic assessment revealed that all implants were well integrated with the bone. Histologic analysis showed no definitive differences between test and control implants in the corticalization of bone trabeculae. The mean bone-implant contact values of the control implants for compression and tension sides were 55.99% and 64.04%, respectively. In the test implants, the bone-implant contact value was 57.27% for the compression side and 62.96% for the tension side. Potential clinical applications of these radiologic and histologic results include the possibility of minimizing the healing duration, even for high orthodontic forces, and the possibility of postorthodontic use of these implants as abutments for supporting prosthetic reconstruction.
Influence of Bisphosphonates on Alveolar Bone Loss Around Osseointegrated Implants
Authors: Zahid Talal M , Wang Bing-Yan , Cohen Robert E
Published: July 2010

The relationship between bisphosphonates (BP) and dental implant failure has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this retrospective radiographic study was to examine whether patients who take BP are at greater risk of implant failure than patients not using those agents. Treatment records of 362 consecutively treated patients receiving endosseous dental implants were reviewed. The patient population consisted of 227 women and 135 men with a mean age of 56 years (range: 17–87 years), treated in the University at Buffalo Postgraduate Clinic from 1997–2008. Demographic information collected included age, gender, smoking status, as well as systemic conditions and medication use. Implant characteristics reviewed included system, date of placement, date of follow-up radiographs, surgical complications, number of exposed threads, and implant failure. The relationship between BP and implant failure was analyzed using generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis. Twenty-six patients using BP received a total of 51 dental implants. Three implants failed, yielding success rates of 94.11% and 88.46% for the implant-based and subject-based analyses, respectively. Using the GEE statistical method we found a statistically significant (P  =  .001; OR  =  3.25) association between the use of BP and implant thread exposure. None of the other variables studied were statistically associated with implant failure or thread exposure. In conclusion, patients taking BP may be at higher risk for implant thread exposure.
The Effect of Interleukin-1 Allele 2 Genotype (IL-1a−889 and IL-1b+3954) on the Individual's Susceptibility to Peri-Implantitis: Case-Control Study
Authors: Hamdy Ahmed Abd El-Meguid Mostafa , Ebrahem Mohamed Abd El-Moniem
Published: July 2010

Individuals bearing the combination of interleukin (IL)-1 allele 2 at IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954 are referred to as being genotype positive and are susceptible to increased periodontal tissue destruction. The aim of this study was to assess the possible association of IL-1 allele 2 (IL-1A−889 and IL-B+3954) genotypes with the severity of peri-implantitis progression and the effect of this combination on treatment outcomes. Fifty patients with International Team for Implantology implants were studied; patients ranged in age from 35–55 years, and each patient had 1 implant. According to peri-implant tissue status, patients were divided into 2 groups: group I consisted of 25 patients with peri-implantitis, and group II comprised 25 patients with healthy peri-implant tissue. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Epithelial cells were collected from the oral mucosa by plastic spatula and were used for IL-1 genotyping by the polymerase chain reaction technique. Group I patients were subjected to a peri-implantitis treatment and maintenance program. In all, 17 patients from group I and 5 patients from group II were genotype positive, with a statistically significant difference noted between the 2 groups. Group I genotype-positive patients presented with higher scores and measurements of clinical parameters with increased suppuration from peri-implant tissues compared with group II; differences were statistically significant (P < .05). In terms of response to treatment, genotype-negative patients demonstrated better response than genotype-positive patients. The combination of IL-1 allele 2 (IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954) in patients with inflamed periodontal or peri-implant tissues acts as a risk factor that leads to greater tissue destruction. IL-1 gene polymorphism at IL-1A−889 and IL-1B+3954 may affect outcomes of treatment for peri-implantitis in genotype-positive individuals.
Spatial data-based e-municipality applications
Authors: Geymen A. , Yomralioglu T.
Published: July 2010

