bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of ICD Shock Burden by Eliminating Back‐Up Pacing Induced Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias
Authors: THEIS CATHRIN , MOLLNAU HANKE , SONNENSCHEIN SEBASTIAN , KONRAD TORSTEN , HIMMRICH EWALD , BOCK KARSTEN , SCHULZ EBERHARD , KÄMPFNER DENISE , GERHARDT SIMON , QUESADA OCETE BLANCA , MÜNZEL THOMAS , ROSTOCK THOMAS
Published: March 2014

ICD Shock Reduction by Subthreshold Pacing

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) may have the capacity to provoke or worsen ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT). It has been reported that ICD shocks by itself can increase mortality. This study aimed to determine the role of back‐up pacing‐induced VT (PIT) in the overall ICD shock burden by avoiding pause‐related ventricular back‐up pacing.

Methods and Results

A population of 550 single‐chamber ICD patients was studied. Of them, 17 (3%, 69 ± 16 years, 14 male) patients had documented episodes of PIT. A total of 431 VT episodes were documented including 89 (21%) due to PIT. In 3 patients, VT events were exclusively PITs. After ≥2 documented PITs, the pacing output for VVI pacing was set to a subthreshold level resulting in noncapturable ventricular back‐up pacing. All other device parameters remained unchanged to prove a potential proarrhythmic effect of pause related back‐up pacing. During a follow‐up of 99 ± 39 months after reducing the pacing output to a subthreshold level, no further episodes of PIT were observed (P < 0.001). Moreover, with the prevention of PITs, the ICD shock burden decreased significantly (pre: 150 vs. post: 18, P < 0.001). However, a single event of pause‐induced VT occurred due to missing back‐up pacing.

Conclusions

PIT is a frequent mechanism of VTs in ICD patients resulting in a substantially increased shock burden. Elimination of pause‐related back‐up pacing by subthreshold pacing output effectively abolishes PIT and thus significantly reduces ICD shock burden.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation for Blood Pressure Control: A Review of the Current Evidence and Ongoing Studies
Authors: Todoran Thomas M. , Basile Jan N. , Zile Michael R.
Published: March 2014

Hypertensive heart disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Despite widespread availability of medical therapy, it remains a challenge to treat. Autonomic nervous system imbalance resulting in overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is integral to the development of hypertension and ultimately the development of hypertensive heart disease. Although the results with renal sympathetic denervation so far have been encouraging, optimism has recently been tempered with the broadcast alert from Medtronic, the sponsor of Symplicity HTN‐3, that the trial did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint. The principal focus of this article is to review the developments in renal sympathetic denervation for the treatment of resistant hypertension.
Intramyocardial transplantation of cardiac telocytes decreases myocardial infarction and improves post‐infarcted cardiac function in rats
Authors: Zhao Baoyin , Liao Zhaofu , Chen Shang , Yuan Ziqiang , Yilin Chen , Lee Kenneth K.H. , Qi Xufeng , Shen Xiaotao , Zheng Xin , Quinn Thomas , Cai Dongqing
Published: March 2014

The midterm effects of cardiac telocytes (CTs) transplantation on myocardial infarction (MI) and the cellular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of CTs transplantation are not understood. In the present study, we have revealed that transplantation of CTs was able to significantly decrease the infarct size and improved cardiac function 14 weeks after MI. It has established that CT transplantation exerted a protective effect on the myocardium and this was maintained for at least 14 weeks. The cellular mechanism behind this beneficial effect on MI was partially attributed to increased cardiac angiogenesis, improved reconstruction of the CT network and decreased myocardial fibrosis. These combined effects decreased the infarct size, improved the reconstruction of the LV and enhanced myocardial function in MI. Our findings suggest that CTs could be considered as a potential cell source for therapeutic use to improve cardiac repair and function following MI, used either alone or in tandem with stem cells.
Gamma irradiation preserves immunosuppressive potential and inhibits clonogenic capacity of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: de Andrade Ana Valéria Gouveia , Riewaldt Julia , Wehner Rebekka , Schmitz Marc , Odendahl Marcus , Bornhäuser Martin , Tonn Torsten
Published: March 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for the treatment of graft‐versus‐host and autoimmune diseases. Here, by virtue of their immunosuppressive effects, they are discussed to exhibit inhibitory actions on various immune effector cells, including T lymphocytes that promote the underlying pathology. While it becomes apparent that MSCs exhibit their therapeutic effect in a transient manner, they are usually transplanted from third party donors into heavily immunocompromised patients. However, little is known about potential late complications of persisting third party MSCs in these patients. We therefore analysed the effect of gamma irradiation on the potency and proliferation of MSCs to elucidate an irradiation dose, which would allow inhibition of MSC proliferation while at the same time preserving their immunosuppressive function. Bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs) were gamma‐irradiated at increasing doses of 5, 10 and 30 Gy and subsequently assessed by colony formation unit (CFU)‐assay, Annexin V‐staining and in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, to assess colony growth, apoptosis and the immunosuppressive capacity, respectively. Complete loss of proliferative capacity measured by colony formation was observed after irradiation with a dose equal to or greater than 10 Gy. No significant decrease of viable cells was detected, as compared to non‐irradiated BM‐MSCs. Notably, irradiated BM‐MSCs remained highly immunosuppressive in vitro for at least 5 days after irradiation. Gamma irradiation does not impair the immunosuppressive capacity of BM‐MSCs in vitro and thus might increase the safety of MSC‐based cell products in clinical applications.
Cutaneous adverse effects of BRAF inhibitors in metastatic malignant melanoma, a prospective study in 20 patients.
Authors: Vanneste L. , Wolter P. , Van den Oord J.J. , Stas M. , Garmyn M.
Published: March 2014

Background

BRAF inhibitors frequently cause significant cutaneous adverse reactions.

