bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heparin Affin Regulatory Peptide Modulates the Endogenous Anticoagulant Activity of Heparin and Heparan Sulphate Mimetics
Authors: Mejdoubi‐Charef Najet , Courty José , Sineriz Fernando , Papy‐Garcia Dulce , Charef Said
Published: October 2014

Pleiotrophin, also known as heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP), is a growth factor expressed in various tissues and cell lines. In this work, HARP was tested for its capacity to modulate the anticoagulant activity of heparin and heparan sulphate mimetics (OTR4120). We used both in vitro and in vivo assays. HARP was found to be differently effective for neutralization of the anticoagulant activity of the mimetic heparan sulphate (OTR4120) and heparin in purified system and human plasma. HARP was shown to compete with both antithrombin and thrombin for binding to heparin and to OTR4120, respectively. In the presence of OTR4120, the Vmax was constant and the calculated maximum velocity was 1.56 U/min; the thrombin Km value (0.011 nM) was affected by HARP concentrations. The Km (HARP) value was 0.085 nM, which is consistent with high affinity of HARP to OTR4120. Under the same conditions, initial velocity patterns for antithrombin–heparin were determined in the presence or in the absence of HARP. The antithrombin value Km (0.022 nM) was affected by HARP (0.077 nM). HARP exhibits efficacy equivalent to or greater than protamine. Interestingly, intraperitoneally administered HARP decreased the anticoagulant activity of heparin and of OTR4120 in mice. Taken together, these data provide the first evidence for a physiological role of HARP in the modulation of anticoagulant activity of heparin and heparin‐like material.
Toxinology of Venoms from Five Australian Lesser Known Elapid Snakes
Authors: Pycroft Kyle , Fry Bryan G. , Isbister Geoffrey K. , Kuruppu Sanjaya , Lawrence Josie , Ian Smith A. , Hodgson Wayne C.
Published: October 2014

Research into Australian elapid venoms has mainly focused on the seven genera of greatest clinical significance: Acanthophis, Hoplocephalus, Notechis, Oxyuranus, Pseudechis, Pseudonaja and Tropidechis. However, even small species represent a potential for causing severe clinical envenoming. Further, owing to taxonomic distinctiveness, these species are a potential source of novel toxins for use in drug design and development. This is the first study to characterize the venoms of Cryptophis boschmai, Denisonia devisi, Echiopsis curta, Hemiaspis signata and Vermicella annulata. MALDI analysis of each venom, over the range of 4–40 kDa, indicated components in the weight range for three finger toxins (6–8 kDa) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 12–14 kDA). Interestingly, C. boschmai venom was the only venom, which contained components > 25 kDa. All venoms (10 μg/ml) demonstrated in vitro neurotoxicity in the chick biventer cervicis nerve‐muscle preparation, with a relative rank order of: H. signata ≥ D. devisi ≥ V. annulata = E. curta > C. boschmai. CSL polyvalent antivenom neutralized the inhibitory effects of C. boschmai venom but only delayed the inhibitory effect of the other venoms. All venoms displayed PLA2 activity but over a wide range (i.e. 1–621 μmol/min./mg). The venoms of C. boschmai (60 μg/kg, i.v.), D. devisi (60 μg/kg, i.v.) and H. signata (60 μg/kg, i.v.) produced hypotensive effects in vivo in an anaesthetized rat preparation. H. signata displayed moderate pro‐coagulant activity while the other venoms were weakly pro‐coagulant. This study demonstrated that these understudied Australian elapids have varying pharmacological activity, with notable in vitro neurotoxicity for four of the venoms, and may produce mild to moderate effects following systemic envenoming.
Rifampicin has a Profound Effect on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral S‐Ketamine and Less on Intravenous S‐Ketamine
Authors: Peltoniemi Marko A. , Saari Teijo I. , Hagelberg Nora M. , Laine Kari , Kurkinen Kaisa J. , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Olkkola Klaus T.
Published: October 2014

Low‐dose ketamine is currently used in several acute and chronic pain conditions as an analgesic. Ketamine undergoes extensive metabolism and is thus susceptible to drug–drug interactions. We examined the effect rifampicin, a well‐known inducer of many cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters, on the pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral S‐ketamine in healthy volunteers. Eleven healthy volunteers were administered in randomized order 600 mg rifampicin or placebo orally for 6 days in a four‐session paired cross‐over study. On day 6, S‐ketamine was administered intravenously (0.1 mg/kg) in the first part of the study and orally (0.3 mg/kg) in the second part. Plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine were measured up to 24 hr and behavioural and analgesic effects up to 12 hr. Rifampicin treatment decreased the mean area under the plasma ketamine concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC
0–∞) of intravenous and oral S‐ketamine by 14% (p = 0.005) and 86% (p < 0.001), respectively. Rifampicin decreased greatly the peak plasma concentration of oral S‐ketamine by 81% (p < 0.001), but shortened only moderately the elimination half‐life of intravenous and oral S‐ketamine. Rifampicin decreased the ratio of norketamine AUC
0–∞ to ketamine AUC
0–∞ after intravenous S‐ketamine by 66%, (p < 0.001) but increased the ratio by 147% (p < 0.001) after the oral administration of S‐ketamine. Rifampicin profoundly reduces the plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine after oral administration of S‐ketamine, by inducing mainly its first‐pass metabolism.
Increasing Membrane Interactions of Local Anaesthetics as Hypothetic Mechanism for Their Cardiotoxicity Enhanced by Myocardial Ischaemia
Authors: Tsuchiya Hironori , Mizogami Maki , Shigemi Kenji
Published: October 2014