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are playing an increasingly vital role in the daily lives of people, revolutionising work and leisure and changing the rules of doing business. In the realm of government, ICT applications or e-government are promising to enhance the delivery of public goods and services to citizens not only by improving the process and management of government, but also by redefining the traditional concepts of citizenship. e-government is the use of information and communication technology, combined with organisational change and new skills to improve public services. There are two main types of web-based applications for spatial data-based e-government applications over the internet: (a) interactive web-based maps that can be queried on the internet and (b) spatial data-based e-government information that can be accessed by the clients or public on the internet. In Turkey, although there is a remarkable improvement in the non-spatial data-based e-government applications, there has been little progress in spatial data-based e-government applications. This paper discusses spatial data-based e-government applications developed so far to allow the user to access e-government spatial information through the internet. The paper presents results of a pilot application of the system design developed to carry out e-municipality applications.
Low-cost geo-data acquisition for the urban built environment
Authors: Aydin C. C.
Published: July 2010

In the urban environment there is a need for new and renovated building façades to be created in harmony with the existing environment. This paper describes a simple approach to the acquisition of geo-data. An off-the-shelf software package together with low-cost equipment was used to collect building inventory data from a combination of high-resolution digital and video camera images, digital close-range photogrammetry techniques and geographic information systems. The method consists of three stages. First the potential of geo-data acquisition is investigated by using a video camera and a digital camera. The second stage outlines the metric survey for the management of building façade inventory data for geographical information systems in making correct decisions in urban areas. The third stage explains how video camera images can be used to obtain attribute data related to different uses. The methodology developed was tested in a street in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. It is concluded that this low-cost method using off-the-shelf software offers many advantages and benefits in different expertise fields, particularly for local governments and municipalities.
Sex Differences in Destructive Periodontal Disease: Exploring the Biologic Basis
Authors: Shiau Harlan J. , Reynolds Mark A.
Published: July 2010

Background: Epidemiologic studies provide broad‐based evidence that men are at greater risk for developing destructive periodontal disease than women, even after adjusting for behavioral and environmental factors, such as oral hygiene practice and smoking. What requires clarification, however, is whether sex‐specific differences in immune function provide a plausible biologic basis for a sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease. This review examines evidence that might provide an underlying biologic basis for a sexual dimorphism in the prevalence and severity of destructive periodontal disease.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature related to sexual dimorphism in pathogen‐mediated inflammatory diseases and immune response was retrieved from searches of computerized databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS).

Results: Sex steroids exert profound effects on multiple immunologic parameters regulating both the amplification and resolution of inflammation. Strong evidence exists for sexual dimorphisms in immune function, involving both innate and acquired immunity. Injury and infection have been associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α, in men than women, paralleling observed sex‐specific differences in periodontitis.

Conclusion: Differential gene regulation, particularly in sex steroid–responsive genes, may contribute to a sexual dimorphism in susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease.
Comprehensive Treatment of Periodontitis in Patients With von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Nickles Katrin , Wohlfeil Martin , Alesci Sonja , Miesbach Wolfgang , Eickholz Peter
Published: July 2010

Background: Hemophilia A and B and von Willebrand disease (VWD) belong to the most frequent congenital coagulation disorders and are a significant problem in patients who require periodontal therapy or tooth extraction. These patients need specialist management because even minor invasive procedures can precipitate a prolonged bleeding episode. However, although dental care presents major challenges in these patients, only a few studies are available.

Methods: In this case series, the comprehensive periodontal treatment of four patients with hemorrhagic disorders (VWD type I and mild hemophilia B) is described. There was a close collaboration between the periodontist and the hematologist: all patients were scheduled for premedication with desmopressin and other pharmaceuticals at the hematologist's office. After one session of scaling and root planing was performed in all patients, local agents such as tranexamic acid were used. In the course of periodontal therapy, access‐flap surgery was performed in one of the four patients.