Objective

To study the timing, prevalence and response to treatment of skin lesions in patients receiving V‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitors.

Methods

We prospectively studied the cutaneous side‐effects of patients with a BRAF mutant (V600E, V600K, V600R) metastatic malignant melanoma treated with a BRAF inhibitor. We systematically registered prevalence, timing of onset and response to treatment.

Results

Twenty patients were treated for 2–52 weeks with a BRAF inhibitor. Eleven patients on vemurafenib (58%) developed cutaneous side‐effects and 10 patients (42%) had more than one cutaneous adverse event. Verrucous papillomas were observed in eight patients (42%), after 1–12 weeks. We diagnosed four keratoacanthomas in two patients (11%) after 6–10 weeks and two squamous cell carcinomas in two patients (11%) after 10–16 weeks. Seven patients (37%) developed a hyperkeratotic, folliculocentric eruption after 2–8 weeks, resolving quickly under topical steroids. Four patients (21%) presented a facial erythema, two patients (11%) a seborrhoeic dermatitis‐like eczema on the scalp. Three patients (16%) developed cystic lesions after 2–11 weeks. Three patients (16%) presented a hand–foot skin reaction after 4–6 weeks, which was successfully treated with topical steroids and keratolytics. Hyperkeratosis of the nipples was seen in one patient (5%). We observed phototoxic reactions after UV exposure in five patients (26%) and alopecia in two patients (11%) after 8–10 weeks. One patient on dabrafenib developed curly hairs (24 weeks), keratotic papules (1 and 36 weeks), a keratoacanthoma (4 weeks) and a hand–foot skin reaction (31 weeks).

Conclusion

Multiple cutaneous toxicities were observed in patients under BRAF inhibitors, mostly well controlled with adequate treatment. We recommend a multidisciplinary approach with regular assessments of the skin by a dermatologist. This allows early identification and adequate treatment to avoid premature discontinuation of a life‐prolonging therapy.
2013 European guideline on the management of lymphogranuloma venereum
Authors: de Vries H.J.C. , Zingoni A. , Kreuter A. , Moi H. , White J.A.
Published: March 2014

What is new in this updated guideline?

This is the update version of the 2010 European guideline on the management of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). New issues are:

Epidemiology

Based on clonal relatedness of prevalent LGV strains there is evidence that the LGV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Western world prevailed already in the United States in the 1980s and was introduced into Europe by the end of the last century.

Aetiology and transmission

A new LGV variant causing severe proctitis was unveiled and designated L2c.

The L2b LGV variant causing the vast majority of infections among MSM is now also found among a few heterosexual women.

Management

Apart from HIV and STI screening, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing should be offered to all LGV patients.

To exclude reinfections, STI screening during a follow‐up visit 3 months after an LGV diagnosis should be offered.
Glycaemic responses of stapleSouthAsian foods alone and combined with curried chicken as a mixed meal
Authors: George R. , Garcia A. L. , Edwards C. A.
Published: March 2014

Background

The glycaemic responses of staples differ when eaten as mixed meals. We determined the glycaemic responses andglycaemic index (GI)values for commonSouthAsian carbohydrate rich foods and the effect of adding curried chicken to them as mixed meals.

Methods

TheGIand glycaemic response to staples (basmati rice, pilau rice and chapatti) and mixed meals (pilau rice with chicken curry and chapatti with chicken curry) were measured in healthy volunteers. Paired comparisons in each subject were carried out for staples and their equivalent mixed meals (n = 9).

Results

GIvalues for the mixed meals were significantly lower than the staples alone (41 and 60 for pilau rice with chicken curry and pilau rice alone,P = 0.001; 45 and 68 for chapatti with chicken curry and chapatti alone,P = 0.004). Both, pilau rice and chapatti with chicken curry had a significantly lower glycaemic response than their equivalent staples alone:incremental area under the blood glucose response curves (IAUC)111.9 mmol min−1 L−1for pilau rice with curry versus 162.4 mmol min−1 L−1for pilau rice alone (P = 0.001) andIAUC110.1 mmol min−1 L−1for chapatti with chicken curry versus 183.6 mmol min−1 L−1for chapatti alone (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Adding fat and protein‐containing curries as part of a mixed meal to carbohydrate rich staple foods reduced glycaemic responses, and also changed theGIcategory.
Specimen‐thickness effects on transmission Kikuchi patterns in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: RICE K.P. , KELLER R.R. , STOYKOVICH M.P.
Published: March 2014

