bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balance—a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of an online intensive self‐help alcohol intervention
Authors: Brendryen Håvar , Lund Ingunn Olea , Johansen Ayna Beate , Riksheim Marianne , Nesvåg Sverre , Duckert Fanny
Published: October 2013

Aims

To compare a brief versus a brief plus intensive self‐help version of ‘Balance’, a fully automated online alcohol intervention, on self‐reported alcohol consumption.

Design

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Participants in both conditions received an online single session screening procedure including personalized normative feedback. The control group also received an online booklet about the effects of alcohol. The treatment group received the online multi‐session follow‐up program, Balance.

Setting

Online study in Norway.

Participants

At‐risk drinkers were recruited by internet advertisements and assigned randomly to one of the two conditions (n = 244).

Measurements

The primary outcome was self‐reported alcohol consumption the previous week measured 6 months after screening.

Findings

Regression analysis, using baseline carried forward imputation (intent‐to‐treat), with baseline variables as covariates, showed that intervention significantly affected alcohol consumption at 6 months (B = 2.96; 95% confidence interval = 0.02–5.90; P = 0.049). Participants in the intensive self‐help group drank an average of three fewer standard alcohol units compared with participants in the brief self‐help group.

Conclusions

The online Balance intervention, added to a brief online screening intervention, may aid reduction in alcohol consumption compared with the screening intervention and an educational booklet.
Reduced quality of life when experiencing menstrual pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Iacovides Stella , Avidon Ingrid , Bentley Alison , Baker Fiona C.
Published: October 2013

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological condition among women of reproductive age. Although dysmenorrhea has been reported to affect the ability of women to carry out daily activities, the impact of primary dysmenorrheic pain specifically on quality of life (QoL), has yet to be elucidated. We investigated whether QoL varies between women with and without severe primary dysmenorrhea, and whether QoL is impaired only during menstruation or also during pain‐free phases of the menstrual cycle. Twelve women with severe primary dysmenorrhea and nine control women completed the quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire (Q‐LES‐Q‐SF) during menstruation and during the late follicular phase. Women with dysmenorrhea had a significant reduction in Q‐LES‐Q‐SF scores (mean ± SD: 54 ± 18%, percentage of the total maximum possible score) when they were experiencing severe menstrual pain compared with their own pain‐free follicular phase (80 ± 14%, p < 0.0001) and compared with controls during menstruation (81 ± 10%, p < 0.0001). They also rated their overall life satisfaction and contentment as poorer during menstruation. Severe menstrual pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea, therefore, impacts health‐related of QoL.
Marked reductions in visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy achieved by efficient screening and timely treatment
Authors: Hautala Nina , Aikkila Riittaliisa , Korpelainen Juha , Keskitalo Antti , Kurikka Anne , Falck Aura , Bloigu Risto , Alanko Hannu
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes and needs to be diagnosed early to prevent severe sight‐threatening retinopathy. Digital photography with telemedicine connections is a novel way to deliver cost‐effective, accessible screening to remote areas. Screening for DR in a mobile eye examination unit (EyeMo) is compared to traditional service models (i.e. local municipal services or a commercial service provider). The quality of images, delays from screening to treatment, the stage of DR, coverage of screening and the rate of visual impairment due to DR are evaluated.

Methods

EyeMo utilizes telemedicine technology. The electronic databases of the hospital and information from the Finnish Register of Visual Impairment were used to determine delays and the rate of visual impairment.

Results

Fourteen thousand eight hundred and sixty‐six fundus photographs were taken in EyeMo in 2007–2011. Coverage reached 78% of potential clients. No DR was detected in 43%, mild background retinopathy in 23%, moderate or severe background retinopathy in 31% and proliferative retinopathy in 3% of the evaluations. The quality of images was higher (p < 0.01) and delays shorter (p < 0.01) in EyeMo as compared to traditional service models. The rate of visual impairment due to DR decreased by 86% in the area covered by EyeMo, and the change compared favourably to the situation in the entire Finland (p < 0.0005).