While myocardial ischaemia enhances the cardiotoxicity of local anaesthetics, the pharmacological background remains unclear. Cardiolipin (CL) localized in mitochondrial membranes is possibly the site of cardiotoxic action of local anaesthetics and peroxynitrite is produced by cardiac ischaemia and reperfusion. We verified the hypothetic mechanism that local anaesthetics may interact with CL‐containing biomembranes to change the membrane biophysical property and their membrane interactions may be increased by peroxynitrite. Biomimetic membranes were prepared with different phospholipids and cholesterol of varying compositions. The membrane preparations were reacted with peroxynitrite of pathologically relevant concentrations and local anaesthetics (bupivacaine and lidocaine) of a cardiotoxic concentration separately or in combination. Changes in membrane fluidity were determined by measuring fluorescence polarization. Peroxynitrite decreased the fluidity of biomimetic membranes at 0.1–10 μM with the relative potency being CL>1‐stearoyl‐2‐arachidonoylphosphatidylcholine>1,2‐dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine‐constituting membranes, indicating the lipid peroxidation‐induced membrane rigidification determined by the unsaturation degree of membrane lipids. When treated with 0.1–10 μM peroxynitrite, biomimetic membranes were more rigid with elevating the CL content from 0% to 30 mol%, suggesting that CL is a primary target of peroxynitrite. Bupivacaine and lidocaine fluidized at 200 μM biomimetic membranes containing 10 mol% CL and their effects were increased by pre‐treating the membranes with 0.1 and 1 μM peroxynitrite. Cardiotoxic bupivacaine and lidocaine increasingly interact with CL‐containing mitochondria model membranes which are relatively rigidified by peroxynitrite. Such an increasing membrane interaction may be, at least in part, responsible for the local anaesthetic cardiotoxicity enhanced by myocardial ischaemia.
Effect of Carvedilol and Nebivolol on Oxidative Stress‐related Parameters and Endothelial Function in Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Zepeda Ramiro J. , Castillo Rodrigo , Rodrigo Ramón , Prieto Juan C. , Aramburu Ivonne , Brugere Solange , Galdames Katia , Noriega Viviana , Miranda Hugo F.
Published: October 2014

Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction have been associated with essential hypertension (EH) mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of carvedilol and nebivolol on the oxidative stress‐related parameters and endothelial function in patients with EH. The studied population included 57 patients, either sex, between 30 and 75 years of age, with mild‐to‐moderate EH complications. Participants were randomized to receive either carvedilol (12.5 mg) (n = 23) or nebivolol (5 mg) (n = 21) for 12 weeks. Measurements included; 24‐hr ambulatory blood pressure (BP), flow‐mediated dilatation, levels of nitric oxide estimated as nitrite – a nitric oxide metabolite (
NO
2
) – in plasma, and oxidative stress‐related parameters in plasma and erythrocyte. EH patients who were treated with nebivolol or carvedilol showed systolic BP reductions of 17.4 and 19.9 mmHg, respectively, compared with baseline values (p < 0.01). Diastolic BP was reduced by 13.7 and 12.8 mmHg after the treatment with ebivolol and carvedilol, respectively (p < 0.01) (fig. 2B). Nebivolol and carvedilol showed 7.3% and 8.1% higher endothelium‐dependent dilatation in relation to baseline values (p < 0.05). Ferric‐reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSSH) ratio showed 31.5% and 29.6% higher levels in the carvedilol group compared with basal values; however, nebivolol‐treated patients did not show significant differences after treatment. On the other hand, the
NO
2
plasma concentration was not modified by the administration of carvedilol. However, nebivolol enhanced these levels in 62.1% after the treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the antihypertensive effect of both beta‐blockers. However, carvedilol could mediate these effects by an increase in antioxidant capacity and nebivolol through the raise in
NO
2
concentration. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of these effects.
Inhibition of Oestradiol‐induced Prolactin Release in a Dual‐Cannulated Ovariectomized Rat Model by Carmoxirole, a Peripherally Restricted Dopamine Agonist
Authors: Brott David A. , Werkheiser Jennifer L. , Campbell Pam , Bentley Patricia , Andersson Håkan H. A. S. , Stewart Jane , Huby Russell , Altekar Maneesha , Kinter Lewis B.
Published: October 2014

