bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale and Indications for Aggressive Early Thrombus Removal
Authors: Meissner M H
Published: February 2012

Randomized clinical trials have defined anticoagulation with unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin followed by warfarin as a standard therapy for acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Such treatment is highly effective in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism with a low risk of bleeding, but provides imperfect protection against development of the post-thrombotic syndrome. Several strategies of early thrombus removal, including surgical venous thrombectomy, catheter-directed thrombolysis and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy have been developed with the goal of reducing the incidence of the post-thrombotic syndrome by restoring venous patency and preserving valvular function. Although clinical judgement and a consideration of the individual patient's medical condition and values are required, early thrombus removal strategies should be considered in selected patients with phlegmasia cerulea dolens and those with a first episode of acute iliofemoral thrombosis of less than 14 days duration.
Lymphatic Complications after Varicose Veins Surgery: Risk Factors and how to Avoid Them
Authors: Pittaluga P , Chastanet S
Published: February 2012

Introduction:

Lymphatic complication (LC) after varicose veins (Ws) surgery is an annoying event with a variable frequency in the literature.

Method:

Retrospective study reviewing all surgeries carried out for VVs from January 2000 to October 2010. Postoperative LC we reported: lymphatic fistula, lymphocele including the minor ones and lymphoedema.

Results

During the period studied, 5407 surgical procedures for VVs were performed in 3407 patients (74.7% women) with a mean age of 53.4 years. A postoperative LC occurred in 118 cases (2.2%): lymphocele on limb in 1.3%, inguinal LC (fistula or lymphocele) in 0.7% and a lymphoedema in 0.2%. The population with a LC was older (59.6 vs. 53.3 years, P < 0.05), had a higher frequency of C4–C6 (22.0% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.05), a higher incidence of obesity (31.4% vs. 5.4%, P < 0.05) and was more often treated by a redo surgery or a crossectomy stripping (48.3% vs. 13.4% and 38.1% vs. 21.8%, respectively, P < 0.05). We have observed a dramatic decrease in incidence of LC after January 2004 (1.3% vs. 5.3%, P < 0.05) corresponding to a new surgical practice for the treatment of VVs: stripping, crossectomy and redo surgery at the groin were less frequent (74.6% vs. 7.7%, 74.6% vs. 0.2% and 11.3% vs. 0.1%, respectively, P < 0.05), while isolated phlebectomy was more often performed during this period (78.4% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

LC after VVs surgery is not rare but frequently limited to lymphocele on limbs. Older age, more advanced clinical stage and obesity were associated with a higher frequency of LC. A mini-invasive and selective surgery has significantly reduced the occurrence of LC.
pharmacomechanical Thrombectomy for Early Thrombus Removal
Authors: Malgor R D , Gasparis A P
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

To review the current literature on the outcomes of pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for early thrombus removal in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods:

We searched the MEDLINE database and performed a manual search of the references of selected articles to select reports reporting the outcomes of PMT alone and PMT compared to catheter-direct thrombolysis (CDT). Outcomes of interest included clot lysis rate, incidence of pulmonary embolism, major bleeding, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, number of venograms needed and amount of lytic utilized.

Results

We found nine articles that reported outcomes of PMT. Three devices were utilized for PMT, the Angiojet, Trellis and Helix. Different thrombolytics were used to facilitate thrombus removal including urokinase, reteplase, tecneteplase, and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Complete and partial thrombus removal were achieved in up to 84% and 64% and 81% and 59% of the limbs treated with PMT and CDT alone, respectively. Data on PE and bleeding risk after PMT compared to CDT are scarce. The duration of the thrombolysis process, amount of lytics and number of venograms were substantially reduced in the patients who had PMT compared to those who underwent CDT alone. Two articles evaluated the obstacles that limit the indication of PMT in patients with VTE.

Conclusion:

VTE is a prevalent burden in Western societies. The rationale of early thrombus is to reduce valvular damage and improve venous patency in order to reduce the risk of PTS. PMT is a feasible, safe and faster alternative to expedite the thrombolysis process in patients with VTE.
What is the Medical Rationale for the Treatment of Varicose Veins?
Authors: Meissner M H
Published: February 2012

Varicose veins occur in up to one-third of Western populations and are associated with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic, isolated varicose veins (C2 disease) to venous ulceration. While the development of less invasive treatment options, such as endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy, have been well accepted by patients they have led to increased utilization of scarce healthcare resources. While few would argue with the treatment of acute complications such as superficial venous thrombosis and variceal haemorrhage, the role of interventional treatment in the management of lifestyle limiting symptoms and the prevention of disease progression may be debatable. Good-quality evidence does suggest that surgical management of varicose veins is associated with improved quality of life at costs below the thresholds of many Western healthcare systems. However, the progression of isolated C2 disease to advanced chronic venous insufficiency occurs infrequently and the role of treatment to prevent such progression remains undefined at present.
Treatment Options, Clinical Outcome (Quality of Life) and Cost Benefit (Quality-adjusted Life Year) in Varicose Vein Treatment
Authors: Kelleher D , Lane T R A , Franklin I J , Davies A H
Published: February 2012

