bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost Effectiveness of Vacuum-Assisted Closure and Its Modifications: A Review
Authors: Hussain Akhlak , Singh Kuldip , Singh Mohinder
Published: January 2013

Negative topical pressure, the general category to which the trademarked VAC therapy belongs, is not a new concept in wound therapy. It is also called subatmospheric pressure therapy, vacuum sealing, vacuum-assisted closure therapy, vacuum pack therapy, and sealing aspirative therapy. The VAC therapy system is trademarked by Kinetic Concepts, Inc., or KCI. It was first reported in 1997. The aim of the procedure is to use negative pressure to create suction, which drains the wound of exudate (i.e., fluid, cells, and cellular waste that has escaped from blood vessels and seeped into tissue) and influences the shape and growth of the surface tissues in a way that helps healing. Negative-pressure therapy for the closure of wounds accelerates secondary wound healing. High cost is still a hindrance in its use in developing nations. Many modifications were tried, but their efficacy is yet to be proved. In reality, this method is quite cost effective. It is only the lack of understanding and adequate setup which makes this method hard to use. The main objective of this paper is to focus on the cost effectiveness of VAC and its modifications. We want to emphasize the importance of homemade NPT and the use of simple suction devices.
A New Algorithm for The Surgical Management of Defects of the Scalp
Authors: Cherubino Mario , Taibi Dominic , Scamoni Stefano , Maggiulli Francesca , Di Giovanna Danilo , Dibartolo Rita , Izzo Matteo , Pellegatta Igor , Valdatta Luigi
Published: January 2013

Scalp reconstruction is a daily challenge for plastic surgeons. The authors propose their algorithm for reconstructive surgery after ablative surgery. They considered not only the size defect but also the anatomical defect and the clinical condition of the patient to achieve the best choice for reconstruction. During the two-year period, a total of 86 procedures were performed on 78 patients. We used five different techniques for reconstruction, including primary closure, graft, local or free flap, and a dermal regeneration template. No statistical difference of complication was observed in the different groups. We consider our algorithm a useful improvement in the management of the defect at the vertex.
Fluid Flow Investigation through Small Turbodrill for Optimal Performance
Authors: Mokaramian Amir , Rasouli Vamegh , Cavanough Gary
Published: January 2013

Basic design methodology for a new small multistage Turbodrill (turbine down hole motor) optimized for small size Coiled Tube (CT) Turbodrilling system for deep hard rocks mineral exploration drilling is presented. Turbodrill is a type of axial turbomachinery which has multistage of stators and rotors. It converts the hydraulic power provided by the drilling fluid (pumped from surface) to mechanical power through turbine motor. For the first time, new small diameter (5-6 cm OD) water Turbodrill with high optimum rotation speed of higher than 2,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) were designed through comprehensive numerical simulation analyses. The results of numerical simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)) for turbodrill stage performance analysis with asymmetric blade’s profiles on stator and rotor, with different flow rates and rotation speeds are reported. This follows by Fluid-Structural Interaction (FSI) analyses for this small size turbodrill in which the finite element analyses of the stresses are performed based on the pressure distributions calculated from the CFD modeling. As a result, based on the sensitivity analysis, optimum operational and design parameters are proposed for gaining the required rotation speed and torque for hard rocks drilling.
Bridge Concept Design Using Heuristic Fuzzy Optimum Design and FEM
Authors: Martikka Heikki , Taitokari Erkki
Published: January 2013

In this study the aim is to present results of bridge concept design using heuristic fuzzy optimum design and FEM. The bridge concept is chosen as the basic suspension type. The deck plate rests on four supports. The middle supports are towers with suspension cables to lift up the bridge plate for minimising its deflection and bending stresses. Mass distribution load and flutter loading act on the plate. Geometric design variables are topology and dimensions of cables and deck. Material variable options are low strength and high strength steel. Decision variables are based on design variables. The main ones are cost and safety factors. The total goal is maximization of the fuzzy satisfaction of the user on all decision variables. The same optimal geometry is obtained for both steel options giving nearly equal performance. The softer steel option is preferable due lower cost. The model and FEM results agree reasonably in stresses and deflections. The fuzzy model used is shown to be an extension of probabilistic models.
Rose, a Potential Nutraceutical: An Assessment of the Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Vun Vui Fui , Poh Siong Chin , Yim Hip Seng
Published: January 2013

