bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the Journals
Authors: Hemming Laureen , Thomas S. , Neal M.
Published: December 2016

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

COMPARING ELASTOMERIC PROPERTIES OF BANDAGES

PRESSURE SORE PREVENTION
Wound Care Awards 1997
Authors: Caine Suzie , Harding Keith
Published: December 2016

The Journal of Wound Care, five years after its launch, now has 7300 subscribers. A recent reader survey tells us that an average of three people read each copy - about 21 000 people every month. Back in 1992 few could have predicted this level of interest. The success of this year's Wound Care Awards, with over 50 entries from all over the world, representing many different disciplines, reveals that wound management is now firmly on the clinical agenda.
Hydrostatic leg ulcers: a new classification
Authors: Bjellerup M.
Published: December 2016

The classification of leg ulcers into standard aetiologies was conducted using a sample of 205 patients referred to the department of dermatology, Malmo University Hospital in Sweden. Patients with venous ulcers formed the largest group (51%).

Classification was not possible in 31 patients (approximately 15%) and this formed the second largest group. A comparison of ulcer characteristics between this unclassified group and the venous ulcer group showed that the unclassified ulcers occur in patients with little or no venous disease and display different characteristics from venous ulcers. As a result of these differences, we propose that there should be a further classification of ulcers, known as ‘hydrostatic’ ulcers. The identification of this type of ulcer has important consequences for future ulcer management as these patients will not require venous surgery or further compression therapy following healing.
Reviews
Authors: Cutting K.F.
Published: December 2016

CHRONIC WOUND CARE: A CLINICAL SOURCE BOOK FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS (2nd edition)
From the Journals
Authors: Lawrence J.C. , Vowden P. , Nelson E.A.
Published: December 2016

THE USE OF TAP WATER FOR CLEANSING TRAUMATIC WOUNDS

TISSUE ADHESIVES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LACERATIONS

EVALUATING COMPRESSION THERAPY FOR LEG ULCERS

THE EFFECTS OF DRESSINGS ON THE HEALING OF VENOUS LEG ULCERS
Protocol for accurate assessment of ABPI in patients with leg ulcers
Authors: Stubbing N.J. , Bailey P. , Poole M.
Published: December 2016

Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) calculations are performed by nurses in the assessment of patients with leg ulceration. The measurement of pressure in one arm alone can result in inaccuracy which may be clinically significant. Two vascular nurse technologists performed ABPI measurements on 250 patients with 487 lower limbs. Community nurses replicated the study on 71 patients, assessing 123 lower limbs. The study shows that 22% of patients in the vascular laboratory and 20% in the community had a difference in brachial pressures of ≥15mmHg, indicating the presence of arch vessel or upper limb arterial disease. Furthermore, 6% of patients in the laboratory and 2% in the community demonstrated that the difference in brachial pressures affected the ABPI calculation around the value of 0.8, thus potentially influencing their clinical management. ABPI measurements should be performed, taking both brachial pressures for optimum results.
Evaluation of a tool used to assess the management of fungating wounds
Authors: Grocott P.
Published: December 2016

This study evaluates the use of the Teler system tool in assessing the effectiveness of dressings used in patients with fungating malignant wounds. The Teler system of clinical evaluation was adapted for the study. This system measures outcomes for the key variables of symptom control, dressing performance and impact of the wound on the patient's daily life by tracing change or lack of change.

Data are presented from one patient, and summarised data from 16 additional patients, relating to number of dressing changes, control of exudate and dressing fit.
The aetiology and management of plantar callus formation
Authors: Booth J. , Mclnnes A.
Published: December 2016

This update reviews the assessment and management of patients with callus
The use of short-stretch bandaging to control oedema
Authors: Hofman D. , Poore S. , Cherry G.W.
Published: December 2016

This report describes three cases where substantial oedema reduction was achieved in patients with low ankle brachial pressure index
Evaluation of pressure-redistributing replacement mattresses
Authors: Santy J. , Scott F.
Published: December 2016

This study examined four types of foam replacement hospital mattresses after three and a half years of general use in orthopaedic trauma and spinal surgery wards. Ten were examined to ascertain the condition of the cover and the foam in order to add to the body of knowledge about the life span of these mattresses. Only one mattress was in good condition; five were condemned at the time of inspection and four were recommended for early review because they showed signs of deterioration.

It is clear that more objective evidence regarding the life span of hospital mattresses is required to assist with purchase decision-making.
Reviews
Authors: Collier M.
Published: December 2016

PRESSURE SORES
Management of a chronic leg ulcer in a community setting in South Africa
Authors: Christians N.M.
Published: December 2016

This case report highlights the importance of knowledge and expertise in delivering cost-effective health care in an area of scarce resources and social deprivation
The classification of pressure sores
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

Session three of an educational initiative on pressure sore prevention and management, designed for staff who work in nursing homes
A programme for pressure sore prevention and management
Authors: Hopkins A. , Gooch S. , Danks F.
Published: December 2016

An outline of the development and implementation of guidelines within a programme of care
Pin-site care and the rate of local infection
Authors: Brereton V.
Published: December 2016

A review of the literature and nursing practice related to the care of pin sites
Healing in the nasal mucosa
Authors: Weber R. , Keerl R.
Published: December 2016