Varicose veins are an extremely common condition causing morbidity; however, with current financial pressures, treatment of such benign diseases is controversial. Many procedures allow the treatment of varicose veins with minimal cost and extensive literature supporting differing approaches. Here we explore the underlying evidence base for treatment options, the effect on clinical outcome and the cost-benefit economics associated with varicose vein treatment. The method of defining clinical outcome with quality-of-life assessment tools is also investigated to explain concepts of treatment success beyond abolition of reflux.
An Imaging Approach to Deep Vein Thrombosis and the Lower Extremity Thrombosis Classification
Authors: Arnoldussen C W K P , Wittens C H A
Published: February 2012

In this article we want to discuss the potential of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) imaging and propose a systematic approach to DVT management based on a DVT classification of the lower extremity; the LET classification. Identifying and reporting DVT more systematically allows for accurate stratification for initial patient care, future clinical trials and appropriate descriptions for natural history studies.
A Novel Scoring System for Lower-extremity Venous Pathology Analysed Using Magnetic Resonance Venography and Duplex Ultrasound
Authors: Arnoldussen C W K P , Toonder I , Wittens C H A
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

To present a novel scoring system for lower-extremity venous pathology (the LOVE score) and our experiences using it in our clinical practice to identify venous pathology with duplex ultrasound (DUS) and magnetic resonance venography (MRV).

Method:

A total of 40 patients, 30 suspected of chronic venous disease and 10 with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were examined from the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the popliteal vein using DUS and MRV. The image findings were reported using the LOVE score.

Results

The majority of deep veins (368 out of 378 segments) were completely visualized by both our imaging techniques and could be analysed using the LOVE score. Both imaging techniques reported comparable findings with regard to the visualization of thrombus, obstruction, collaterals, trabeculations, anatomic variations and central venous compression (e.g. May–Thurner).

Conclusions:

The LOVE score can be used to expand and standardize the documentation of imaging the deep venous system beyond thrombosis, to help identify (optimal) treatment options in patients with venous disease, in both the clinical and research setting. This first assessment shows that both DUS and MRV are capable of systematically identifying a multitude of changes in the venous system.
The effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction on image quality in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography
Authors: Tatsugami F , Matsuki M , Nakai G , Inada Y , Kanazawa S , Takeda Y , Morita H , Takada H , Yoshikawa S , Fukumura K , Narumi Y
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) on image noise and image quality as compared with standard filtered back projection (FBP) in 320-detector row CT coronary angiography (CTCA).

Methods: 50 patients (14 females, mean age 68±9 years) who underwent CTCA (100 kV or 120 kV, 400–580 mA) within a single heartbeat were enrolled. Studies were reconstructed with FBP and subsequently AIDR. Image noise, vessel contrast and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the coronary arteries were evaluated. Overall image quality for coronary arteries was assessed using a five-point scale (1, non-diagnostic; 5, excellent).

Results: All the examinations were performed in a single heartbeat. Image noise in the aorta was significantly lower in data sets reconstructed with AIDR than in those reconstructed with FBP (21.4±3.1 HU vs 36.9±4.5 HU; p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between FBP and AIDR for the mean vessel contrast (HU) in the proximal coronary arteries. Consequently, CNRs in the proximal coronary arteries were higher in the AIDR group than in the FBP group (p<0.001). The mean image quality score was improved by AIDR (3.75±0.38 vs 4.24±0.38; p<0.001).

Conclusion: The use of AIDR reduces image noise and improves image quality in 320-detector row CTCA.
Dosimetric variations of target volumes and organs at risk in nasopharyngeal carcinoma intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang X , Li M , Cao J , Luo J-W , Xu G-Z , Gao L , Yi J , Huang X , Xiao J , Li S , Dai J
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual dose variability to the targets and organs at risk (OARs) during nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and to investigate the significance of replanning.

Methods: 11 NPC patients were included in this study. Each patient had both a planning CT and weekly repeated CT. Simulated plans that were generated by using the same beam configurations mapped to the repeated CT represented the actual delivered doses to the target volumes and OARs. An IMRT replanning was performed with the fifth week CT scan. Doses among the initial plan, the simulated plans and replanning were compared.

Results: There were no significant dosimetric differences in the gross tumour volume, clinical target volume (CTV) 1 or CTV2 for either the simulated plans or the replanning compared with the initial plan. Dosimetric variability of both parotid glands and the brain stem were unique to each individual, and doses to the spinal cord were always maintained within the limit. Replanning in the fifth week had significantly decreased the doses delivered to both parotids (p-values of the mean dose were 0.015 and 0.026 for the left and right parotid, respectively), whereas it did not reduce the doses to the brain stem and spinal cord. There was no relationship between dose variability and weight loss.