Centrally acting dopamine agonists (e.g. bromocriptine) and dopamine transport inhibitors (e.g. GBR12909) are known to inhibit oestradiol‐induced prolactin release. The capacity of peripherally restricted compounds to do likewise, however, is unknown. Here, the effects of the peripherally restricted dopamine receptor agonist carmoxirole on oestradiol‐induced prolactin release were investigated. Dual‐cannulated ovariectomized rats were used, so that a robust, reproducible response to exogenous oestrogen could be induced and sequential blood samples were taken with minimal stress. Carmoxirole (15 mg/kg) inhibited oestradiol‐induced prolactin release, similar to bromocriptine and GBR12909. However, carmoxirole also induced a rapid, transient, oestradiol‐independent release of prolactin. These data show that peripherally restricted dopamine receptor agonists are sufficient to inhibit oestradiol‐induced prolactin release. Like centrally acting compounds, they may therefore be expected to affect the incidence of prolactin‐dependent tumours in rat carcinogenesis studies without inducing central‐mediated side effects.
One‐Step Surfactant‐Free Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platelike Sodium Niobate Template Powders
Authors: Gu Qilin , Zhu Kongjun , Liu Jinsong , Wang Jing , Liu Pengcheng , Sun Qiaomei , Qiu Jinhao
Published: October 2014

A one‐step surfactant‐free hydrothermal route is developed to prepare platelike NaNbO3 template powders. At optimal KOH concentration, pure platelike NaNbO3 with rhombohedral structure (width and thickness of 20 and 2 μm, respectively) is obtained at 200°C for 16 h. After calcination at 600°C for 4 h, the structure of the hydrothermally synthesized NaNbO3 changes from rhombohedral to orthorhombic, whereas the initial platelike morphology is maintained. Such characteristics in terms of phase structure, elemental composition, and morphology render our hydrothermally synthesized NaNbO3 suitable for textured ceramic fabrications.
Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (CALYPSO) Pilot Trial
Authors: AL‐KHATIB SANA M. , DAUBERT JAMES P. , ANSTROM KEVIN J. , DAOUD EMILE G. , GONZALEZ MARIO , SABA SAMIR , JACKSON KEVIN P. , REECE TAMMY , GU JOAN , POKORNEY SEAN D. , GRANGER CHRISTOPHER B. , HESS PAUL L. , MARK DANIEL B. , STEVENSON WILLIAM G.
Published: October 2014

Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia

Introduction

We conducted this pilot randomized clinical trial to determine the feasibility of a large clinical trial aimed at testing whether early use of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is superior to antiarrhythmic medications at reducing mortality.

Methods and Results

Patients were enrolled at 4 sites if they had ischemic heart disease, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and received ≥1 ICD shock or ≥3 antitachycardia pacing therapies for VT. Patients were randomized to 2 arms: (1) antiarrhythmic medication (n = 14) and (2) catheter ablation (n = 13); patients were followed at 3 and 6 months. Endpoints included recurrent VT, time to first ICD therapy for VT, and death. Of 243 screened patients, 27 were enrolled. Main reasons for screen failures were: (1) patient was already on an antiarrhythmic medication (88 [41%]), (2) VT due to a reversible cause (23 [11%]), and (3) incessant VT (20 [9%]). Fourteen patients had recurrent VT, 8 (62%) in the ablation arm and 6 (43%) in the antiarrhythmic medication arm. Median time to recurrent VT was 75 days (25th, 75th: 51, 89) in the ablation arm and 57 days (30, 145) in the antiarrhythmic arm. Four patients died, 2 in each arm.

Conclusion

This clinical trial shows that most patients in clinical practice have already failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy before catheter ablation is considered, and the VT recurrence rates and death in these patients are high. For a large clinical trial to be feasible, factors limiting early consideration of catheter ablation need to be identified and addressed.
Caring for Women in Early Labor: Can We Delay Admission and Meet Women's Needs?
Authors: Marowitz Amy
Published: October 2014

Early labor poses challenges for women and their health care providers. Qualitative research shows that women may have a hard time determining when labor begins and when to seek care, are unprepared for the realities of this part of labor, find it difficult to manage early labor at home, and often desire admission before active labor. Yet a primary clinical management goal in early labor is the delay of admission until active labor. This is based on evidence that admission before active labor is associated with higher rates of cesarean birth and interventions such as oxytocin augmentation and epidural analgesia. The reasons for the higher rates of intervention are not known, but may include the effect of the hospital environment, inherent problems with the labor, misdiagnosis of active labor, provider impatience, and institutional policies not compatible with the care of women in early labor. Programs to decrease early admission have had mixed results. Thus, a tension exists between the goal of delaying admission until active labor in order to decrease the incidence of unnecessary interventions and women's difficulty with managing this part of labor at home. In this case report, the midwife provides a significant amount of care and support before admission through phone calls and outpatient visits; however, admission occurred prior to active labor. Supportive care continued in the hospital, and the labor and birth occurred with little intervention. Strategies that can be used to optimize the management and experience of early labor are presented.
STATISTICAL MODELING OF STOCK RETURNS: EXPLANATORY OR DESCRIPTIVE? A HISTORICAL SURVEY WITH SOME METHODOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS
Authors: Koundouri Phoebe , Kourogenis Nikolaos , Pittis Nikitas
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to survey the statistical models of stock returns that have been suggested in the finance literature since the middle of the twentieth century; second, to examine under the prism of the contemporary philosophy of science, which of the aforementioned models can be classified as explanatory and which as descriptive. Special emphasis is paid on tracing the interactions between the motivation for the birth of statistical models of stock returns in any given historical period and the concurrent changes of the theoretical paradigm in financial economics, as well as those of probability theory.
Recurrent brain tumor with hydrocephalus in pregnancy
Authors: Taylan Enes , Akdemir Ali , Zeybek Burak , Ergenoglu Ahmet Mete , Yeniel Ahmet Ozgur
Published: October 2014

