bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hand and heart, hand in hand: is radiological hand osteoarthritis associated with atherosclerosis?
Authors: Cemeroglu Ozlem , Aydın Halil I. , Yasar Zeynep S. , Bozduman Fadime , Saglam Mustafa , Selcoki Yusuf , Eryonucu Beyhan , Cakirbay Hasim
Published: December 2013

Aim

Increasing evidence suggests that atherosclerosis contributes to the initiation or progression of osteoarthritis (OA). It has been suggested that atherosclerosis may cause vascular insufficiency which may lead to or progress OA. In this study, the association between the severity of radiologic hand OA and atherosclerosis was analyzed in women.

Methods

Sixty‐one women, ≥ 50 years of age, free of hand symptoms were enrolled in the study. Postero‐anterior views of both hands were obtained using digital radiography. A total of 14 joints were assessed for radiographic OA according to Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) score. An OA‐affected joint was defined as K/L score of ≥ 2. Hand OA was defined as ≥ 3 joints of both hands affected with OA and severity of hand OA was defined as total K/L scores of all 14 joints of both hands. Gensini scoring was used to evaluate the patients for atherosclerosis severity.

Results

The patient characteristics such as presence of diabetes, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia and medications used were similar for patients with and without hand OA (P > 0.05) and did not correlate with Gensini or hand OA scores. The mean Gensini scores of patients with hand OA was 21.5 ± 17.1 and without hand OA was 11.8 ± 9.2 (P = 0.017). The degree of osteoarthritic joint involvement and Gensini scores showed a positive correlation (r = 0.332, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Hand OA may be a benign clinical finding that may suggest a possible serious underlying atherosclerosis. Patients with significant hand OA should be screened for atherosclerosis to prevent serious coronary artery disease and related comorbidities.
Assessment of the relationship between aortic stiffness and left ventricular functions with echocardiography in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Çiçek Ömer F. , Bayram Nihal A. , Ayhan Hüseyin , Erten Şükran , Aslan Abdullah N. , Sarı Cenk , Özen Mehmet B. , Bİlen Emine , Bastuğ Serdal , Durmaz Tahir , Keleş Telat , Bozkurt Engin
Published: December 2013

Background and aim

Capable of multi‐organ involvement in Sjogren's syndrome (SS), cardiac findings of pulmonary effusion, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension are seen in patients with SS. Aortic stiffness (AS) reflects the mechanical tension and elasticity of the aorta. In this study, our aim is to determine if there is any differences in AS and left ventricular function between patients diagnosed as SS and healthy control groups.

Methods and results

We enrolled 50 patients with SS and 47 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics. It was found that isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) were significantly longer and early diastolic wave (E) was significantly lower in patients with SS, but there was no difference in the other parameters. When tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) findings were compared between the two groups, it was found that myocardial systolic wave (Sm), myocardial early diastolic wave (Em) and Em/Am ratio were significantly lower, and myocardial isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTm) and myocardial performance index (MPI) values were significantly higher in patients with SS. A significant positive correlations between aortic strain and Sm (r = 0.35, P < 0.001), Em (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) and Em/Am (r = 0.26, P = 0.008) and negative correlations in IVRTm (r = −0.36, P < 0.001) and MPI (r = −0.24, P = 0.01) were detected. A significant positive correlation between aortic distensibility and Sm (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), Em (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), Em/Am (r = 0.26, P = 0.009) and negative correlation of IVRTm (r = −0.22, P = 0.02) were determined.

Conclusion

There is a significant relationship between AS and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with SS in this study. The parameters of aortic elasticity measured by 2D echocardiographic methods can be beneficial in predicting early cardiovascular risk in SS.
Neonatal Molluscum contagiosum: five new cases and a literature review
Authors: Berbegal‐DeGracia Laura , Betlloch‐Mas Isabel , DeLeon‐Marrero Francisco‐José , Martinez‐Miravete Mª Teresa , Miralles‐Botella Julia
Published: December 2013

Congenital or neonatal Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is an unusual infection, barely reported in the literature. In these patients a mechanism of transmission that is neither via contact or sexual transmission should be considered. We describe five cases of neonatal MC and review the cases already published to discuss the possible aetiopathogenic mechanism.
The diagnosis of food allergy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Soares‐Weiser K. , Takwoingi Y. , Panesar S. S. , Muraro A. , Werfel T. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , Roberts G. , Halken S. , Poulsen L. , van Ree R. , Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , Sheikh A. ,   the EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines Group
Published: December 2013

Background

We investigated the accuracy of tests used to diagnose food allergy.

Methods

Skin prick tests (SPT), specific‐IgE (sIgE), component‐resolved diagnosis and the atopy patch test (APT) were compared with the reference standard of double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge. Seven databases were searched and international experts were contacted. Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and used QUADAS‐2 to assess risk of bias. Where possible, meta‐analysis was undertaken.