Conclusion

EyeMo is a feasible model of telemedicine application for screening of DR. Effective screening and timely access to care may indeed have influenced the reduced rate of visual damage.
Effects of adding urea on fermentation quality of pruned persimmon branch silage and its digestibility, preference, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation in beef cattle
Authors: Cao Yang , Zang Yanqing , Lv Renlong , Takahashi Toshiyoshi , Yoshida Norio , Yang Huanmin
Published: October 2013

Four cattle were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to study digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen retention and preference of ensiling pruned persimmon branch (PPB) chips treated with urea. After 60 days of ensiling, urea‐treated PPB showed higher (P < 0.05) pH, acetic acid and ammonia‐N levels than no‐urea PPB. Both urea‐treated PPB and rice straw diets showed higher (P < 0.05) apparent digestibility and digestible nutrient content in cattle than no‐urea PPB diet. Neither mold nor yeast was detected in any urea‐treated PPB. Urinary and fecal excretion as well as nitrogen retention in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those fed no‐urea PPB and rice straw. With the exception that ruminal ammonia‐N levels in cattle fed urea‐treated PPB were higher (P < 0.05) than in those given no‐urea PPB and rice straw, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, and the acetic : propionic acid ratio of rumen content were unaffected by diets. The rank order of preference was rice straw > low‐urea > no‐urea > high‐urea. The results suggested that urea treatment of PPB inhibited growth of mold and yeast during silage storage, enhanced its digestibility and had nutritive value almost equivalent to that of rice straw.
Presentist or Cultural Memory: Chinese Nationalism as Constraint on Beijing's Foreign Policy Making
Authors: Liao Ning
Published: October 2013

According to conventional wisdom, the Chinese collective memory constructed within the enterprise of state‐driven nationalism largely conforms to the presentist view of memory studies. The memory‐based legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), however, is premised upon some basic assumptions embedded in the indigenous political culture. In the consumption of the collective memory of foreign aggression and invasion, the memory‐encoded social norms have grounded the domestic expectations of the state's diplomatic behavior, which can both enable and constrain the deliberation and execution of Beijing's foreign policy. Due to China's fragile domestic politics and the resurgence of popular nationalism, collective memory manipulated by the authoritarian regime to enhance its legitimacy has become an endogenous variable of the CCP's diplomatic decision making and has led to China's paradoxical performance on the international stage. The rationality of the party‐state on the foreign relations front has been bounded by the historical institution of collective memory.
Repeated Randomization and Matching in Multi-Arm Trials
Authors: Xu Zhenzhen , Kalbfleisch John D.
Published: October 2013

Cluster randomized trials with relatively few clusters have been widely used in recent years for evaluation of health-care strategies. The balance match weighted (BMW) design, introduced in Xu and Kalbfleisch (2010, Biometrics  66, 813–823), applies the optimal full matching with constraints technique to a prospective randomized design with the aim of minimizing the mean squared error (MSE) of the treatment effect estimator. This is accomplished through consideration of M independent randomizations of the experimental units and then selecting the one which provides the most balance evaluated by matching on the estimated propensity scores. Often in practice, clinical trials may involve more than two treatment arms and multiple treatment options need to be evaluated. Therefore, we consider extensions of the BMW propensity score matching method to allow for studies with three or more arms. In this article, we propose three approaches to extend the BMW design to clinical trials with more than two arms and evaluate the property of the extended design in simulation studies.
Sadler, Randall (2012) Virtual worlds for language learningPeter Lang (Bern & New York) isbn 978‐3‐0351‐0573‐0 176 pp £35 http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=58600&cid=334
Authors: Oddone Cristina
Published: October 2013

Sadler's team describe the features of virtual environments and present them as a way to enhance language learning, promote collaborative learning, and improve communication skills, through simulations and lifelike experiences. The book may well be of value to teachers and researchers who are interested in learning something (or something more) on the potential of these virtual worlds. If it is likely to interest you, you may wish to borrow a copy for a while.

Cristina Oddone
A place of our own: a narrative review of the family housing services literature
Authors: Chaviano Casey L.
Published: October 2013

The problem of family homelessness has been widely recognized by both policymakers and social service providers. What is not clear, however, is the overall effectiveness of housing intervention services provided to homeless families. This narrative review of the literature discusses 10 studies from 1991 to 2013 on both transitional and supportive housing in order to assess under what conditions and for whom these interventions are most effective. More specifically this review evaluates the research regarding which elements of intervention services are most helpful to families, the outcomes associated with these programmes, and the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of housing interventions. Evidence suggests that while these programmes produce positive outcomes for families, a one‐size‐fits‐all model of housing may not be effective for all families. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
Sketch‐to‐Design: Context‐Based Part Assembly
Authors: Xie Xiaohua , Xu Kai , Mitra Niloy J. , Cohen‐Or Daniel , Gong Wenyong , Su Qi , Chen Baoquan
Published: October 2013

