bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of rate control medication before cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter in the emergency department is associated with reduced success rates
Authors: Blecher Gabriel E. , Stiell Ian G. , Rowe Brian H. , Lang Eddy , Brison Robert J. , Perry Jeffrey J. , Clement Catherine M. , Borgundvaag Bjug , Langhan Trevor , Magee Kirk , Stenstrom Rob , Birnie David , Wells George A.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

It is believed that when patients present to the emergency department (ED) with recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter (RAFF), controlling the ventricular rate before cardioversion improves the success rate. We evaluated the influence of rate control medication and other variables on the success of cardioversion.

Methods:

This secondary analysis of a medical records review comprised 1,068 patients with RAFF who presented to eight Canadian EDs over 12 months. Univariate analysis was performed to find associations between predictors of conversion to sinus rhythm including use of rate control, rhythm control, and other variables. Predictive variables were incorporated into the multivariate model to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) associated with successful cardioversion.

Results:

A total of 634 patients underwent attempted cardioversion: 428 electrical, 354 chemical, and 148 both. Adjusted ORs for factors associated with successful electrical cardioversion were use of rate control medication, 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.74); rhythm control medication, 0.28 (95% CI 0.15-0.53); and CHADS2score > 0, 0.43 (95% CI 0.15-0.83). ORs for factors associated with successful chemical cardioversion were use of rate control medication, 1.29 (95% CI 0.82-2.03); female sex, 2.37 (95% CI 1.50-3.72); and use of procainamide, 2.32 (95% CI 1.43-3.74).

Conclusion:

We demonstrated reduced successful electrical cardioversion of RAFF when patients were pretreated with either rate or rhythm control medication. Although rate control medication was not associated with increased success of chemical cardioversion, use of procainamide was. Slowing the ventricular rate prior to cardioversion should be avoided.
Effect of a preauthorization policy on the utilization rate of after-hours emergency department neuroradiology computed tomography
Authors: Dhanoa Deljit , Burton Kirsteen Rennie , de Tilly Lyne Noël , Menezes Ravi J.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of an emergency department (ED) automatic preauthorization policy on after-hours utilization of neuroradiology computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

All CT studies of the head with contrast facial bones, orbits, spine, and neck requested through the ED and performed between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2010, were reviewed. The preauthorization policy was instituted on February 25, 2008. A control group of noncontrast CT head studies was used for comparison. Pre- and postpolicy implementation utilization rates were compared between the control group of noncontrast CT head studies and the study group neuroradiology CT studies.

Results:

During the study period, 408,501 ED patient visits occurred and 20,703 neuroradiology CT studies were carried out. The pre- and postimplementation groups of noncontrast CT head scans totalled 7,474 and 6,094, respectively, whereas the pre- and postimplementation groups of all other neuroradiology CT studies totalled 3,833 and 3,302, respectively. The CT utilization between the two groups did not differ significantly: the noncontrast head group pre- and postpolicy implementation increased by 0.31 to 3.41%, whereas the utilization of all other neuroradiology CT studies increased by 0.22 to 1.84% (pvalue = 0.061 for a difference between groups).

Conclusion:

Implementation of an automatic preauthorization policy for after-hours neuroradiology CT studies did not result in a statistically significant increase in CT utilization. This suggests that concerns regarding the negative effects of such policiesmay be unfounded, and further research in this area is warranted.
Influence of publicly available online wait time data on emergency department choice in patients with noncritical complaints
Authors: Yip Amelia , McLeod Shelley , McRae Andrew , Xie Bin
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Increased emergency department (ED) wait times lead to more patients who leave without being seen and decreased patient satisfaction. Many EDs post estimated wait times either online or in the ED to guide patient expectations. The objectives of this study were to assess patients' awareness of online wait time data and to investigate patients' willingness to use this information when choosing between two academic EDs in London, Ontario.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted over a 2-month period in a tertiary ED with online available wait times. Patients over 18 years of age assigned a Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) score of 3, 4, or 5 were approached by trained research assistants to complete a 15-item paper-based questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with the outcomes.