Results

Twenty‐four (2831 participants) studies were included. For cows’ milk allergy, the pooled sensitivities were 53% (95% CI 33–72), 88% (95 % CI 76–94), and 87% (95% CI 75–94), and specificities were 88% (95% CI 76–95), 68% (95% CI 56–77), and 48% (95% CI 36–59) for APT, SPT, and sIgE, respectively. For egg, pooled sensitivities were 92% (95% CI 80–97) and 93% (95% CI 82–98), and specificities were 58% (95% CI 49–67) and 49% (40–58%) for skin prick tests and specific–IgE. For wheat, pooled sensitivities were 73% (95% CI 56–85) and 83% (95% CI 69–92), and specificities were 73% (95% CI 48–89) and 43% (95% CI 20–69%) for SPT and sIgE. For soy, pooled sensitivities were 55% (95% CI 33–75) and 83% (95% CI 64–93), and specificities were 68% (95% CI 52–80) and 38% (95% CI 24–54) for SPT and sIgE. For peanut, pooled sensitivities were 95% (95% CI 88–98) and 96% (95% CI 92–98), and specificities were 61% (95% CI 47–74), and 59% (95% CI 45–72) for SPT and sIgE.

Conclusions

The evidence base is limited and weak and is therefore difficult to interpret. Overall, SPT and sIgE appear sensitive although not specific for diagnosing IgE‐mediated food allergy.
The Pathology of an Autoimmune Astrocytopathy: Lessons Learned from Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Lucchinetti Claudia F. , Guo Yong , Popescu Bogdan F. Gh. , Fujihara Kazuo , Itoyama Yasuto , Misu Tatsuro
Published: December 2013

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a disabling autoimmune astrocytopathy characterized by typically severe and recurrent attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive myelitis. Until recently, NMO was considered an acute aggressive variant of multiple sclerosis (MS), despite the fact that early studies postulated that NMO and MS may be two distinct diseases with a common clinical picture. With the discovery of a highly specific serum autoantibody (NMO‐IgG), Lennon and colleagues provided the first unequivocal evidence distinguishing NMO from MS and other central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disorders. The target antigen of NMO‐IgG was confirmed to be aquaporin‐4 (AQP4), the most abundant water channel protein in the CNS, mainly expressed on astrocytic foot processes at the blood–brain barrier, subpial and subependymal regions. Pathological studies demonstrated that astrocytes were selectively targeted in NMO as evidenced by the extensive loss of immunoreactivities for the astrocytic proteins, AQP4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as perivascular deposition of immunoglobulins and activation of complement even within lesions with a relative preservation of myelin. In support of these pathological findings, GFAP levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during acute NMO exacerbations were found to be remarkably elevated in contrast to MS where CSF‐GFAP levels did not substantially differ from controls. Additionally, recent experimental studies showed that AQP4 antibody is pathogenic, resulting in selective astrocyte destruction and dysfunction in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. These findings strongly suggest that NMO is an autoimmune astrocytopathy where damage to astrocytes exceeds both myelin and neuronal damage. This chapter will review recent neuropathological studies that have provided novel insights into the pathogenic mechanisms, cellular targets, as well as the spectrum of tissue damage in NMO.
Long‐term coevolution between avian brood parasites and their hosts
Authors: Soler Manuel
Published: December 2013

Coevolutionary theory predicts that the most common long‐term outcome of the relationships between brood parasites and their hosts should be coevolutionary cycles based on a dynamic change selecting the currently least‐defended host species, given that when well‐defended hosts are abandoned, hosts will be selected to decrease their defences as these are usually assumed to be costly. This is assumed to be the case also in brood parasite‐host systems. Here I examine the frequency of the three potential long‐term outcomes of brood parasite–host coevolution (coevolutionary cycles, lack of rejection, and successful resistance) in 182 host species. The results of simple exploratory comparisons show that coevolutionary cycles are very scarce while the lack of rejection and successful resistance, which are considered evolutionary enigmas, are much more frequent. I discuss these results considering (i) the importance of different host defences at all stages of the breeding cycle, (ii) the role of phenotypic plasticity in long‐term coevolution, and (iii) the evolutionary history of host selection. I suggest that in purely antagonistic coevolutionary interactions, such as those involving brood parasites and their hosts, that although cycles will exist during an intermediate phase of the interactions, the arms race will end with the extinction of the host or with the host acquiring successful resistance. As evolutionary time passes, this resistance will force brood parasites to use previously less suitable host species. Furthermore, I present a model that represents the long‐term trajectories and outcomes of coevolutionary interactions between brood parasites and their hosts with respect to the evolution of egg‐rejection defence. This model suggests that as an increasing number of species acquire successful resistance, other unparasitized host species become more profitable and their parasitism rate and the costs imposed by brood parasitism at the population level will increase, selecting for the evolution of host defences. This means that although acceptance is adaptive when the parasitism rate and the costs of parasitism are very low, this cannot be considered to represent an evolutionary equilibrium, as conventional theory has done to date, because it is not stable.
The Stereoselectivity of CYP2C19 on R‐ and S‐isomers of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Tian Chuan , Zhu Lixin , Yu Dan , Cao Zhiwei , Kang Tingguo , Zhu Ruixin
Published: December 2013