We report the effects of varying specimen thickness on the generation of transmission Kikuchi patterns in the scanning electron microscope. Diffraction patterns sufficient for automated indexing were observed from films spanning nearly three orders of magnitude in thickness in several materials, from 5 nm of hafnium dioxide to 3 μm of aluminum, corresponding to a mass‐thickness range of ∼5 to 810 μg cm–2. The scattering events that are most likely to be detected in transmission are shown to be very near the exit surface of the films. The energies, spatial distribution and trajectories of the electrons that are transmitted through the film and are collected by the detector are predicted using Monte Carlo simulations.
How to make choice of the carious removal methods, Carisolv or traditional drilling? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li R. , Zhao Y. , Ye L.
Published: March 2014

Despite Carisolv has been used to remove carious dentine for 14 years, it still has not reached consensus regarding its effectiveness and efficacy. We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of the chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) system – Carisolv. A systematic electronic literature search was conducted to identify RCTs comparing the use of Carisolv with a control (rotary instruments) in patients with dental caries. Results were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences with accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The outcome measurement included the complete caries removal rate (CCR: the number of cases with complete caries removal in study and control groups after different treatment), the treatment time (min) and the use of local anaesthesia. The meta‐analysis was performed with the fixed‐effect or random‐effect model according to the heterogeneity. Six studies involving 578 teeth met our inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in CCR between Carisolv group and rotary instruments group; in Carisolv group, the treatment time (min) was significantly longer no matter whether the caries was located in coronal or root area, while the use of local anaesthesia was less. Compared with rotary instruments, Carisolv did not show increased CCR. Carisolv reduced the use of local anaesthesia although it took longer treatment time. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the heterogeneity among study designs. Further large‐scale, well‐designed RCTs are needed.
Evaluation of oro‐facial function in young subjects with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Kobayashi F. Y. , Gavião M. B. D. , Montes A. B. M. , Marquezin M. C. S. , Castelo P. M.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate bite force (BF) and oro‐facial functions at different dentition phases (initial‐mixed, intermediate‐mixed, final‐mixed and permanent dentition) in children and adolescents diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The sample was selected from four public schools in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Of the 289 participants recruited, aged 8–14 years old, 46 were placed into the TMD group. TMD was diagnosed using Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (2011). Oro‐facial functions were evaluated using the Nordic Orofacial Test‐Screening (NOT‐S), which involves both an interview and a clinical examination. BF was measured using a digital gnathodynamometer. Age and body mass index (BMI) were also considered. The data were analysed by the following tests: Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Student's t‐test, Spearman and Pearson coefficients, Qui‐square test, Fisher's exact or binomial test, as indicated. Moreover, univariate and multivariable logistic regression were applied. For the TMD group, scores associated with NOT‐S interview and NOT‐S total were higher than for the control group (P = 0·033 and P = 0·0062, respectively). No differences in BF between genders or groups (P > 0·05) were detected. Variables included in the multivariate logistic regression were BMI and NOT‐S total. Based on this analysis, NOT‐S total was associated with TMDs. Reported sensory function was the specific domain within NOT‐S interview that established the significant difference between the groups (P = 0·021). The TMD group also had a greater number of alterations in the face‐at‐rest domain of the NOT‐S exam (P = 0·007). Concluding, it did not detect an association between TMDs and either dentition phase or BF. Instead, BF correlated with age and BMI. Oro‐facial dysfunction was associated with TMD in the studied sample, but this association may be bidirectional, requiring further researches.
Effect of Duloxetine on Urethral Resting Pressure and on Sphincter Contractility in Response to Coughing and Magnetic Stimulation in Healthy Women
Authors: YONO Makoto , OTANI Masayuki , ITO Kazuya , INOUE Yumi , FURUKAWA Kohichiro , HORI Masaharu , TSUJI Shigeki , TANAKA Takanori , SAKATA Yukikuni , IRIE Shin
Published: March 2014

Objectives

As a proof‐of‐mechanism (POM) study of drugs developed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has not been conducted, this urodynamic study in healthy women was performed to determine an appropriate method to confirm POM, and to evaluate the effect of duloxetine, a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, on urethral resting pressure and on sphincter contractility in response to coughing and magnetic stimulation.

Methods

The urethral pressure profiles at rest, during coughing and during sacral root magnetic stimulation (SMS), and the motor threshold (MT) for urethral sphincter contraction in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were measured before and 6 h after the administration of 40 mg duloxetine in 10 healthy female subjects.

Results

Oral administration of duloxetine significantly increased the mean and maximal urethral closure pressures at rest over the proximal and middle third of the urethra. During coughing, duloxetine marginally significantly increased the mean distal urethral pressure and significantly reduced the mean delay in the distal urethral pressure peak relative to the vesical peak. Although duloxetine did not change amplitudes of pressure spikes in response to SMS, this drug significantly lowered the MT in response to TMS.

Conclusion

The proposed method for measuring the urethral resistance in healthy women can be used in POM studies of new drugs developed to treat SUI.

Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000009096
Spatial discordance in fish, coral, and sponge assemblages across a Caribbean atoll reef gradient
Authors: Acosta Charles , Barnes Robin , McClatchey Rebecca
Published: March 2014

Certain biodiversity patterns on coral reefs are generally consistent but we still lack fundamental insight into how assemblages vary across spatially heterogeneous reef systems. We compared fish, coral, and sponge assemblages across a symmetrical physiographical gradient (windward forereef, lagoon patch reef, leeward forereef) of the Glover's Reef atoll, Belize. Species richness of fishes and corals was highest in the deep habitat (15 m) on the windward forereef. Sponges were diverse and abundant on both deep windward and leeward forereefs but not on the exposed shallow (5 m) windward forereef. Fish and benthic assemblages were relatively distinct in each reef zone, with the lagoon patch reef communities consisting of a combination of leeward and windward species. Nevertheless, there were no clear patterns in community similarity matrices of fish and benthic assemblages, suggesting that overall coral and sponge assemblages had weak or no direct association with patterns in fish assemblages. A closer examination of fish trophic groups indicated that planktivores and predators were predictably associated with depth, whereas herbivores were associated with shallow protected reefs. None was specifically associated with spatial location along the atoll gradient. These patterns of diversity distribution are important for identifying spatial conservation priorities. A Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Glover's Reef encompasses substantial windward forereef and patch reef habitats. A much lesser extent of protection is afforded the leeward forereef that supports faunal assemblages that are unique and productive, if not as diverse as the windward forereef. Isolated coral atolls can serve as ideal systems to study spatial heterogeneity and biodiversity patterns, but more experimental studies are needed to reveal the mechanistic processes underlying these patterns.
Dairy consumption and pre‐school, school‐age and adolescent obesity in developed countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dror D. K.
Published: March 2014

Childhood obesity, the primary health problem affecting children in developed countries, has been attributed in part to changes in dietary patterns. Secular trends suggest a decrease in childhood dairy consumption coinciding with the rise in obesity prevalence. The objective of the present systematic review and meta‐analysis was to consider evidence of associations between dairy intake and adiposity in pre‐schoolers, school‐age children and adolescents in developed countries. Of 36 studies included in the systematic review, sufficient data for effect size estimation and inclusion in the meta‐analysis were obtained from 22 studies. No significant association was found between dairy intake and adiposity in the aggregated data, although statistical heterogeneity was high (I2 = 0.72). Among adolescents, however, dairy intake was inversely associated with adiposity (effect size −0.26, [−0.38, −0.14], P < 0.0001). Effect size was not predicted by exposure variable (milk vs. dairy), study design, statistical methods, outcome variables or sex. Interpretation of results was complicated by variability in study methods and insufficient adjustment for relevant confounders, particularly dietary reporting accuracy, sweetened beverage intake and pubertal development. Despite limitations, available data suggest a neutral effect of dairy intake on adiposity during early and middle childhood and a modestly protective effect in adolescence.
Quid pro Quo: Political Trust and Policy Implementation inGreece during the Age of Austerity
Authors: Exadaktylos Theofanis , Zahariadis Nikolaos
Published: March 2014

Why do national governments fail to implement deep reforms in light of strong international andEuropean pressures? Building on the top‐down implementation framework byMazmanian andSabatier, we argue that political trust underpins the government's implementation track record. We investigate this argument by looking at the failure of theGreek government to implement bailout reforms between 2010 and 2012 in two areas: tax and duty collection and liberalization of taxi licenses. Lower levels of trust decrease administrative capacity and widen problem intractability, creating a vicious cycle of noncooperation and economic recession. Our findings have policy implications for administrative reforms and offer amendments to theories of implementation and institutional rational choice.

Related Articles

Buterbaugh,Kevin.1999. “.”Politics & Policy27():129‐150.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1999.tb00526.x/abstractMcGrath,Robert J.2009. “.”Politics & Policy37():309‐336.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00174.x/abstractCaillier,James.2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():1015‐1035.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00267.x/abstract

Related Media

.2013. “.”http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/assistance_eu_ms/greek_loan_facility/
Survival at the Threshold of Viability: a Nationwide Survey of the Opinions and Attitudes of Physicians in a Developing Country
Authors: Charafeddine Lama , Ammous Farah , Kayle Mariam , Arawi Thalia
Published: March 2014

Background

To explore physicians' opinions and attitudes regarding resuscitation of extremely premature infants (EPIs) in a developing country with suboptimal resources.

Methods

A survey was developed, revised, and pilot‐tested. All 964 paediatricians registered in the Lebanese Order of Physicians were contacted; physicians involved in resuscitation of EPIs were eligible. Between February and April of 2009, anonymous surveys were mailed to consenting participants.

Results

Three hundred twenty‐eight eligible physicians agreed to participate. One hundred twenty (36%) returned the survey, 45.3% of which were neonatologists. The vast majority agreed that parents would like to be informed and to participate in the resuscitation decision of an EPI. The majority of physicians considered infants at gestational age of ≤25 weeks (78%) or ≤800 g (89%) as non‐viable. Physician's age, years of practice, and practising neonatal intensive care unit level were significantly associated with the choice of birthweight at which infants were considered non‐viable.

