bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Serum Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Children With Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Oztan Mustafa Onur , Aksoy Gokmen Aysegul , Arslan Fatma Demet , Cakir Ebru , Sayan Ali , Abay Elif , Kaya Selçuk , Koyluoglu Gokhan
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical emergency in children. The accurate and timely diagnosis of AA in children can be challenging, and delayed diagnosis rates have been reported to range from 5.9% to 27.6%. Although combining clinical history and repeated physical examination with laboratory tests and radiographic imaging modalities help reach the diagnosis, novel biomarkers can support the surgeons' decision as well. The aims of this study were to evaluate a new plasma marker, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), to improve diagnostic accuracy in AA patients, and to determine a cutoff value of uPAR, which can safely include/exclude the diagnosis of AA.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of children who underwent surgery for AA. Patients were categorized into the following 3 groups: group 1, controls consisted of 32 healthy volunteers; group 2, patients underwent surgery for nonperforated AA (n = 35); and group 3, patients underwent surgery for perforated AA (n = 21). Blood was sampled from group 1 at the admission and from group 2 and 3 before appendectomy. Serum uPAR, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and C-reactive protein concentrations were measured.

Results

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, ANC, and white blood cell count values were significantly higher in group 2 and 3 than group 1, but there was no significant difference between group 2 and 3. C-reactive protein values were significantly higher only in group 3 than other groups. The cutoff value for uPAR is 2.2 ng/mL with sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 84.3% and ANC is 5900 cells/mm3 with sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 96.9% to diagnose appendicitis. The specificity was 81.3% and sensitivity was raised to 98.2% when evaluated together.

Conclusions

The incorporation of uPAR count and ANC could be a strong predictor of AA in children.
Successful First Gait of a Child With Hip-Disarticulation Prosthesis
Authors: Hara Hitomi , Kawamoto Teruya , Fukase Naomasa , Katayama Etsuko , Takemori Toshiyuki , Fujiwara Shuichi , Sakai Yoshitada , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Akisue Toshihiro
Published: January 2018

An infant boy underwent hip disarticulation for infantile fibrosarcoma immediately after birth. His rehabilitation began when he was 4 mos old and involved training with his left (residual) leg. He could stand with support at 12 mos. His initial prosthesis fitting was performed at the age of 13 mos. He could stand and walk with support at 15 mos of age and could walk with no additional support and go up and down stairs at 2 yrs. A single-axis prosthetic knee joint was introduced at the age of 2 yrs 3 mos. His first gait using a hip prosthesis was successful, and his prosthesis was replaced at appropriate intervals with no major problems. The authors believe that the key to achieving a successful prosthetic gait in children is good communication among the medical team, which should comprise an orthopedic doctor, rehabilitation doctor, nurse, physical therapist, prosthetist/orthotist, and the patient's parents.
When to switch to an oral treatment and/or to discharge a patient with skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Bassetti Matteo , Eckmann Christian , Peghin Maddalena , Carnelutti Alessia , Righi Elda
Published: January 2018

Purpose of review

Skin and soft tissue infections prevalence is increasing and represent a frequent cause of hospital admission. New guidelines have become available in order to better define these infections and their response to antimicrobial treatment. Gram-positive bacteria, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, remain the most frequently isolated pathogens in skin and soft tissue infections. To treat complicated forms and infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, hospital admission and administration of intravenous antibiotics are often required, impacting on healthcare costs and patients’ morbidity.

Recent findings

New therapeutic options offer efficacy against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria as well as potential to favor early patients’ discharge, including the possibility for intravenous to oral switch and infrequent drug administration because of prolonged drug half-life. Although data from real-world studies on new antimicrobials is awaited, clinicians need clear direction on how to optimize the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections in order to avoid prolonged hospitalizations and extra costs. Early assessment of patient's clinical conditions and response to treatment appear useful in order to facilitate patients’ discharge.

We have reported the evidence for early intravenous to oral switch and early hospital discharge for patients with skin and soft tissue infections. New therapeutic options that represent promising tools in promoting an optimized management of these infections have also been reviewed.
Long-Term Outcomes After Overlapping Sphincteroplasty for Cloacal-Like Deformities
Authors: Maldonado Pedro A. , Mcintire Donald , Corton Marlene M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to report subjective, long-term outcomes and describe patient demographics, presenting symptoms, perioperative management, and complications after overlapping sphincteroplasty repair for chronic fourth-degree lacerations (cloacal-like deformities).

Methods

In this retrospective study, hospital records were reviewed for women who underwent overlapping anal sphincteroplasty for a cloacal-like deformity of the perineum at a single institution from 1996 to 2013. Details including patient demographics, presenting symptoms, perioperative management, and complications were abstracted from the medical record. As a follow-up, subjects were contacted by telephone and were administered the validated Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire to assess anal continence status and anal incontinence-related quality of life since the time of surgery.