Conclusions: There are no significant dose changes for target volumes and spinal cord, and doses to the brain stem and both parotid glands changed individually during NPC IMRT. Replanning helps to spare bilateral parotids.
Compromised perfusion in femoral head in normal rats: distinctive perfusion MRI evidence of contrast washout delay
Authors: Wang Y-X J , Griffith J F , Deng M , T Ma H , Zhang Y-F , Yan S-X , Ahuja A T
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The femoral head is prone to osteonecrosis. This study investigated dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI contrast washout features of the femoral head and compared the data with data from other bony compartments in normal rats.

Methods: 7-month-old Wistar rats were used. DCE MRI of the right hip (n=18), right knee (n=12) and lumbar spine (n=10) was performed after an intravenous bolus injection of Gd-DOTA (0.3 mmol kg–1). Temporal resolution was 0.6 s for hip and spine, and 0.3 s for knee. The total scan duration was 8 min for hip and spine, and 4.5 min for knee. The regions of interest for enhancement measurement included femoral head, proximal femoral diaphysis, distal femoral diaphysis and epiphysis, proximal tibial epiphysis and diaphysis, and lumbar vertebrae L1–5.

Results: Femoral head showed no enhancement signal decay during the DCE MRI period, while all other bony compartments showed a contrast washin phase followed by a contrast washout phase. In the knee joint, the contrast washout of the proximal tibia diaphysis was slower that of other bony compartments of the knee.

Conclusion: Based on the evidence of delayed contrast washout, this study showed that blood perfusion in the femoral head could be compromised in normal rats.
Laxative-free CT colonography
Authors: Slater A , Betts M , D'Costa H
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if the introduction of faecal tagging to CT colonography (CTC) made the examination easier to tolerate or reduced the number of false-positives.

Methods: Our department changed bowel preparation for CT colonography from Picolax (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd, London, UK) to Gastrografin® (Bracco Diagnostics Inc, Princeton, NJ) only with a modified diet. Questionnaires were given to a subgroup of patients within these cohorts. The numbers of false-positives were compared between two cohorts before and after this change. false-positives were defined as lesions reported on CT that were not confirmed by subsequent endoscopic examination. Polyps were matched if they were in the same or adjacent segments, and were within 5 mm of the reported size.

Results: 412 patients were identified from the Picolax cohort, and 116 from the Gastrografin cohort. 62 patients in each group completed questionnaires. Gastrografin produced less diarrhoea; 34% had five or more bowel motions in the previous day and night, compared with 77% for Picolax (p<0.001), although more patients found drinking it unpleasant compared with Picolax (85% reported drinking Picolax as “easy” vs 61% for Gastrografin; p=0.002). Picolax produced more non-diagnostic examinations, although this difference was not statistically significant. There was not a significant reduction in the numbers of false-positives (2 out of 112 for Gastrografin group, 14 out of 389 for the Picolax group; p=0.54).

Conclusion: Switching from Picolax to Gastrografin as a CTC preparation technique produced less diarrhoea, but did not reduce the number of false-positives.
Catalytic asymmetric synthesis using chirality-switchable helical polymer as a chiral ligand
Authors: Suginome Michinori , Yamamoto Takeshi , Nagata Yuuya , Yamada Tetsuya , Akai Yuto
Published: February 2012

Single-handed PQXphos, i.e., helical poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl)s bearing diarylphosphino pendant groups, served as remarkable chiral ligands in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of styrenes and asymmetric biaryl synthesis by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling, affording up to 98 % enantiomeric excess (e.e.) in both reactions. A palladium complex of high-molecular-weight variant (1000mer) of PQXphos could be reused eight times by virtue of the formation of an insoluble polymer complex. PQXphos underwent solvent-dependent inversion of the helical sense, enabling production of either of two enantiomeric products using a single PQXphos.
Assignment of stereochemistry in open-chain steroidal saponins
Authors: Challinor Victoria L. , De Voss James J.
Published: February 2012

The major phytochemical constituents of the widely used medicinal herb Chamaelirium luteum (“false unicorn”) are open-chain cholesterol-derived steroidal saponins. These are unusual in lacking the extra ring(s) derived from the steroidal side chain that are characteristic of the more commonly isolated furostanol and spirostanol saponins. The structures of the major steroidal saponins of C. luteum were determined using a combination of multistage mass spectrometry (MSn), 1D and 2D NMR experiments, and chemical degradation. The flexible nature of the steroidal side chain in these saponins necessitated determination of their absolute stereochemistry via total synthesis and X-ray crystallography.
Variação sazonal dos grupos funcionais fitoplanctônicos em braços de um reservatório tropical de usos múltiplos no estado de São Paulo (Brasil)
Authors: Cunha Davi Gasparini Fernandes , Calijuri Maria do Carmo
Published: February 2012