Brain tumors during pregnancy are very rare. Diagnosis of this condition is difficult because the symptoms imitate pregnancy‐related ailments. The management of this condition also presents challenges. This case report aims to present a successful treatment and delivery of a patient with recurrent brain tumor during pregnancy with hydrocephalus.
Prevalence and associated factors of induced abortion among rural married women: A cross‐sectional survey in Anhui, China
Authors: Gao Guo‐Peng , Zhang Ren‐Jie , Zhang Xiu‐Jun , Jia Xiao‐Min , Li Xiu‐De , Li Xiang , Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Tong Fei , Sun Ye‐Huan
Published: October 2014

Aim

This study aims to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with induced abortion among married women in rural areas of Anhui Province, China.

Material and Methods

A multistage probability sampling method was used to identify a representative sample of 53 652 married women aged 18–49 years in rural areas of Anhui Province, China. All women were interviewed in the form of a standardized questionnaire.

Results

We found that 32.0% (16 800) of these women had had at least one induced abortion: 21.1% (11 090) of women had had one; 7.6% (3976) of women had had two; and 4.1% (1734) of women had had at least three. The number of induced abortions per 100 pregnancies was found to be 22.0. Multivariate analysis showed that education, the age of a woman at her first marriage, number of total births, number of total pregnancies, and contraceptive methods were significant predictors for induced abortion after controlling for women's current age, employment and family yearly income.

Conclusion

The study shows that the prevalence of induced abortion is still very high among married women in rural China, and highly effective methods of contraception (sterilization, intrauterine device) decrease women's recourse to induced abortion.
Precursors of ovarian cancer in the fallopian tube: Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma – an update
Authors: Zeppernick Felix , Meinhold‐Heerlein Ivo , Shih Ie‐Ming
Published: October 2014

Ovarian tumors comprise a wide variety of entities. The largest group, epithelial ovarian carcinoma, can be classified into two main groups, type I and type II tumors. Recent advances in the understanding of ovarian cancer development have resulted in the finding of ‘serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma’, which is believed to represent the precursor lesion in high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma. In this review, lines of evidence for this are discussed and possible future implications for clinical and research settings are outlined.
Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage I ovarian carcinoma with intraoperative tumor capsule rupture
Authors: Shimizu Dai , Sato Naoki , Sato Toshiharu , Makino Kenichi , Kito Masahiko , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Kumagai Jin , Terada Yukihiro
Published: October 2014

Aim

Adjuvant chemotherapy is generally recommended for early stage epithelial ovarian cancer. However, it remains uncertain which histological subtypes and substages of stage I disease should receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of chemotherapy among stage I epithelial ovarian cancer.

Material and Methods

Of the 267 patients with stage I epithelial ovarian cancer analyzed in this study, 152 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (AC‐positive group) and 115 patients did not (AC‐negative group). Survival analysis was retrospectively performed to determine the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage I epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Results

Recurrence was observed in 14 patients in the AC‐negative group and 20 patients in the AC‐positive group. There were no statistically significant differences in disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival between the two groups. In stage IA and IB patients, there was no statistically significant difference in DFS and overall survival based on adjuvant chemotherapy status. However, in patients with intraoperative tumor capsule rupture, the AC‐positive group had significantly better DFS than the AC‐negative group (P = 0.01). Patients with clear cell carcinoma who received adjuvant chemotherapy had better DFS than patients who did not (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy may not be necessary for patients with stage IA or IB epithelial ovarian cancer, but may be beneficial for clear cell carcinoma patients with intraoperative tumor rupture.
Effect of the percentage of body fat on surgical, clinical and pathological outcomes in women with endometrial cancer
Authors: Secilmis Kerimoglu Ozlem , Pekin Aybike , Yilmaz Setenay Arzu , Yavas Guler , Beyhekim Fatma , Demirtaş Ayşe Ayda , Dogan Nasuh Utku , İlhan Tolgay Tuyan , Celik Cetin
Published: October 2014

Aim

This study used the measure of percentage of body fat (%BF) to define obesity and evaluated the effect of percentage of %BF on clinical, surgical and pathological features in women with endometrial cancer.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2013, bioelectrical impedance analysis and body size measurements of 94 patients whose endometrial biopsy revealed endometrial cancer were obtained. Patients were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) (normal, <30 kg/m2; elevated, ≥30 kg/m2), and also classified by %BF (normal, <32%; elevated, ≥32%).