Results

Of 57 women who underwent an anal sphincteroplasty within the study period, 29 met inclusion criteria. Median parity was 3 (range, 1–7) and 24.5% reported a history of forceps or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. Presenting symptoms included fecal incontinence (58.6%), flatal incontinence (41%), sexual dysfunction (20.7%), and poor body self-image (3.4%). Thirteen (45%) women could be contacted by telephone and all agreed to participate. Overall, 46.2% of the 13 women who completed the Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire reported some form anal of incontinence, whereas 53.8% reported complete continence at a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 3.6 years. Perioperative morbidity was uncommon, and postoperative antibiotics were used in 75.9% of cases for a median duration of 8.8 ± 3.3 days.

Conclusions

Perioperative morbidity after overlapping sphincteroplasty for cloacal-like deformities after obstetrical injury is rare. Although long-term complete anal continence may be difficult to achieve in all cases, good quality of life measures and low symptom severity were noted at a mean interval of 7 years after surgery.
Denture-associated biofilm infection in three-dimensional oral mucosal tissue models
Authors: Morse Daniel J. , Wilson Melanie J. , Wei Xiaoqing , Lewis Michael A. O. , Bradshaw David J. , Murdoch Craig , Williams David W.
Published: January 2018

Purpose.
In vitro analyses of virulence, pathogenicity and associated host cell responses are important components in the study of biofilm infections. The Candida-related infection, denture-associated oral candidosis, affects up to 60 % of denture wearers and manifests as inflammation of palatal tissues contacting the denture-fitting surface. Commercially available three-dimensional tissue models can be used to study infection, but their use is limited for many academic research institutions, primarily because of the substantial purchase costs. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the use of in vitro tissue models to assess infections by biofilms on acrylic surfaces through tissue damage and Candida albicans virulence gene expression.

Methodology.
In vitro models were compared against commercially available tissue equivalents (keratinocyte-only, SkinEthic; full-thickness, MatTek Corporation). An in vitro keratinocyte-only tissue was produced using a cancer-derived cell line, TR146, and a full-thickness model incorporating primary fibroblasts and immortalised normal oral keratinocytes was also generated. The in vitro full-thickness tissues incorporated keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and have potential for future further development and analysis.

Results. Following polymicrobial infection with biofilms on acrylic surfaces, both in-house developed models were shown to provide equivalent results to the SkinEthic and MatTek models in terms of tissue damage: a significant (P<0.05) increase in LDH activity for mixed species biofilms compared to uninfected control, and no significant difference (P>0.05) in the expression of most C. albicans virulence genes when comparing tissue models of the same type.

Conclusion. Our results confirm the feasibility and suitability of using these alternative in vitro tissue models for such analyses.
Sleep deprivation selectively up-regulates an amygdala-hypothalamic circuit involved in food reward
Authors: Rihm Julia S. , Menz Mareike M. , Schultz Heidrun , Bruder Luca , Schilbach Leonhard , Schmid Sebastian M. , Peters Jan
Published: January 2018

Sleep loss is associated with increased obesity risk, as demonstrated by correlations between sleep duration and change in body mass index or body fat percentage. Whereas previous studies linked this weight gain to disturbed endocrine parameters after sleep deprivation (SD) or restriction, neuroimaging studies revealed up-regulated neural processing of food rewards after sleep loss in reward-processing areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex, ventral striatum and insula. To tackle this ongoing debate between homeostatic versus hedonic factors underlying sleep loss-associated weight gain, we rigorously tested the association between SD and food cue processing using high-resolution fMRI and assessment of hormones. After taking blood samples from thirty-two lean, healthy men, they underwent fMRI while performing a neuroeconomic, value-based decision making task with snack food and trinket rewards following a full night of habitual sleep (HS) and a night of SD in a repeated-measures cross-over design. We found that des-acyl ghrelin concentrations were increased after SD compared with HS. Despite similar hunger ratings due to fasting in both conditions, participants were willing to spend more money on food items only after SD. Furthermore, fMRI data paralleled this behavioral finding, revealing a food reward-specific up-regulation of hypothalamic valuation signals and amygdala-hypothalamic coupling after a single night of SD. Behavioral and fMRI results were not significantly correlated with changes in acyl, des-acyl or total ghrelin concentrations. Our results indicate that increased food valuation after sleep loss is due to hedonic rather than hormonal mechanisms.
Determination of the Thermodynamics of B-lactoglobulin Aggregation Using Ultra Violet Light Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Austerberry James I , Belton Daniel J
Published: January 2018