Designing 3D objects from scratch is difficult, especially when the user intent is fuzzy and lacks a clear target form. We facilitate design by providing reference and inspiration from existing model contexts. We rethink model design as navigating through different possible combinations of part assemblies based on a large collection of pre‐segmented 3D models. We propose an interactive sketch‐to‐design system, where the user sketches prominent features of parts to combine. The sketched strokes are analysed individually, and more importantly, in context with the other parts to generate relevant shape suggestions via adesign galleryinterface. As a modelling session progresses and more parts get selected, contextual cues become increasingly dominant, and the model quickly converges to a final form. As a key enabler, we use pre‐learned part‐based contextual information to allow the user to quickly explore different combinations of parts. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for efficiently designing new variations from existing shape collections.
No Evidence of Genotoxic Damage in a Group of Patients with Titanium Dental Implants and Different Metal Restorations in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Sánchez‐Siles Mariano , Gilbel‐del Águila Osmundo
Published: October 2013

Background

Titanium is the most widely used metal in implant dentistry. In spite of its biocompatibility, when it is released into the oral environment, it can have local negative biological effects.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to detect the concentration of metal ions in patients with dental implants, to evaluate whether or not their release might be influenced by the presence of other metals, and to assay whether these ions might provoke genotoxic damage in oral mucosa cells.

Materials and Methods

One hundred five patients with a total of 180 dental implants were included. The sample was divided into seven groups (n = 15 per group). Group 1 consisted of patients with metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on dental implants; Group 2, patients with metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on teeth; Group 3, patients with dental amalgams; Group 4, patients with metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on dental implants and metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on teeth; Group 5, patients with metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on dental implants and dental amalgams; and Group 6, patients with metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on dental implants, metal‐porcelain fixed crowns on teeth, and dental amalgams. Group 7 was the control group, without any dental treatment. The concentration of metal ions was detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; genotoxicity was measured using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay protocol.

Results

Group 5 displayed the highest concentration of metal ions in parts per billion (Ti, Co, Ni, Zn, Pd, Sn, and Pb). Group 6 was characterized by the highest presence of Hg. No signs of genotoxic damage were found in any of the study groups.

Conclusions

Patients with titanium dental implants combined with other metal restorations presented higher concentrations of metal ions, but no genotoxic damage was observed in oral mucosal epithelial cells.
Colonic decompression and direct intraluminal medical therapy for Clostridium difficile‐associated megacolon using a tube placed endoscopically in the proximal colon
Authors: Causey M. W. , Walker A. , Cummings M. , Johnson E. K. , Maykel J. A. , Steele S.
Published: October 2013

Aim

Urgent colectomy for severe Clostridium difficile infection can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to use endoscopic methods for treatment.

Method

We describe a technique of placing an intracolonic tube facilitating decompression and direct delivery of vancomycin to the proximal colon along with enemas on a regular and frequent basis that may not be possible with vancomycin enemas alone.

Results

Successful resolution of the C. difficile infection and avoidance of surgery.

Conclusion

While further long‐term evaluation is required, our initial results have shown it to be effective in treating select patients with recalcitrant Clostridium difficile‐associated megacolon.
Electrochemical method for quantitative determination of trace amounts of disperse dye in wastewater
Authors: Santos Daniela P , Trindade Magno A G , Oliveira Ricardo A G , Osugi Marly E , Bianchi Alex R , Zanoni Maria V B
Published: October 2013

The electrochemical behaviour of Disperse Red 13 dye at a glassy carbon electrode was investigated in both organic and aqueous organic mixtures. Best results were obtained in N,N‐dimethylformamide/Britton–Robinson buffer (1:1, v/v), which displays a well‐defined peak at ‐0.40 V (vs Ag/AgCl) owing to reduction of the protonated nitro group. This method can be successfully applied to the electroanalytical determination of Disperse Red 13 in a very simple and inexpensive way. All the differential pulse voltammetry parameters were optimised by using a glassy carbon electrode modified with poly(glutamic acid) films. The targeted analytical method presented a linear response from Disperse Red 13 concentrations between 2.5 × 10−7 and 3 × 10−6 mol l−1 (r = 0.997), with a detection limit of 1.5 × 10−8 mol l−1 and recoveries of 89.7–95.10% in water samples. Disperse Red 13 was successfully determined in textile industry wastewater by means of the proposed method after pre‐extraction in a solid‐phase extraction cartridge.
Prevalence and clinical predictors of drug‐resistant tuberculosis in three clinical settings in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Otu Akaninyene , Umoh Victor , Habib Abdulrazak , Ansa Victor
Published: October 2013