Results: Before treatment, the rates of probing depths (PDs) of 4 to 6 mm (20% to 57%) or ≥7 mm (2% to 20%) were high. Three months after treatment, the rates of PDs of 4 to 6 mm (5% to 42%) or ≥7 mm (0% to 2%) decreased significantly in all patients. Attachment gains were also observed. A secondary hemorrhage did not occur in any of the patients, and wound healing proceeded without any complications.

Conclusion: Effective periodontal treatment can be provided to patients with hemorrhagic disorders with the combined efforts of the periodontist and hematologist.
Adsorptive Removal of p-Nitrophenol (p-NP) On Charred Jute Stick
Authors: Ahmaruzzaman Md. , Laxmi Gayatri Sorokhaibam
Published: July 2010

The removal of phenol derivatives from waste waters is of great concern because of the extreme toxicity and persistency. The present study deals with the adsorption of p-nitrophenol from aqueous solution onto jute stick char. Jute stick is a solid waste obtained from the agricultural firms and jute industry. Batch studies were carried out with synthetic wastewater having p-nitrophenol concentration of 1000 ppm using jute stick char as a low cost adsorbent. The operating variables studied are adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, effect of salt addition, and initial p-nitrophenol concentration etc. The adsorption data was analyzed using Freundlich and Langmuir models. The experimental results showed that Freundlich model appear to fit the isotherm data better than the Langmuir model. Optimum conditions for p-nitrophenol were found to be at pH= 7.6 and equilibrium time 5 h. The pseudo-second order kinetic model provides the best correlation of the experimental data compared to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
A Review of the Water Gas Shift Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Smith R J Byron , Loganathan Muruganandam , Shantha Murthy Shekhar
Published: July 2010

The worlds progression towards the Hydrogen economy is facilitating the production of hydrogen from various resources. In the carbon based hydrogen production, Water gas shift reaction is the intermediate step used for hydrogen enrichment and CO reduction in the synthesis gas. This paper makes a critical review of the developments in the modeling approaches of the reaction for use in designing and simulating the water gas shift reactor. Considering the fact that the rate of the reaction is dependent on various parameters including the composition of the catalyst, the active surface and structure of the catalyst, the size of the catalyst, age of the catalyst, its operating temperature and pressure and the composition of the gases, it is difficult to narrow down the expression for the shift reaction. With different authors conducting experiments still to validate the kinetic expressions for the shift reaction, continuous research on different composition and new catalysts are also reported periodically. Moreover the commercial catalyst manufacturers seldom provide information on the catalyst. This makes the task of designers difficult to model the shift reaction. This review provides a consolidated listing of the various important kinetic expressions published for both the high temperature and the low temperature water gas shift reaction along with the details of the catalysts and the operating conditions at which they have been validated.
Hydrodynamic Characterization of an Electrochemical Cell with Rotating Disc Electrode: A Three-Dimensional Biphasic Model
Authors: Real-Ramirez Cesar A , Miranda-Tello Raul , Hoyos-Reyes Luis F , Gonzalez-Trejo Jesus I
Published: July 2010

Electrochemical cells with a rotating disc electrode are the preferred devices to characterize electrochemical reactions because simple analytical expressions can be used to interpret the information obtained from physical experiments. These equations assume that the velocity field in the vicinity of the electrode active face is in accordance with the ideal behavior described by von Kármán. Experimental liquid velocity measurements inside the cell reported in recent works suggest that the actual liquid flow pattern is not fully in accordance with the assumed ideal behavior. In this work, the Computational Fluid Dynamics technique was employed to characterize numerically the flow pattern inside the electrochemical cell. By using a three-dimensional model, symmetric conditions were not imposed. A biphasic system was employed to evaluate the influence of liquid free surface over the flow pattern. Unsteady state numerical simulations were performed using the commercial software Fluent. Multiple electrode rotation speeds and several cell sizes were employed. Contrary to the assumed behavior, it was obtained that the flow pattern inside the electrochemical cell is not symmetric due to the synergetic effect of the cell walls, the submerged electrode side wall and the liquid free surface. This work states that the differences between actual and the ideal flow patterns can be minimized with plain electrode and cell geometrical modifications.
A note on boundedness of solutions to a class of non-autonomous differential equations of second order
Authors: Tunç Cemil
Published: July 2010