The problem of protein aggregation is widely studied across a number of disciplines, where understanding the behaviour of the protein monomer, and its behaviour with co-solutes is imperative in order to devise solutions to the problem. Here we present a method for measuring the kinetics of protein aggregation based on ultra violet light scattering spectroscopy (UVLSS) across a range of NaCl conditions. Through measurement of wavelength dependant scattering and using the model protein β-lactoglobulin, it is possible to isolate the thermodynamic contributions to thermal unfolding. We show that increasing NaCl concentration decreases the free energy of unfolding which is dominated by the decrease of the enthalpy contribution. This contribution is significantly larger than the decrease in change in entropy observed at higher salt concentrations between the folded and unfolded states.
From whence the knowledge came: Heterogeneity of innovation procurement across Europe
Authors: Rainville Anne
Published: January 2018

To induce innovation in the public sector, Directive 2014/24/EU encourages internal and external consultation during the procurement process. However, little is known regarding the prominence of these practices. Determining the extent of knowledge sourcing in innovation procurement across 28 European countries, this paper presents an institutional cluster analysis, examining heterogeneity across knowledge sourcing activities, procurement areas, and tender innovation outcomes for 1,505 public procurers from 2008-2010. Building upon existing taxonomies, three types of procuring agencies are identified: Large collaborative agencies practicing public procurement of innovation (31%); supplier-focused pre-commercial procurers (20%); and direct procurers at the municipal level (49%). Validation supports this heterogeneity, using innovation outcomes and policy drivers. At the country level, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Poland are most represented in respective clusters. Findings enable predictions regarding impacts on agencies and innovation from the new public procurement directive's translation into national law by Member States.
Brazilian nursing professionals: leadership to generate positive attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Araujo Claudia Affonso Silva , Figueiredo Kleber Fossati
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the kind of work environment that should be offered by hospital leaders to their nursing staff in Brazil to generate job satisfaction, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour within their field of expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was applied to 171 nurses and 274 nursing technicians who work at five private hospitals in Brazil. Both factor analysis and regression analysis were used to analyse the study model.

Findings

The results indicate that to stimulate positive behaviours and attitudes among nursing staff, managers should mainly be concerned about establishing a clear and effective communication with their professionals to ensure role clarity, promote a good working environment and encourage relationships based on trust.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are absence of the researcher while the questionnaires were filled out and the fact that the sample comprised respondents who made themselves available to participate in the research.

Practical implications

This study contributes to elucidate the factors that can promote a good internal climate for nursing staff, assisting hospital leaders to face the huge managerial challenges of managing, retaining and advancing these professionals.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the body of knowledge in leadership among nursing professionals in developing countries. Hospital leaders in Brazil should encourage trusting relationships with nursing professionals through clear, effective and respectful communications, besides investing in team development and promoting a good working environment.
Synthesis, application and antibacterial activity of new reactive dyes based on thiazole moiety
Authors: Mohamed Fatma A. , Abd El-Megied Saadia A. , Bashandy Mahmoud S. , Ibrahim Hassan M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to synthesise and characterise new reactive dyes based on thiazole derivatives which act as chromophoric moieties. These dyes were applied to cotton fabric, resulting in the dyed fabrics exhibiting good colour strength, light fastness and other fastness properties. The antibacterial activity of the dyed cotton fabric was evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The dyes were synthesised in two steps. First, the coupling compound was formed by adding H-acid solution to cyanuric chloride in an ice bath at pH 5 then adding 4-aminobenzenesulphonic acid portion-wise at room temperature and at pH 6-7. Second, different diazonium salts 4-phenylthiazol-2-amine (2a) and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl) thiazol-2-amine (2b) were coupled with the coupling compound at pH 5. The resultant monochlorotriazine (MCT)-reactive dyes (6a, 6b) were formed. The synthesised dyes were applied onto cotton fabric under typical exhaust dyeing conditions and their dyeing properties were investigated.

Findings

High antimicrobial activity, dye exhaustion and fixation yield on cotton fabric were recorded for each dye. All dyes showed high stability against washing, rubbing, perspiration and light fastness.

Research limitations/implications

Dyeing of cotton fabric with these dyes which have higher fastness, higher exhaustion and higher antibacterial activity is considered one of the most important reactive dyes species.

Practical implications

The preparation procedure showed the synthesis of the novel MCT-reactive dyes derived from thiazole derivatives followed by the application of these dyes on cotton fabrics.

Social implications

Use of reactive dyes will bring a number of benefits to society including higher fastness and higher antibacterial activity so, and these dyes can be used for dyeing cotton.