This article describes the use of simulated time-lapse video-endoscopy to chart the healing process following endonasal sinus surgery
From the Journals
Authors: Lawrence J.C. , Lawrence J.C. , Jones June
Published: December 2016

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF TEA TREE OIL

LEG ULCERATION AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND
The pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic foot disease
Authors: Renwick P. , Vowden K. , Wilkinson D. , Vowden P.
Published: December 2016

A review of the pathophysiology and management of the diabetic foot and related complications
The challenge of effective professional practice
Authors: Andrea Nelson E.
Published: December 2016

After we have finished formal education we must continue to update our knowledge to remain effective practitioners. This may involve acknowledging that a treatment which previously appeared to be the most effective according to the best evidence available, is no longer recommended because of new evidence. If we are not able to change our minds, we will become fossilised practitioners, dinosaurs heading towards extinction.
A comparison of two amorphous hydrogels in the debridement of pressure sores
Authors: Bale S. , Banks V. , Haglestein S. , Harding K.G.
Published: December 2016

This study compared the efficacy of two hydrogel dressings in the debridement of necrotic pressure sores. This randomised, controlled, assessor-blind, clinical trial involved 50 patients whose wounds were assessed weekly using computerised wound analysis for four weeks or until debrided. Debridement was identified when there was 80% red granulation tissue present and no sign of necrosis. There were no statistically significant differences in comfort, wound odour, surrounding skin condition or time to debridement between the two groups.
An evaluation of hyper-oxygenated fatty acid esters in pressure sore management
Authors: Colin D. , Chomard D. , Bois C. , Saumet J.L. , Desvaux B. , Marie M.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to use transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcp02) measurements to evaluate the efficacy of a solution containing hyper-oxygenated fatty acid esters in the prevention of pressure sores in 28 patients at high risk of developing sores.

Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference between tcp02 values during pressure exertion before and after application of the product (p = 0.014). Oxygen pressure values decreased significantly when the patient applied pressure to the sacral area before the test product was applied whereas no difference in oxygen pressure values was noted after application of the test product.
Hospital-acquired pressure sores in surgical patients
Authors: Scott E.M.
Published: December 2016

This study is based on a retrospective analysis of case notes of 314 elective and emergency patients who underwent major surgical procedures between November 1995 and March 1996. The research is part of a larger project on pressure sores in surgical patients. The effects of patient characteristics and the organisational processes of care on the development of hospital-acquired pressure sores were examined. Factors identified can be used as parameters in the assessment of pressure sore risk in surgical patients. This report presents the preliminary results of the univariate statistical analysis.
Wound-healing problems associated with cancers
Authors: Lotti T. , Rodofili C , Bend M. , Menchin G.
Published: December 2016

This update presents a guide to the factors associated with malignant tumours that have an adverse effect on wound healing in patients with cancer
Community leg ulcer clinics and the effectiveness of care
Authors: Thorne E.
Published: December 2016

This literature review examines the effectiveness of community leg ulcer clinics in improving patient care
Editorial
Authors: Shepherd Martin , Caine Suzie
Published: December 2016

Making education relevant to clinical practice

Wound Care Awards, 1998
Wound management in staged abdominal repair
Authors: Cuthbertson S.
Published: December 2016

A description of the use of polypropylene mesh insertion in the abdominal fascia in patients with open surgical wounds
Measuring interface pressures in mattresses
Authors: Pring J. , Millman P.
Published: December 2016

This evaluation compared the pressure support qualities of three mattresses by measuring the interface pressures using 20 subjects. The results indicate that the Pegasus Airwave mattress had significantly higher readings than the Quattro DC2000 (p = 0.021, 95% confidence level) and the Nimbus II (p = 0.009, 99% confidence level) but that there is no significant difference between interface pressures for the Quattro DC2000 and the Nimbus II.
An in vitro investigation of multi-layer bandages
Authors: Simpson C. , Johnson B.J.
Published: December 2016

This study compares the elastic properties of a number of different bandages both in the non-sterile condition and after sterilisation by autoclaving at 134-138°C. Results suggest that, although some products can withstand sterilisation, the performance of some elasticated and coated bandages is adversely affected by excessive heat.
Management practice at leg ulcer clinics
Authors: Ellison D.A. , McCollum C.N.
Published: December 2016

These three papers, presented at a Journal of Wound Care master class, describe procedures used at specialist clinics for the care of patients with leg ulcers
Challenges in diagnosis
Authors: Colgan M.-P. , Moore D.J. , Shanik G.D.
Published: December 2016

In an ideal world, all patients presenting with leg ulceration would undergo full investigations in order to confirm or refute the proposed aetiology. However, with economic constraints, it is imperative that available health resources are used to the maximum benefit. In our unit, selective investigation is based on the question of whether the result will alter the management of the patient.
Factors affecting healing
Authors: Harding K.
Published: December 2016

Leg ulcers are not all the same and, although the majority are due to venous disease, many other diseases may produce a chronic ulcer on the leg.
Epidemiological issues in monitoring pressure damage
Authors: McGough A.
Published: December 2016