Results:

A total of 1,211 patients completed the survey. Of these, 109 (9%) were aware that ED wait time information was available on the Internet; 544 (45%) reported that they would use the available data to make a decision on which ED to visit, and 536 (44%) indicated that they were more likely to go to the ED with a shorter wait time. Age, gender, household income, education, and Internet access were not associated with awareness of online ED wait times. Participants less than 40 years of age were more likely to use online wait time information.

Conclusion:

There is low awareness of the availability of ED wait time data published online in the study locaton. Future research may include the delivery of a public awareness strategy for ED wait time data and a re-evaluation of ED use and patient satisfaction following this.
Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasonography
Authors: Shokoohi Hamid , Boniface Keith , Taheri M. Reza , Pourmand Ali
Published: July 2016

Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon condition that can mimic other conditions associated with an acute abdomen. We report the case of a patient with a spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma due to a ruptured inferior epigastric artery pseudoaneurysm who presented with hypotension and severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed using emergency department point-of-care ultrasonography. Point-of-care ultrasonography has been increasingly used in the evaluation of emergency department patients with acute abdomen and hypotension to expedite the diagnosis and management of aortic aneurysm and intraperitoneal bleeding. Resuscitation and urgent surgical and interventional radiology consultations resulted in the successful embolization of a branch of the inferior epigastric artery and a good outcome.
Photodocumentation as an emergency department documentation tool in soft tissue infection: a randomized trial
Authors: Lund Adam , Joo Daniel , Lewis Kerrie , Arikan Yasemin , Grunfeld Anton
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Current documentation methods for patients with skin and soft tissue infections receiving outpatient parenteral anti-infective therapy (OPAT) include written descriptions and drawings of the infection that may inadequately communicate clinical status. We undertook a study to determine whether photodocumentation (PD) improves the duration of outpatient treatment of skin and soft tissue infections.

Methods:

A single-blinded, prospective, randomized trial was conducted in the emergency departments of a community hospital and an academic tertiary centre. Participants included consecutive patients age ≥ 14 years presenting with noninvasive skin and soft tissue infections requiring OPAT. Patients in the intervention arm were treated with standard of care plus PD at each emergency physician assessment. Control subjects received care provided at the discretion of the treating physician and non-photographic documentation. The primary outcome was duration of therapy measured in half-days. The required sample size to detect a difference of one half-day was 253 patients per group (α = 0.05). Secondary outcomes included (1) completion and therapeutic failure rates, (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) physician and nurse satisfaction.

Results:

Enrolment was slower and follow-up rates lower than anticipated, and the trial was terminated when funds were exhausted. A total of 468 subjects with similar age and gender characteristics were enrolled, with 244 receiving the intervention and 224 in the control arm. The mean OPAT duration was similar in the two groups (3.6 days v. 3.5 days,p= 0.73). No differences in the rate for completion and therapeutic failure were observed (71% v. 68% and < 1% for both, respectively). Survey response rates varied significantly: patients, 65%; nurses, 17%; and physicians, 87%. Physicians endorsed more comfort with their assessment and OPAT judgment with PD (65% and 64%, respectively). Physicians cited too much time lost with technological challenges, which would affect implementation in a busy ED.

Conclusions:

PD as an intervention is acceptable to patients and has reasonable endorsement by the majority of physicians. This trial had significant limitations that threatened the integrity of the study, so the results are inconclusive.
Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in skin and soft tissue infections in patients presenting to Canadian emergency departments
Authors: Borgundvaag Bjug , Ng Wil , Rowe Brian , Katz Kevin ,   on the behalf of EMERGency Department Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance NeTwork (EMERGENT) Working Group
Published: July 2016

Background:

Community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is an increasingly common cause of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) worldwide. The prevalence of MRSA in SSTIs across Canada has not been well described. Studies in the United States have shown significant geographic variability in the prevalence of MRSA. This study characterizes the geographic prevalence and microbiology of MRSA in patients presenting to Canadian emergency departments with SSTIs.