Originality/value

In this work, the new reactive dyes derived from thiazole derivatives were synthesised and their structures were confirmed by the analytical and spectral data. Such compounds are considered to be excellent reactive dyes with different colour shades and higher antibacterial activity.
Relation of work-life balance, work-family conflict, and family-work conflict with the employee performance-moderating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Soomro Aqeel Ahmed , Breitenecker Robert J. , Shah Syed Afzal Moshadi
Published: January 2018

Purpose

People in both the developing and developed worlds now face issues like work-to-family and family-to-work conflicts. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between work-life balance, work-family conflict, and family-work conflict and perceived employee performance with job satisfaction serving as a moderating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

The object of this study is a full-time teaching faculty. Responses from 280 young university teaching faculty serving in public-sector universities in Islamabad, Pakistan, were investigated by applying linear regression analysis to test six hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that work-life balance and work-family conflict have a positive effect on employee performance. Job satisfaction has moderating effects on the relationships between work-life balance, work-family conflict, and family-work conflict with perceived employee performance.

Originality/value

The study presents some unique results, which are different from previous studies such as work-family conflict has a positive significant effect on employee performance, family-work conflict has no significant effect on employee performance, and job satisfaction can be a negative moderator between these relations.
Understanding health consumer value: service marketing perspective
Authors: Islam Shahidul
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify and explain patient-centered health choices, facilitating health-care providers’ service orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive literature review has been done to extract seven constructs (five dimensions of SERVQUAL, perceived service cost (PSC), and reference) and their underlying 28 items to be quantified. A survey of 201 health consumers was conducted to rate those variables and their constructs. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling are utilized to delineate and explicate factors.

Findings

The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that responsiveness has the highest predictive power in explaining hospital choice intention. However, PSC, the only construct, is not statistically significant. The models are considered to have satisfactory reliability, validity, and acceptable fit.

Research limitations/implications

Since the study was administered in Comilla city, the generalizations should be exploited carefully. Future studies can be carried out on the behavioral patterns of patients and attitudes of health-care providers with respect to the discussed factors and variables.

Practical implications

The result highlights patients’ service expectations that can be carefully and creatively applied in the service marketing program, improving doctors’ and nurses’ service orientation, developing physical evidence, and managing references to communicate service value to patients.

Originality/value

What health consumers emphasize and how they incorporate service quality dimensions into hospital choice intention has stayed almost unexplored in the existing literature in Bangladesh. This study provides valuable insights into the meaning of patients’ choices, which will help practitioners and researchers to formulate marketing strategies that improve health-care outcomes and are acceptable to patients.
Effect of board characteristics on firm value: evidence from India
Authors: Mishra Rakesh Kumar , Kapil Sheeba
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship of board characteristics and firm performance for Indian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Corporate governance structures of 391 Indian companies out of CNX 500 companies listed on National Stock Exchange have been studied for their impact on performance of companies. Structural equation modeling methodology has been employed on data for five financial years from 2010 to 2014 for selected companies. Market-based measure (Tobin’sQ) and accounting-based measure (return on asset) have been employed for measuring firm performance.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate that there is significant positive association between board size and firm performance. Board independence is found significantly related to firm performance. Number of board meetings is found to be sending positive signal to the market creating firm value. Separation of CEO and chairman of the board is found to be value creating and overburdened directors affect firm performance adversely. Findings also suggest that the governance-performance relationship is also dependent upon the type of performance measures used in the study.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study are in terms of data methodology and possible omission of some variables. It is understood that the qualitative dynamics happening inside board meetings impact corporate performance. The strategic decisions-making process adopted by the boards to fight competition or to increase market share is not available in public domain easily. The decision-making processes and monitoring for implementation of these decisions could impact corporate governance-performance relationship. These parameters and their impact on corporate performance are not covered under the scope of the present study. However, the same could have thrown more light on governance-performance relationship.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the emerging body of literature on corporate governance-performance relationship in the Indian context using a reasonably wider and newer data set.
Mediating role of innovativeness between risk taking and performance in Indian universities
Authors: Gupta Manish , Acharya Anitha
Published: January 2018

Purpose

With increased globalization, Indian universities are struggling to attract and retain talented academics and are exploring the ways to enhance their service performance and brand image (BI). However, there is a paucity of studies that view universities through the corporate lens. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of innovativeness in the relationships of creativity, risk taking (RT), and performance in service delivery (PSD). Another objective is to find out how this nexus affects universities’ BI.

Design/methodology/approach

Responses were collected from 280 academics working for different Indian universities. Structural analysis was performed to examine the relationships under investigation.

Findings

The results indicate that innovativeness fully mediates the positive RT – PSD relationship and that PSD positively influences BI.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study mainly augment the theory of BI by empirically linking BI and its antecedents in the context of Indian universities.