PPIs are mainly metabolized by CYP2C19. It has a stereoselectivity effect on R‐ and S‐isomers of PPIs according to previous studies. However, no study has been reported to elucidate the binding mechanism at the atomic level based on the CYP2C19 crystal structure. Recently, the advent of the first crystal structure of CYP2C19 allowed us to take in silico approaches including MD simulation, MM/GBSA calculation, energy decomposition, and alanine scanning to explore the stereoselectivity of CYP2C19 on R‐ and S‐isomers of PPIs. The key residues responsible for the selective binding for R‐ and S‐isomers of omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole are disclosed by free energy and alanine scanning analysis. Structural analysis showed that chiral isomers of PPIs alter their conformations to have strong binding affinities with CYP2C19. Furthermore, a theoretical pharmacophore model of PPIs was obtained with the importance of pharmacophore feature being weighted, basing on our results. Our results are valuable for designing and synthesizing new generation of PPIs in the future.
The bonnie baby: experimentally manipulated temperament affects perceived cuteness and motivation to view infant faces
Authors: Parsons Christine E. , Young Katherine S. , Bhandari Ritu , van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Stein Alan , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: December 2013

Attractive individuals are perceived as having various positive personality qualities. Positive personality qualities can in turn increase perceived attractiveness. However, the developmental origins of the link between attractiveness and personality are not understood. This is important because infant attractiveness (‘cuteness’) elicits caregiving from adults, and infant personality (‘temperament’) shapes caregiving behaviour. While research suggests that adults have more positive attitudes towards cuter infants, it is not known whether positive infant temperament can increase the perception of infant cuteness. We investigated the impact of experimentally established infant temperament on adults' perception of cuteness and desire to view individual faces. Ataseline, adults rated the cuteness of, and keypressed to view, images of unfamiliar infants with neutral facial expressions. Training required adults to learn about an infant's ‘temperament’, through repeated pairing of the neutral infant face with positive or negative facial expressions and vocalizations. Adults then re‐rated the original neutral infant faces. Post‐training, there were significant changes from baseline: infants who were mostly happy were perceived as cuter and adults expended greater effort to view them. Infants who were mostly sad were not perceived as cuter and adults expended less effort to view them. Our results suggest that temperament has clear consequences for how adults perceive ‘bonnie’ babies. Perception of infant cuteness is not based on physical facial features alone, and is modifiable through experience.
Accuracy of skinfold and bioelectrical impedance assessments of body fat percentage in ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Oeffinger Donna J , Gurka Matthew J , Kuperminc Michelle , Hassani Sahar , Buhr Neeley , Tylkowski Chester
Published: December 2013

Aim

This study assessed the accuracy of measurements of body fat percentage in ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold equations.

Method

One hundred and twenty‐eight individuals (65 males, 63 females; mean age 12y, SD 3, range 6–18y) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I (n=6), II (n=46), and III (n=19) participated. Body fat percentage was estimated from (1) BIA using standing height and estimated heights (knee height and tibial length) and (2) triceps and subscapular skinfolds using standard and CP‐specific equations. All estimates of body fat percentage were compared with body fat percentage from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Differences between DXA, BIA, and skinfold body fat percentage were analyzed by comparing mean differences. Agreement was assessed by Bland–Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC).

Results

BMI was moderately correlated with DXA (Pearson's r=0.53). BIA body fat percentage was significantly different from DXA when using estimated heights (95% confidence intervals [CIs] do not contain 0) but not standing height (95% CI −1.9 to 0.4). CCCs for all BIA comparisons indicated good to excellent agreement (0.75–0.82) with DXA. Body fat percentage from skinfold measurements and CP‐specific equations was not significantly different from DXA (mean 0.8%; SD 5.3%; 95% CI −0.2 to 1.7) and demonstrated strong agreement with DXA (CCC 0.86).

Interpretation

Accurate measures of body fat percentage can be obtained using BIA and two skinfold measurements (CP‐specific equations) in ambulatory individuals with CP. These findings should encourage assessments of body fat in clinical and research practices.
Prevalence and risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia disease
Authors: Atichartakarn Vichai , Chuncharunee Suporn , Archararit Napaporn , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn , Lee Ratchanee , Tunhasiriwet Anusith , Aryurachai Katcharin
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To find the prevalence and risk factors of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in adult patients with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia disease (E/β‐Thal).

Methods

One hundred and ten clinically stable E/β‐Thal outpatients, sixty‐one of whom had undergone splenectomy, were prospectively studied using their clinical profiles, selected blood tests, chest roentgenogram, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Based on the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) values estimated by the echocardiogram of ≥36 mmHg, they were dichotomized into those with (PHT+) and without (PHT−) PHT.

Results

PHT was found in 41 (37.3%) patients without gender preponderance. It was not due to the left heart and was not severe (PASP = 46.3 ± 10.4 mmHg). PASP was higher in splenectomized patients (48.0 ± 11 vs. 40.3 ± 4.7 mmHg (P = 0.004)). PHT was found in 32 of 61 (52.5%) splenectomized patients, mostly (53%) in the second decade, and rarely (6.3%) during the first 5 yr after splenectomy. PHT+ patients had more hemolysis (P = 0.001–0.04 depending on the parameters), more asplenic cases (P < 0.001), and higher serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels (P = 0.004 and 0.008, respectively). Strong risk factors by univariate analysis were serum sVCAM‐1 levels ≥1600 ng/mL, serum cell‐free Hb ≥ 3 mg/dL, asplenia, and amount of NRBCs/100 WBCs >40.