Methods:

Using a prospective, observational design, we enrolled patients with acute purulent SSTIs presenting to 17 hospital emergency departments and 2 community health centres (spanning 6 Canadian provinces) between July 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009. Eligible patients were those whose wound cultures grewS. aureus. MRSA isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. All patients were subjected to a structured chart audit, and patients whose wound swabs grew MRSA were contacted by telephone to gather detailed information regarding risk factors for MRSA infection, history of illness, and outcomes.

Results:

Of the 1,353S. aureus–positive encounters recorded, 431 (32%) grew MRSA and 922 (68%) wounds grew methicillin-susceptibleS. aureus. We observed significant variation in both the prevalence of MRSA (11–100%) and the proportion of community-associated strains of MRSA (0– 100%) across our study sites, with a significantly higher prevalence of MRSA in western Canada.

Interpretation:

MRSA continues to emerge across Canada, and the prevalence of MRSA in SSTIs across Canada is variable and higher than previously expected.
Ineffectiveness of cognitive forcing strategies to reduce biases in diagnostic reasoning: a
controlled trial
Authors: Sherbino Jonathan , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , Howey Elizabeth , Norman Geoffrey
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Cognitive forcing strategies (CFS)may reduce error arising from cognitive biases. This is the first experimental test to determine the effect of CFS training in medical students.

Methods:

Students were allocated to CFS training or control during a 4-week emergency medicine rotation (n = 191). At the end of the rotation examination, students were tested using computer-based cases. Application of CFS could enable reduction of diagnostic error, as evidenced by identifying multiple correct diagnoses for the two cases prone to search satisficing bias (SSB) and uncommon diagnoses for the two cases prone to availability bias (AB). Two “false positive” cases were included to test for possible “oversearching.”

Results:

There were 145 students in the intervention and 46 in the control group. For the SSB cases, 52% of students with CFS training and 48% in the control group initiated a search for the second diagnosis (χ2 = 0.13, df = 1, p = 0.91). More than half (54%) correctly identified the second diagnosis in the CFS group, and 48% identified it in the control group. The difference was not significant (χ2 = 2.25, df = 1, p = 0.13). For the second diagnosis in the false positive cases, 64% of the CFS group and 77% of the control group incorrectly identified it. There were no significant differences between groups (χ2 = 2.38, df = 1, p = 0.12). In the AB cases, only 45% in each group identified the uncommon correct diagnosis (χ2 = 0.001, df = 1, p = 0.98).

Conclusions:

The educational interventions suggested by experts in clinical reasoning and employed in our study to teach CFS failed to show any reduction in diagnostic error by novices.
Development and validation of a prediction rule for early discharge of low-risk emergency department patients with potential ischemic chest pain
Authors: Scheuermeyer Frank Xavier , Wong Hubert , Yu Eugenia , Boychuk Barb , Innes Grant , Grafstein Eric , Gin Kenneth , Christenson Jim
Published: July 2016

Objectives:

Current guidelines emphasize that emergency department (ED) patients at low risk for potential ischemic chest pain cannot be discharged without extensive investigations or hospitalization to minimize the risk of missing acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We sought to derive and validate a prediction rule that permitted 20 to 30% of ED patients without ACS safely to be discharged within 2 hours without further provocative cardiac testing.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study enrolled 1,669 chest pain patients in two blocks in 2000–2003 (development cohort) and 2006 (validation cohort). The primary outcome was 30-day ACS diagnosis. A recursive partitioning model incorporated reliable and predictive cardiac risk factors, pain characteristics, electrocardiographic findings, and cardiac biomarker results.

Results:

In the derivation cohort, 165 of 763 patients (21.6%) had a 30-day ACS diagnosis. The derived prediction rule was 100.0% sensitive and 18.6% specific. In the validation cohort, 119 of 906 patients (13.1%) had ACS, and the prediction rule was 99.2% sensitive (95% CI 95.4–100.0) and 23.4% specific (95% CI 20.6–26.5). Patients have a very low ACS risk if arrival and 2-hour troponin levels are normal, the initial electrocardiogram is nonischemic, there is no history of ACS or nitrate use, age is < 50 years, and defined pain characteristics are met. The validation of the rule was limited by the lack of consistency in data capture, incomplete follow-up, and lack of evaluation of the accuracy, comfort, and clinical sensibility of this clinical decision rule.