Results

The patients' mean age was 55.0 ± 10.9 years. Mean %BF and BMI were 40.8% ± 9.8% and 32.9 ± 7.5, respectively. Eighty‐three (88%) patients were obese according to %BF; 54 (57%) were obese according to BMI. Patients with elevated %BF were more likely to have less than 50% myometrial invasion (P = 0.004). Significantly more para‐aortic lymph nodes were retrieved in patients with normal %BF or BMI (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Patients with elevated %BF had longer operating times (P = 0.043) and were more likely to have stage I disease than patients with normal %BF (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Endometrial cancer patients with an elevated %BF are more likely to have stage I disease and less than 50% myometrial invasion than patients with normal %BF. Defining obesity by BF may provide better estimation of obesity prevalence in patients with endometrial cancer and further understanding the relationship between BF with endometrial cancer may give more information about the effects of obesity on endometrial cancer.
Analyzing the necessity of prophylactic antibiotic usage in laparoscopy for uncomplicated gynecologic conditions in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayarathna Y. Rajayana J. , Ranaraja Sisira , Sumathipala Dulika S.
Published: October 2014

Aim

The use of prophylactic antibiotics for laparoscopy of uncomplicated gynecologic conditions is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess whether prophylactic antibiotics is necessary to prevent early postoperative infections and febrile morbidity in elective laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic conditions.

Material and Methods

A total of 218 patients who underwent laparoscopy for uncomplicated gynecologic conditions were recruited into the study over a 1‐year period. Following recruitment into the study, they were divided into two groups (ratio 1:1). Patients were divided into either group A (n = 115) the therapy arm or group B (n = 103) the placebo arm. Group A patients received oral azithromycin 1 g daily for 3 days (i.e. the day before, the day of and the day after the procedure) while group B received placebo therapy. Post‐procedural febrile and infection morbidity was analyzed.

Results

Morbidity was absent in 91.3% of patients in both groups A and B. The primary outcome measure of postoperative fever was present in eight patients from each group. The secondary outcome measure of postoperative infection was present in one patient from the group that did not receive prophylaxis (group B), who had a surgical site infection. There were no patients with urinary tract infection or pelvic inflammatory disease during the study.

Conclusion

Antibiotics prophylaxis was not able to achieve statistically significant reduction in postoperative febrile or infective morbidity in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery for benign uncomplicated conditions.
Fertility and pregnancy outcomes following B‐Lynch sutures for post‐partum hemorrhage
Authors: Tadakawa Mari , Sugawara Junichi , Saito Masatoshi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Nagase Satoru , Tokunaga Hideki , Kurakata‐Nakamura Michiyo , Sugiyama Takashi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: October 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the long‐term fertility prognosis after B‐Lynch sutures for post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH).

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who underwent B‐Lynch sutures in our hospital between 2005 and 2010. Patient data was collected from hospital records. Information regarding subsequent pregnancies and menstrual complications were obtained by posted questionnaires and telephone interviews with patients who avoided hysterectomy.

Results

A total of 28 B‐Lynch sutures were performed in 3976 deliveries, all in patients that underwent cesarean section. Twenty‐two of the 26 patients who avoided hysterectomy answered our questionnaire or took part in an interview. All patients recovered regular menstruation with no severe complications. Of the 19 patients who wanted another child, 12 patients (63.2%) had 14 subsequent pregnancies in a mean follow‐up period of 52.1 months. The results of pregnancies were nine uncomplicated term pregnancies, all delivered by elective cesarean section, two artificial abortions and three miscarriages. A significant difference was observed in the age of patients with subsequent pregnancies and those without pregnancies (30.8 vs 34.6 years, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

B‐Lynch sutures for PPH do not appear to jeopardize fecundity. An older age was a risk factor for achieving subsequent pregnancies.
Estimation of Thurstonian Models for Various Forced‐Choice Sensory Discrimination Methods as a Form of the “M + N” Test
Authors: Bi Jian , Lee Hye‐Seong , O'Mahony Michael
Published: October 2014

Psychometric functions for discrimination tests, which connect probabilities of correct response, pc, with Thurstonian discriminal distances, d′, are of theoretical and practical significance. This paper uses a computer‐intensive approach to produce simulation‐derived psychometric functions for the “M + N” test, which is a generalization and can be considered as a framework of many forced‐choice methods. The paper demonstrates and describes chance probabilities in different situations for the “M + N” test. The paper compares the performances of the specified and unspecified “M + N” test with the M = N test. The paper provides novel tables for pc and d′ for four specific versions of the “M + N” test: the specified “two‐out‐of‐five” test (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = 3 and N = 2); the unspecified “one‐out‐of‐four” test (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = 3 and N = 1); the specified and unspecified octad tests (i.e., the “M + N” test with M = N = 4). The corresponding B values, for calculation of the variances of d' for the tests, are also provided. The concept and practice of pseudo‐correct response, i.e., forgiveness introduced by Ennis, are discussed and generalized.