Conclusions

Prevalence of PHT in E/β‐Thal patients was 37.3% without gender preponderance. Those with severe hemolysis and asplenia invariably had severer PHT. Strong risk factors were asplenia and associated markedly elevated values of sVCAM‐1, cell‐free Hb, and NRBCs in blood.
Host genome variations and risk of infections during induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Lund Bendik , Wesolowska‐Andersen Agata , Lausen Birgitte , Borst Louise , Rasmussen Kirsten Kørup , Müller Klaus , Klungland Helge , Gupta Ramneek , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: December 2013

Objectives

To investigate association of host genomic variation and risk of infections during treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Methods

We explored association of 34 000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related primarily to pharmacogenomics and immune function to risk of infections among 69 ALL patients on induction therapy.

Results

Forty‐eight (70%) patients experienced infectious events including 23 with positive blood cultures. Infectious events and positive blood cultures were associated significantly with 24 and 21 SNPs, respectively (P < 0.01). Classification and regression tree analysis demonstrated rs11033797 (OR51F1), rs2835265 (CBR1), rs28627172 (POLDIP3) and rs1129844 (CCL11) to be predictive of outcome. Among 61 patients for whom read‐outs were available for all four SNPs, 40 of 41 patients with the worst SNP profile experienced at least one infectious event compared with five of the remaining 20 patients (Hazard ratio 9.0, 95% CI 3.4–23.5, which was unchanged after adjustments for neutrophil counts). Pathway analysis identified variations in ‘G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) downstream signalling’, ‘Bile acid and bile salt metabolism’ and ‘Class I MHC‐mediated antigen processing and presentation’ to be highly predictive of infections.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that host genomic profiling may predict the risk of infections during induction therapy. This may facilitate development of individualised supportive care.
Fludarabine‐based reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Hamidieh Amir Ali , Pourpak Zahra , Hashemi Susan , Yari Kolsoum , Fazlollahi Mohammad Reza , Movahedi Masoud , Behfar Maryam , Moin Mostafa , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: December 2013

Objective

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening condition that clinically characterized by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and cytopenia. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment option for patients diagnosed with primary HLH.

Methods

In this prospective study, we analyzed the outcome of 10 pediatric patients with primary HLH who had received HSCT, using reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen from 2007 to 2012. The median age at transplantation was 22.6 months (range: 6–60). All of the patients received the same RIC regimen based on the use of fludarabine in combination with melphalan and horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Cyclosporine and methylprednisolone were used as graft‐vs.‐host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis.

Results

Hematopoietic engraftment occurred in all patients. At the present time, 8 patients with a median follow‐up of 39 months are still alive and all of them are disease free. Acute and chronic GvHD developed in 6 and 2 patients, retrospectively. Two patients died of sepsis and chronic GvHD during the study.

Conclusion

Because of pretransplant infections caused by underlying immunodeficiency in patients with primary HLH, the use of less toxic regimen with RIC seems to be highly effective in this regard. Recipients of RIC transplant, with either full or mixed chimerism, had a long‐term survival rate with no manifestation of primary HLH symptoms.
Notch‐1 mediates endothelial cell activation and invasion in psoriasis
Authors: Rooney Peadar , Connolly Mary , Gao Wei , McCormick Jennifer , Biniecka Monika , Sullivan Owen , Kirby Brian , Sweeney Cheryl , Molloy Eamonn , Markham Trevor , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J.
Published: December 2013

Notch receptor–ligand interactions are critical for cell proliferation, differentiation and survival; however, the role of Notch signalling in psoriasis remains to be elucidated. Serum amyloid A (A‐SAA) is an acute‐phase protein with cytokine‐like properties, regulates cell survival pathways and is implicated in many inflammatory conditions. To examine the role of Notch‐1 signalling in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, Notch‐1, DLL‐4, Jagged‐1, Hrt‐1/Hrt‐2, A‐SAA, Factor VIII and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and/or protein expression in psoriasis skin biopsies, serum and dHMVEC were assessed by immunohistology, dual‐immunofluorescence, real‐time PCR, ELISA and Western blotting. A‐SAA‐induced angiogenesis and invasion in the presence of Notch‐1 siRNA was assessed by matrigel tube formation assays and Transwell invasion assay. Increased Notch‐1, its ligand DLL‐4 and Hrt‐1 expression were demonstrated in lesional skin compared with non‐lesional skin, with greatest expression observed in the dermal vasculature (P < 0.05). Dual‐immunofluorescent staining demonstrated co‐localization of Notch‐1 to endothelial cell marker Factor VIII. A significant increase in A‐SAA levels was demonstrated in psoriasis serum compared with healthy control serum (P < 0.05), and A‐SAA expression was higher in lesional skin compared with non‐lesional. In dHMVEC, A‐SAA significantly induced Jagged‐1, Hrt‐1 and VEGF mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and activated Notch‐1 IC indicative of transcriptional regulation. In contrast, A‐SAA significantly inhibited DLL‐4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Finally A‐SAA‐induced angiogenesis and invasion were inhibited by Notch‐1 siRNA (P < 0.05). Notch receptor–ligand interactions mediate vascular dysfunction in psoriasis and may represent a potential therapeutic target.
Bioethanol from maize cell walls: genes, molecular tools, and breeding prospects
Authors: Torres Andres F. , Visser Richard G. F. , Trindade Luisa M.
Published: December 2013