Conclusion:

The Vancouver Chest Pain Rule may identify a cohort of ED chest pain patients who can be safely discharged within 2 hours without provocative cardiac testing. Further validation across other centres with consistent application and comprehensive and uniform follow-up of all eligible and enrolled patients, in addition to measuring and reporting the accuracy of and comfort level with applying the rule and the clinical sensibility, should be completed prior to adoption and implementation.
Socioeconomic status and the use of computed tomography in the emergency department
Authors: Bhayana Rajesh , Vermeulen Marian J. , Li Qi , Hellings Chelsea R. , Berdahl Carl , Schull Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with adverse health outcomes. Possible explanations include differences in health status, access to health care, and care provided by clinicians. We sought to determine whether SES is associated with computed tomography (CT) use in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of all Ontario ED patients (April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010) using administrative databases was conducted, and patients were stratified into SES quintiles based on median neighbourhood income. Using multivariate logistical regression, CT scan use within SES quintiles was compared for all patients and subgroups based on chief complaints: headache, abdominal pain, and complex abdominal pain (age ≥ 65 years, high acuity, and admittance to hospital).

Results:

We analyzed 4,551,101 patient visits, of which 52% were female. Overall, 8.2% underwent CT scanning. In adjusted analyses, the lowest SES patients were less likely to undergo CT scanning overall and in all clinical subgroups, except for complex abdominal pain. Compared to the lowest SES quintile, the adjusted odds ratios of CT scanning in the highest SES quintile were 1.08 (95% CI 1.07–1.09), 1.28 (95%CI 1.22–1.34), and 1.24 (95% CI 1.21–1.27) for all patients, headache pain patients, and abdominal pain patients, respectively. For patients presenting with complex abdominal pain, no significant difference in CT use was observed.

Conclusion:

Lowest SES ED patients were less likely to receive CT scans overall and in headache and abdominal pain subgroups. No difference was seen among complex abdominal pain patients, suggesting that as clinical indications for the test become more clearcut, use across SES quintiles differs less.
Chest compressions do not disrupt the seal created by the laryngeal mask airway during positive pressure ventilation: a preliminary porcine study
Authors: Carlson Jestin N. , Suffoletto Brian P. , Salcido David D. , Logue Eric S. , Menegazzi James J.
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents occurs 20 to 30% of the time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of cardiac arrest due to loss of protective airway reflexes, pressure changes generated during CPR, and positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Although the American Heart Association has recommended the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an acceptable alternative airway for use by emergency medical service personnel, concerns over the capacity of the device to protect from pulmonary aspiration remain.We sought to determine the occurrence of aspiration after LMA placement, CPR, and PPV.

Methods:

We inserted a size 4 LMA, modified so that a vacuum catheter could be advanced past the LMA diaphragm, into the hypopharynx of 16 consecutive postexperimental mixed-breed domestic swine. Fifteen millilitres of heparinized blood was instilled into the oropharynx. Chest compressions were performed for 60 seconds with asynchronous ventilation via a mechanical ventilator. We then suctioned through the LMA for 1 minute. The catheter was removed and inspected for signs of blood. The LMA cuff was deflated, removed, and inspected for signs of blood.

Results:

None of 16 animals (95% CI 0-17%) had a positive test for the presence of blood in both the vacuum catheter and the intima of the LMA diaphragm.

Conclusions:

In this swine model of regurgitation after LMA placement, there were no cases with evidence of blood beyond the seal created by the LMA cuff. Future studies are needed to determine the frequency of pulmonary aspiration after LMA placement during CPR and PPV in the clinical setting.
Developments in Methods for Measuring the Intestinal Absorption of Nanoparticle-Bound Drugs
Authors: Liu Wei , Pan Hao , Zhang Caiyun , Zhao Liling , Zhao Ruixia , Zhu Yongtao , Pan Weisan
Published: July 2016