A discussion of a reporting system on the prevalence and incidence of pressure sores
Obesity as an intrinsic factor affecting wound healing
Authors: Armstrong M.
Published: December 2016

This case report illustrates the effects of obesity, both as an intrinsic factor and its effects on extrinsic factors, on the healing process in a surgical wound
Swabs and other sampling techniques
Authors: Lawrence J.C. , Ameen H.
Published: December 2016

This study explores the absorptive capacity of standard cotton wool-tipped swabs in vitro and in vivo. An alternative wound exudate sampling technique using small filter paper discs is also briefly examined. Results showed a poor uniformity of fluid absorption by swabs and a limited correlation of wound exudate quantities in relation to visual estimates and size of wound. It was found, however, that swabs reliably removed material from a wound surface. The filter paper technique appeared to offer no advantages.
Letters
Authors: Stevens Julie , Emflorgo Cathryn A. , Bliss M.R. , Schofield M. , Bjellerup M. , Stevens Julie , King Brenda , Morrell Jane , Brereton Louise , Thorne E.
Published: December 2016

HYDROGELS AND FOAM DRESSINGS IN COMBINATION

CONTROLLING BLEEDING IN FUNGATING WOUNDS

HYDROSTATIC LEG ULCERS

COMMUNITY LEG ULCER CLINICS
The role of physiotherapy in managing patients with wounds
Authors: McCulloch J.M.
Published: December 2016

An update on the contribution that can be made by physiotherapists in the management of patients with pressure sores, leg ulcers and diabetic foot disease
Recent developments in wound care in Denmark
Authors: Danielsen L , Holstein P. , Gottrup F.
Published: December 2016

A report on initiatives to improve the management of patients with chronic wounds, including the use of compression bandaging, and the treatment of underlying diseases
Pressure sores: topical treatment and the healing process
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

The seventh session in an educational initiative for staff in nursing homes
Dissemination of knowledge and the quality of care
Authors: Reid Pat
Published: December 2016

The eighth conference on Advances in Wound Management, held recently in Madrid, has confirmed the ever-increasing interest in this specialty. International conferences provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge, research and innovations in practice between experts in the field. All healthcare professionals, not just the great and good in wound care, welcome this opportunity to broaden their knowledge and improve their practice.
Reviews
Authors: Jones June
Published: December 2016

LEG ULCERS
Compression hosiery in the management of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Jones J.E. , Nelson E.A.
Published: December 2016

An update on the selection and use of compression hosiery for the treatment of venous ulcers and the prevention of recurrence
Letters
Authors: Millman P. , Pring J.
Published: December 2016

ALTERNATING-PRESSURE MATTRESS REPLACEMENTS
Education and the development of specialist practice
Authors: Flanagan M.
Published: December 2016

A discussion of the changes in standards that require nurses to obtain graduate status in order to qualify as specialist practitioners in the UK
An infected wound in a patient with necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Hancević J. , Antoljak T. , Mikulii D.
Published: December 2016

This case study describes the management of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus who presented with necrotising fasciitis
Internet sources on leg ulcer management
Authors: Pitcher M.
Published: December 2016

This literature review explores relevant sources of information on leg ulcers available on the World Wide Web
Costs of dressings in the community
Authors: Bale S. , Hagelstein S. , Banks V. , Harding K.G.
Published: December 2016

This study compares the costs of dressings used in the treatment of patients with a variety of wound aetiologies. The two dressings investigated were a hydrocolloid dressing and a hydrocellular dressing. Secondary objectives included a comparison of dressing durability, time to complete healing, ease of wound cleansing and dressing removal. The study was an open prospective single-centre randomised parallel group trial involving 100 patients, treated in the community, who were randomised to the two dressing groups. For all aetiologies except pressure sores, the costs of the hydrocolloid dressing were less than the costs of the hydrocellular dressings. Similar healing rates were observed in the leg ulcer and ‘other wound’ groups. There were, however, significant differences in the number of healed wounds observed in patients with pressure sores treated with the hydrocellular dressing.
Essential oils: a complementary therapy in wound management
Authors: Baker J.
Published: December 2016

A discussion outlining the available evidence on the use of essential oils in wound care
Re-epithelialisation
Authors: Garrett B.
Published: December 2016

A description of the recruitment of uninjured cells in the region of a wound border, their proliferation and possible mode of movement during the re-epithelialisation process
A guide to research methodology
Authors: Lewis P.A. , Nelson E.A.
Published: December 2016

The first in a series of articles providing an explanation of statistical features that can enable practitioners to evaluate research studies and their relevance to practice
Who suffers most from leg ulceration?
Authors: Franks P.J. , Moffatt C.J.
Published: December 2016

This study examines health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with leg ulceration and determines which patient groups are affected most by this condition. A cross-sectional study using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and age/sex-matched normal scores in patients entering six clinical audit cycles was carried out.