Practical Applications

Considering the constraints imposed by the products and the circumstances of the business objective, different forms of various difference test method might be selected as the most suitable design. The proposed Thurstonian modeling approach using a simulation‐derived psychometric function makes it possible to drive psychometric functions for any one of the more than 40 different versions of the “M + N” test. This paper shows that a simulation‐derived psychometric function is compatible with an exact psychometric function. R/S‐Plus codes for the simulation‐derived psychometric functions are also developed and provided. Using this technique, various versions of commonly used sensory difference test methods, including the 2‐AFC, triangle and tetrad, can be compared with many more versions of difference test methods. In addition, using the supplied R/S‐Plus codes, the Thurstonian sensory difference measure, d′, can be computed easily and quickly for various forms of the “M + N” test.
Implementing Supply Chain Technologies in Emerging Markets: An Institutional Theory Perspective
Authors: Saldanha John P. , Mello John E. , Knemeyer A. Michael , Vijayaraghavan T.A.S.
Published: October 2014

Supply chain technology (SCT) facilitates information transfer within and across firm boundaries. However, institutional environments in emerging markets give rise to challenges that inhibit the implementation of SCT and the consequent realization of its benefits. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding as to the nature or the extent of these implementation challenges. We undertook a grounded theory study in the emerging market of India to investigate how SCT is implemented when subjected to prevailing institutional pressures. Based on an analysis of interviews with 50 supply chain managers, we find that early adopters of SCT experience significant and numerous unmet expectations associated with SCT implementation. These unmet expectations arise from competing institutional logics with the resultant isomorphic pressure causing the juxtaposition of two incompatible supply chains in India. A key finding of this study contradicts extant research, supporting recent work in emerging markets, to suggest a need to reassess our mental models developed in the West and conceptualize de novo models that are sensitive to the institutional environments of emerging markets.
Characterization of Commercial Cheese Regarding Thermophysical Properties and Application of Multivariate Statistical Analysis to Elaborate Product Mapping
Authors: Schenkel Philipp , Hartmann Katja I. , Samudrala Ravi , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: October 2014

A variety of 25 commercial cheese were analyzed by means of four different methods to evaluate thermophysical parameters in order to estimate methods with high potential to differentiate between cheese varieties. Rheological properties of different temperatures were obtained by a dynamic oscillatory shear test. Furthermore, stretchability, meltability and the formation of free oil were obtained. Principal component analysis was applied to the data set to receive a mapping of the cheese. A reduction of the analyzed parameters to three principal components accounting for 76.3% of the total variation was achieved, indicating that the methods are well suited to characterize the cheese samples. Mapping of the obtained scores points out gaps and indicates missing products. This was demonstrated by including different experimental cheese with modified manufacturing protocols to the data set. Therefore, mapping supports cheese producers to design new products with specified characteristics by influencing the manufacturing protocol.

Practical Applications

Mapping of different commercial cheese visualizes cheese products in terms of thermophysical properties. This identifies missing products and supports accelerated product development by creating products with defined properties by influencing the manufacturing protocol. Furthermore, the availability of reliable methods and parameters to describe the thermophysical properties of cheese is of major importance for the cheese manufacturer in terms of quality management and characterizing cheese.
Preparation of Multigrain Semolina Blend for Upma: Its Formulation, Rheology, Physicochemical, Textural and Nutritional Characteristics
Authors: Srivastava Shivli , Sakhare Suresh D. , Indrani Dasappa
Published: October 2014

A multigrain semolina blend (MSB) was prepared by combining mixture of soya (Glycine max) semolina (SS), chickpea split (Cicer arietinum) semolina (CS) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) semolina (BS) – (SSCSBS) with durum wheat semolina. The effect of the incorporation of SSCSBS at 25, 50, 75 and 100% level on the quality characteristics of MSB for upma (without seasoning) was studied. The use of the increasing amount of SSCSBS in MSB increased the farinograph water absorption up to 50% level, but decreased at higher levels of SSCSBS; increased the amylograph pasting temperature; and decreased the peak viscosity. The use of SSCSBS decreased the hardness and springiness but increased the cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness values of cooked MSB. The overall quality of MSB up to 50% SSCSBS level was acceptable. The nutritional characteristics of MSB with 50% SSCSBS showed that the protein, dietary fiber and resistant starch contents and percentage protein digestibility increased and starch digestibility decreased when compared to control.

Practical Applications

Use of multigrain to enrich the nutritional quality of products is increasing. The beneficial effects of multigrain in upma making have not yet been explored. This paper discusses the effect of partial replacement of durum semolina with mixture of semolina blend of soya, barley and chickpea on the quality characteristics of upma without seasoning. This information may be useful for the food industry to manufacture nutritious multigrain upma in large scale.
Temperature‐ and Moisture‐Based Modeling for Prediction of Starch Gelatinization and Crumb Softness during Bread‐Baking Process
Authors: Chhanwal Narayansing , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy
Published: October 2014

Temperature, starch gelatinization, moisture content and softness of bread define the formation of crust and crumb regions during the baking process. A computational model was developed to study the volume expansion, temperature profile and moisture content of the bread during the baking process. An arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method was applied to describe mesh movement during volume expansion. Model predictions were validated with experimental measurements of bread temperature, moisture content and volume expansion. Occurrence of two distinct zones having different moisture contents, i.e., crust (<10%) and crumb (≈39%), was observed. Extent of starch gelatinization and browning of the bread surface was also studied using earlier published kinetic model. Moreover, softness development for the bread crumb was also modeled based on the degree of starch gelatinization. This study concluded that apart from heat and mass transfer, inclusion of volume expansion in the model predicts more accurate bread temperature, starch gelatinization and crumb softness.