In the last decade, cellulosic ethanol has caught the growing interest of governments and private investors worldwide as it brings the promise of responsible renewable‐energy and an opportunity to depart from an oil‐reliant economy. Alongside advances in bioprocessing technologies, the development of specialized bioenergy crops is seen as a pressing industrial necessity, and while C4 perennials (e.g., Miscanthus, switchgrass, and sugarcane) have been coined the most promising candidates for the production of lignocellulosic biomass, maize should not be overlooked. In this review, we have addressed the benefits of advancing maize as a second‐generation bioenergy feedstock. We have also analyzed current knowledge on the maize cell wall and promising genetic strategies for its modification, given that lignocellulose recalcitrance represents the most crucial breeding target in bioenergy crop research programs. In addition to lignin, a focus on the underlying genetic basis of cellulose, hemicellulose, and ferulate cross‐linking patterns, as well as their regulation, has been warranted. A comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐art of genomic and phenotyping strategies available for bioenergy crop research is also provided. Overall, maize represents an outstanding model organism for understanding complex cell wall characteristics and defining the path for breeders looking to improve this and other promising bioenergy grasses. With an extensive array of dedicated agronomic and genomic resources at hand, we believe that breeding maize with improved processing amenability is a likely prospect but would like to remind readers that advances in high‐biomass yielding properties, improved agronomic hardiness, and enhanced processing efficiency will also be necessary.
Have London's Roads Become more Dangerous for Cyclists?
Authors: Aberdein Jody , Spiegelhalter David
Published: December 2013

Cities are dangerous places to cycle – and a sudden spike in deaths has brought a media furore. But do they mean that something on the streets has changed? Jody Aberdein and David Spiegelhalter investigate.
Formation Behavior and High Electrical Conductivity of Metastable Lithium Iron Silicate Crystals in Rapid Quenching of Li2O–Fe2O3–SiO2 Melts
Authors: Togashi Takuya , Honma Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: December 2013

The formation behavior of spinel‐type LiFeSiO4 crystals in the quenching of melts in the Li2O–Fe2O3–SiO2 system was examined. It was found that high quenching rates of 103 ~ 106 K/min are favorable for the formation of LiFeSiO4 crystals. The rapid quenched samples showed high electrical conductivities of the order of 10−2–10−4 S/cm at room temperature and low activation energy for conduction of 0.1–0.2 eV. Both valences of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were present in the melt‐quenched samples, and rapid‐quenched samples showed ferrimagnetism. It is proposed that the chemical composition of LiFeSiO4 formed in the rapid quenching of melts would be spinel‐type Li1 + xFe3+1 − xFe2+xSiO4. Because the Li1 + xFe3+1 − xFe2+xSiO4 crystalline phases are metastable, the rapid quenching technique is necessary for their synthesis. The effects of quenching rate and composition on the formation of spinel‐type LiFeSiO4 and on the electrical conductivity of quenched samples were discussed.
Synthesis, Structure, and Thermally Stable Luminescence of Dy3+‐Doped Na3YSi2O7 Host Compound
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Cui Dianpeng
Published: December 2013

Dy3+‐activated Na3YSi2O7 phosphors have been prepared via a solid‐state reaction technique and may be used as a component of white light‐emitting diodes. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the single‐phase formation and the substitution of activator ions for Na3YSi2O7:Dy3+ materials. The emission of Dy3+ in different Y3+ lattice sites exhibits blue (4F9/2→6H15/2) and yellow (4F9/2→6H13/2) lights, which function together to generate white light. The optimum doping concentration is 3 mol% and energy transfer between Dy3+ ions has been validated to be a resonant type via an electric dipole–dipole mechanism. The temperature‐dependent luminescent properties from 25°C to 400°C are studied, and the blue emission increases as a function of the temperature. This interesting phenomenon is proposed to be the result of the model in the configurational coordination diagram. The present investigation reveals the potential application for Na3YSi2O7:Dy3+ system in solid‐state lighting.
High‐Speed Preparation of <111>‐ and <110>‐Oriented β‐SiC Films by Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Song , Xu Qingfang , Tu Rong , Goto Takashi , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: December 2013