Practical implications

For enhancing a university’s BI, management is encouraged to promote RT work culture along with innovative and creative teaching methods.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies in India that see academia through the corporate lens. Also, it provides evidence for the importance innovativeness in enhancing BI of a university.
Decoding willingness of Indian consumers to pay a premium on green products
Authors: Kirmani Mohd Danish , Khan Mohammed Naved
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relevant antecedents of willingness of Indian consumers to pay a premium for green products and empirically validate the relationship between these antecedents and willingness to pay (WTP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated from 515 students enroled in various educational institutions approved by the All India Council for Technical Education and located in New Delhi and National Capital Region region of India. A combination of researcher-controlled and systematic sampling techniques was employed for the purpose of identifying the sample. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data using AMOS 20.0.

Findings

The study revealed that attitude towards green products (ATGP) has a significant and positive influence on WTP. Additionally, collectivism and environmental concern emerged as predictors of ATGP.

Practical implications

Marketing practitioners are expected to get deeper insights into reasons that contribute to the formation of positive attitude among Indian consumers towards green products. This understanding may greatly assist proactive marketers in developing appropriate strategies to increase the propensity of WTP a premium for such products.

Originality/value

The study is pioneering in the sense that the construct WTP for green products had relatively been less explored in the Indian context. The construct WTP is important for Indian consuming class which is dominated by middle and lower middle income groups for whom spending extra from their regular expenditure is a critical and sensitive issue.
Evaluation of viral contamination in a baculovirus expression system
Authors: Ono Chikako , Hirano Junki , Okamoto Toru , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2018

Insect expression systems based on baculovirus are widely used for generating recombinant proteins. Here, the infectivity of baculoviruses under the physiological stresses of ‘freeze–thaw’ and sonication and the baculoviral contamination of recombinant proteins after protein purification were evaluated. Our findings suggest that Nonidet P‐40 (NP‐40) treatment of baculoviruses completely abolishes their infectivity and that recombinant proteins purified with affinity beads do not include infectious baculoviruses. We therefore suggest that baculovirus is completely inactivated by NP‐40 treatment and that recombinant proteins are unlikely to be contaminated with infectious baculoviruses after their affinity purification.
Utility of three novel insulin resistance‐related lipid indices for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus among people with normal fasting glucose in rural China
Authors: Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Ming , Liu Yu , Sun Xizhuo , Zhang Lu , Wang Chongjian , Li Linlin , Ren Yongcheng , Han Chengyi , Zhao Yang , Zhou Junmei , Pang Chao , Yin Lei , Feng Tianping , Zhao Jingzhi , Hu Dongsheng
Published: January 2018

Background

Inexpensive and easily measured indices are needed for the early prediction of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rural areas of China. The aim of this study was to compare triglyceride glucose (TyG), visceral adiposity (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) with traditional individual measures and their ratios for predicting T2DM.

Methods

Data for 11 113 people with baseline normal fasting glucose in a rural Chinese cohort were followed for a median of 6.0 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate covariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare the ability of traditional measures and TyG, VAI, and LAP at baseline to predict T2DM at follow‐up.

Results

Among individual measures, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and waist circumference (WC) were strongly associated with T2DM. Of all lipid ratios, an elevated triglycerides (TG) to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio was associated the most with T2DM. Compared with the first quartiles of TyG, VAI, and LAP, their fourth quartiles were associated with T2DM for men (aHR 3.54 [95% CI 2.08–6.03], 2.89 [1.72–4.87], and 5.02 [2.85–8.85], respectively) and women (6.15 [3.48–10.85], 4.40 [2.61–7.42], and 6.49 [3.48–12.12], respectively). For predicting T2DM risk, TyG, VAI, and LAP were mostly superior to the TG:  HDL‐C ratio, but did not differ from FPG and WC.

Conclusions

Prediction of T2DM was not improved by TyG, VAI, and LAP versus FPG or WC alone. Therefore, TyG, VAI, and LAP may not be inexpensive tools for predicting T2DM in rural Chinese people.
Sovereign Debt Restructuring in Europe
Authors: Buchheit Lee C. , Mitu Gulati G.
Published: January 2018

The Eurozone sovereign debt crisis began in the spring of 2010. Seven years on seems like an appropriate point at which to critique how the crisis has been handled and to assess whether policy changes will be required should it flare up again. In particular, there are a number of lessons to be learned from the Greek debt restructuring of 2012.
Land management change greatly impacts biofuels’ greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Canter Christina E. , Dunn Jennifer B. , Mueller Steffen , Kwon Hoyoung , Han Jeongwoo , Wander Michelle M. , Wang Michael
Published: January 2018