Practical Applications

Crumb softness and starch gelatinization of bread can be predicted based on temperature and moisture content of bread using computational modeling approach. A finite element model (FEM) is developed for the bread‐baking process, accounting for heat and mass transfer along with the volume expansion of bread. FEM model is validated with the experimental measurements of temperature, moisture content and volume expansion during bread‐baking process. This model helps in predicting the major quality attributes of the bread such as starch gelatinization, browning of the bread surface and crumb softness. Therefore, this model can be useful in predicting temperature, moisture along with other bread quality parameters. For the bakery industry, it will help to determine the baking time of bread with desired product quality based on oven temperature.
Geochemical diversity of shergottite basalts: Mixing and fractionation, and their relation to Mars surface basalts
Authors: Treiman Allan H. , Filiberto Justin
Published: October 2014

The chemical compositions of shergottite meteorites, basaltic rocks from Mars, provide a broad view of the origins and differentiation of these Martian magmas. The shergottite basalts are subdivided based on their Al contents: high‐Al basalts (Al > 5% wt) are distinct from low‐Al basalts and olivine‐phyric basalts (both with Al < 4.5% wt). Abundance ratios of highly incompatible elements (e.g., Th, La) are comparable in all the shergottites. Abundances of less incompatible elements (e.g., Ti, Lu, Hf) in olivine‐phyric and low‐Al basalts correlate well with each other, but the element abundance ratios are not constant; this suggests mixing between components, both depleted and enriched. High‐Al shergottites deviate from these trends consistent with silicate mineral fractionation. The “depleted” component is similar to the Yamato‐980459 magma; approximately, 67% crystal fractionation of this magma would yield a melt with trace element abundances like QUE 94201. The “enriched” component is like the parent magma for NWA 1068; approximately, 30% crystal fractionation from it would yield a melt with trace element abundances like the Los Angeles shergottite. This component mixing is consistent with radiogenic isotope and oxygen fugacity data. These mixing relations are consistent with the compositions of many of the Gusev crater basalts analyzed on Mars by the Spirit rover (although with only a few elements to compare). Other Mars basalts fall off the mixing relations (e.g., Wishstone at Gusev, Gale crater rocks). Their compositions imply that basalt source areas in Mars include significant complexities that are not present in the source areas for the shergottite basalts.
Eutectic metal + troilite + Fe‐Mn‐Na phosphate + Al‐free chromite assemblage in shock‐produced chondritic melt of the Yanzhuang chondrite
Authors: Xie Xiande , Chen Ming , Zhai Shuangmeng , Wang Fuya
Published: October 2014

An assemblage with FeNi metal, troilite, Fe‐Mn‐Na phosphate, and Al‐free chromite was identified in the metal‐troilite eutectic nodules in the shock‐produced chondritic melt of the Yanzhuang H6 meteorite. Electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopic analyses show that a few phosphate globules have the composition of Na‐bearing graftonite (Fe,Mn,Na)3(PO4)2, whereas most others correspond to Mn‐bearing galileiite Na(Fe,Mn)4(PO4)3 and a possible new phosphate phase of Na2(Fe,Mn)17(PO4)12 composition. The Yanzhuang meteorite was shocked to a peak pressure of 50 GPa and a peak temperature of approximately 2000 °C. All minerals were melted after pressure release to form a chondritic melt due to very high postshock heat that brought the chondrite material above its liquidus. The volatile elements P and Na released from whitlockite and plagioclase along with elements Cr and Mn released from chromite are concentrated into the shock‐produced Fe‐Ni‐S‐O melt at high temperatures. During cooling, microcrystalline olivine and pyroxene first crystallized from the chondritic melt, metal‐troilite eutectic intergrowths, and silicate melt glass finally solidified at about 950–1000 °C. On the other hand, P, Mn, and Na in the Fe‐Ni‐S‐O melt combined with Fe and crystallized as Fe‐Mn‐Na phosphates within troilite, while Cr combined with Fe and crystallized as Al‐free chromite also within troilite.
Ecological genomics in full colour
Authors: Hohenlohe Paul A.
Published: October 2014

Colour patterns in animals have long offered an opportunity to observe adaptive traits in natural populations. Colour plays myriad roles in interactions within and among species, from reproductive signalling to predator avoidance, leading to multiple targets of natural and sexual selection and opportunities for diversification. Understanding the genetic and developmental underpinnings of variation in colour promises a fuller understanding of these evolutionary processes, but the path to unravelling these connections can be arduous. The advent of genomic techniques suitable for nonmodel organisms is now beginning to light the way. Two new studies in this issue of Molecular Ecology use genomic sequencing of laboratory crosses to map colour traits in cichlid fishes, a remarkably diverse group in which coloration has played a major role in diversification. They illustrate how genomic approaches, specifically RAD sequencing, can rapidly identify both simple and more complex genetic variation underlying ecologically important traits. In the first, Henning et al. () detect a single locus that appears to control in a Mendelian fashion the presence of horizontal stripes, a trait that has evolved in numerous cichlid lineages. In the second, Albertson et al. () identify several genes and epistatic interactions affecting multiple colour traits, as well as a novel metric describing integration across colour traits. Albertson et al. () go further, by quantifying differential expression of parental alleles at a candidate locus and by relating differentiation among natural populations at mapped loci to trait divergence. Herein lies the promise of ecological genomics – efficiently integrating genetic mapping of phenotypes with population genomic data to both identify functional genes and unravel their evolutionary history. These studies offer guidance on how genomic techniques can be tailored to a research question or study system, and they also add to the growing body of empirical examples addressing basic questions about how ecologically important traits evolve in natural populations.
Mollugo brasiliensis sp. nov. (Molluginaceae) from eastern Brazil
Authors: Thulin Mats , Harley Raymond M.
Published: October 2014