Highly oriented <111> and <110> β‐SiC films were prepared on Si(100) single crystal substrates by laser chemical vapor deposition using a diode laser (wavelength = 808 nm) and HMDS (Si(CH3)3–Si(CH3)3) as a precursor. The effects of laser power (PL), total pressure (Ptot), and deposition temperature (Tdep) on the orientation, microstructure, and deposition rate (Rdep) were investigated. The orientation of the β‐SiC films changed from <111> to random to <110> with increasing PL and Ptot. The <111>‐, randomly, and <110>‐oriented β‐SiC films exhibited dense, cauliflower‐like, and cone‐like microstructures, respectively. Stacking faults were observed in the <111>‐ and <110>‐oriented films, and aligned parallel to the (111) plane in the <111>‐oriented film, whereas they were perpendicular to the (110) plane in the <110>‐oriented film. The highest Rdep of the <111>‐oriented β‐SiC film was 200 μm/h at Ptot = 200 Pa and Tdep = 1420 K, whereas that of the <110>‐oriented film was 3600 μm/h at Ptot = 600 Pa and Tdep = 1605 K.
Ferroelectric–Dielectric Composites Model of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3/Mg2AO4(A = Ti, Si) for Tunable Application
Authors: Tang Linjiang , Bian Yanlong , Zhai Jiwei , Zhang Haijun
Published: December 2013

The correspondence between the theoretical model and the experimental results of the dielectric response in two‐phase composites of Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 and Mg2AO4 (A = Ti, Si)was studied. The Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST50)/Mg2AO4 composites in 2‐2 model structure consisting of BST50 layers and Mg2AO4 layers were fabricated by tape casting and multilayer technique. The 3‐0 model of the two‐phase composites is fabricated by conventional ball mill mixing and solid‐state reaction process. The ceramics samples with dense structure were obtained because the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of Mg2SiO4 (12.84 ppm/°C) and Mg2TiO4 (12.11 ppm/°C) ceramic specimens are close to the pure BST50(13.15 ppm/°C) ceramic. The microstructure, dielectric, and tunable properties of 2‐2 and 3‐0 model composites were investigated. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical prediction in 2‐2 model. An important feature of 2‐2 model composites is that the DC field is efficiently applied to the high‐permittivity ferroelectric phase. With the increase in Mg2AO4 volume fraction q, the tunability of the composite remains almost unchanged whereas the permittivity greatly reduced in the 2‐2‐//model. These results show that the 2‐2‐//model sample is good candidates for the tunable devices.
Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 Textured Ceramics with High Piezoelectric Response by a Novel Templated Grain Growth Approach
Authors: Amorín Harvey , Uršič Hana , Ramos Pablo , Holc Janez , Moreno Rodrigo , Chateigner Daniel , Ricote Jesús , Algueró Miguel
Published: December 2013

Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 is used as a model system of perovskite solid solutions with very high piezoelectric response at tailored morphotropic phase boundaries to demonstrate the processing of textured ceramics by ceramic‐only technology. A novel homogeneous templated grain growth approach that uses conventional ceramic procedures and a single‐source nanocrystalline powder for the matrix and also for obtaining the templates is described. Two batches of (100) faceted cube‐shaped microcrystals with average sizes of 27 and 10 μm were successfully used as templates, and aligned by tape casting for the processing of <001>‐textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 piezoelectric ceramics. Materials with effective piezoelectric coefficients up to 1000 pC/N and ferroelectric properties approaching those of single crystals are obtained.
Geopolymer with Hierarchically Meso‐/Macroporous Structures from Reactive Emulsion Templating
Authors: Medpelli Dinesh , Seo Jung‐Min , Seo Dong‐Kyun
Published: December 2013

We present a simple synthetic route to hierarchically porous geopolymers using triglyceride oil for a reactive emulsion template. In the new synthetic method, highly alkaline geopolymer resin was first mixed with canola oil to form a homogeneous viscous emulsion which was then cured at 60°C to give a hard monolithic material. During the process, the oil in the alkaline emulsion undergoes a saponification reaction to be decomposed to water‐soluble soap and glycerol molecules which were then extracted with hot water to finally yield porous geopolymers. Nitrogen adsorption studies indicated the presence of mesopores, whereas the SEM studies revealed that the mesoporous geopolymer matrix are dotted with spherical macropores (10–50 μm) which are due to oil droplet template in the emulsion. Various synthetic parameters including the precursor compositions were examined to control the porosity. BET surface area and BJH pore volume of the materials were up to 124 m2/g and 0.7 cm3/g, respectively, and the total pore volumes up to 2.1 cm3/g from pycnometry.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Density Functional Theory–Molecular Dynamics Study of Si Dynamics inTi3SiC2
Authors: Kearley Gordon J. , Gray Veronica , Riley Daniel P. , Kirstein Oliver , Kutteh Ramzi , Kisi Erich H.
Published: December 2013

Observed differences between measured and calculated elastic constants forTi3SiC2are investigated using Density Functional Theory and Inelastic Neutron Scattering. The agreement between the calculated lattice dynamics and the dynamics measured by inelastic neutron scattering is considered good except at energies below ~20 meV where discrepancies suggest anharmonic potentials. This suggestion is confirmed by Density Functional Theory—Molecular Dynamics simulation which shows multiple site occupancy of the Si atoms within the basal plane at finite temperature and produces a calculated inelastic spectrum in better agreement with the measured spectrum in the low‐energy region. The highly anharmonic potential energy surface of theSiatoms offers an explanation for the failure of elastic constants, calculated based on the harmonic approximation, to agree with initial experimental measurements.
The ROS‐induced cytotoxicity of ascorbate is attenuated by hypoxia and HIF‐1alpha in the NCI60 cancer cell lines
Authors: Sinnberg Tobias , Noor Seema , Venturelli Sascha , Berger Alexander , Schuler Paul , Garbe Claus , Busch Christian
Published: December 2013