The 758 patients included in the study (mean age 74.6 years, 64% women) had been affected by leg ulceration for a median of 10.5 months (range 0.5 to 708). Patients produced significantly higher scores than age/sex-matched normal values for all domains of the NHP, indicating poorer HRQoL (all p < 0.001). Increasing age led to greater deficits in energy (p < 0.001) and mobility (p < 0.001) with greater social isolation (p = 0.044). Women experienced poorer energy, sleep patterns, mobility and emotional reactions (all p < 0.001), and increased physical pain and social isolation (p < 0.05) compared to men. However, higher scores may be expected for older women based on age/sex-matched normal values. After adjustment for age/sex-matched normal values, it was the younger patients who experienced a greater deficit in HRQoL over all domains of the NHP, with men scoring higher than women in the domains of bodily pain, sleep and social isolation (p < 0.001) and energy (p = 0.015).

Leg ulceration has a major impact on patients' HRQoL as detected by the NHP. The excess in scores compared with age/sex-matched normal values indicate that it is younger male patients in whom ulceration makes a greater impact on HRQoL.
Defining infection in chronic wounds: does it matter?
Authors: Heggers J.P.
Published: December 2016

A discussion highlighting the importance of establishing the bacterial balance within chronic wounds
A leg ulcer clinic: audit of the first three years
Authors: Liew I. , Sinha S.
Published: December 2016

This study documents the establishment in 1994 of a leg ulcer clinic in Hobart, Tasmania. Information relating to patient demographics, results of treatment and costs required to successfully operate the clinic were studied prospectively. Over a 40-month period, 345 patients attended the clinic on 1154 occasions. Ulcers were classified as venous (59%), arterial (19%), mixed venous and arterial disease (13%), pressure injury (3%), traumatic injury (2%) or rheumatoid disease (1%). A wide range of dressings and bandages were used during treatment. The clinic cost an average of A$42 683 per annum to run.

This information has the potential to be of use as a guide for any organisation planning to open a similar clinic.
Angiogenic modulation
Authors: Gill D.
Published: December 2016

A discussion outlining the processes and factors involved in the regulation of angiogenesis
Infant napkin dermatitis
Authors: Holden C.
Published: December 2016

A discussion outlining the characteristics, treatment and nursing management of ‘nappy rash’
Bone Turnover Markers in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Metabolic Bone Disease
Authors: Greenblatt Matthew B , Tsai Joy N , Wein Marc N
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Disorders of bone metabolism, most notably osteoporosis, are highly prevalent and predispose to fractures, causing high patient morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and monitoring of bone metabolic defects can present a major challenge as these disorders are largely asymptomatic and radiographic measures of bone mass respond slowly to changes in bone physiology.

CONTENT

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are a series of protein or protein derivative biomarkers released during bone remodeling by osteoblasts or osteoclasts. BTMs can offer prognostic information on fracture risk that supplements radiographic measures of bone mass, but testing using BTMs has to take into account the large number of preanalytic factors and comorbid clinical conditions influencing BTM levels. BTMs respond rapidly to changes in bone physiology, therefore, they have utility in determining patient response to and compliance with therapies for osteoporosis.

BTMs are a useful adjunct for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of bone metabolic disorders, but their use has to be tempered by the known limitations in their clinical utility and preanalytic variables complicating interpretation.
Freges Kriterien der Sinngleichheit
Authors: Sander Thorsten
Published: December 2016

Frege’s mature writings apparently contain two different criteria of sense identity. While in „Über Sinn und Bedeutung“ (1892) and in „Kurze Übersicht meiner logischen Lehren“ (1906?) Frege seems to advocate a psychological criterion, his letter to Husserl of December 12, 1906 offers a thoroughly logical criterion of sense identity. It is argued that the latter proposal is not a „momentary aberration“, but rather Frege’s official criterion; his psychological criteria only serve as a way of illustrating questions of sense identity by appealing to the thoughts of ideal thinkers.
Aristotle’s Metaphysics – Current Research to Reconcile Two Branches of the Tradition
Authors: Fazzo Silvia
Published: December 2016

No major edition of Aristotle’s
Editing Aristotle’s Metaphysics: A Response to Silvia Fazzo’s Critical Appraisal of Oliver Primavesi’s Edition of Metaphysics Alpha
Authors: Golitsis Pantelis
Published: December 2016

This article discusses critically Silvia Fazzo’s appraisal – it appears in the same issue of the
Characterisation of lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) in prehydrolysed wood chips
Authors: Monot Claire , Chirat Christine , Evangelista Brieuc , Brochier-Salon Marie-Christine
Published: December 2016

Isolation and analysis of lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) were performed to understand the better delignification ability of prehydrolysed wood chips. Lignin analysis showed that prehydrolysis led to a slight depolymerisation and an increase in free phenolic group content. The yield measurement and composition analysis of LCCs of mixed softwoods (SWs) and mixed hardwoods (HWs) revealed essential differences. In the case of SW, the amounts of lignin and xylan involved in LCCs were significantly lowered, whereas in the case of HW, less cellulose, glucomannans, and xylans were detectable in the residual LCCs. The molecular mass distributions of glucomannan-lignin and xylan-lignin fractions were not changed significantly.
A Configurable Footswitch Unit for the Open Networked Neurosurgical OR – Development, Evaluation and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dell’Anna Jasmin , Janß Armin , Clusmann Hans , Radermacher Klaus
Published: December 2016