By defining some appropriate Liapunov functions, we discuss boundedness of solutions to a class of non-autonomous and nonlinear differential equations of second order. By this work, we prove some results established in the literature by Liapunov's second method instead of the integral test. We give six examples to illustrate the theoretical analysis in this work and effectiveness of the method utilized here.
Physico-mechanical properties of elastomers based on natural rubber filled with silica and clay
Authors: Ogbebor Ogbemudia , Okwu Ndubuisi , Okieimen Ebhodaghe , Okuonghae Daniel
Published: July 2010

The elastomers based on natural rubber (NR) and silica and clay fillers have been investigated for its physico-mechanical properties. The various mixes were compounded in a Banbury-Pullen laboratory mill and vulcanized using the efficient vulcanization system. The Oscillating Disc Rheometer (ODR) was used for determination of cure characteristics. It was estimated that replacement of silica with clay up to 30 phr (50% replacement) increased the compound cure rate with a reduction in absolute torque level (Tmax) of the natural rubber mix. Scorch time (Ts2) was observed to be highest at 30/30 filler ratio. Hardness and tensile properties of obtained elastomeric materials were studied. Results show a decrease in parameters as the replacement of silica with natural clay progresses. There was an improvement in elongation at break with increasing the clay content. The replacing of silica filler with clay reduced the abrasion properties (mg. loss/1000 rev.).
Simplification of the synthesis of the raft agent 2-(2-cyanopropyl)-dithiobenzoate
Authors: Milovanovic Milos , Avramovic Milena , Katsikas Lynne , Popovic Ivanka
Published: July 2010

The general literature procedure for the preparation of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent 2-(2- cyanopropyl)-dithiobenzoate (CPDB) was modified by omitting the recrystallisation of the intermediate di(thiobenzoyl)disulphide. The yield of the CPDB in the simplified synthesis was increased four times comparing to the standard one. The behaviour of the CPDB obtained by the modified procedure and by the standard one in the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate was investigated. The CPDB synthesized by the simplified procedure showed itself to be a good RAFT agent, giving excellent control over the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate and it behaved in the same manner as the CPDB prepared by the standard method. The obtained poly(methyl methacrylate) had a narrow molecular weight distibution (PD=1.1).
Initiating Insulin as Part of the Treating To Target in Type 2 Diabetes (4-T) Trial
Authors: Jenkins Nicholas , Hallowell Nina , Farmer Andrew J. , Holman Rury R. , Lawton Julia
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE

To explore patients' and health professionals' experiences of initiating insulin as part of the Treating To Target in Type 2 Diabetes (4-T) randomized controlled trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Interviews were conducted with 45 trial participants and 21 health professionals and thematically analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients were generally psychologically insulin receptive when approached to participate in the 4-T trial. Their receptiveness arose largely from their personal experiences observing intensifying prior treatments and deteriorating blood glucose control over time, which led them to engage with and accept the idea that their diabetes was progressive. Health professionals also fostered receptiveness by drawing on their clinical experience to manage patients' anxieties about initiating insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies may have overemphasized the problem of psychological insulin resistance and overlooked factors and treatment experiences that may promote insulin receptiveness among type 2 patients.
Evaluation of orally administered robenacoxib versus ketoprofen for treatment of acute pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders in cats
Authors: Giraudel Jerome M. , Gruet Philippe , Alexander Debbie G. , Seewald Wolfgang , King Jonathan N.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral administration of robenacoxib for treatment of acute pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders in cats.

Animals—155 cats requiring relief of signs of pain and inflammation associated with acute musculoskeletal disorders.