Intravenous application of high‐dose ascorbate is used in complementary palliative medicine to treat cancer patients. Pharmacological doses of ascorbate in the mM range induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), namely hydrogen peroxide and ascorbyl radicals. However, little is known about intrinsic or extrinsic factors modulating this ascorbate‐mediated cytotoxicity. Under normoxia and hypoxia, ascorbate IC50 values were determined on the NCI60 cancer cells. The cell cycle, the influence of cobalt chloride‐induced hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT‐1) expression (a pro‐survival HIF‐1α‐downstream‐target) were analysed after ascorbate exposure under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The amount of ascorbyl radicals increased with rising serum concentrations. Hypoxia (0.1% O2) globally increased the IC50 of ascorbate in the 60 cancer cell lines from 4.5 ± 3.6 mM to 10.1 ± 5.9 mM (2.2‐fold increase, P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney t‐test), thus inducing cellular resistance towards ascorbate. This ascorbate resistance depended on HIF‐1α‐signalling, but did not correlate with cell line‐specific expression of the ascorbate transporter GLUT‐1. However, under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, ascorbate treatment at the individual IC50 reduced the expression of GLUT‐1 in the cancer cells. Our data show a ROS‐induced, HIF‐1α‐ and O2‐dependent cytotoxicity of ascorbate on 60 different cancer cells. This suggests that for clinical application, cancer patients should additionally be oxygenized to increase the cytotoxic efficacy of ascorbate.
Long‐term retrospective evaluation of short implants in the posterior areas: clinical results after 10–12 years
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Piñas Laura , Begoña Leire , Orive Gorka
Published: December 2013

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term clinical results of short implants in the posterior areas and analyse the possible influence of different variables on implant success rate and marginal bone loss (MBL).

Methods

A retrospective study design was used. Patients were included if they had received one or more short implants (≤8.5 mm long) in the posterior jaws at least 10 years earlier. All implants were embedded in plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). The cumulative success rate was the primary outcome. MBL and the influence of different variables as secondary outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 111 short implants (7.0, 7.5 and 8.5 mm in length) placed in 75 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of which, 94 were splinted to longer ones. The mean follow‐up was 123.3 months (SD = 10.4 months). The mean crown‐implant ratio was 1.4 (SD = 0.3). The mean MBL was 1.0 mm at mesial (SD = 0.7) and 0.9 mm (SD = 0.6) at distal aspect. One short implant failed. Success rate was 98.9% and 98.2% for the implant and patient‐based analysis respectively. No relationship was observed between the studied variables and the MBL.

Conclusions

These clinical results support the use of short implants as an effective and safe long‐term treatment option.
Flood risk mitigation in developing countries: deriving accurate topographic data for remote areas under severe time and economic constraints
Authors: Domeneghetti A. , Gandolfi S. , Castellarin A. , Brandimarte L. , Di Baldassarre G. , Barbarella M. , Brath A.
Published: December 2013

Isla Hispaniola, the island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, has repeatedly witnessed catastrophic disasters that caused dramatic economic losses and killed thousands of people over the last decades. One striking example is the disastrous flood event that hit the transnational basin of River Soliette on 24 May 2004. The event resulted from a severe tropical storm and killed over 1000 Haitian and 400 Dominican people. In the context of an International Cooperation Initiative, the University of Bologna led several activities in the fields of flood risk assessment, management and mitigation, and sustainable development planning for the Soliette river basin. This paper presents new techniques for a timely assessment of flood risk in data‐scarce and remote areas in developing countries showing in particular: (1) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)‐based topographic survey of the Soliette riverbed, carried out under urgent temporal, logistical and technical constraints, and (2) some possible utilisations of the collected topographic data for the identification of structural and non‐structural flood risk mitigation measures. The analysis enabled us to set and test a GNSS‐based technique for fast, reliable and detailed topographic surveys in remote regions, which represents a valid option for similar areas with limited accessibility in emerging and developing countries.
Advance directives lessen the decisional burden of surrogate decision‐making for the chronically critically ill
Authors: Hickman Ronald L , Pinto Melissa D
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify the relationships between advance directive status, demographic characteristics and decisional burden (role stress and depressive symptoms) of surrogate decision‐makers (SDMs) of patients with chronic critical illness.

Background

Although the prevalence of advance directives among Americans has increased, SDMs are ultimately responsible for complex medical decisions of the chronically critically ill patient. Decisional burden has lasting psychological effects on SDMs. There is insufficient evidence on the influence of advance directives on the decisional burden of surrogate decision‐makers of patients with chronic critical illness.

Design

The study was a secondary data analysis of cross‐sectional data. Data were obtained from 489 surrogate decision‐makers of chronically critically ill patients at two academic medical centres in Northeast Ohio, United States, between September 2005–May 2008.

Methods

Data were collected using demographic forms and questionnaires. A single‐item measure of role stress and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) scale were used to capture the SDM's decisional burden. Descriptive statistics, t‐tests, chi‐square and path analyses were performed.