Footswitches are used in the neurosurgical operating room for human-device-communication every day. However, problems, such as shifting or confusion of footswitches, often occur due to the parallel usage of up to 5 device-specific footswitches, resulting in a significant burden for the surgeon. There are no footswitches available which offer an optional central activation of different devices from various manufacturers and a reconfiguration during usage. Therefore, a new concept of a configurable central footswitch unit has been developed for optional activation of different devices in an open networked neurosurgical OR setting. In a user-centered evaluation 9 surgeons used both, the configurable central footswitch unit and 4 device-specific footswitches, for a cross-over experiment in an experimental OR setting. It shows that all surgeons were able to handle the configurable footswitch autonomously and that efficiency in surgeon-device-communication can be increased.
Joint Decision Making and Cooperative Driver-Vehicle Interaction during Critical Driving Situations
Authors: Altendorf Eugen , Weßel Gina , Baltzer Marcel , Canpolat Yigiterkut , Flemisch Frank
Published: December 2016

In automated driving, the human driver and an automation form a joint human-machine system. In this system, each partner has her own individual cognitive as well as perceptual processes, which enable them to perform the complex task of driving. On different layers of the driving task, both, drivers and automation systems, assess the situation and derive action decisions. Although the processes can be divided between human and machine, and are sometimes very elaborate, the outcome should be a joint one because it affects the entire driver-vehicle system. In this paper, the individual processes for decision-making are defined and a framework for joint decision-making is proposed. Joint decision-making relies on common goals and norms of the two subsystems, human and automation, and evolves with experience.
Big Data in a Crisis? Creating Social Media Datasets for Crisis Management Research
Authors: Reuter Christian , Ludwig Thomas , Kotthaus Christoph , Kaufhold Marc-André , von Radziewski Elmar , Pipek Volkmar
Published: December 2016

A growing body of research in the area of information systems for crisis management is based on data from social media. After almost every larger disaster studies emerge with the focus on the specific use of social media. Much of this research is based on Twitter data, due to the ease of access of this (mainly public) data, compared to (more closed) data, such as Facebook or Google+. Based on the experience gained from a research project on social media in emergencies and our task to collect social media data sets for other partners, we present the design and evaluation of a graphical user interface that supports those stakeholders (such as emergency services or researchers) that are interested in creating social media datasets for further crisis management research. We do not specifically focus on the analysis of social media data. Rather we aim to support the gathering process and how actors without sophisticated technical skills can be supported to get what they want and especially need: relevant social media data. Within this article, we present a practice-oriented approach and implications for designing tools that support the collection of social media data as well as future work.
Long-term response to growth hormone therapy in a patient with short stature caused by a novel heterozygous mutation in NPR2
Authors: Vasques Gabriela A. , Hisado-Oliva Alfonso , Funari Mariana F.A. , Lerario Antonio M. , Quedas Elisangela P.S. , Solberg Paulo , Heath Karen E. , Jorge Alexander A.L.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the natriuretic peptide receptor B gene (

Case presentation:

The proband was a healthy boy who presented at the age of 5.1 years with familial short stature (height SDS of −3.1). He had a prominent forehead, a depressed nasal bridge, centripetal fat distribution and a high-pitched voice resembling that of children with GH deficiency. His hormonal evaluation showed low insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) but a normal GH peak at a stimulation test. During the first year of rhGH treatment, his growth velocity increased from 3.4 to 10.4 cm/year (height SDS change of +1.1). At the last visit, he was 8.8 years old and still on treatment, his growth velocity was 6.4 cm/year and height SDS was −1.8.

Results:

We identified through exome sequencing a novel heterozygous loss-of-function

Conclusions:

This case reveals a novel heterozygous loss-of-function
Nocturnal levels of chemerin and progranulin in adolescents: influence of sex, body mass index, glucose metabolism and sleep
Authors: Daxer Johann , Herttrich Theresa , Zhao Ying Y. , Vogel Mandy , Hiemisch Andreas , Scheuermann Kathrin , Körner Antje , Kratzsch Jürgen , Kiess Wieland , Quante Mirja
Published: December 2016

Background:

Adipokines have been implicated in obesity, insulin resistance and sleep regulation. However, the role of chemerin and progranulin, two recently described adipokines, in the context of sleep remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare nocturnal serum chemerin and progranulin levels between overweight/obese and normal-weight adolescents and to assess variations by sex, across different sleep stages and in relation to glucose metabolism.

Methods:

The study sample included 34 overweight/obese and 32 normal-weight adolescents from secondary schools and the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) Child study cohort. We obtained longitudinal serum adipokine levels during in-laboratory polysomnography followed by an oral glucose tolerance test.

Results:

Overweight/obese adolescents had significantly higher mean nocturnal serum chemerin area under the curve (AUC) levels (348.2±133.3 vs. 241.7±67.7 vs. ng/mL×h, p<0.001) compared to normal-weight controls. In detail, higher chemerin AUC levels in obese/overweight subjects were exclusively due to increased levels in females. No overall difference for serum progranulin AUC was found between the groups. However, when assessing sex-specific levels, serum progranulin AUC levels were ~30% higher in overweight/obese males compared to overweight/obese females. Of note, nocturnal serum chemerin and progranulin AUC did not exhibit a correlation with markers of glucose metabolism or sleep stages.