Background and Aims

Drug‐resistant tuberculosis (TB) poses a serious challenge to global control of TB. This multicentre study was to identify risk factors for drug resistance to the first line anti‐TB drugs among TB patients presenting for care in three health facilities in Calabar, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

A cohort of 100 consecutive TB patients were recruited. Demographic information such as age, sex, weight, height, occupation, previous TB diagnosis and treatment, smoking, alcohol dependence and substance abuse were obtained. Sputum samples were collected from participants and cultured on Lowenstein – Jensen (LJ) slopes. Drug susceptibility testing was then carried out for the isolates identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, using isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and streptomycin.

Results

Forty‐two of the 100 participants evaluated were found to be resistant to at least one drug. Multi‐drug‐resistant TB was seen in four persons. Statistically significant differences were found with respect to three variables: younger age, abandonment of TB treatment and presence of cavitary lesions on chest radiograph. The variables sex, alcohol dependence, tobacco use and previous imprisonment were not significantly associated with TB drug resistance. Four variables were significant following the multivariate analysis with the following adjusted odds ratios: abandonment of TB treatment (9.34), cavitary lesions on chest radiograph (5.88), younger age (6.25) and male sex (3.25).

Conclusion

Thus, risk stratification of TB patients is advocated in clinical settings where diagnostic facilities for drug‐resistant TB are scarce using the identified predictors. This group will benefit from close monitoring and early drug susceptibility testing.
Double‐positive CD4/CD8 mycosis fungoides: a rarely reported immunohistochemical profile
Authors: Tournier Emilie , Laurent Camille , Thomas Marianne , Meyer Nicolas , Viraben Roland , Brousset Pierre , Lamant Laurence
Published: October 2013

Mycosis fungoides (MF) represents the most common epidermotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL), and tumor cells typically express a mature T‐helper memory phenotype. A minority of MF patients display an unusual phenotype, which may be either CD4(−)/CD8(+) or double negative. Herein, we report a case of biopsy‐proven MF in a 31‐year‐old woman who presented with infiltrated plaques involving photoprotected areas of the skin. Immunohistochemical study combined with confocal microscopy revealed co‐expression of CD4 and CD8 in a subset of atypical T lymphocytes. To our knowledge, this is the second report of a CD4/CD8 dual‐positive MF.
Seed handling behaviours of native and invasive seed‐dispersing ants differentially influence seedling emergence in an introduced plant
Authors: PRIOR KIRSTEN M. , SAXENA KRITI , FREDERICKSON MEGAN E.
Published: October 2013

Myrmecochory, or ant‐mediated seed dispersal, is an important ecological interaction in which ants benefit by gaining nutrition from lipid‐rich elaiosomes attached to seeds and plants benefit from having their seeds dispersed away from parent plants. Most research on the benefits of myrmecochory focuses on primary dispersal, in which ants move seeds to nests, or secondary dispersal, in which ants deposit intact seeds in middens after consuming elaiosomes. Less is known about how ants handle seeds inside nests and if handling influences plant fitness.

The seed handling behaviours of a native ‘keystone disperser’, Aphaenogaster rudis s.l., and an invasive seed‐disperser, Myrmica rubra L., on an introduced herb, Chelidonium majus L., were compared. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to test if handling by ants, manual removal of elaiosomes, or no handling (controls) influenced seedling emergence. Colony‐level differences in handling behaviours and plant responses were also examined.

Aphaenogaster rudis retained seeds inside nests longer than M. rubra, but there was no difference in the amount of elaiosome removed by the two species. There was no difference in the proportion of seedlings that emerged among treatments, but seedlings emerged earlier when handled by A. rudis. Additionally, more seedlings emerged and seedlings emerged earlier the longer seeds were retained inside ant nests.