Conclusions

The majority of surveyed physicians consider infants at gestational age less than or equal to 25 weeks gestation or 800 g at birth as non‐viable, and therefore would not attempt their resuscitation. Factors influencing threshold of viability in developing countries need to be addressed and explored further.
Quantile Regression Adjusting for Dependent Censoring from Semicompeting Risks
Authors: Li Ruosha , Peng Limin
Published: March 2014

We study quantile regression when the response is an event time subject to potentially dependent censoring. We consider the semicompeting risks setting, where the time to censoring remains observable after the occurrence of the event of interest. Although such a scenario frequently arises in biomedical studies, most of current quantile regression methods for censored data are not applicable because they generally require the censoring time and the event time to be independent. By imposing quite mild assumptions on the association structure between the time-to-event response and the censoring time variable, we propose quantile regression procedures, which allow us to garner a comprehensive view of the covariate effects on the event time outcome as well as to examine the informativeness of censoring. An efficient and stable algorithm is provided for implementing the new method. We establish the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators including uniform consistency and weak convergence. The theoretical development may serve as a useful template for addressing estimating settings that involve stochastic integrals. Extensive simulation studies suggest that the method proposed performs well with moderate sample sizes. We illustrate the practical utility of our proposals through an application to a bone marrow transplant trial.
The paradoxical effects of workforce shortages on rural interprofessional practice
Authors: McNeil Karen , Mitchell Rebecca , Parker Vicki
Published: March 2014

Rationale and Aim

While interprofessional practice has been promoted as a solution to the challenges besetting rural health services, current evidence does not offer a clear explanation as to why it is effective in some domains and yet is not successful in others. At the same time, rural clinicians are frequently faced with major workforce pressures and this has a significant influence on professional practice. The aim of this study was to explore how these pressures impact on rural interprofessional practice.

Method

This study is part of a larger project investigating factors that enhance and detract from effective interprofessional working. We utilised a modified realistic evaluation approach to analyse the context, mechanisms and outcomes of rural interprofessional practice. Approval for this study was granted by an accredited research ethics committee. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 rural clinicians who were purposively recruited from a range of settings, roles, locations and professions.

Findings and Discussion

We found that clinicians often invested in interprofessional practice because of the need to manage intense workloads and this necessitated sharing of responsibilities across disciplines and blurring of role boundaries. Paradoxically, participants noted that workload pressures hampered interprofessional working if there were long‐term skill shortages. Sharing workload and responsibility is an important motivator for rural practitioners to engage in interprofessional practice; however, this driver is only effective under circumstances where there are sufficient resources to facilitate collaboration. In the context of intransient resource challenges, rural health service managers would be best to focus on enabling IPP through facilitating role understanding and respect between clinicians. This is most feasible via informal workplace learning and allowing time for teams to reflect on collaborative processes.
Sequencing of a new HLA‐A allele: HLA‐A*11:01:54
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. , Jun J.‐H. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: March 2014

The new allele A*11:01:54 shows one nucleotide difference from A*11:01:01 at codon 35 (CGG/AGG).
Electrical properties of anatase TiO2 films by atomic layer deposition and low annealing temperature
Authors: Nabatame Toshihide , Ohi Akihiko , Chikyo Toyohiro , Kimura Masayuki , Yamada Hiroyuki , Ohishi Tomoji
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the authors studied anatase TiO2 films, fabricated by using atomic layer deposition and postdeposition annealing (PDA). The as-grown TiO2 films were of high purity; the carbon and nitrogen contents were within the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy detection limit of 3–5 at. %. The anatase TiO2 film fabricated by PDA at 500 °C in O2 had a very high dielectric constant of >30 and was of high quality because it exhibited no hysteresis at its flatband voltage (Vfb) and contained negligible defect charge. The positive Vfb shift of anatase TiO2 (0.08 V), caused by the bottom interface dipole at a TiO2/SiO2 interface, was much smaller than those of Al2O3 (0.72 V) and HfO2 (0.29 V). However, the maximum Vfb change of the anatase TiO2 was greater than those of HfO2 and HfSiOx because the TiO2 contained more oxygen than the other materials.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Social Support on Youth Physical Activity Behavior
Authors: Silva Pedro , Lott Ryan , Mota Jorge , Welk Greg
Published: March 2014