Rosa hybrida L. was reported to contain high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The scarce information on antioxidant properties of Malaysian cultivated R. hybrid L. had lead to the present study, which aimed to determine the effect of different solvent extraction on the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of roses of different colours. All the 23 R. hybrida L. cultivars’ petals extracted with 70% ethanol had significantly higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity compared to the water extraction. The five cultivars (03, 203, 205, 402 and M203) that comprise the highest DPPH scavenging activity were subjected to various antioxidant assays. Cultivar M203 showed highest total phenolic content (TPC) at all concentration. Cultivar M203 and 402 gave higher DPPH radical scavenging ability (EC50=107.08 µg/ml) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging ability (EC50=258.13 µg/ml). In ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, cultivar M203 has the highest trolox equivalent value at 200, 300 and 500 µg/ml concentrations while in b-carotene bleaching assay, cultivars 03, 205, and M203 (at the concentration of 500 µg/ml) showed higher antioxidant activity than synthetic antioxidant (BHA). Strong positive correlations were found between TPC and antioxidant activities, hence, suggesting that the high antioxidant activity of selected R. hybrida L. petals might be mainly contributed by the phenolic compounds. In general, cultivar M203 showed the best antioxidant activity with nutraceutical potential.
Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of Optimized Extruded Desi Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) Flours
Authors: Tiznado José Antonio Garzón , Palazuelos Mar de Jesús Heiras , Moreno Ramona Julieta Espinoza , Campos Mirta Cano , Vargas Francisco Delgado , Dorado Roberto Gutiérrez , Carrillo Jorge Milán , Moreno Cuauhtémoc Reyes
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of optimized extrusion cooking process on antioxidant and antimutagenic properties of desi chickpea cultivars. Three desi chickpea cultivars (Brown-ICC3512, Red-ICC13124, Black-ICC3761) were studied. Extrusion was carried out in a single-screw extruder; the operation conditions were previously optimized to obtain maximum antioxidant activity in extruded chickpea flour: Extrusion temperature (ET) = 155°C, and screw speed (SS) = 240 rpm. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Antimutagenic activity (AMA) of ground samples extracts was tested against 1-Nitropyrene (1-NP) with the Kado microsuspension assay using Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, AOA, and AMA of raw desi chickpea cultivars ranged from 1.31 to 1.35 mg GAE g-1 sample, dw, from 0.464 to 1.006 mg CAE g-1 sample, dw, from 54.9 to 57.3 mmol TE g-1 sample, dw, and from 57.8-62.3% inhibition, respectively. Brown-ICC3512 showed the highest TFC and AOA, while Red-ICC13124 had the highest AMA. The extrusion cooking process increased the TPC, AOA and AMA of whole desi chickpea grains in 5.3-9.2%, 9.9-12.2%, and 17.5-21.9%, respectively. The optimized extrusion cooking process is a recommended technology for increasing AOA and AMA in desi chickpea grains, which could be used as functional foods.
Ritmos de actividad del lince ibérico (Lynx pardinus) en cautividad
Authors: Penabad Lucía , Rivas Antonio , Calzada Javier
Published: January 2013

Ethological studies are essential for proper husbandry of wild animals in captivity. In this paper we analyze the patterns of activity throughout the day (circadian rhythm) and throughout the year, of 25 Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) belonging to the Captive Breeding Program. The annual circadian rhythm in lynxes reaches two maximum peaks: one at dawn and another at sunset (with average activity levels of 60 and 76%, respectively). Between these two peaks we found two minimums of activity, one during the night (43 %) and another during the day (25 %). We also found that the circadian pattern closely resembles the pattern described for the wild population. Rainfall and hour of light do influence on activity, whereas the moon phase does not. The average daily activity for the whole year was 47.8 ± 16.8%. The months presenting less activity were July, August and September coinciding with the warmest period of the year and the most active months were November, March and April. The sex of the lynxes do not influence the average daily activity, however CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and the interaction between sex and CKD, does. CKD affected animals are less active than the healthy individuals, that is more evident in males than females. Activity levels in males were similar to those of females when they are healthy, but decrease greatly when they are ill.
HIV and disability: a pilot study exploring the use of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to measure daily life performance
Authors: Merritt Brenda , Gahagan Jacqueline , Kottorp Anders
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Limitations in performing activities of daily living (ADL) are important indicators of health and overall wellness, yet relatively few studies specifically identify the ADL abilities of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs). Given the wide range of abilities and ages of PHAs, there is an urgent need to utilize an assessment of ADL ability that can validly evaluate those who are very able, as well as those who are very disabled, without the presence of ceiling or floor effects, to provide sensitive measures to detect change.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gather preliminary evidence of the validity of using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) with PHAs.

Methods

By utilizing existing data records of PHAs from the international AMPS database, we explored (a) demographic factors; (b) person response validity by examining person and individual item goodness‐of‐fit to the AMPS measurement model; and (c) trends in ADL abilities of PHAs.

Findings

There were 137 data records in the international AMPS database (0.08% of the database). Goodness‐of‐fit analyses revealed that >90% of the individuals in the sample fit AMPS measurement model and >99% of the individual item ratings fit the model. More than 80% of the data record had ADL motor abilities that were significantly lower than age expectations, and 67% had ADL process ability measures that were significantly lower than age expectations.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the AMPS is a valid measure of ADL ability for PHAs. Coupled with the lower than expected number of AMPS data records for PHAs and the significant ADL ability challenges that were encountered by this sample, this pilot study may indicate that PHAs encounter barriers to accessing rehabilitation services and/or may not receive referrals until significant ADL challenges are encountered.
Analysis and Opinion: Building Paradigms for the Change of Special Education in Nigeria
Authors: Obiakor Festus E. , Afọláyan Michael O.
Published: January 2013