Harvesting corn stover for biofuel production may decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) and increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Adding additional organic matter into soil or reducing tillage intensity, however, could potentially offset this SOC loss. Here, using SOC and life cycle analysis (LCA) models, we evaluated the impacts of land management change (LMC), that is, stover removal, organic matter addition, and tillage on spatially explicit SOC level and biofuels’ overall life cycle GHG emissions in US corn–soybean production systems. Results indicate that under conventional tillage (CT), 30% stover removal (dry weight) may reduce baseline SOC by 0.04 t C ha−1 yr−1 over a 30‐year simulation period. Growing a cover crop during the fallow season or applying manure, on the other hand, could add to SOC and further reduce biofuels’ life cycle GHG emissions. With 30% stover removal in a CT system, cover crop and manure application can increase SOC at the national level by about 0.06 and 0.02 t C ha−1 yr−1, respectively, compared to baseline cases without such measures. With contributions from this SOC increase, the life cycle GHG emissions for stover ethanol are more than 80% lower than those of gasoline, exceeding the US Renewable Fuel Standard mandate of 60% emissions reduction in cellulosic biofuels. Reducing tillage intensity while removing stover could also limit SOC loss or lead to SOC gain, which would lower stover ethanol life cycle GHG emissions to near or under the mandated 60% reduction. Without these organic matter inputs or reduced tillage intensity, however, the emissions will not meet this mandate. More efforts are still required to further identify key practical LMCs, improve SOC modeling, and accounting for LMCs in biofuel LCAs that incorporate stover removal.
Common Primary and Secondary Causes of Headache in the Elderly
Authors: Sharma Tara L.
Published: January 2018

Objective/Background

Headache in the elderly, defined as individuals aged 65 and older, although less prevalent than younger individuals, can present as a diagnostic challenge, given the increase in potentially fatal diseases within this population.

Methods

These individuals require a complete history, neurological examination, and assessment of potential secondary causes of headaches.

Results

Secondary causes include temporal or giant cell arteritis, subdural hematomas, central nervous system (CNS) tumors, strokes, and CNS infections. Once secondary conditions are ruled out, then primary causes of headache are considered such as tension‐type headache, migraine, cluster headache, or hypnic headache.

Conclusion

This article reviews the distinguishing characteristics of the most common types of headache in patients over the age of 65 years old, along with potential diagnostic tests and treatment.
Environmental resistance of Cr2AlC MAX phase under thermal gradient loading using a burner rig
Authors: Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus , Go Teresa , Mack Daniel E. , Vaßen Robert
Published: January 2018

Dense Cr2AlC materials were tested under a gradient loading for the first time using a burner rig. The severe thermal cycling conditions consist of 500 short cycles at 1200°C, with an accumulative time at the maximal temperature of more than 29 hours. The samples showed no visible damage under these conditions due to the formation of an outer protective α‐Al2O3 layer, which shows a strong adhesion with the Cr2AlC substrate. No cracks, delamination or damage were observed at the interface between the different layers. This excellent response under cyclic loading shows the excellent potential of Cr2AlC compounds for high‐temperature applications.
Powder chemistry effects on the sintering of MgO‐doped specialty Al2O3
Authors: Frueh Tobias , Marker Cassie , Kupp Elizabeth R. , Compson Charles , Atria Joe , Gray Jennifer L. , Liu Zi‐Kui , Messing Gary L.
Published: January 2018

In this work, we investigate the effects of powder chemistry on the sintering of MgO‐doped specialty alumina. The stages at which MgO influences densification of Al2O3 were identified by comparing dilatometry measurements and the sintering kinetics of MgO‐free and MgO‐doped specialty alumina powders. MgO is observed to reduce the grain boundary thickness during densification using TEM. We show that MgO increases the solubility of SiO2 in alumina grains near the boundaries using EDS. First‐principles DFT calculations demonstrate that the co‐dissolution of MgO and SiO2 in alumina is thermodynamically favored over the dissolution of MgO or SiO2 individually in alumina. This study experimentally demonstrates for the first time that removal of SiO2 from the grain boundaries is a key process by which MgO enhances the sintering of alumina.
Chemical composition and temperature dependence of the energy storage properties of Ba1‐xSrxTiO3 ferroelectrics
Authors: Luo Bingcheng , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Enke , Qu Haimo , Zhao Qiancheng , Cai Ziming , Wang Hongxian , Feng Wei , Li Baiwen , Li Longtu
Published: January 2018