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, novel drug delivery systems comprising orally administered nanoparticles (NPs) have been paid increasing attention in recent years. The bioavailability of orally administered drugs has significant influence on drug efficacy and therapeutic dosage, and it is therefore imperative that the intestinal absorption of oral NPs be investigated. This review examines the various literature on the oral absorption of polymeric NPs, and provides an overview of the intestinal absorption models that have been developed for the study of oral nanoparticles. Three major categories of models including a total of eight measurement methods are described in detail (in vitro: dialysis bag, rat gut sac, Ussing chamber, cell culture model; in situ: intestinal perfusion, intestinal loops, intestinal vascular cannulation; in vivo: the blood/urine drug concentration method), and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are contrasted and elucidated. In general, in vitro and in situ methods are relatively convenient but lack accuracy, while the in vivo method is troublesome but can provide a true reflection of drug absorption in vivo. This review summarizes the development of intestinal absorption experiments in recent years and provides a reference for the systematic study of the intestinal absorption of nanoparticle-bound drugs.
High Morphologic Plasticity of Microglia/Macrophages Following Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Yang Shu-Sheng , Lin Li , Liu Yue , Wang Jie , Chu Jiang , Zhang Teng , Ning Lin-Na , Shi Yan , Fang Ying-Yan , Zeng Peng , Wang Jian-Zhi , Qiu Ming-Yi , Tian Qing
Published: July 2016

As current efforts have limited effects on the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the mechanisms including microglia/macrophages that involved inflammation need further investigation. Here, 0.4 units of collagenase VII were injected into the left caudate putamen (CPu) to duplicate ICH rat models. In the brains of ICH rats, microglia/macrophages, the nearest cells to the hemorrhagic center, were observed as ameboid and Prussian-blue positive. Furthermore, the ameboid microglia/macrophages were differentiation (CD) 68 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) positive, and neither CD206 nor chitinase3-like 3 (Ym1) positive, suggesting their strong abilities of phagocytosis and secretion of IL-1β. According to the distance to the hemorrhagic center, we selected four areas—I, II, III, and IV—to analyze the morphology of microglia/macrophages. The processes decreased successively from region I to region IV. Microglia/macrophages in region IV had no processes. The processes in region I were radially distributed, however, they showed obvious directivity towards the hemorrhagic center in regions II and III. Region III had the largest density of compactly arrayed microglia/macrophages. All these in vivo results present the high morphologic plasticity of microglia/macrophages and their functions in the pathogenesis of ICHs.
Efficient Preamble Design Technique for Millimeter-Wave Cellular Systems with Beamforming
Authors: Han Dae , Kim Yeong , Cho Yong
Published: July 2016

The processing time for beam training in millimeter-wave (mmWave) cellular systems can be significantly reduced by a code division multiplexing (CDM)-based technique, where multiple beams are transmitted simultaneously with their corresponding Tx beam IDs (BIDs) in the preamble. However, mmWave cellular systems with CDM-based preambles require a large number of cell IDs (CIDs) and BIDs, and a high computational complexity for CID and BID (CBID) searches. In this paper, a new preamble design technique that can increase the number of CBIDs significantly is proposed, using a preamble sequence constructed by a combination of two Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequences. An efficient technique for the CBID detection is also described for the proposed preamble. It is shown by simulations using a simple model of an mmWave cellular system that the proposed technique can obtain a significant reduction in the complexity of the CBID detection without a noticeable performance degradation, compared to the previous technique.
Complex angular and torsional deformities (distal femoral malunions)
Authors: DeTora Michael , Boudrieau Randy
Published: July 2016

Objective: To describe the surgical technique of complex distal femoral deformity correction with the aid of stereolithography apparatus (SLA) biomodels, stabilized with locking plate fixation.

Methods: Full-size replica epoxy bone bio-models of the affected femurs (4 dogs/5 limbs) were used as templates for surgical planning. A rehearsal procedure was performed on the biomodels aided by a guide wire technique and stabilized with locking plate fixation. Surgery performed in all dogs was guided by the rehearsal procedure. All pre-contoured implants were subsequently used in the definitive surgical procedure with minimal modification.