Traditionally, colonization and other societal problems such as cultural attitudes and beliefs, negative perceptions, lack of funding, poor teacher education as well as a lack of significant viable legal mandates have culminated to hindering opportunities to help all persons with disabilities in Nigeria. To this end, the article proposes intentional and proactive policy change that the government of Nigeria must embark upon so as to build paradigms that deviate from its current passive attitude to active engagement and conscious support for its people with disabilities.
A Survey Study of Chinese In-service Teachers' Self-efficacy About Inclusive Education
Authors: Wang Mian , Zan Fei , Liu Jiaqiu , Liu Chunling , Sharma Umesh
Published: January 2013

A survey study was conducted to a total of 323 in-service teachers (110 special education teachers and 213 general education teachers) in Shanghai regarding their self-efficacy and concerns about inclusive education. Multivariate analysis results reveal that special teachers have significantly higher self-efficacy about inclusive education than general education teachers and that both general and special education teachers have the similar concerns about inclusive education and the level of their concerns is not significant. In addition, the teachers' self-efficacy about inclusive education is significantly negative correlated with their concerns about inclusive education. Specific special education training experience and knowledge of disability laws and policies affect general and special education teachers differently on their self-efficacy.
A Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Nanoscale Antiferroelectric and Ferroelectric Phases Coexisting in a Relaxor Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 Thin Film at Room Temperature
Authors: Peng Biaolin , Fan Huiqing , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2013

Recently, large electrocaloric effects (ECE) in antiferroelectric sol‐gel PbZr0.95Ti0.05O3 thin films and in ferroelectric polymer P(VDF‐TrFE)55/45 thin films were observed near the ferroelectric Curie temperatures of these materials (495 K and 353 K, respectively). Here a giant ECE (ΔT = 45.3 K and ΔS = 46.9 J K−1 kg−1 at 598 kV cm−1) is obtained in relaxor ferroelectric Pb0.8Ba0.2ZrO3 (PBZ) thin films fabricated on Pt(111)/TiOx/SiO2/Si substrates using a sol‐gel method. Nanoscale antiferroelectric (AFE) and ferroelectric (FE) phases coexist at room temperature (290 K) rather than at the Curie temperature (408 K) of the material. The giant ECE in such a system is attributed to the coexistence of AFE and FE phases and a field‐induced nanoscale AFE to FE phase transition. The giant ECE of the thin film makes this a promising material for applications in cooling systems near room temperature.
Surface‐Mediated Release of a Small‐Molecule Modulator of Bacterial Biofilm Formation: A Non‐Bactericidal Approach to Inhibiting Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Broderick Adam H. , Breitbach Anthony S. , Frei Reto , Blackwell Helen E. , Lynn David M.
Published: January 2013

We report an approach to preventing bacterial biofilm formation that is based on the surface‐mediated release of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐aminobenzimidazole (DMABI), a potent and non‐bactericidal small‐molecule inhibitor of bacterial biofilm growth. Our results demonstrate that DMABI can be encapsulated in thin films of a model biocompatible polymer [poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide), PLG] and be released in quantities that inhibit the formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms by up to 75–90% on surfaces that otherwise support robust biofilm growth. This approach enables the release of this new anti‐biofilm agent for over one month, and it can be used to inhibit biofilm growth on both film‐coated surfaces and other adjacent surfaces (e.g., on other uncoated surfaces and at air/water interfaces). Our results demonstrate a non‐bactericidal approach to the prevention of biofilm growth and provide proof of concept using a clinically relevant human pathogen. In contrast to coatings designed to kill bacteria on contact, this approach should also permit the design of strategically placed depots that disseminate DMABI more broadly and exert inhibitory effects over larger areas. In a broader context, the non‐bactericidal nature of DMABI could also provide opportunities to address concerns related to evolved resistance that currently face approaches based on the release of traditional microbicidal agents (e.g., antibiotics). Finally, the results of initial in vitro mammalian cell culture studies indicate that DMABI is not toxic to cells at concentrations required for strong anti‐biofilm activity, suggesting that this new agent is well suited for further investigation in biomedical and personal care contexts.
Polymeric Systems Incorporating Plant Viral Nanoparticles for Tailored Release of Therapeutics
Authors: Honarbakhsh Sara , Guenther Richard H. , Willoughby Julie A. , Lommel Steven A. , Pourdeyhimi Behnam
Published: January 2013

Therapeutic polylactide (PLA) nanofibrous matrices are fabricated by incorporating plant viral nanoparticles (PVNs) infused with fluorescent agents ethidium bromide (EtBr) and rhodamine (Rho), and cancer therapeutic doxorubicin (Dox). The native virus, Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV), reversibly opens and closes upon exposure to the appropriate environmental stimuli. Infusing RCNMV with small molecules allows the incorporation of PVNActive into fibrous matrices via two methods: direct processing by in situ electrospinning of a polymer and PVNs solution or immersion of the matrix into a viral nanoparticle solution. Five organic solvents commonly in‐use for electrospinning are evaluated for potential negative impact on RCNMV stability. In addition, leakage of rhodamine from the corresponding PVNRho upon solvent exposure is determined. Incorporation of the PVN into the matrices are evaluated via transmission electron, scanning electron and fluorescent microscopies. Finally, the percent cumulative release of doxorubicin from both PLA nanofibers and PLA and polyethylene oxide (PEO) hybrid nanofibers demonstrate tailored release due to the incorporation of PVNDox as compared to the control nanofibers with free Dox. Preliminary kinetic analysis results suggest a two‐phase release profile with the first phase following a hindered Fickian transport mechanism for the release of Dox for the polymer‐embedded PVNs. In contrast, the nanofiber matrices that incorporate PVNs through the immersion processing method followed a pseudo‐first order kinetic transport mechanism.
AN INDIVIDUALIZED LEVELS SYSTEM TO INCREASE INDEPENDENT MEALTIME BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN WITH FOOD REFUSAL
Authors: Gonzalez Melissa L. , Taylor Tessa , Borrero Carrie S. W. , Sangkavasi Emily
Published: January 2013