Social support (SS) from parents and peers are key reinforcing factors in the Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) model. This study aims to identify the relative contribution of parental and peer SS on youth participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants included 203 high school students (n = 125 girls; mean age 14.99 ± 1.55 years). MVPA was assessed by accelerometry. SS influences were evaluated using a well-established scale. Structural equation modeling measured (AMOS, Version 19) the relative fit of the YPAP models using both parental and peer SS. Parental SS had significant associations with both predisposing factors, enjoyment (β = .62, p < .01), and self-efficacy (β= .32, p < .01), as well a direct effect on MVPA (β = .30, p < .01). Peer SS had direct effect on MVPA (β = .33, p < .05), also significantly influenced levels of enjoyment (β = .47, p < .01) and self-efficacy (β = .67, p < .01). In both models self-efficacy mediated the influence on MVPA. The direct effects for parents and peers were similar. This demonstrates that both parental and peer social support exert a strong influence on adolescent MVPA.
Oxygen Uptake and Energy Expenditure for Children During Rock Climbing Activity
Authors: Watts Phillip Baxter , Ostrowski Megan L.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to measure oxygen uptake and energy expenditure in children during rock climbing activity. 29 children (age = 10.9 ± 1.7 yr) participated in the study. A commercially available rock climbing structure with ample features for submaximal effort climbing provided continuous terrain. Participants were instructed to climb at a comfortable pace. Following an initial 5-min rest, each child climbed one sustained 5-min bout followed by 5-min sitting recovery for a total of 10 min (SUS). This was immediately followed by five 1-min climbing + 1-min recovery intervals for a second total of 10 min (INT). Expired air was analyzed continuously. Energy expenditure (EE) was determined via the Weir method for 10-s intervals throughout the full protocol. The total energy expenditure in kilocalories during the 10-min SUS period was 34.3 ± 11.3 kcal. Energy expenditure during the 10-min INT period averaged 39.3 ± 13.1 kcal and was significantly higher than during SUS (p < .05). The mean total EE for SUS + INT was 73.7 ± 24.2 kcal. EE was correlated with body mass; r = .86. The rock climbing tasks employed in this study produced EE levels similar to what have been reported in children for stair climbing, sports/games activities, and easy jogging.
The Lunar Apatite Paradox
Authors: Boyce J. W. , Tomlinson S. M. , McCubbin F. M. , Greenwood J. P. , Treiman A. H.
Published: March 2014

Wetted Apatite

The long-running story of the dry Moon was rewritten a few years ago when hydrogen-bearing glass spherules were discovered. The highest water contents are found in lunar apatite, at levels suspiciously comparable to the water content of Earth apatites.

Boyce
et al.

(p.
400
, published online 20 March; see the Perspective by

Anand

) now show that the water content of lunar apatite is not a reliable indicator of the abundance of water in mare basalts. The existence of apatite with high water content is an almost inevitable consequence of the loss of tiny amounts of fluorine-rich apatite from a melt and replacement by hydrogen and is thus no indication of a “wet” Moon.
Draft Genome Sequence of Israeli Outbreak-Associated Vibrio vulnificus Biotype 3 Clinical Isolate BAA87
Authors: Phillips Kelsey E. , Schipma Matthew J. , Satchell Karla J. F.
Published: March 2014

Vibrio vulnificus
is a seafood-associated pathogen that causes severe wound and intestinal infections. Biotype 3 of
V. vulnificus
emerged in 1996 as the cause of an Israeli outbreak associated with the handling of infected tilapia. Here, we describe the whole-genome sequence of the ATCC biotype 3 clinical isolate BAA87 (CDC9530-96).
Draft Genome Sequence of Xylella fastidiosa Pear Leaf Scorch Strain in Taiwan
Authors: Su C.-C. , Deng W.-L. , Jan F.-J. , Chang C.-J. , Huang H. , Chen J.
Published: March 2014

The draft genome sequence of
Xylella fastidiosa
pear leaf scorch strain PLS229, isolated from the pear cultivar Hengshan (
Pyrus pyrifolia
) in Taiwan, is reported here. The bacterium has a genome size of 2,733,013 bp, with a G+C content of 53.1%. The PLS229 genome was annotated and has 3,259 open reading frames and 50 RNA genes.
Genome Sequences of Four Clinical Staphylococcus aureus Strains with Diverse Drug Resistance Profiles Isolated from Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Murali Thokur Sreepathy , Paul Bobby , Parikh Hersh , Singh Rana Pratap , Kavitha Shettigar , Bhat Manoj K. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: March 2014

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major pathogen associated with diabetic foot ulcer infections. To gain insight into their pathogenicity and virulence potential, we report draft genome sequences of four strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
, isolated from diabetic foot ulcers, showing profiles with various degrees of resistance to common antibiotics.
Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus erythropolis Strain CCM2595, a Phenol Derivative-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Strnad Hynek , Patek Miroslav , Fousek Jan , Szokol Juraj , Ulbrich Pavel , Nesvera Jan , Paces Vaclav , Vlcek Cestmir
Published: March 2014

We announce the completion of the genome sequence of a phenol derivative-degrading bacterium,
Rhodococcus erythropolis
strain CCM2595. This bacterium is interesting in the context of bioremediation for its capability to degrade phenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroxybenzoate, hydroquinone,
p
-chlorophenol,
p
-nitrophenol, pyrimidines, and sterols.
Acute ischaemic stroke outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy in the elderly versus their younger counterpart: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Villwock Mark R , Singla Amit , Padalino David J , Deshaies Eric M
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Many physicians debate the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke, but most agree that to establish potential benefit, patient selection must be examined further. People >80 years are a growing population of patients with ischaemic stroke but are largely excluded from clinical trials. The benefit of thrombectomy for them may be greatly reduced due to diminishing neuroplasticity and a larger number of medical comorbidities. To address this knowledge gap, we examined clinical and economic outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in the ischaemic stroke population from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Our null hypotheses were that elderly patients (>80 years) would have a similar rate of inpatient mortality in comparison to their younger counterparts and incur a similar economic expense.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A 20% stratified sample of US community hospitals within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Participants

All patients from 2008 to 2010 with a primary diagnosis of ischaemic stroke that received mechanical thrombectomy were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital charges and length of stay.