Results: All dogs had markedly improved, with near normal functional outcomes; all but one had a mild persistent lameness at the final in-hospital follow-up examination (mean: 54.4 weeks; range: 24–113 weeks after surgery). All femurs healed without complications (mean: 34 weeks, median: 12 weeks; range: 8–12 weeks for closing osteotomies, and 26–113 weeks for opening wedge osteotomies). Long-term follow-up examination (mean: 28.6 months; range: 5–42 months) revealed all but one owner to be highly satisfied with the outcome. Complications were observed in two dogs: prolonged tibiotarsal joint decreased flexion that resolved with physical therapy. In one of these dogs, iatrogenic transection of the long digital extensor tendon was repaired, and the other had a peroneal nerve neurapraxia.

Clinical significance: Stereolithography apparatus biomodels and rehearsal surgery simplified the definitive surgical corrections of complex femoral malunions and resulted in good functional outcomes.

Online supplementary material is available for this paper at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-15-08-0145
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTROSCOPY OF BL Hyi AND EF Eri IN HIGH AND INTERMEDIATE STATES
Authors: Sanad M. R. , Abdel-Sabour M. A.
Published: July 2016

We present the first phase-resolved ultraviolet spectroscopy of two polar systems, BL Hyi and EF Eri, in high and intermediate states from the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) during the periods between 1982–1995 and 1979–1991, respectively. The flux curves for the C iv and He ii emission lines for both systems showing variations in their fluxes at different orbital phases are presented. The emission lines are produced in the accretion stream. The reddening for the two polars is found to be 0.00. Our results show that there are variations of the line fluxes with time, similar to the light curves found for both BL Hyi and EF Eri in the optical, infrared, ultraviolet, and X-ray bands. IUE observations support a radiative shock model of BL Hyi with the heating of matter by radiation from the accretion shock and cooling by the electrons scattering off ultraviolet photons from the surface of the white dwarf. EF Eri observations support a two-temperature white dwarf model producing sufficient ultraviolet flux for orbital modulations.
Technology Instruction in Language Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Zhang Yining , Deroo Matthew
Published: July 2016

It is important to examine how prospective teachers were prepared with integrating technology in their teaching. This study explored the integration of technology instruction among ten top world language teacher preparation programs in the United States. Data collection included document analysis of syllabi and interviews with program directors and instructors. The findings revealed that technology instruction were provided to language pre-service teachers through general technology courses, methods courses, and a series of technology-related courses infused throughout the entire program. In addition, technology courses organized a variety of approaches to enrich students' experiences with technology. We also generated four main themes to reflect some key elements in current technology instruction for pre-service teachers. The study enriches our knowledge of the current situation for how different world language teacher education programs prepare their pre-service teachers.
Language Teachers' Perceptions of External and Internal Factors in Their Instructional (Non-) Use of Technology
Authors: Liu Haixia , Lin Chin-Hsi , Zhang Dongbo , Zheng Binbin
Published: July 2016

Prior studies (e.g., Li & Walsh, 2011) found that language teachers did not use technology fully despite its possible facilitating function in language teaching. Through a survey and group discussions, this study explores pre-service Chinese-language teachers' perceptions of the internal and external barriers to their instructional technology use. The respondents (N=47) expressed five main types of external barriers: a) lack of technology, b) difficulty in accessing the available technology, c) lack of technical support, d) lack of proper assessment, and e) negative parental attitude. The two main internal barriers identified in this research were a) negative attitude originating from teachers' pedagogical beliefs, and b) lack of technology-related knowledge. The findings of this study should be of practical use in the future design and implementation of professional development aiming at improving language teachers' use of technology in teaching.
User Disposition and Attitude towards Advertisements Placed in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube
Authors: Balakrishnan Janarthanan , Manickavasagam Jeevananthan
Published: July 2016

An analytical understanding of user response to advertisements published in social media websites is very interesting from both academic and marketing perspectives. Present research administers two studies; study 1; explores user perceptions of advertisements in four areas of social media, viz. social networking (Facebook), business networking (LinkedIn), microblogging (Twitter) and video sharing (YouTube) dependent to their demographic and lifestyle characteristics, study 2; empirically identifies is there any significant mean difference with the perceived advertising value and attitude across the four social media websites. The data culled from 710 usable responses were used to empirically examine the objectives of this research. The decision tree technique (classification tree) using CHAID criterion and MANOVA was employed to study 1 and study 2 respectively. The results identified that; the four sites showed differing patterns of user attitude towards advertisements published in them (b) both advertising value and attitude compositely differ across the four social media websites.
An archived firefly algorithm; a mathematical software to solve univariate nonlinear equations
Authors: Ariyaratne M. K. A. , Fernando T. G. I. , Weerakoon S.
Published: July 2016