Conclusions:

Collectively, we report a sexual dimorphism in nocturnal progranulin and chemerin levels, which may help explain underlying differences in energy balance and body composition between males and females in the context of obesity.
Recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor 121 injection for the prevention of fetal growth restriction in a preeclampsia mouse model
Authors: Sulistyowati Sri , Bachnas Muhammad Adrianes , Anggraini Nuri Dyah , Yuliantara Eric Edwin , Prabowo Wisnu , Anggraini Nutria Widya Purna , Pramono Mochammad Besari Adi , Adityawarman  , Dachlan Erry Gumilar , Andonotopo Wiku
Published: December 2016

Aim:

To discover the potential role of recombinant VEGF

Subjects and methods:

This is an experimental study of 30 pregnant mice that were randomly divided into three groups: normal, PE, and PE with rVEGF

Results:

On average, fetal birth weight was 0.7150 g in the normal group, 0.4936 g in the PE group, and 0.6768 g in the PE with rVEGF

Conclusions:

Injection of rVEGF
Red blood cell morphology in patients with β-thalassemia minor
Authors: Körber Carolin , Wölfler Albert , Neubauer Manfred , Robier Christoph
Published: December 2016

Background:

A systematic analysis of the occurrence of red blood cell (RBC) abnormalities in β-thalassemia minor has not been performed to date. This study aimed to identify and quantify the frequency of RBC abnormalities in patients with β-thalassemia minor.

Methods:

We examined blood smears of 33 patients with β-thalassemia minor by light microscopy for the occurrence of 15 defined RBC abnormalities. In the case of positivity, the abnormal cells/20 high power fields (HPF) at 1000-fold magnification were counted.

Results:

Anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and target cells (median 42/20 HPF) were observed in all, and ovalocytes in 32 (96.9%, median 10/20 HPF) subjects. Dacryocytes (81.8%), stomatocytes (81.8%, median 10/20 HPF), elliptocytes (75.8%), cells with basophilic stippling (72.7%) and irregularly contracted cells (63.6%) were frequently, and schistocytes (15.2%), bite cells (6%) and pincer cells (3%) were occasionally found.

Conclusions:

Morphological abnormalities of erythrocytes are common in peripheral blood (PB) smears of patients with β-thalassemia minor. In this study, anisocytosis, poikilocytosis and target cells were apparent in all, and ovalocytes, elliptocytes, cells with basophilic stippling, dacryocytes, stomatocytes and irregularly contracted cells were observed in the majority of the analyzed slides. Our observations may be useful to improve the differential diagnosis of anemia in clinical laboratory routine.
Effect of conductive copolymers on scale formation of gypsum
Authors: Dogan Özlem , Senol Erdemir Cagri , Akyol Emel , Kirboga Semra , Öner Mualla
Published: December 2016

The crystallization of scale forming minerals is an important problem in a number of processes. Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O, gypsum) is the most unwelcome deposit in the production of oil and gas, in water cooling systems and in hydrometallurgical processes. Additives have been used in these processes to prevent the formation and deposition of scaling salts. In this study, the effects of additives on the spontaneuos precipitation of CaSO4·2H2O were investigated in aqueous solutions at 30°C. Conductive copolymers with different vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) contents were used as additives. The degree of inhibition of cystallization was measured as an increase in induction time and the reduction in crystallization rate. The crystallization reactions were interpreted in terms of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The cystals were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The VPA content of the copolymer and the supersaturation of the solution were found to be effective parameters on CaSO4·2H2O crystallization.
Die spirituelle Dimension beim Erleben schwerer psychiatrischer Krankheiten Existenzphilosophische Überlegungen und klinische Fallbeispiele
Authors: Stotz-Ingenlath Gabriele
Published: December 2016

Im psychiatrischen Alltag wird die spirituelle Dimension einer Erkrankung meist nicht explizit berücksichtigt. Dabei spielt sie bei den großen psychiatrischen Diagnosen oft eine wesentliche Rolle und zwar sowohl auf der Seite des Patienten als pathogenetischer und/oder heilsamer Faktor als auch auf der Seite des Behandlers, der mit der Grenzsituation einer schweren psychiatrischen Erkrankung existenziell konfrontiert wird. Dies soll an Fallbeispielen zu Demenz, Sucht, Schizophrenie, Depression, Manie und Angsterkrankung gezeigt werden.
The use of six sigma methodology to evaluate the analytical performances of clinical chemistry analyzers
Authors: Gülbahar Özlem , Kocabıyık Murat , Çıracı Mehmed Zahid , Demirtaş Canan , Uçar Fatma , Bayraktar Nilüfer , Akbıyık Filiz , Taşlıpınar Mine
Published: December 2016

Introduction

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the analytical process performances of the biochemistry tests in the analysis systems that were widely used in the clinical laboratories by using the six-sigma methodology.

Methods

The analytical performances of four different analytical platforms (Beckman Coulter-Olympus AU2700, Abbott-Architect C8000, Roche-Cobas 8000, and Siemens-ADVIA 2400) running 18 biochemical tests (urea, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, HDL-C, Ca2+, cholesterol, TG, glucose, total protein, albumin, Na+, K+, and Cl−) were evaluated. Biases and CV were obtained from internal quality control programs. The performance of each instrument was assessed using the σ scale; the benchmark performance was <3 σ (improvement needed); “world-class” quality was six sigma.