Results

Less than 1% of all ischaemic stroke cases (9300) were treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Of these, 18% involved patients over 80 years of age. The odds of inpatient mortality in elderly patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy were approximately twice that of their younger counterparts (OR1.993, p < 0.001). The elderly experienced no significant difference in hospital charges (p=0.105) and length of stay (p=0.498).

Conclusions

The odds of inpatient mortality after mechanical thrombectomy in patients over 80 years of age were twice that of their younger counterparts. This is consistent with the overall worse prognosis seen in the natural history of this age group. Studies to better identify patients that would benefit from endovascular mechanical thrombectomy may improve outcomes and reduce the gap currently observed in age stratifications.
Fatty liver predicts the risk for cardiovascular events in middle-aged population: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Pisto Pauliina , Santaniemi Merja , Bloigu Risto , Ukkola Olavi , Kesäniemi Y Antero
Published: March 2014

Objective

We investigated if the differences in liver fat content would predict the development of non-fatal and fatal atherosclerotic endpoints (coronary heart disease and stroke).

Design, setting and participants

Our study group is a population-based, randomly recruited cohort (Oulu Project Elucidating Risk of Atherosclerosis, OPERA), initiated in 1991. The cohort consisted of 988 middle-aged Finnish participants.

Intervention

Total mortality and hospital events were followed up to 2009 based on the registry of the National Institute for Health and Welfare and the National death registry.

Main outcome measure

The severity of hepatic steatosis was measured by ultrasound and divided into three groups (0–2). Cox regression analysis was used in the statistical analysis.

Results

In the follow-up of years 1991–2009, 13.5% of the participants with non-fatty liver, 24.2% of participants having moderate liver fat content and 29.2% of the participants having severe fatty liver experienced a cardiovascular event during the follow-up time (p<0.001). Severe liver fat content predicted the risk for future risk of cardiovascular event even when adjusted for age, gender and study group (HR 1.92, CI 1.32 to 2.80, p<0.01). When further adjustments for smoking, alcohol consumption, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, body mass index and systolic blood pressure were conducted, the risk still remained statistically significant (HR 1.74, CI 1.16 to 2.63, p<0.01). Statistical significance disappeared with further adjustment for QUICKI.

Conclusions

Liver fat content increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease event in long-term follow-up but it is seems to be dependent on insulin sensitivity.
A morbid reason for consent
Authors: Murray-Brown Fay , Davies Llion
Published: March 2014

We report the case of a recently bereaved elderly lady admitted on the acute surgical take who gave consent for emergency surgery in the hope of dying intraoperatively. To her dismay she survived and, thereafter, refused all food and medical intervention leading to her death 15 days later. This case highlights concerns regarding both the process of consent following emergency admission and failure to identify a vulnerable patient's wishes.
Adsorption of toluene from the mixed water−toluene system on medicinal activated carbon
Authors: Winkler Igor , Diychuk Volodymyr
Published: March 2014

An experimental investigation of adsorption of toluene from the aqueous phase on medicinal activated carbon revealed that the process runs by the mechanism of preactivated adsorption. Kinetics of the initial stages of adsorption can be adequately represented by the empirical Elovich adsorption model. An insufficient amount of the adsorbent can cause an unexpected jump in the toluene equilibrium concentration in water caused by transferring this substance from the toluene phase into water through the process of additional adsorption on the coal surface. Adsorption constants and “imaginary” adsorption values have been determined for a series of toluene contents.
Pulmonary effects of intravenous atropine induce ventilation perfusion mismatch
Authors: Gaspari Romolo J. , Paydarfar David
Published: March 2014

Atropine is used for a number of medical conditions, predominantly for its cardiovascular effects. Cholinergic nerves that innervate pulmonary smooth muscle, glands, and vasculature may be affected by anticholinergic medications. We hypothesized that atropine causes alterations in pulmonary gas exchange. We conducted a prospective interventional study with detailed physiologic recordings in anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats (n = 8). Animals breathing a normoxic gas mixture titrated to a partial arterial pressure of oxygen of 110–120 were exposed to an escalating dose of intravenous atropine (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 5.0, and 20.0 mg/kg body mass). Arterial blood gas measurements were recorded every 2 min (×5) at baseline, and following each of the 5 doses of atropine. In addition, the animals regional pulmonary blood flow was measured using neutron-activated microspheres. Oxygenation decreased immediately following intravenous administration of atropine, despite a small increase in the volume of inspired air with no change in respiratory rate. Arterial blood gas analysis showed an increase in pulmonary dysfunction, characterized by a widening of the alveolar–arteriole gradient (p < 0.003 all groups except for the lowest dose of atropine). The microsphere data demonstrates an abrupt and marked heterogeneity of pulmonary blood flow following atropine treatment. In conclusion, atropine was found to decrease pulmonary gas exchange in a dose-dependent fashion in this rat model.
SELF-SIMILARITY PROPERTIES OF THE INDUSTRIAL COMPETITION NETWORKS
Authors: YAO CAN-ZHONG
Published: March 2014