A análise dos grupos funcionais fitoplanctônicos em sistemas aquáticos pode oferecer subsídios à conciliação dos usos múltiplos. Essa pesquisa investigou a variação sazonal desses grupos no reservatório de Itupararanga (SP). Quatro braços foram amostrados para determinação de temperatura da água, pH, Radiação Solar Fotossinteticamente Ativa Subaquática (RSFA), turbidez, fósforo total, nitrato e sólidos suspensos totais (SST), além da contagem e identificação do fitoplâncton e análise de dados meteorológicos. O estudo, realizado em agosto e outubro de 2009 e fevereiro de 2010, sugeriu variação sazonal dos grupos fitoplanctônicos (p*<0,05), com predominância de organismos Sn, X1, M e F (inverno), X1, Y, F e K (primavera) e X1, J, K e W2 (verão). No inverno e na primavera, as principais variáveis que influenciaram a abundância dos grupos foram SST (7,4 a 48,1 mg L-1) e turbidez (7 a 96 UT). No verão, foram determinantes pH (7,7 a 9,8), temperatura (27,8 a 29, 1 ºC) e RSFA (>1.000 µE m-2 s-1). Em face à significativa variabilidade ambiental dos braços do reservatório, pela influência dos rios tributários, e à predominância de grupos fitoplanctônicos característicos de ambientes eutróficos, recomenda-se seu contínuo monitoramento para evitar prejuízos aos usos do sistema aquático, sobretudo para abastecimento e recreação.
Allelopathic effects of Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet on crop weeds
Authors: Takao Leandro Kenji , Ribeiro Jose Pedro Nepomuceno , Lima Maria Inês Salgueiro
Published: February 2012

Identification of species with allelopathic potential has been a target of researches aiming to use them to control crop weeds. Ipomoea cairica is considered a weed with allelopathic potential, which has already been reported. The goal of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic properties of leaf extracts from Ipomoea cairica on the germination and early development of four of the worst crop weeds in Brazil: Bidens pilosa L., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv., Euphorbia heterophylla L. and Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O´Donel. We tested the effects of leaf extracts, in four concentrations, on the germination and early development of these species. The extracts negatively affected the germination, early development and the morphology of all target species, and the phytotoxic effect was higher as the concentration of the extracts increased. The influence of the I. cairica extracts on germination, in addition to their effects on seedling development, made them more effective.
Efeitos de variáveis individuais e contextuais sobre desempenho individual no trabalho
Authors: Coelho Junior Francisco Antonio , Borges-Andrade Jairo Eduardo
Published: February 2012

O presente trabalho objetivou testar empiricamente um modelo teórico multinível de predição de desempenho individual no trabalho. As variáveis antecedentes investigadas, isoladas ou em interação, corresponderam à idade, gênero, cargo, grau de escolaridade, tempo de serviço e percepção de suporte à aprendizagem, medidas no nível individual e de contexto, e satisfação no trabalho, de nível individual. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma empresa pública, do ramo de pesquisas agropecuária e atuação nacional. A amostra (N = 808) contou com funcionários distribuídos em 45 unidades centralizadas e descentralizadas da empresa pelo Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada à distância, via e-mail. Os resultados multiníveis corroboraram o modelo teórico de pesquisa hipotetizado e evidenciaram que a variância de desempenho foi explicada por distintos preditores de nível individual e de contexto, isoladamente ou em interação.
Coping e saúde mental de adolescentes vestibulandos
Authors: Silva Lorena Soares Dias e , Zanini Daniela S
Published: February 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o uso de estratégias de enfrentamento de problemas (coping) por adolescentes vestibulandos e sua possível repercussão na saúde mental desses indivíduos. Participaram deste estudo 292 estudantes, sendo 59,6% mulheres e 38,0% homens com idades entre 16 e 19 anos (M = 17,09; DP = 0,71), contatados em escolas públicas, particulares e conveniadas, que declararam intenção de realizar o processo seletivo vestibular. Foram utilizados o Coping Response Inventory Youth Form (CRI-Y) para avaliar as estratégias de coping e o Youth Self Report (YSR) para avaliar as psicopatologias. O estudo demonstrou que os adolescentes avaliaram o vestibular como evento estressante, e aqueles que utilizaram mais estratégias de coping de aproximação para enfrentá-lo relataram menos psicopatologias. Os resultados deste estudo põem em evidência a relação entre vestibular como evento estressante e saúde mental dos adolescentes.
Effect of the levels of calcium and particle size of limestone on laying hens
Authors: Araujo José Anchieta de , Silva José Humberto Vilar da , Costa Fernando Guilherme Perazzo , Sousa Janaína Maria Batista de , Givisiez Patrícia Emília Naves , Sakomura Nilva Kazue
Published: February 2012