Results

The parameters that have σ≥6 which means in world class are HDL-C and ALP in all four systems, while only Na+ has σ<3 which point out the need to develop. Similarities and differences were found between systems for analytical process sigma values of all tests except these.

Discussion and conclusion

To improvement and monitoring of the analytical process performance as a part of total quality of a clinical laboratory to provide continuous improving, sigma levels can be used as it is a reliable method.
Residual Symmetries and Interaction Solutions for the Classical Korteweg-de Vries Equation
Authors: Fei Jin-Xi , Cao Wei-Ping , Ma Zheng-Yi
Published: December 2016

The non-local residual symmetry for the classical Korteweg-de Vries equation is derived by the truncated Painlevé analysis. This symmetry is first localised to the Lie point symmetry by introducing the auxiliary dependent variables. By using Lie’s first theorem, we then obtain the finite transformation for the localised residual symmetry. Based on the consistent tanh expansion method, some exact interaction solutions among different non-linear excitations are explicitly presented finally. Some special interaction solutions are investigated both in analytical and graphical ways at the same time.
Low-Intensity Sprint Training With Blood Flow Restriction Improves 100-m Dash
Authors: Behringer Michael , Behlau Daniel , Montag Johannes C.K. , McCourt Molly L. , Mester Joachim
Published: December 2016

Behringer, M, Behlau, D, Montag, JCK, McCourt, ML, and Mester, J. Low-intensity sprint training with blood flow restriction improves 100-m dash. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2462–2472, 2017—We investigated the effects of practical blood flow restriction (pBFR) of leg muscles during sprint training on the 100-m dash time in well-trained sport students. Participants performed 6 × 100-m sprints at 60–70% of their maximal 100-m sprinting speed twice a week for 6 weeks, either with (intervention group [IG]; n = 12) or without pBFR (control group [CG]; n = 12). The 100-m dash time significantly decreased more in the IG (−0.38 ± 0.24 seconds) than in the CG (−0.16 ± 0.17 seconds). The muscle thickness of the rectus femoris increased only in the IG, whereas no group-by-time interactions were found for the muscle thickness of the biceps femoris and the biceps brachii. The maximal isometric force, measured using a leg press, did not change in either group. However, the rate of force development improved in the IG. Growth hormone, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and cortisol concentrations did not significantly differ between both groups at any measurement time point (pre, 1 minute, 20 minutes, 120 minutes, and 24 hours after the 6 all-out sprints of the first training session). The muscle damage marker h-FABP increased significantly more in the CG than in the IG. The pBFR improved the 100-m dash time significantly more than low-intensity sprint interval training alone. Other noted benefits of training with pBFR were a decreased level of muscle damage, a greater increase of the rectus femoris muscle thickness, and a higher rate of force development. However, the tested hormones were unable to explain the additional beneficial effects.
Effects of a Modified German Volume Training Program on Muscular Hypertrophy and Strength
Authors: Amirthalingam Theban , Mavros Yorgi , Wilson Guy C. , Clarke Jillian L. , Mitchell Lachlan , Hackett Daniel A.
Published: December 2016

Amirthalingam, T, Mavros, Y, Wilson, GC, Clarke, JL, Mitchell, L, and Hackett, DA. Effects of a modified German volume training program on muscular hypertrophy and strength. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3109–3119, 2017—German Volume Training (GVT), or the 10 sets method, has been used for decades by weightlifters to increase muscle mass. To date, no study has directly examined the training adaptations after GVT. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a modified GVT intervention on muscular hypertrophy and strength. Nineteen healthy men were randomly assign to 6 weeks of 10 or 5 sets of 10 repetitions for specific compound resistance exercises included in a split routine performed 3 times per week. Total and regional lean body mass, muscle thickness, and muscle strength were measured before and after the training program. Across groups, there were significant increases in lean body mass measures, however, greater increases in trunk (p = 0.043; effect size [ES] = −0.21) and arm (p = 0.083; ES = −0.25) lean body mass favored the 5-SET group. No significant increases were found for leg lean body mass or measures of muscle thickness across groups. Significant increases were found across groups for muscular strength, with greater increases in the 5-SET group for bench press (p = 0.014; ES = −0.43) and lat pull-down (p = 0.003; ES = −0.54). It seems that the modified GVT program is no more effective than performing 5 sets per exercise for increasing muscle hypertrophy and strength. To maximize hypertrophic training effects, it is recommended that 4–6 sets per exercise be performed, as it seems gains will plateau beyond this set range and may even regress due to overtraining.
Excess Blood Flow Response to Acute Resistance Exercise in Individuals Who are Obese or Nonobese
Authors: Lipford Grayson F. , Evans Ronald K. , Acevedo Edmund O. , Wolfe Luke G. , Franco R. Lee
Published: December 2016