Procedures—The study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, masked, noninferiority field trial. Cats were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 treatment groups: group 1 (1.0 to 2.4 mg of robenacoxib/kg, q 24 h), group 2 (1.0 to 2.4 mg of robenacoxib/kg, q 12 h [daily dosage, 2.0 to 4.8 mg/kg]), and group 3 (ketoprofen [mean dosage, 1 mg/kg, q 24 h]). All cats were administered tablets PO for 5 or 6 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was the investigator global assessment score, which was the sum of scores of signs of pain, inflammation, and mobility assessed in a masked manner by veterinary investigators at baseline, day 2, and day 4 or 5. Cat owners monitored in a nonmasked manner secondary responses by observation of cats’ activity, behavior, appetite, and interactions. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events, clinical signs, and hematologic and plasma biochemical variables (before and after treatment).

Results—No significant differences were detected among the 3 treatment groups for any primary or secondary efficacy endpoints or for tolerability variables. Robenacoxib tablets administered once daily were significantly more palatable than ketoprofen tablets.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Robenacoxib tablets administered once daily had noninferior efficacy and tolerability, and superior palatability, compared with the active control drug, ketoprofen, for the treatment of signs of acute pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal disorders in cats.
Changes in the use of antimicrobials and the effects on productivity of swine farms in Denmark
Authors: Aarestrup Frank M. , Jensen Vibeke F. , Emborg Hanne-Dorthe , Jacobsen Erik , Wegener Henrik C.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To evaluate changes in antimicrobial consumption and productivity by Danish swine farms during 1992 to 2008.

Sample Population—All Danish swine farms for antimicrobial consumption data and a representative sample of Danish swine herds for productivity data.

Procedures—Antimicrobial consumption by Danish swine farms from 1992 to 2008 was determined and evaluated in light of policies to regulate antimicrobial consumption, changes in disease patterns, and productivity data. Trend analyses of productivity data were conducted before and after a ban on use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs).

Results—Antimicrobial consumption peaked at 100 mg/kg of swine produced in 1992, decreased to 31 mg/kg in 1999, and increased to 49 mg/kg in 2008. Key factors for changes were regulations banning subtherapeutic use of antimicrobials and veterinary profits from the prescription and sale of antimicrobials in 1994 and termination of AGP use by January 2000. Pig production increased from 18.4 to 271 million pigs, and the mean number of pigs per sow per year raised for slaughter increased from 21 in 1992 to 25 in 2007 Average daily gain for weaning (< 35 kg) and finishing (> 35 kg) pigs was higher in 2008 than in 1992, but mortality rates for weaning and finishing pigs were similar in 1992 and 2008.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—From 1992 to 2008, antimicrobial consumption per kilogram of pig produced in Denmark decreased by > 50%. Furthermore, there was improvement in productivity, suggesting that long-term swine productivity was not negatively impacted by a ban on AGP use.
Evaluation of the role of superoxide anions in endotoxin-induced impairment of β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilation in equine digital veins
Authors: Mallem Mohamed Y. , Thuleau Aurélie , Noireaud Jacques , Desfontis Jean-Claude , Gogny Marc
Published: July 2010

Objective—To investigate the role of superoxide anions in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced impairment of β-adrenoceptor-mediated equine digital vein (EDV) vasodilation.

Sample Population—EDVs isolated from forelimbs of 24 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded EDV rings were incubated with or without LPS (10 μg/mL) of Escherichia coli (O55:B5) for 4 hours. Cumulative concentration-relaxation curves resulting from administration of isoprenaline, a nonselective β-adrenoceptor agonist, or from administration of SR 58611A, a selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist, were recorded in phenylephrine-preconstricted EDVs in the absence or the presence of superoxide dismutase (200 U/mL). Isoprenaline-induced relaxation was also evaluated with or without the cyclooxygenase inhibitors indomethacin (10μM) and NS-398 (10μM).