An individualized levels system was implemented to increase independent eating in two children with food refusal. Participants earned access to different status levels associated with varying availability of preferred items/activities outside of meals according to criteria based on low levels of prompting throughout the meal. A reversal design was implemented to evaluate the effects of the intervention on independent mealtime behavior. Results demonstrated that the levels system was effective in increasing independent eating and in decreasing prompted bites for both participants. Although the effectiveness of an individualized levels system has been previously demonstrated in the treatment of severe problem behavior, it has not been empirically evaluated in the context of increasing appropriate behavior or with children with food refusal. These findings provide support for such a treatment to promote mealtime independence during an intensive feeding program and at two months follow‐up. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized clinical trial of the impact of insulin therapy on liver function in patients undergoing major liver resection
Authors: Hassanain M , Metrakos P , Fisette A , Doi S A R , Schricker T , Lattermann R , Carvalho G , Wykes L , Molla H , Cianflone K
Published: January 2013

Background

Postoperative liver dysfunction is the major source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy. This study tested the benefits of a metabolic support protocol based on insulin infusion, for reducing liver dysfunction following hepatic resection.

Methods

Consecutive consenting patients scheduled for liver resection were randomized to receive preoperative dextrose infusion followed by insulin therapy using the hyperinsulinaemic normoglycaemic clamp protocol (n = 29) or standard therapy (control group, n = 27). Patients in the insulin therapy group followed a strict dietary regimen for 24 h before surgery. Intravenous dextrose was started at 2 mg per kg per min the night before and continued until surgery. Hyperinsulinaemic therapy for a total of 24 h was initiated at 2 munits per kg per min at induction of anaesthesia, and continued at 1 munit per kg per min after surgery. Normoglycaemia was maintained (3·5–6·0 mmol/l). Control subjects received no additional dietary supplement and a conventional insulin sliding scale during fasting. All patients were tested serially to evaluate liver function using the Schindl score. Liver tissue samples were collected at two time points during surgery to measure glycogen levels.

Results

Demographics were similar in the two groups. More liver dysfunction occurred in the control cohort (liver dysfunction score range 0–8 versus 0–4 with insulin therapy; P = 0·031). Median (interquartile range) liver glycogen content was 278 (153–312) and 431 (334–459) µmol/g respectively (P = 0·011). The number of complications rose with increasing severity of postoperative liver dysfunction (P = 0·032)

Conclusion

The glucose–insulin protocol reduced postoperative liver dysfunction and improved liver glycogen content. Registration number: NCT00774098 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Surgical ethics
Authors: Sokol D K
Published: January 2013

Wise advice
Metformin use and improved response to therapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Skinner Heath D. , Crane Christopher H. , Garrett Christopher R. , Eng Cathy , Chang George J. , Skibber John M. , Rodriguez‐Bigas Miguel A. , Kelly Patrick , Sandulache Vlad C. , Delclos Marc E. , Krishnan Sunil , Das Prajnan
Published: January 2013

Locally advanced rectal cancer is commonly treated with chemoradiation prior to total mesorectal excision (TME). Studies suggest that metformin may be an effective chemopreventive agent in this disease as well as a possible adjunct to current therapy. In this study, we examined the effect of metformin use on pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and outcomes in rectal cancer. The charts of 482 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated from 1996 to 2009 with chemoradiation and TME were reviewed. Median radiation dose was 50.4 Gy (range 19.8–63). Nearly, all patients were treated with concurrent 5‐fluorouracil‐based chemotherapy (98%) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (81.3%). Patients were categorized as nondiabetic (422), diabetic not taking metformin (40), or diabetic taking metformin (20). No significant differences between groups were found in clinical tumor classification, nodal classification, tumor distance from the anal verge or circumferential extent, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level, or pathologic differentiation. pCR rates were 16.6% for nondiabetics, 7.5% for diabetics not using metformin, and 35% for diabetics taking metformin, with metformin users having significantly higher pCR rates than either nondiabetics (P = 0.03) or diabetics not using metformin (P = 0.007). Metformin use was significantly associated with pCR rate on univariate (P = 0.05) and multivariate (P = 0.01) analyses. Furthermore, patients taking metformin had significantly increased disease‐free (P = 0.013) and overall survival (P = 0.008) compared with other diabetic patients. Metformin use is associated with significantly higher pCR rates as well as improved survival. These promising data warrant further prospective study.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta‐analysis of Large, Randomized, Controlled Trials vs Warfarin
Authors: Dogliotti Ariel , Paolasso Ernesto , Giugliano Robert P.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Warfarin reduces ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation, but has numerous limitations. Novel oral anticoagulants provide more predictable anticoagulation with fewer shortcomings.