Dielectric materials with high power and energy densities are desirable for potential applications in advanced pulsed capacitors. Computational material designs based on first‐principles calculations provide a “bottom‐up” method to design novel materials. Here, we present a first‐principles effective Hamiltonian simulation of perovskite ferroelectrics, Ba1‐xSrxTiO3, for energy storage applications. The effects of different chemical compositions, temperatures, and external electric fields on the ferroelectric hysteresis and energy storage density of Ba1‐xSrxTiO3 were investigated. The Curie temperature was tuned from 400 to 100 K by doping Sr in the BaTiO3 lattice. At a constant temperature, the ferroelectric hysteresis became slimmer as the Sr content increased, and the energy storage efficiency increased. For the same chemical composition, the energy storage density increased as the temperature increased. For the composition x = 0.4, a discharged energy density of ~2.8 J/cm3 with a 95% efficiency was obtained in an external electric field of 350 kV/cm, and a discharged energy density of 30 J/cm3 with a 92% efficiency was obtained in an external electric field of 2750 kV/cm. The energy storage property predictions and new material designs have potential to create experimental and industrial products with higher energy storage densities.
Patient characteristics associated with treatment response in patients receiving salvianolate injection for stable angina
Authors: Qi Yana , Yu Chuan , Tang Li , Li Sheyu , Sun Xin
Published: January 2018

Objective

To explore patient characteristics associated with treatment response in patients receiving salvianolate injection for stable angina.

Methods

An analysis was conducted of data from a multicenter, phase IV clinical trial undertaken in China that enrolled 2150 patients hospitalized for stable angina from 50 hospitals. The treatment outcomes were changes of angina severity and nitroglycerin use between baseline and the last day of treatment. We used logistic regression models to explore patient characteristics associated with the treatment response.

Results

Patients who were overweight or obese (ORa 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.44), present with hypertension (ORa 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.49), experienced with 3 or more episodes of angina per week (ORa 1.77, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.17), or concomitantly using antiplatelet agents (ORa 1.44, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.78) were associated with better treatment response defined with the change of angina severity. Those of overweight or obesity (ORa 1.57, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.12) or concomitantly using calcium antagonists (ORa 2.38, 95% CI 1.39 to 4.08) fared better treatment response according to discontinuation or reduction of nitroglycerin use.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with stable angina and receiving salvianolate injection might fare better treatment response if they were overweight or obese, experienced with hypertension, three or more episodes of angina per week, or concomitantly using antiplatelet agents and calcium antagonists.
Human papilloma virus: An etiological and prognostic factor for oral cancer?
Authors: Lafaurie Gloria I. , Perdomo Sandra J. , Buenahora María R. , Amaya Sandra , Díaz‐Báez David
Published: January 2018

The increasing prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV)‐positive oral tumors can be considered an epidemic. Although the incidence of HPV cervical cancer is decreasing, the incidence of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers associated with HPV is increasing. The presence of certain HPV genotypes could be a predictor of future oral cancer lesions, although lesions associated with HPV could be less aggressive and exhibit a higher survival rate. In the present study, we review the most important biologic, clinic, epidemiologic, and prognostic factors associated with HPV infection and oral cancer.
Comparative evaluation of the use of magnification loupes in supragingival scaling procedures
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Taschieri Silvio , Cavalli Nicolò , Francetti Luca
Published: January 2018

Aim

The main aim of the present investigation was to evaluate clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of supragingival scaling performed with or without the use of 2.5× magnification loupes and illumination.

Methods

A total of 30 patients, divided into three groups, were treated with 2.5× loupes and 2.5× loupes and illumination, and without any magnification device. Full‐mouth plaque score percentage (FMPS%) and full‐mouth bleeding score percentage (FMBS%) were registered before and after the treatment. Moreover, perceived pain and quality of the treatment were recorded using a visual analog scale. Appropriate statistical analysis was adopted to analyze between‐group differences for the investigated parameters.

Results

All of the patients completed the study protocol. All the groups were homogeneous at baseline. Supragingival scaling caused a significant reduction of FMPS% and FMBS% in all groups without differences among them. Moreover, no differences could be found for patient‐centered outcomes. The duration of the treatment was significantly higher in the group in which loupes and illumination was used than in the control group.

Conclusions

The use of magnification loupes (with or without illumination) did not significantly improve clinical and patient‐centered outcomes of supragingival scaling procedures.
Rosemary, Castor Oils, and Propolis Extract: Activity Against Candida Albicans and Alterations on Properties of Dental Acrylic Resins
Authors: Heidrich Daiane , Fortes Carmen Beatriz Borges , Mallmann Aline Taís , Vargas Clarissa Machado , Arndt Paula Borges , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the in vitro activity of 8% rosemary, 2% castor oils, and 12% propolis glycolic extract against Candida albicans, as well as the physical changes of properties in colorless and pink acrylic resins after immersion in these liquids.

Materials and Methods

Colorimetric, roughness, and Knoop microhardness assays were evaluated in 25 specimens distributed into five groups (3 test groups and 2 control groups ‐ distilled water and hypochlorite 1%), totaling five specimens per group for each acrylic resin (colorless and pink). The specimens were individually immersed for 30 minutes in 10 mL of these liquids, washed, and dried once a week. They were maintained in distilled water at 37°C between processes during all experiments. The analyses were performed before immersion and in the 4th and/or 12th month. In vitro, 18 acrylic resins were exposed to C. albicans and, after a process of 30 minutes in immersion in the five groups cited and oil vehicle control of vesicle (liquid Vaseline), the specimens were washed and incubated for 24 hours in 37°C. The growth was determined by colony counting. For comparisons between the groups in each trial and the disinfection test, paired Student's t‐tests and ANOVA with post hoc Tukey were performed by the SPSS program, considering α = 0.05.