In this article, we are presenting a software solution that proposes some modifications to the existing firefly algorithm. The modification; archived firefly algorithm [AFFA] exhibits the ability of finding almost all complex roots of a given nonlinear equation within a reasonable range. The software implementation includes two main properties; an archive to collect the better fireflies and a flag to determine poor performance in firefly generations. The new modification is tested over genetic algorithms (GA), a phenomenal success in the field of nature inspired algorithms and also with a modified GA embedded with same properties that the AFFA has. A simple graphical user interface (GUI) is developed using MATLAB GUIDE to present the findings. Computer simulations show that the AFFA performs well in solving nonlinear equations with real as well as complex roots within a specified region.
Antjie Krog’s Mede-wete/Synapse as a challenge to new ways of comparative reading
Authors: Viljoen Louise
Published: July 2016

This article reads Antjie Krog’s volume of poetry Mede-wete and its English version Synapse (both published in 2014) against the background of Rebecca Walkowitz’s proposal that the future of comparative literature will entail what she calls ‘foreign reading’. In her contribution to the American Association of Comparative Literature’s 2015 report on the state of the discipline of comparative literature (http://stateofthediscipline.acla.org) Walkowitz argues that literary texts increasingly enter the world in different languages and that this requires readings that move away from the idea that literary texts ‘belong’ to a single language, that explore the diverse ways in which they are read in different languages and that acknowledges that literary texts exist in the space created by a language’s relationship to other languages. This article takes Walkowitz’s observations as the vantage point for a discussion of the ways in which Krog’s volume (1) foreignises the Afrikaans language in order to become part of an interconnected whole; (2) urges readers, critics and literary practitioners to move beyond the confines of language-based literary systems; and (3) forces them to engage in a variety of different readings, including partial readings and collaborative readings, in order to become embedded in a larger community
Investigation of Dielectric Decrement and Correlation Effects on Electric Double-Layer Capacitance by Self-Consistent Field Model
Authors: Ma Manman , Zhao Shuangliang , Xu Zhenli
Published: July 2016

The differential capacitance of electric double-layer capacitors is studied by developing a generalized model of the self-consistent Gaussian field theory. This model includes many-body effects of particles near the interface such as ionic sizes, the order of water alignment and electrostatic correlations, and thus can present more accurate predictions of the electric double-layer structure and hence the capacitance than traditional continuum theories. Analytical simplification of the model and efficient numerical method are introduced, in particular, the approximation of the self-Green's function which describes the self energy of a mobile ion. We show that, when the applied voltage on interfaces is small the dielectric effect of the electrode materials plays an important role. For large voltage, this effect is screened, but the dielectric saturation due to the alignment of the nearby water is shown to be essential. For 2:1 electrolytes, abnormal enhancement on the capacitance due to the dielectric electrode is observed, which is due to the interplay of the image charge effect and Born solvation energy in the self energy of ions.
Variations in Flexural Strength of Heat-polymerized Acrylic Resin after the Usage of Denture Cleansers
Authors: Kalavathi M , Ragher Mallikarjuna , Vinayakumar G , Patil Sanketsopan , Chatterjee Aishwarya , Dandekeri Savita , Swetha V
Published: July 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare changes in the flexural strength of heat-cured denture base resins when treated using denture cleansers.