The new species Mollugo brasiliensis Thulin & Harley, a perennial viscous herb with 6–8 stamens, few‐seeded capsules and tuberculate seeds, is described from eastern Brazil. It is compared primarily with the two other native members of Molluginaceae previously known from Brazil, M. verticillata L. and Glischrothamnus ulei Pilger.
Measurement properties of continuous text reading performance tests
Authors: Brussee Tamara , van Nispen Ruth M. A. , van Rens Ger H. M. B.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Measurement properties of tests to assess reading acuity or reading performance have not been extensively evaluated. This study aims to provide an overview of the literature on available continuous text reading tests and their measurement properties.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and PsycInfo. Subsequently, information on design and content of reading tests, study design and measurement properties were extracted using consensus‐based standards for selection of health measurement instruments. Quality of studies, reading tests and measurement properties were systematically assessed using pre‐specified criteria.

Results

From 2334 identified articles, 20 relevant articles were found on measurement properties of three reading tests in various languages: IReST, MNread Reading Test and Radner Reading Charts. All three reading tests scored high on content validity. Reproducibility studies (repeated measurements between different testing sessions) of the IReST and MNread of commercially available reading tests in different languages were missing. The IReST scored best on inter‐language comparison, the MNread scored well in repeatability studies (repeated measurements under the same conditions) and the Radner showed good reproducibility in studies.

Conclusions

Although in daily practice there are other continuous text reading tests available meeting the criteria of this review, measurement properties were described in scientific studies for only three of them. Of the few available studies, the quality and content of study design and methodology used varied. For testing existing reading tests and the development of new ones, for example in other languages, we make several recommendations, including careful description of patient characteristics, use of objective and subjective lighting levels, good control of working distance, documentation of the number of raters and their training, careful documentation of scoring rules and the use of Bland‐Altman analyses or similar for reproducibility and repeatability studies.
Lumbar punctures in thrombocytopenic children with cancer
Authors: Foerster Mirella V. , de Paula Ramos Pedrosa Francisco , da Fonseca Tereza Cristina Teixeira , de Menezes Couceiro Tânia Cursino , Lima Luciana C.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Lumbar punctures (LP) in patients presenting thrombocytopenia are linked to the possibility of bleeding and spinal hematomas. The minimum platelet count required for the safe performance of spinal procedures is still under discussion. Children with some oncology diseases require routinely lumbar punctures; such patients often present thrombocytopenia, making this group an ideal population to study the association between lumbar puncture in thrombocytopenic patients and complications.

Objectives

To determine the platelet count of oncology children undergone lumbar punctures and the occurrence of spinal hematomas.

Method

Observational longitudinal study. It included a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of oncology patients submitted to LP for intrathecal chemotherapy between January 2004 and October 2011, carried out at the ‘Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP)’, Recife, Brazil.

Results

We evaluated 9088 lumbar punctures performed in 440 patients. The platelet count distribution before lumbar punctures was as follows: 25 punctures had zero to 10 000 platelets per mm3, 67 punctures had between 10 000 and 20 000 platelets per mm3, 88 had between 20 000 and 30 000 platelets per mm3, 92 punctures had between 30 000 and 40 000 platelets per mm3, 107 punctures had between 40 000 and 50 000 platelets per mm3, and 729 punctures had between 50 000 and 100 000 platelets per mm3. In this series, the incidence of bloody tap was 16.9% (1112 lumbar punctures of 6552 had more than ten erythrocytes). No complications were observed.

Conclusions

Even in thrombocytopenic patient, an epidural hematoma would be a relatively rare complication following lumbar puncture. Despite the large number of punctures performed on patients with platelet counts below 100 000 mm−3 (n = 1108), further studies are necessary in order to determine a lower safe platelet count threshold for the performance of lumbar punctures in healthy patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia.
Anesthesia and the pediatric cardiac catheterization suite: a review
Authors: Lam Jennifer E. , Lin Erica P. , Alexy Ryan , Aronson Lori A.
Published: October 2014

Advances in technology over the last couple of decades have caused a shift in pediatric cardiac catheterization from a primary focus on diagnostics to innovative therapeutic interventions. These improvements allow patients a wider range of nonsurgical options for treatment of congenital heart disease. However, these therapeutic modalities can entail higher risk in an already complex patient population, compounded by the added challenges inherent to the environment of the cardiac catheterization suite. Anesthesiologists caring for children with congenital heart disease must understand not only the pathophysiology of the disease but also the effects the anesthetics and interventions have on the patient in order to provide a safe perioperative course. It is the aim of this article to review the latest catheterization modalities offered to patients with congenital heart disease, describe the unique challenges presented in the cardiac catheterization suite, list the most common complications encountered during catheterization and finally, to review the literature regarding different anesthetic drugs used in the catheterization lab.