Lipford, GF, Evans, RK, Acevedo, EO, Wolfe, LG, and Franco, RL. Excess blood flow response to acute resistance exercise in individuals who are obese or nonobese. J Strength Cond Res 31(11): 3120–3127, 2017—Resistance exercise (RE) is a commonly recommended treatment option for obese individuals. However, little is known regarding alterations in vasodilatory responses to RE, which could impair exercise tolerance. No studies to date have compared microvascular vasodilatory capacity, assessed by excess blood flow (EBF), responses in individuals who are obese or nonobese following acute RE. The purpose of the study was to evaluate EBF before and up to 24-hour after a single RE bout in obese (n = 18, 38.1 ± 7.64% body fat) and nonobese (n = 10, 23.6 ± 4.03% body fat) individuals who volunteered to participate. Each subject completed a leg flexion and knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM) test, and subsequently completed 4 sets of 8 repetitions at 85% of 1RM. Excess blood flow, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were evaluated at baseline (PRE-RE), immediately after (POST-RE), and 1 (POST-1) and 24 (POST-24) hours after exercise. A repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction for EBF between the 2 groups (p = 0.029). The estimated marginal means plot suggested that obese individuals had a significant increase in POST-RE EBF in comparison with PRE-RE EBF (428.54 ± 261.59 vs. 547.00 ± 311.15 ml/100 ml/min·s; p = 0.046). In addition, EBF significantly decreased at POST-24 in comparison with POST-RE in the obese individuals (547.00 ± 311.15 vs. 389.33 ± 252.32 ml/100 ml/min·s; p = 0.011). Changes in EBF were not related to adiponectin or TNF-α. An acute bout of RE resulted in an opposite EBF response between nonobese and obese individuals immediately after RE. Furthermore, only the obese individuals displayed a significant increase in EBF immediately after RE, which was significantly reduced 24 hours after the RE bout. Microvascular vasodilatory capacity may alter the adaptive exercise response associated with RE, requiring alterations to frequency, intensity, and/or duration that are specific to populations of various body composition profiles.
Thirteen Things
Authors: Garner Alice
Published: December 2016

Prose
Synaptic Inhibition in Avian Interaural Level Difference Sound Localizing Neurons
Authors: Curry Rebecca J. , Lu Yong
Published: December 2016

Synaptic inhibition plays a fundamental role in the neural computation of the interaural level difference (ILD), an important cue for the localization of high-frequency sound. Here, we studied the inhibitory synaptic currents in the chicken posterior portion of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (LLDp), the first binaural level difference encoder of the avian auditory pathway. Using whole-cell recordings in brain slices, we provide the first evidence confirming a monosynaptic inhibition driven by direct electrical and chemical stimulation of the contralateral LLDp, establishing the reciprocal inhibitory connection between the two LLDps, a long-standing assumption in the field. This inhibition was largely mediated by GABAAreceptors; however, functional glycine receptors were also identified. The reversal potential for the Cl−channels measured with gramicidin-perforated patch recordings was hyperpolarizing (−88 mV), corresponding to a low intracellular Cl−concentration (5.2 mm). Pharmacological manipulations of KCC2 (outwardly Cl−transporter) activity demonstrate that LLDp neurons can maintain a low intracellular Cl−concentration under a high Cl−load, allowing for the maintenance of hyperpolarizing inhibition. We further demonstrate that hyperpolarizing inhibition was more effective at regulating cellular excitability than depolarizing inhibition in LLDp neurons.
Compensatory Activation of Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Inhibition of GABA Release in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla in Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Li Ming-Hua , Suchland Katherine L. , Ingram Susan L.
Published: December 2016

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a relay in the descending pain modulatory system and an important site of endocannabinoid modulation of pain. Endocannabinoids inhibit GABA release in the RVM, but it is not known whether this effect persists in chronic pain states. In the present studies, persistent inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) increased GABAergic miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs). Endocannabinoid activation of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors known to inhibit presynaptic GABA release was significantly reduced in the RVM of CFA-treated rats compared with naive rats. The reduction in CFA-treated rats correlated with decreased CB1 receptor protein expression and function in the RVM. Paradoxically, the nonselective CB1/CB2 receptor agonist WIN55212 inhibited GABAergic mIPSCs in both naive and CFA-treated rats. However, WIN55212 inhibition was reversed by the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant in naive rats but not in CFA-treated rats. WIN55212-mediated inhibition in CFA-treated rats was blocked by the CB2 receptor-selective antagonist SR144528, indicating that CB2 receptor function in the RVM is increased during persistent inflammation. Consistent with these results, CB2 receptor agonists AM1241 and GW405833 inhibited GABAergic mIPSC frequency only in CFA-treated rats, and the inhibition was reversed with SR144528. When administered alone, SR144528 and another CB2 receptor-selective antagonist AM630 increased mIPSC frequency in the RVM of CFA-treated rats, indicating that CB2 receptors are tonically activated by endocannabinoids. Our data provide evidence that CB2 receptor function emerges in the RVM in persistent inflammation and that selective CB2 receptor agonists may be useful for treatment of persistent inflammatory pain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThese studies demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling to CB1 and CB2 receptors in adult rostral ventromedial medulla is altered in persistent inflammation. The emergence of CB2 receptor function in the rostral ventromedial medulla provides additional rationale for the development of CB2 receptor-selective agonists as useful therapeutics for chronic inflammatory pain.