Results

None of the liquids altered the microhardness, but all the natural compounds and 1% sodium hypochlorite (control) altered color and roughness after the 12th month of immersion in these agents. In the colorless specimens, 8% rosemary oil caused a color change similar to water, and less color and roughness alterations when compared to 2% castor oil and 1% sodium hypochlorite, respectively. There was no growth of yeast colonies after immersion in rosemary oil, propolis glycolic extract, and 1% sodium hypochlorite.

Conclusion

Eight percent rosemary oil has the potential to be used as an acrylic resin disinfectant.
The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Mechanical and Optical Behaviors of CAD/CAM Restorative Materials
Authors: Kurtulmus‐Yilmaz Sevcan , Cengiz Esra , Ongun Salim , Karakaya Izgen
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on mechanical and optical properties of lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), 2 resin nanoceramics (Lava Ultimate, GC Cerasmart), and polymer‐infiltrated ceramic network material (Vita Enamic).

Materials and Methods

CAD/CAM blocks were sectioned into 4 × 1 × 14 mm3 bars for three‐point bending test and 1 × 8 × 8 mm3 square specimens were obtained for color and translucency measurements. Bar‐shaped and square specimens were divided into five groups according to the surface treatment method as: control (no treatment), hydrofluoric acid etching, airborne‐particle abrasion, 2 W and 3 W Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation (n = 10). Three‐point bending test was carried out on a universal test machine with a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Color and translucency measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer and repeated after surface treatments. Flexural strength, translucency parameter, and ΔE values were calculated and data were statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. ΔE values >1.2 and >2.7 were considered as perceptible and unacceptable, respectively.

Results

All surface treatment methods decreased the flexural strength of all tested materials (P < 0.05) except for 2 W laser‐irradiated and airborne‐particle abraded Vita Enamic and 2 W laser irradiated Lava Ultimate (P > 0.05). Color changes of lithium disilicate specimens were not perceptible except for airborne‐particle abraded specimens. All ΔE values of resin‐based materials were above the perceptibility threshold. Acid‐etched and 3 W laser‐irradiated GC Vita Enamic specimens revealed unacceptable color changes. The translucencies of resin‐based materials significantly decreased after all surface treatment applications.

Conclusions

Surface treatments affected the flexural strength and optical properties of CAD/CAM restorative materials. Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with 2 W energy level may be an alternative surface treatment method for CAD/CAM materials.
A Simplified Approach to Fabricate a Hollow Ocular Prosthesis
Authors: Maskey Brijesh , Mathema Suraj R.B. , Shrestha Kanchana , Bhochhibhoya Amar
Published: January 2018

The prosthetic rehabilitation of a large anophthalmic socket is always a challenge. It demands an equally sized ocular prosthesis to replace lost tissue volume. A conventional solid acrylic ocular prosthesis may be deterrent to retention and esthetics because of its weight, which can be reduced by eliminating the mass of material within it. This article attempts to present a simplified and accurate technique to fabricate a hollow ocular prosthesis using silicone putty cavity form. It is removed prior to final processing and serves to ensure appropriate uniform thickness of acrylic resin and optimal weight reduction of the definitive prosthesis without compromising mobility, esthetics, and structural integrity.
A study to evaluate the primary causes associated with Pseudomonas otitis in 60 dogs
Authors: Paterson S. , Matyskiewicz W.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the primary causes, age of onset and time from diagnosis of otitis to development of Pseudomonas otitis in each case.

Materials and Methods

Data from clinical records of 60 dogs were extracted to address the study objectives. Pseudomonas otitis was diagnosed by clinical signs and positive culture.

Results

In total, 57 purebred dogs and three crossbreed dogs were included: 32 dogs had unilateral and 28 bilateral disease. Underlying primary causes of otitis were allergy (42), masses (8), endocrine disease (7) and autoimmune disease (3). The mean age of onset of otitis (and subsequent time to development of Pseudomonas otitis) in dogs with allergic otitis was 40 months (28 months), with endocrine disease was 56 months (19 months) and masses 99 months (10 months).

Clinical Significance

The most common primary causes of otitis in dogs with Pseudomonas infections are, in decreasing frequency: allergies, masses, endocrine disease and autoimmune disease. Secondary infections with Pseudomonas developed more quickly if there was a mass or autoimmune disease, as compared with allergies and endocrinopathies.