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of levels of calcium (Ca) and particle size of limestone (LS) for laying hens. It was used 216 Dekalb White laying hens at 25 to 49 weeks of age in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, composed of three levels of calcium (3.92, 4.02 and 4.12%) and two particle sizes of limestone (thin - 0.60 mm; and thick - 1.00 mm), resulting in 6 treatments with six replicates of six birds. There was no significant effect of levels of calcium and limestone particle size neither of the interaction calcium × particle size for feed intake, egg weight, specific gravity, shell thickness, shell percentage, Haugh unit, calcium and phosphorus digestibility and percentage of digestive tract. Production, mass, conversion by mass and conversion by egg dozen had their best results with 4.12% of calcium in the diet. Percentage of gizzard and feed intake observed at 3:00 p.m. improved as limestone granulometry improved from 0.60 to 1.00 mm. There was an interaction effect among calcium level and limestone granulometry for breaking strength of tibia, bone density, length of the small intestine and feed intake at 6:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., respectively. It is recommended the addition of 4.12% of calcium and limestone in the thick granulometry (1.00 mm) for a better performance of commercial laying hens. More studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the alteration of nutritional behavior of laying hens in response to changes in the levels of calcium and in the granulometry of limestone in the rations.
Violência contra a mulher entre residentes de áreas urbanas de Feira de Santana, Bahia
Authors: Rocha Saulo Vasconcelos , Almeida Maura Maria Guimarães de , Araújo Tânia Maria de
Published: February 2012

OBJETIVO: Analisar a ocorrência de violência física e/ou psicológica segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida e condições clínicas em uma população brasileira de área urbana. MÉTODO: Este estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal foi realizado com amostra representativa da população urbana de Feira de Santana (BA) com idade acima de 15 anos. Foi utilizado um formulário semiestruturado para pesquisar informações sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida, condições clínicas e atos de vitimização. RESULTADOS: Entre os respondentes, as mulheres apresentaram maior ocorrência de violência física e/ou psicológica quando comparadas aos homens. A violência contra a mulher esteve atrelada à presença de comorbidades que afetam negativamente sua saúde. CONCLUSÃO: As políticas de atenção a saúde e segurança do município devem contemplar ações direcionadas ao combate à violência contra a mulher, tendo em vista a elevada ocorrência e o impacto ocasionado por esse problema na saúde da população.
Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Preeclampsia
Authors: Moura da Silva Genivaldo , Coutinho Sonia B. , Piscoya Maria Dilma B. V. , Ximenes Ricardo A. A. , Jamelli Silvia R.
Published: February 2012

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory process caused by a specific group of microorganisms, resulting in the destruction of the tooth‐supporting tissue and the resorption of the alveolar bone. Therefore, periodontitis has been considered a risk factor for preeclampsia because infection is one of the factors involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of the present study is to determine whether periodontitis is a risk factor for preeclampsia and to identify other possible risk factors.

Methods: A case‐control study was performed with 574 puerperae under care at the university hospital at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in the city of Recife, Brazil. Data collection was preceded by a training exercise and a pilot study. Biologic and socioeconomic data were collected along with medical and dental records. A periodontal examination was performed on all dental elements to determine probing depth and gingival recession. The association between periodontitis and preeclampsia was first adjusted for the variables within each block, and adjusted for the variables of all blocks in the final multivariate model.

Results: The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for other risk factors, periodontitis remained an independent risk factor for preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.60, confidence interval [CI] = 3.92 to 18.88, P <0.001 and adjusted OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.90, P <0.001, when using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology definition).

Conclusion: The results suggest that within the population studied, periodontitis was a risk factor for preeclampsia.
A Comparative Evaluation of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Honey In Vitro and Antiplaque Efficacy in a 4‐Day Plaque Regrowth Model In Vivo: Preliminary Results
Authors: Aparna S. , Srirangarajan S. , Malgi Veena , Setlur Krishnanand P. , Shashidhar R. , Setty Swati , Thakur Srinath
Published: February 2012

Background: Honey has a potent broad‐spectrum antibacterial action that may make it suitable for “anti‐infective” treatment of periodontal disease. The aims of this study are as follows: 1) to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of honey against oral bacteria and compare the same with 0.2% chlorhexidine; and 2) to compare antiplaque efficacy in vivo with chlorhexidine.

Methods: The study was conducted in two parts. In the in vitro part, the inhibitory effects of three test agents, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, honey mouthwash, and saline, against six oral bacteria at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 μg/mL were tested in duplicate. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was set as the lowest concentration of the agent that completely inhibited the growth of the test species. The in vivo part consisted of a double‐masked parallel clinical trial based on a 4‐day plaque regrowth model. Sixty‐six volunteers, 20 to 24 years of age, participated in the study, and the plaque scores were compared at baseline and at the end of 4 days. The Kruskal‐Wallis test was used for significance, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparison of the groups. The mean plaque scores were 1.77 ± 0.86, 1.64 ± 0.90, and 3.27 ± 0.83 for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Results: The honey mouthrinse effectively inhibited the six tested microorganisms. The chlorhexidine gluconate rinse had the lowest MICs compared with honey and saline rinses for all test species examined. The in vivo results revealed that plaque formation was inhibited/reduced by chlorhexidine and honey rinses.