Hypothesis:

Novel oral anticoagulants are superior to warfarin to prevent stroke or systemic embolism.

Methods:

Phase III randomized warfarin‐controlled trials enrolling >3000 patients that reported clinical efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through October 2012. Two reviewers extracted data; differences were resolved by consensus. The end points analyzed were stroke or systemic embolism (primary efficacy composite); all‐cause mortality, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism (individually, secondary efficacy); and hemorrhagic stroke, major bleeding (individually, safety). The Mantel‐Haenszel method was used to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from fixed‐effects (if homogenous) or random‐effects models (if heterogeneous).

Results:

In 5 studies of 51895 patients, the composite of stroke or systemic embolism (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.98; P = 0.03) and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85‐0.96; P = 0.0026, respectively) were reduced with the novel agents. Factor Xa inhibitors significantly reduced the primary composite (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74‐0.94; P = 0.004) and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84 ‐ 0.98; P = 0.01). Direct thrombin inhibitor achieved results similar to the overall meta‐analysis (drug class–outcome interactions P = 0.47 for primary outcome, P = 1.00 for mortality). Compared with warfarin, novel anticoagulants markedly reduced hemorrhagic stroke (RR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.41‐0.64; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Novel oral anticoagulants may be superior to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation, reducing the composite of stroke or systemic embolism and lowering all‐cause mortality. The benefit is largely due to fewer hemorrhagic strokes.

Ernesto Paolasso, MD, is a national lead investigator for a clinical trial sponsored by Daiichi‐Sankyo investigating a novel oral anticoagulant. Robert Giugliano, MD, SM, is a member of the TIMI Study Group, which has received research grant support from Johnson & Johnson and from Daiichi‐Sankyo related to clinical trials of anticoagulants. Dr. Giugliano has received honoraria for consultation/lectures from Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Daiichi‐Sankyo, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi‐Aventis.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Effects of Dronedarone Started Rapidly After Amiodarone Discontinuation
Authors: Immordino Laura , Connolly Stuart , Crijns Harry , Roy Denis , Capucci Alessandro , Radzik David , Aliot Etienne , Hohnloser Stefan , Kowey Peter
Published: January 2013

Background:

Multiple studies have shown that amiodarone is effective in treating atrial fibrillation (AF), but is associated with a relatively high incidence of side effects; however, due to amiodarone's long elimination half‐life (20–100 days), physicians may hesitate to start other drugs until it has fully cleared.

Hypothesis:

A rapid switch from amiodarone to dronedarone is feasible.

Methods:

EURIDIS and ADONIS were double‐blind, multinational, parallel‐group trials comparing the efficacy and safety of dronedarone with placebo over 12 months. This retrospective subanalysis of EURIDIS/ADONIS compared the effects of dronedarone in patients discontinuing amiodarone within 2 days before randomization (“rapid switch”) with results in patients who had received no amiodarone during the 2 months preceding randomization.

Results:

In total, 1237 patients were enrolled (“rapid switch”, n = 154; “no amiodarone”, n = 1014). In both the “rapid switch” and the “no amiodarone” groups, dronedarone users had significantly lower AF recurrence than patients receiving placebo (HR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.44–0.95; P = 0.0224 and HR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.67–0.92; P = 0.0027, respectively). Dronedarone users had a higher incidence of bradyarrhythmic events than placebo‐treated patients. A “rapid switch” from amiodarone to dronedarone was associated with a higher incidence of serious heart failure events and heart failure hospitalizations versus all other groups. Overall event rates were low and there was no significant difference in total adverse event rates or deaths between groups.

Conclusion:

In this patient population, a switch from amiodarone to dronedarone within a 2‐day time frame might be feasible in certain patient categories, but further investigation is warranted.

The ADONIS/EURIDIS studies and this post hoc analysis were funded by sanofi‐aventis.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Cadmium‐Induced Physiological Response in Lonicera japonica Thunb.
Authors: Liu Zhouli , Chen Wei , He Xingyuan , Jia Lian , Huang Yanqing , Zhang Yue , Yu Shuai
Published: January 2013