It has been shown that many complex networks share self-similar properties. To reveal the ubiquitous characteristics that many real networks may have in common, we first improve the box covering algorithm and use it to measure several real industrial competition networks. As a result, we find that some real industrial competition networks illustrate the fractal properties. As the improved box covering algorithm could not reflect the structure characteristic of the industrial competitive network efficiently, and the scale of the network namely the average length path is not enough for quantifying the fractal properties, we use the clustering coefficient as the scale measure index and present a systematic analysis of some real industrial competition networks from the perspective of multifractal features. We find that many real industrial competition networks can also be characterized by the multifractal features. Finally, with a motif-hierarchical model, we simulate how the fractal structure of the industrial networks may be formed, and to some extent verify that the disassortative process is an important self-organizing mechanism in industry system.
Theoretical investigations of structures and properties ofAuandSsubstituted poly (2,3-di-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-phenylene ethynyl) at different electric field intensities
Authors: Zhang Jian , Guo Li
Published: March 2014

Theoretical investigations on Au and S substituted poly (2,3-di-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-phenylene ethynyl) as a molecular wire have been carried out by incorporating the external electric field (EF). The results demonstrate that both geometric and electronic structures of conjugated molecular wire are sensitive to EF. The Z component of the dipole moment and total dipole moment increases continuously since EF polarizes the molecule. Static EF modifies the frontline molecular orbitals and HLG. The I-V curve indicates the symmetrical trend respect to the original point.
ADAPTIVE ZONING DESIGN BY SUPERVISED LEARNING USING MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION
Authors: MANGINI F. M. , PIRLO G.
Published: March 2014

Zoning is a widespread feature extraction technique for handwritten digit recognition, since it is able to handle handwritten pattern variability. Static techniques for zoning design have recently been superseded by adaptive techniques, in which zoning design is considered as the result of an optimization procedure. This paper presents a new learning strategy to optimal zoning design using multi-objective genetic algorithm. More precisely, the nondominant sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) has been applied to define, in a single process, both the optimal number of zones and the optimal zones for the Voronoi-based zoning method. The experimental tests, carried out in the field of handwritten digit recognition, show the effectiveness of this new approach with respect to traditional dynamic approaches for zoning design, based on single-objective optimization techniques.
Drug-delivery and multifunction possibilities of hypocrellin photosensitizers
Authors: Deng Hong , Xie Jie , Zhao Jingquan
Published: March 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been a routine treatment of tumors and some microvascular diseases, but clinically available photosensitizers are still scarce. Among all kinds of photosensitizers, hypocrellins possess the most characteristics of ideal photosensitizers, such as, high photo-activity but low dark toxicity, fast clearance from tissues. This review is focused on two main topics, drug-delivery problem of hypocrellins and how the environment-sensitive fluorescence of hypocrellins was used for recognition of various biomolecules. Drug-delivery of hypocrellins was mainly achieved in two strategies — preparing the drug-delivery vehicles and finding quantitatively amphiphilic derivatives. Hypocrellin fluorescence originated from the intramolecular proton transfer is very distinct from other kinds of photosensitizers. Recently, it was proved that quantitative hypocrellin fluorescence could not only recognize various biomolecules, including proteins, polysaccharides and lipids, but also distinguish the specific binding from nonspecific binding with some kind of biomolecules. Meantime, hypocrellin fluorescence was pH-sensitive. It is known that tumor cells or tissues have the features of a large amount of lipid, neonatal collagen, over-expression of polysaccharides, and lower pH values compared to normal tissues. According to the relative but not absolute specificity, further studies on quantitative recognition of various biomolecules at a cellular level, may find a new clue to treat tumors by joint usage of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and PDT.
PIN–PMN–PT piezoelectric crystals with increased rhombohedral-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhang Shujun , Hackenberger Wesley , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: March 2014

In this work, crystal growth and characterization of PIN–PMN–PT (29–59% PIN and 28–35% PT) were conducted to understand how PIN ratio in the PIN–PMN–PT system impacts its phase stability during crystallization. High-quality PIN–PMN–PT crystals with 36% PIN were obtained using the self-seeded Bridgman process, even though the cubic phase In 2 O 3 formed at the very beginning of solidification. The melt became more unstable when the PIN ratio in the PIN–PMN–PT system increased to 49% and above, which affected the composition and quality of the as-grown crystals significantly. By increasing the PIN to 36% in PIN–PMN–PT crystal, the rhombohedral-to-tetragonal phase transition temperatures and the coercive field reached 115–135°C and 4.5~5.6 kV/cm, respectively, that greatly expanded the operation domains compared to PMN–PT crystals.