Study design

A total of 40 specimens with dimension 65 mm length, 10 mm width, and 3 mm thickness were prepared as per ISO 1567 specification. A total of 10 specimens were immersed in distilled water to be used as control. Of the remaining 30 samples, 10 were treated with Clinsodent, 10 with VI-Clean, and 10 with Clanden denture cleansers. Specimens in each group were subjected to three-point flexural load in universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 5 mm/min. The peak load (N) was recorded and flexural strength was calculated. The findings were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Heat-cured denture base resin selected for this study showed significant difference in flexural strength after immersion in denture cleansers Clinsodent, VI-Clean, and Clanden solutions, when compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Findings of this study showed that denture cleansers altered the flexural strength of heat polymerized acrylic resins that endured soaking cycles which simulated 180 days of use. Hence, denture cleansers should be used with caution, once a day after brushing the dentures. It is advisable for patients to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How to cite this article

Ragher M, Vinayakumar G, Patil S, Chatterjee A, Mallikarjuna DM, Dandekeri S, Swetha V, Pradeep MR. Variations in Flexural Strength of Heat-polymerized Acrylic Resin after the Usage of Denture Cleansers. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(4):322-326.
Evaluating the Surface Characteristics of Stainless Steel, TMA, Timolium, and Titanium-niobium Wires: An in vivo Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Prasanna A Laxmi , Babu K Pradeep , Keerthi V Naga , Madathody Deepika , Gopinath Vidhya , Kumar M Senthil , Kumar A Nanda
Published: July 2016

Background

Recent metallurgical research and advancement in material science has benefited orthodontists in the selection of an appropriate wire size and alloy type, which is necessary to provide an optimum and predictable treatment results. The purpose of the study was to clinically evaluate and compare the surface characteristics of 16 × 22 stainless steel, Titanium molybdenum alloy, timolium, and titanium-niobium before and after placing them in a patient's mouth for 3 months using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Materials and methods

The total sample size was 40, which were divided into four groups (group 1 – stainless steel wires, 10 samples, group 2 – TMA wires, 10 samples, group 3 – timolium wires, 10 samples, and group 4 – titanium-niobium wires, 10 samples), and these were further subdivided into 5 each. The first subgroup of five samples was placed in the patient's mouth and was evaluated under SEM, and another subgroup of five samples was directly subjected to the SEM.

Results

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of surface characteristics of unused 16 × 22 rectangular stainless steel wire under 500 × magnification showed an overall smooth surface. Stainless steel wire samples placed in the patient's mouth showed black hazy patches, which may be interoperated as areas of stress. TMA unused wires showed multiple small voids of areas and small craters with fewer elevated regions. The TMA wire samples placed in the patient's mouth showed black hazy patches and prominent ridges, making the wire rougher. Timolium unused archwires showed heavy roughness and voids, whereas wires tested in the patient's mouth showed homogeneous distribution of deep cracks and craters. Unused titanium-niobium archwires showed uniform prominent striations and ridges with occasional voids, whereas wires used in the patient's mouth showed prominent huge voids that could be interpreted as maximum stress areas.

Conclusion

Stainless steel (group 1) used and unused wires showed smooth surface characteristics when compared with all the other three groups followed by timolium, which was superior to titanium-niobium wires and TMA wires.

Clinical significance

Timolium wires are superior to titaniumniobium wires and TMA wires.

How to cite this article

Babu KP, Keerthi VN, Madathody D, Prasanna AL, Gopinath V, Kumar MS, Kumar AN. Evaluating the Surface Characteristics of Stainless Steel, TMA, Timolium, and Titanium-niobium Wires: An in vivo Scanning Electron Microscope Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(5):372-376.
Pyogenic Granuloma of Buccal Mucosa: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Balaji P , Latha S , Jambunath Usha , Sowbhagya MB
Published: July 2016

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) or granuloma pyogenicum is a common tumor-like growth of the oral cavity or skin is a kind of inflammatory hyperplasia. It is non-neoplastic in nature and represents an exuberant tissue response to local irritation or trauma. In oral cavity, PG shows striking predilection for gingiva with interdental papilla being most common site in 70% of cases. Other studies reveal 87.09% of PG occur on gingiva, 9.67% occur on lip site and 3.22% occur with buccal mucosa.

Here is a report of unusual case of extragingival PG occurring on the buccal mucosa.

How to cite this article

Jambunath U, Balaji P, Latha S, Sowbhagya MB. Pyogenic Granuloma of Buccal Mucosa: An Unusual Presentation. J Health Sci Res 2015;6(1):8-10.