Conclusion: Honey has antibacterial action against tested oral microorganisms and also has antiplaque action.
Influence of Thread Design on Implant Positioning in Immediate Implant Placement
Authors: Koticha Tapan , Fu Jia‐Hui , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: February 2012

Background: It is generally believed that implants placed in extraction sockets have a tendency to shift in the facial direction during insertion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different thread designs on the final implant position in immediate implant placement.

Methods: In a split‐mouth design involving 11 cadaver heads, each specimen received two implants, one with a square and one with a V‐shaped thread design, in maxillary incisor extraction sockets. The facio‐lingual locations of the drills and the implant were tracked, and the displacements were compared between the two groups.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the square and V‐shaped thread design groups. The mean displacements of the different groups showed a general tendency of the implants to be positioned facially compared with the initial drill trajectory. This tendency was greater for implants with square thread design.

Conclusion: There was no significant effect of implant thread design on the positioning of implants in extraction sockets.
Pregabalin in Neuropathic Pain Related to DPN, Cancer and Back Pain: Analysis of a 6-Week Observational Study
Authors: R. Toelle Thomas , Varvara Roxana , Nimour Meryem , Emir Birol , Brasser Matthias
Published: February 2012

Background: Neuropathic pain is associated with many conditions. Pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy in randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) in peripheral and central neuropathic pain. Observational studies complement findings from RCTs by enabling an agent to be studied in real-world patients and circumstances.

Methods: Patients with neuropathic pain were treated with pregabalin 150-600 mg/day in this 6 week observational study.Analyses of subsets of patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN; n=4633), back pain with a neuropathic component (n=3800), and cancer-related neuropathic pain (n=345) were undertaken.

Results: The mean pregabalin doses ranged from 219 to 250 mg/day across the disease groups. Mean baseline pain scores (6.4 to 7.0 across the three disease states) indicated patients had moderate to severe pain. Pregabalin was associated with a rapid and significant reduction in pain from week 1 to endpoint in all groups. Over 80% in each of the groups had a ≥30% pain reduction in their pain at 6 weeks, and over two-thirds had a ≥50% reduction. Pain-related sleep interference
decreased rapidly and significantly. Most patients (87%) were either very satisfied or satisfied with the action of pregabalin. General well-being improved significantly over the 6 weeks. Pregabalin was generally well tolerated; the most common adverse event overall was dizziness (1.4%). Few patients (≥6.1%/group) discontinued due to adverse events.

Conclusions: In neuropathic pain patients in day-to-day practice, pregabalin was associated with notable reductions in pain and sleep interference. The benefits of pregabalin were reflected in the high level of patient satisfaction and improvement in general well-being.
Constructing Narrative Ecologies as a Site for Teachers' Professional Learning with New Technologies and Media in Primary Education
Authors: Turvey Keith
Published: February 2012

This article argues that to understand how new technologies and media can become coagents in the process of pedagogical change, we first need to understand teachers' complex relationship with new technologies and media in both their personal and their professional lives. A conceptual framework is delineated for constructing a complex narrative ecology around teachers' professional and personal relationship with new technologies and media. The narrative ecology model, it is proposed, can be used to story the otherwise isolated but constituent aspects of teachers' experiences of technology. It is an approach predicated on a view of professional learning as a narrative process. The model is applied and evaluated in a fine-grained narrative case study of one student teacher's approach to the use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) in an intervention within a primary school in the United Kingdom. The findings suggest that using the narrative ecology model to story teachers' personal and professional experiences with technology brings meaning and new insights to teachers' nuanced relationships with technology, creating a site for further professional development and learning.
Stitching Together a Teacher's Body of Knowledge: Frankie N. Stein's ePortfolio
Authors: Hopper Timothy , Sanford Kathy , Bonsor-Kurki Sarah
Published: February 2012

In this article the authors report on research into how an ePortfolio (eP) process can address the critique that teacher education programs offer fragmented course experiences and too often focus on narrow instrumentalist approaches emphasising the ‘how to’ and the ‘what works' — implying that learning how to teach is about stitching together separate pieces of knowledge transmitted in an array of teacher education courses. In contrast, the authors believe that an eP process, systematically developed within a teacher education program, can create a complex and self-renewing system that grows from both individual and programmatic assessment of student learning. Using the eP entries of 45 elementary pre-service teachers and interviews with eight graduating pre-service teachers, they have crafted five ethnographic fictions. These narratives, drawing on themes generated in the data analysis, offer an insight into the lived experience of being a pre-service teacher in a teacher education program that uses an eP practice. Using a complexity theoretical lens the authors show how the eP process creates the conditions that enables pre-service teachers to communicate reflective thinking about teaching as they develop an understanding of learning and learners in emergent ways. The authors show how the eP process enables pre-service teachers to form a personal and collective sense of their forming teacher identity from course and practical experiences that can be integrated into an inter-connected sense of becoming a teacher.
The Influence of Computer-Mediated Communication Systems on Community
Authors: Rockinson-Szapkiw Amanda J.
Published: February 2012