Phytoremediation of Cd‐contaminated soil using hyperaccumulators has become a new promising technique. Lonicera japonica Thunb. has been reported as a new Cd‐hyperaccumulator. In this study, the effect of Cd stress duration on growth, photosynthesis and mineral nutrition of L. japonica was investigated. At 30 days after Cd stress, there was not any visual leaf symptoms in L. japonica, and an obvious stimulating effect of 10 mg kg−1 Cd on net photosynthesis rate (PN) was well correlated to photosynthetic pigment contents and mineral nutrition (Mg and Fe) concentrations. With Cd stress time extended, no significant differences of shoots and total biomass and PN compared with the control was observed, indicating that L. japonica could develop effective tolerance mechanisms to avoid Cd‐induced damage to photosynthesis and growth. The photosynthetic performance remained functional through stomatal and non‐stomatal adjustments, and mineral nutrition responses. The improved growth based on shoots and total biomass and PN by 10 mg kg−1 Cd, as suggested by hormesis, may be beneficial to enhance the potential for phytoremediation, because it typically faced the low Cd concentrations in actual Cd‐contaminated soils. The study results indicated that L. japonica could be used for phytoremediation contaminated soils by Cd.
Synthesis of Anatase Se/Te‐TiO2 Nanorods with Dominant {100} Facets: Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity Induced by Visible Light
Authors: Lin Zong‐Hong , Roy Prathik , Shih Zih‐Yu , Ou Chung‐Mao , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: January 2013

A facile method for the preparation of Te‐ and Se/Te‐doped anatase TiO2 nanorods (NRs) with exposed {100} facets, which provides high photocatalytic and antibacterial activity under irradiation with visible light, is developed. Sodium titanate nanotubes are formed from commercial TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) in NaOH through a hydrothermal reaction. The as‐prepared Na‐titanate nanotubes are then used to form Te‐TiO2 nanotubes in the presence of tellurite (TeO32−) ions and NaBH4. Upon further hydrothermal reaction, the Te‐TiO2 nanotubes are transformed to form Te‐TiO2 NRs that further form Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs through a reduction of selenite (SeO32−) ions with NaBH4. The Te‐TiO2 NRs and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs have highly active {100} facets and thus provide the photocatalytic activities for the generation of ⋅OH at 2.5 and 4.5 times higher than that of commercial P25, respectively. The Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs exhibit higher antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus than P25 when activated by visible light. These stable and biocompatible Te‐TiO2 and Sen/Te‐TiO2 NRs hold great potential as potent antibacterial agents.
Catalytic Oxidation of Benzene on Liquid Ion‐Exchanged Cu,H(Na)/ZSM‐5 and Cu,H(Na)/Y Zeolites: Spin Trapping of Transient Radical Intermediates
Authors: Kromer Alexander , Roduner Emil
Published: January 2013

The liquid‐phase adsorption of benzene on copper‐containing H,Na/ZSM‐5 and H,Na/Y zeolites leads to the formation of various transient radical species, which may play a crucial role in the mechanism of the direct oxidation of benzene to phenol with molecular oxygen. The spin trap method at ambient temperature in combination with ESR spectroscopy is used to show the catalytic formation of large yields of radical intermediates on Cu,H/ZSM‐5, but far less on Cu,Na/ZSM‐5, and not at all in the absence of Cu. This requirement of both, the Cu redox activity and Brønsted acid centers, demonstrates that radical formation requires a bifunctional catalyst. It is conceivable but remains to be shown that the observed C6H5O⋅ radicals may react further to the desired phenol.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop combined with field‐amplified sample injection in capillary electrophoresis for the determination of beta(2)‐agonists in bovine urine
Authors: Us Murat Faruk , Alshana Usama , Lubbad Ibrahim , Göğer Nilgün G. , Ertaş Nusret
Published: January 2013

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME–SFO) was for the first time combined with field‐amplified sample injection (FASI) in CE to determine four β2‐agonists (cimbuterol, clenbuterol, mabuterol, and mapenterol) in bovine urine. Optimum BGE consisted of 20 mM borate buffer and 0.1 mM SDS. Using salting‐out extraction, β2‐agonists were extracted into ACN that was then used as the disperser solvent in DLLME–SFO. Optimum DLLME–SFO conditions were: 1.0 mL ACN, 50 μL 1‐undecanol (extraction solvent), total extraction time 1.5 min, no salt addition. Back extraction into an aqueous solution (pH 2.0) facilitated direct injection of β2‐agonists into CE. Compared to conventional CZE, DLLME–SFO–FASI–CE achieved sensitivity enhancement factors of 41–1046 resulting in LODs in the range of 1.80–37.0 μg L−1. Linear dynamic ranges of 0.15–10.0 mg L−1 for cimbuterol and 15–1000 μg L−1 for the other analytes were obtained with coefficients of determination (R2) ≥ 0.9901 and RSD% ≤5.5 (n = 5). Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was successfully confirmed by determination of the four β2‐agonists in spiked bovine urine samples and accuracy higher than 96.0% was obtained.
A family of single‐isomer, dicationic cyclodextrin chiral selectors for capillary electrophoresis: Mono‐6A‐ammonium‐6C‐butylimidazolium‐β‐cyclodextrin chlorides
Authors: Dai Yun , Wang Shuye , Zhou Jie , Tang* Jian , Tang Weihua
Published: January 2013