Results

Surrogate decision‐makers who were nonwhite, with low socioeconomic status and low education level were less likely to have advance directive documentation for their chronically critically ill patient. The presence of an advance directive mitigates the decisional burden by directly reducing the SDM's role stress and indirectly lessening the severity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Most SDMs of chronically critically ill patients will not have the benefit of knowing the patient's preferences for life‐sustaining therapies and consequently be at risk of increased decisional burden.

Relevance to clinical practice

Study results are clinically useful for patient education on the influence of advance directives. Patients may be informed that SDMs without advance directives are at risk of increased decisional burden and will require decisional support to facilitate patient‐centred decision‐making.
Strategies for recreating normal life: Iranian coronary heart disease patients' perspectives on coping strategies
Authors: Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Emami Azita
Published: December 2013

Aims and objectives

To identify coping strategies used by Iranian patients with coronary heart disease.

Background

One of the most important nursing interventions is facilitating adjustment for patients. A deeper understanding of patients' coping strategies for controlling illness and its consequences is needed.

Design

A qualitative design.

Methods

Participants were hospitalised patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease, based on documented angiographic results. A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews was conducted, and purposive sampling was performed. The qualitative content analysis determined categories and subcategories for describing and understanding coping strategies.

Results

The term ‘coping strategies’ refers to the strategies used by participants living with coronary heart disease as they attempt to understand and control their chronic condition and return to a social and physical state as similar to their predisease condition as possible. During the data analysis, six strategies emerged: searching for meaning and information; trying to achieve comfort and control; resting more, doing less and slowing down; motivating, prioritising and caring for self; turning to religion and spirituality; and expectations and receiving assistance and support.

Conclusions

This qualitative study describes the coping strategies of Iranian patients with coronary heart disease and the commonalities with strategies for others dealing with chronic illnesses in Iran. The patients were found to use a variety of coping strategies to deal with their illness and its impacts on their lives.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge about optimal nursing care strategies for patients with coronary heart disease. Through increasing awareness of coping strategies, nurses can help their patients employ the most effective tools and reinforce constructive successful coping styles for patients who are dealing with coronary heart disease.
The BlackBerry Project: The Hidden World of Adolescents' Text Messaging and Relations With Internalizing Symptoms
Authors: Underwood Marion K. , Ehrenreich Samuel E. , More David , Solis Jerome S. , Brinkley Dawn Y.
Published: December 2013

In this naturalistic study of adolescents' text messaging, participants (N = 172, 81 girls, age 14) were given BlackBerry devices configured to save their text messages to a secure archive for coding. Two 2‐day transcripts collected 4 months apart within the same academic year were microcoded for content. Results showed that most text message utterances were positive or neutral and that adolescents sent text messages primarily to peers and to romantic partners. Only a few sex differences emerged. Frequency of text messages containing negative talk positively predicted overall internalizing symptoms and anxious depression. Text messaging about sex was positively associated with overall internalizing and somatic complaints for girls, but not for boys.
Periodontal effects of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice‐weekly oral rinse. A pilot study
Authors: Galván M. , Gonzalez S. , Cohen C. L. , Alonaizan F. A. , Chen C. T‐L. , Rich S. K. , Slots J.
Published: December 2013

Background and Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice‐weekly oral rinse on plaque and gingivitis in patients with minimally treated periodontitis.

Material and Methods

The study included 30 patients with periodontitis, it lasted 3 mo, and it was performed as a randomized, controlled, single‐blinded, clinical trial in parallel groups. Fifteen patients rinsed for 30 s with 15 mL of a fresh solution of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (test) and 15 patients rinsed with 15 mL of water (control). Clorox® regular bleach was the source of the sodium hypochlorite. At baseline and at 2 wk, the study patients received professional subgingival irrigation for 5 min with either 0.25% sodium hypochlorite or water, but no subgingival or supragingival scaling. The presence or absence of supragingival plaque on facial and lingual surfaces was determined by visual inspection; each tooth was dried with air and mouth mirror rotation was used to provide light reflection to identify plaque on smooth surfaces and at the tooth line angles. Gingival bleeding within 30 s after probing to full pocket depth was assessed in six sites of each tooth. Adverse events were evaluated by questionnaire and visual examination.

Results

All 30 patients in the study completed the baseline and the 2 wk parts of the study and a subset of 12 participants completed the 3 mo part of the study. The sodium hypochlorite rinse group and the water rinse group, respectively, showed increases from baseline to 3 mo of 94% and 29% (3.2‐fold difference) in plaque‐free facial surfaces, of 195% and 30% (6.5‐fold difference) in plaque‐free lingual surfaces, and of 421% and 29% (14.5‐fold difference) in number of teeth with no bleeding on probing. The differences in clinical improvement between the sodium hypochlorite rinse group and the water rinse group were statistically significant. No adverse events were identified in any of the study patients, except for minor complaints about the taste of bleach.

Conclusion

A twice‐weekly oral rinse with 0.25% sodium hypochlorite produced marked decreases in dental plaque level and bleeding on probing and may constitute a promising new approach to the management of periodontal disease. Long‐term controlled studies on the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite oral rinse are needed and encouraged.