As higher education institutions enter the intense competition of the rapidly growing global marketplace of online education, the leaders within these institutions are challenged to identify factors critical for developing and for maintaining effective online courses. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems are considered critical to successful online courses. Using the Community of Inquiry framework, this study examined the use of CMC systems. Results suggested no significant difference in social presence, cognitive presence or teaching presence between the online students who used only asynchronous CMC systems and those who used a combination of both asynchronous and synchronous CMC systems; however, students' comments suggest that the use of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous CMC systems may increase their sense of community in the online environment.
Surveillance of bacterial contamination in small animal veterinary hospitals with special focus on antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits of enterococci
Authors: KuKanich Kate S. , Ghosh Anuradha , Skarbek Jennifer V. , Lothamer; Ludek Zurek Kale M.
Published: February 2012

Objective—To determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination on 4 surfaces of 4 types of standard equipment in small animal veterinary hospitals.

Design—Surveillance study.

Sample—10 small animal veterinary hospitals.

Procedures—Each hospital was visited 3 times at 4-month intervals; at each visit, a cage door, stethoscope, rectal thermometer, and mouth gag were swabbed. Swab samples were each plated onto media for culture of enterococci and organisms in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Enterococci were identified via a species-specific PCR assay and sodA gene sequencing; species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified with a biochemical test kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed via the disk diffusion method. Enterococci were screened for virulence traits and genotyped to assess clonality.

Results—Among the 10 hospitals, enterococci were isolated from cage doors in 7, from stethoscopes in 7, from thermometers in 6, and from mouth gags in 1; contamination with species of Enterobacteriaceae was rare. Enterococci were mainly represented by Enterococcus faecium (35.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (33.2%), and Enterococcus hirae (28.3%). Antimicrobial resistance was common in E faecium, whereas virulence traits were present in 99% of E faecalis isolates but not in E faecium isolates. Clonal multidrug-resistant E faecium was isolated from several surfaces at 1 hospital over multiple visits, whereas sporadic nonclonal contamination was detected in other hospitals.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Contamination of surfaces in small animal veterinary hospitals with multidrug-resistant enterococci is a potential concern for pets and humans contacting these surfaces. Implementing precautions to minimize enterococcal contamination on these surfaces is recommended.
Development and experimental validation of a versatile prototype Swing Arm Profilometer for measuring optical surfaces
Authors: Jing Hongwei , Lin Zhaoheng , Ma Lifang , Wu Shibin , Wu Fan
Published: February 2012

A versatile prototype Swing Arm Profilometer (SAP) is developed and experimentally validated in the Institute of Optics and Electronics (IOE), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The configurations for the SAP are introduced. The measurement principles for measuring plano, spherical and aspherical mirrors are given. Four experiments are performed on the prototype SAP and validated by interferometric results. The measurement uncertainty for the current prototype SAP is 0.5 micron (rms).
Prevalence and Incidence of Abnormal Behaviours in Individually Housed Sheep
Authors: Lauber Mariko , Nash Judy A. , Gatt Allan , Hemsworth Paul H.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the prevalence and incidence of abnormal behaviour in sheep housed individually indoors. Ninety-six castrated Merino sheep were observed using 15-min instantaneous sampling between 08:15 and 18:15 h for two consecutive days over a 3-week period. Sheep on average spent 62% of their time idle, 17% feeding, 1% drinking, 5% pacing, 10% chewing pen fixtures and 4% nosing pen fixtures. Pacing behaviour was predominantly seen in the morning with sheep on average spending 14% of their time pacing. Sheep on average spent 4% of their time in the morning and 13% of their time in the afternoon chewing pen fixtures. In the afternoon, the predominant behaviour was idle with sheep on average spending 71% of their time idle. Seventy-one percent of the sheep displayed one or more of the behaviours of pacing, and chewing and nosing pen fixtures for more than 10% of the day and 47% displayed one or more of these behaviours for more than 20% of the day. The prevalence and incidence of these ‘abnormal’ behaviours appears high, especially in relation to that of sheep grazed outdoors on pasture, and raises the question of the welfare risk to these animals. However, without a more comprehensive appreciation of other aspects of the animal’s biology, such as stress physiology and fitness characteristics, it is difficult to understand the welfare implications of these behaviours.
Early Exercise Affects Mitochondrial Transcription Factors Expression after Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Yi , Sha Hongying , Zhang Pengyue , Jia Jie , Hu Yongshan , Zhu Jianhong
Published: February 2012

Increasing evidence shows that exercise training is neuroprotective after stroke, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. To clarify this critical issue, the current study investigated the effects of early treadmill exercise on the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors. Adult rats were subjected to ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Expression of two genes critical for transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator-1 (PGC-1) and nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), were examined by RT-PCR after five days of exercise starting at 24 h after ischemia. Mitochondrial protein cytochrome C oxidase subunit IV (COX IV) was detected by Western blot. Neurological status and cerebral infarct volume were evaluated as indices of brain damage. Treadmill training increased levels of PGC-1 and NRF-1 mRNA, indicating that exercise promotes rehabilitation after ischemia via regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis.
Four Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Xylaria sp. BL321
Authors: Song Yongxiang , Wang Jiajian , Huang Hongbo , Ma Lin , Wang Jun , Gu Yucheng , Liu Lan , Lin Yongcheng
Published: February 2012