The first member of the single‐isomer, dicationic cyclodextrin (CD) family, 6A‐ammonium‐6C‐butylimidazolium‐β‐cyclodextrin chlorides (AMBIMCD), has been synthesized, analytically characterized, and used to separate a variety of acidic enantiomers and amino acids by CE. Starting from mono‐6A‐azido‐β‐cyclodextrin, the cationic imidazolium and ammonium moieties were subsequently introduced onto primary ring of β‐cyclodextrin via nucleophilic addition and Staudinger reaction. The analytically pure AC regio‐isomer CD was further obtained via column chromatography. This dicationic CD exhibited excellent enantioselectivities for selected analytes at concentration as low as 0.5 mM, which were even better than those of its mono‐imidazolium or ammonium‐substitued counterpart CDs at 10 equivalent concentrations. The effective mobilities of all studied analytes were found to decrease with the concentration of AMBIMCD. Inclusion complexation in combination with eletrostatic interactions seemed to account for the enhanced chiral discrimination process.
Electrophoretic separation of gold nanoparticles according to bifunctional molecules‐induced charge and size
Authors: Kim Jong‐Yeob , Kim Hyung‐Bae , Jang Du‐Jeon
Published: January 2013

Gold nanospheres modified with bifunctional molecules have been separated and characterized by using agarose gel electrophoresis as well as optical spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The electrophoretic mobility of a gold nanosphere capped with 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) has been found to depend on the number of MUA molecules per gold nanosphere, indicating that it increases with the surface charge of the nanoparticle. The extinction spectrum of gold nanospheres capped with MUA at an MUA molecules per gold nanosphere value of 1000 and connected via 1,6‐hexanedithiol (HDT) decreases by 33% in magnitude and shifts to the red as largely as 22 nm with the increase of the molar ratio of HDT to MUA (RHM). Gold nanospheres capped with MUA and connected via HDT have been separated successfully using gel electrophoresis and characterized by measuring reflectance spectra of discrete electrophoretic bands directly in the gel and by monitoring transmission electron microscope images of gold nanoparticles collected from the discrete bands. Electrophoretic mobility has been found to decrease substantially with the increment of HDT to MUA, indicating that the size of aggregated gold nanoparticles increases with the concentration of HDT.
Reproducible method to enrich membrane proteins with high purity and high yield for an LC‐MS/MS approach in quantitative membrane proteomics
Authors: Lai Xianyin
Published: January 2013

The proportionately low abundance of membrane proteins hampers their proteomic analysis, especially for a quantitative LC‐MS/MS approach. To overcome this limitation, a method was developed that consists of one cell disruption step in a hypotonic reagent using liquid nitrogen, one isolation step using a low speed centrifugation, and three wash steps using high speed centrifugation. Pellets contained plasma, nuclear, and mitochondrial membranes, including their integral, peripheral, and anchored membrane proteins. The reproducibility of this method was verified by protein assay of four separate experiments with a CV of 7.7%, and by comparative LC‐MS/MS label‐free quantification of individual proteins between two experiments with 99% of the quantified proteins having a CV ≤30%. Western blot and LC‐MS/MS results of markers for cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, and their membranes indicated that the enriched membrane fraction was highly pure by the absence of, or presence of trace amounts of, nonmembrane marker proteins. The average yield of membrane proteins was 237 μg/10 million HT29‐MTX cells. LC‐MS/MS analysis of the membrane‐enriched sample resulted in the identification of 2597 protein groups. In summary, the developed method is reproducible, produces a highly pure membrane fraction, and generates a high yield of membrane proteins.
Identification and classification of seafood‐borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria: 16S rRNA sequencing versus MALDI‐TOF MS fingerprinting
Authors: Böhme Karola , Fernández‐No Inmaculada C. , Pazos Manuel , Gallardo José M. , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Cañas Benito , Calo‐Mata Pilar
Published: January 2013

The present study aims to compare two molecular technologies, 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI‐TOF MS, for bacterial species identification in seafood. With this aim, 70 reference strains from culture collections, including important seafood‐borne pathogenic and spoilage bacterial species, and 50 strains isolated from commercial seafood products, were analysed by both techniques. Genomic analysis only identified the species of 50% of the isolated strains, proving to be particularly poor at identifying members of the Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera. In contrast, MALDI‐TOF MS fingerprinting identified 76% of the strains at the species level. The mass spectral data were submitted to the SpectraBank database (http://www.spectrabank.org), making this information available to other researchers. Furthermore, cluster analysis of the peak mass lists was carried out with the web application SPECLUST and the calculated groupings were consistent with results determined by a phylogenetic approach that is based on the 16S rRNA sequences. However, the MALDI‐TOF MS analysis demonstrated more discriminating potential that allowed for better classification, especially for the Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera. This is of importance with respect to the varying pathogenic and spoilage character at the intragenus and intraspecies level. In this sense, MALDI‐TOF MS demonstrated to be a competent bacterial typing tool that extends phenotypic and genotypic approaches, allowing a more ample classification of bacterial strains.
von Willebrand Factor multimers profiling with a semi‐automated system
Authors: Pasotti Fabio , Martini Giuliana , Caimi Luigi , Ricotta Doris
Published: January 2013