Results—Isoprenaline and SR 58611A induced concentration-dependent relaxation of EDV rings, which was inhibited by LPS exposure. Superoxide dismutase abolished the inhibitory effect of LPS on the isoprenaline- and SR 58611A-mediated relaxation. Pretreatment of the LPS-treated EDVs with indomethacin or NS-398 restored the isoprenaline-mediated relaxation and abolished the LPS-induced impairment to a similar extent as superoxide dismutase.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results supported a role of superoxide anions in the LPS-induced impairment of β-adrenoceptor-mediated EDV vasodilation. The LPS-induced oxidative stress in EDVs may contribute to vascular dysfunctions associated with laminitis in horses.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dexamethasone after oral administration in apparently healthy horses
Authors: Grady Jason A. , Davis Elizabeth G. , KuKanich Butch , Sherck Amanda B.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To assess pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of dexamethasone administered PO as a solution or powder, compared with properties of dexamethasone solution administered IV, in apparently healthy horses.

Animals—6 adult horses.

Procedures—Serum cortisol concentration for each horse was determined before each treatment (baseline values). Dexamethasone (0.05 mg/kg) was administered PO (in solution or powdered form) or IV (solution) to horses from which feed had or had not been withheld (unfed and fed horses, respectively). Each horse received all 6 treatments in random order at 2-week intervals; PO and IV administrations of dexamethasone were accompanied by IV or PO sham treatments, respectively. Plasma dexamethasone and serum cortisol concentrations were assessed at predetermined intervals.

Results—Maximum plasma dexamethasone concentration after PO administration of powdered dexamethasone in unfed horses was significantly higher than the maximum plasma concentration after PO administration of dexamethasone solution in unfed or fed horses. Mean bioavailability of dexamethasone ranged from 28% to 66% but was not significantly different among horses receiving either formulation PO in the unfed or fed state. After dexamethasone treatment PO or IV, serum cortisol concentrations were significantly less than baseline at 1 to 72 hours in unfed horses and at 2 to 48 hours in fed horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PO or IV administration of dexamethasone resulted in suppression of cortisol secretion in unfed and fed adult horses; the magnitude of suppression did not differ among treatment groups, and serum cortisol concentrations returned to baseline after 48 to 72 hours.
Use of a modified Vinsot technique for partial phallectomy in 11 standing horses
Authors: Arnold Carolyn E. , Brinsko Steven P. , Love Charles C. , Varner Dickson D.
Published: July 2010

Case Description—6 geldings and 5 stallions were evaluated from January 2007 through April 2009 for the following conditions requiring phallectomy: chronic paraphimosis (n = 7), squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (3), and priapism (1).

Clinical Findings—None of the 7 horses with paraphimosis was able to retract the penis. Chronicity of the paraphimosis in 6 horses ranged from 2 weeks to 2 months and was unknown in the seventh horse. Horses with paraphimosis had been medically treated without success. The horse with priapism had developed the condition secondary to acepromazine administration 2 days prior to referral and was unsuccessfully treated once by intracavernosal administration of phenylephrine and irrigation of the cavernosal tissues prior to surgery. The 3 horses with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis had had the condition for 2 years and had been treated by repeated application of a cryogen or chemotherapeutic agent to the lesions.

Treatment and Outcome—All 11 horses underwent a partial phallectomy by means of a modified Vinsot technique. Modifications to the original technique included creation of a linear urethrostomy, alteration of the location and shape of the urethrostomy, application of a latex tourniquet, concurrent castration of stallions, and use of the procedure in standing horses. The procedure was technically easy to perform, well tolerated by the horses, and cosmetically acceptable to the owners, and had minimal postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up information was obtained from owners of 10 horses a median of 454 days after surgery; 2 owners reported mild urine scalding as the only adverse effect.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The modified Vinsot technique of partial phallectomy was effective and may be useful for horses that are unsuitable candidates for general anesthesia because of medical or owner financial constraints.