Three new eremophilane sesquiterpenes (1–3) were isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Xylaria sp. BL321 together with 07H239-A (4), a known analogue of the new compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of their MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compound 4 showed activation activity on α-glucosidase at 0.15 μM (146%), and then, 4 gradually produced inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase with increasing concentration, and the IC50 value is 6.54 μM.
Radiosynthesis and Radiotracer Properties of a 7-(2-[18F]Fluoroethoxy)-6-methoxypyrrolidinylquinazoline for Imaging of Phosphodiesterase 10A with PET
Authors: Funke Uta , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Schwan Gregor , Maisonial Aurélie , Scheunemann Matthias , Fischer Steffen , Hiller Achim , Briel Detlef , Brust Peter
Published: February 2012

Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is a key enzyme of intracellular signal transduction which is involved in the regulation of neurotransmission. The molecular imaging of PDE10A by PET is expected to allow a better understanding of physiological and pathological processes related to PDE10A expression and function in the brain. The aim of this study was to develop a new 18F-labeled PDE10A ligand based on a 6,7-dimethoxy-4-pyrrolidinylquinazoline and to evaluate its properties in biodistribution studies. Nucleophilic substitution of the 7-tosyloxy-analogue led to the 7-[18F]fluoroethoxy-derivative [18F]IV with radiochemical yields of 25% ± 9% (n = 9), high radiochemical purity of ≥99% and specific activities of 110–1,100 GBq/μmol. [18F]IV showed moderate PDE10A affinity (KD,PDE10A = 14 nM) and high metabolic stability in the brain of female CD-1 mice, wherein the radioligand entered rapidly with a peak uptake of 2.3% ID/g in striatum at 5 min p.i. However, ex vivo autoradiographic and in vivo blocking studies revealed no target specific accumulation and demonstrated [18F]IV to be inapplicable for imaging PDE10A with PET.
Intraoperative Fluid Therapy and Pulmonary Complications
Authors: Siemionow Krzysztof , Cywinski Jacek , Kusza Krzysztof , Lieberman Isador
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of intraoperative fluid therapy on length of hospital stay and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing spine surgery. A total of 1307 patients were analyzed. Sixteen pulmonary complications were observed. Patients with a higher volume of administered crystalloids, colloids, and total intravenous fluids were more likely to have postoperative respiratory complications: the odds of postoperative respiratory complications increased by 30% with an increase of 1000 mL of crystalloid administered. The best cutoff point for total fluids was 4165 mL, with a sensitivity of 0.8125 and specificity of 0.7171, for postoperative pulmonary complications. A direct correlation existed between fluids and length of stay: patients who received >4165 mL of total fluids had an average length of stay of 3.88±4.66 days vs 2.3±3.9 days for patients who received <4165 mL of total fluids (
P
<.0001).

This study should be considered as hypothesis-generating to design a prospective trial comparing high vs low intraoperative fluid regiments for patients undergoing spine surgery.
Mid-term Outcome of Opening-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy for Varus Arthritic Knees
Authors: Haviv Barak , Bronak Shlomo , Thein Ran , Kidron Amos , Thein Rafael
Published: February 2012

Gonarthrosis in the relatively young and active population causes major daily discomfort and disability. If the arthritic process is mainly limited to the medial compartment, the axis of a varus knee can be realigned laterally with high tibial osteotomy to unload the medial compartment and allow some cartilage regeneration and pain relief. This study describes the outcomes of patients who underwent opening-wedge high tibial osteotomies using Puddu plate (Arthrex, Naples, Florida) fixation. Eighteen patients (22 knees) with genu varum and medial compartment osteoarthritis were followed-up for an average of 6.3±2.3 years after high tibial osteotomy with Puddu plate fixation and iliac crest allograft. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Oxford Knee Score and subjective satisfaction rating. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated for tibiofemoral angle, Insall-Salvati index, and Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale for osteoarthritis. Mean patient age at surgery was 44±13.7 years, and mean body mass index was 29.1±4.7 kg/m
2
. At last follow-up, mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 22.4±13.5 to 37.2±13.7 (
P
=.002). Average subjective satisfaction rate at last follow-up was 8±3. The measured tibiofemoral angle was corrected to an average genu valgum of 3.3°±4.8° (
P
=.001). No patient showed severe postoperative osteoarthritis (ie, Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4) at last follow-up. All radiographs showed full incorporation of the bone grafts. At the end of the study, 2 patients underwent total knee replacement.

Opening-wedge high tibial valgus osteotomy with Puddu plate fixation can be a reliable procedure for the treatment of medial-compartment osteoarthritis of the knee associated with varus deformity.