Abnormalities in plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentration and function result in von Willebrand disease (vWD). The diagnosis requires a battery of tests such as screening procedures, confirmatory tests, phenotypic characterization, and genotyping. The phenotypic testing (multimer pattern analysis) is important in order to subclassify the hereditary and the acquired forms of vWD. Only few laboratories are skilled to perform this analysis. The extreme range of protein size from 250 kDa monomer to over 20 000 kDa multimers requires a time‐consuming procedure (3–4 days) and presents many technical difficulties. To standardize the method and to overcome technical difficulties, we developed a rapid and sensitive semi‐automated method to visualize the multimeric structure of vWF. The semi‐automated method we present performs the electrophoresis of patient's plasma in 120 min on a precast gel. Gels are suitable for the G26 Interlab instrumentation. After gel blotting, the method allows visualization of the vWF multimer pattern directly on the membrane. We reduced the time required from 72 to 8 h and we propose this test for the first level screening of vWF multimer deficiency.
Field amplified sample injection‐capillary zone electrophoresis for the analysis of amprolium in eggs
Authors: Martínez‐Villalba Anna , Núñez Oscar , Moyano Encarnación , Galceran M. Teresa
Published: January 2013

Veterinary medicines are widely administered to farm animals since they keep animals healthy at overcrowded conditions. Nevertheless the continuous administration of medicines to farm animals can frequently lead to the presence of residues of veterinary drugs in consumption products. Amprolium is a quaternary ammonium compound used in the treatment of coccidiosis. In this paper, a method based on CZE to analyze residues of amprolium in eggs was developed and validated for the first time. Parameters such as electrolyte type, concentration, and pH were optimized. In order to improve sensitivity, field‐amplified sample injection (FASI) was used for in‐line preconcentration after a quick and simple sample treatment based on SPE (Envi‐Carb). During method‐validation studies using egg samples, a matrix interference was found at the migration time of amprolium. This compound was identified as thiamine and confirmed by MSn experiments using CEcoupled to MS (CE‐MS) with an ion‐trap mass analyzer. CZE conditions were reoptimized to separate thiamine from amprolium allowing the quantification of amprolium in eggs at concentrations down to 75 μg/kg, which are far below the MRL‐legislated values.
Hodgkin's lymphoma mortality in the Americas, 1997–2008: Achievements and persistent inadequacies
Authors: Chatenoud Liliane , Bertuccio Paola , Bosetti Cristina , Rodriguez Teresa , Levi Fabio , Negri Eva , Vecchia Carlo La
Published: January 2013

Although therapeutic advancements have made Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) a largely curable disease, trends in HL mortality have been variable across countries. To provide updated information on HL mortality in the Americas, overall and 20–44 years age‐standardized (world population) mortality rates from HL were derived for the 12 Latin American countries providing valid data to the World Health Organization database and with more than two million of inhabitants. For comparative purpose, data for the United States and Canada were also presented. Trends in mortality over the 1997 to 2008 period are based on joinpoint regression analysis. Declines in HL mortality were registered in all Latin American countries except in Venezuela. In most recent years, HL mortality had fallen to about 0.3/100,000 men and 0.2/100,000 women in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Guatemala, that is, to values similar to North America. Despite some declines, rates remained high in Cuba (1/100,000 men and 0.7/100,000 women), Costa Rica and Mexico as well as in Venezuela (between 0.5 and 0.6/100,000 men and between 0.3 and 0.5/100,000 women). In young adults, trends were more favorable in all Latin American countries except Cuba, whose rates remained exceedingly high (0.8/100,000 men and 0.6/100,000 women). Thus, appreciable declines in HL mortality were observed in most Latin America over the last decade, and several major countries reached values comparable to North America. Substantial excess mortality was still observed in Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico and Venezuela, calling for urgent interventions to improve HL management in these countries.
HPV16 L1 and L2 DNA methylation predicts high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women with mildly abnormal cervical cytology
Authors: Lorincz Attila T , Brentnall Adam R , Vasiljević Nataša , Scibior‐Bentkowska Dorota , Castanon Alejandra , Fiander Alison , Powell Ned , Tristram Amanda , Cuzick Jack , Sasieni Peter
Published: January 2013

DNA methylation changes in human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA are common and might be important for identifying women at increased risk of cervical cancer. Using recently published data from Costa Rica we developed a classification score to differentiate women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3) from those with no evident high‐grade lesions. Here, we aim to investigate the performance of the score using data from the UK. Exfoliated cervical cells at baseline and 6‐months follow‐up were analyzed in 84 women selected from a randomized clinical trial of women undergoing surveillance for low‐grade cytology. Selection of women for the methylation study was based on detectable HPV16 in the baseline sample. Purified DNA was bisulfite converted, amplified and pyrosequenced at selected CpG sites in the viral genome (URR, E6, L1 and L2), with blinding of laboratory personnel to the clinical data. The primary measure was a predefined score combining the mean methylation in L1 and any methylation in L2. At the second follow‐up visit, 73/84 (87%) women were HPV16 positive and of these 25 had a histopathological diagnosis of CIN2/3. The score was significantly associated with CIN2/3 (area under curve = 0.74, p = 0.002). For a cutoff with 92% sensitivity, colposcopy could have been avoided in 40% (95% CI 27–54%) of HPV16 positive women without CIN2/3; positive predictive value was 44% (32–58%) and negative predictive value was 90% (71–97%). We conclude that quantitative DNA methylation assays could help to improve triage among HPV16 positive women.