This study suggests that handling by ants may be a benefit of myrmecochory. This is probably not due to elaiosome removal; rather favourable nest conditions may enhance emergence. Also, functional differences in ant species may result in different outcomes for plant partners.
Cavernoma‐related epilepsy: Review and recommendations for management—Report of the Surgical Task Force of the ILAE Commission on Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Rosenow Felix , Alonso‐Vanegas Mario A. , Baumgartner Christoph , Blümcke Ingmar , Carreño Maria , Gizewski Elke R. , Hamer Hajo M. , Knake Susanne , Kahane Philippe , Lüders Hans O. , Mathern Gary W. , Menzler Katja , Miller Jonathan , Otsuki Taisuke , Özkara Cigdem , Pitkänen Asla , Roper Steven N. , Sakamoto Americo C. , Sure Ulrich , Walker Matthew C. , Steinhoff Bernhard J. ,   The Surgical Task Force, Commission on Therapeutic Strategies of the ILAE
Published: October 2013

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are well‐defined, mostly singular lesions present in 0.4–0.9% of the population. Epileptic seizures are the most frequent symptom in patients with CCMs and have a great impact on social function and quality of life. However, patients with CCM‐related epilepsy (CRE) who undergo surgical resection achieve postoperative seizure freedom in only about 75% of cases. This is frequently because insufficient efforts are made to adequately define and resect the epileptogenic zone. The Surgical Task Force of the Commission on Therapeutics of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and invited experts reviewed the pertinent literature on CRE. Definitions of definitive and probable CRE are suggested, and recommendations regarding the diagnostic evaluation and etiology‐specific management of patients with CRE are made. Prospective trials are needed to determine when and how surgery should be done and to define the relations of the hemosiderin rim to the epileptogenic zone.
Shape features of epileptic spikes are a marker of epileptogenesis in mice
Authors: Huneau Clément , Benquet Pascal , Dieuset Gabriel , Biraben Arnaud , Martin Benoît , Wendling Fabrice
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To identify reliable biomarkers for quantitatively assessing the development of epilepsy in brain.

Methods

In a kainate mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, we performed long‐term video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (several weeks) of freely moving animals, from kainic acid injection to chronic epileptic stage. Using signal processing techniques, we automatically detected single epileptic spikes (ESs), and we quantified the evolution of shape features during the epileptogenesis process. Using a computational model of hippocampal activity (neuronal population level), we investigated excitatory‐related and inhibitory‐related parameters involved in morphologic changes of ESs.

Key Findings

The frequency of ESs increases during epileptogenesis. Regarding shape features, we found that both the initial spike component and the wave component of opposite polarity of ESs gradually increase during epileptogenesis. These very specific alterations of the shape of ESs were reproduced in a computational physiologically relevant neuronal population model. Using this model, we disclosed some key parameters (related to glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid [GABA]ergic synaptic transmission) that explain the shape features of simulated ESs. Of interest, the model predicted that the decrease of GABAergic inhibition is responsible for the increase of the wave component of ESs. This prediction (at first sight counterintuitive) was verified in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Finally, from aforementioned electrophysiologic features, we devised a novel and easily computable index (wave area/spike amplitude ratio) indicative of the progression of the disease (early vs. late stage).

Significance

Results suggest that dendritic inhibition in hippocampal circuits undertake dramatic changes over the latent period. These changes are responsible for observed modifications in the shape of ESs recorded in local field potential (LFP) signals. The proposed index may constitute a biomarker of epileptogenesis.
The evolution of a discard policy in Europe
Authors: Borges Lisa
Published: October 2013

Ocean sustainability is a widespread public concern in Europe, and the issue of fisheries discards is one that is now widely known. With this increase in public awareness comes the need to adapt fisheries management policies to manage issues like fisheries discards that were not previously taken into account. In this context, this study analyses the evolution of the European Union's discard policy since its inception in 2006 until the present day and the events that shaped its current format. It analyses the policy's advantages and disadvantages, and its political, environmental and scientific consequences. It argues that an increase in public awareness, due to public campaigns against fisheries discards, has focused managers' attention onto a symptom of fisheries mismanagement, rather than on its underlying causes of over‐exploitation and lack of fisheries control. This has distorted the discussion of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and potentially undermined its provisions relating to discards.
Changing the hemodialysis prescription for hemodialysis patients with subdural and intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2013

Although continuous modalities of renal replacement therapy offer an advantage to the patient with compromised cerebral perfusion and intracranial hypertension, they are generally limited to the intensive care unit setting. Many hemodialysis patients admitted with strokes and subdural hematoma are managed on general wards. As such, these patients are generally treated by intermittent hemodialysis, and their dialysis prescription should be altered to minimize changes in serum osmolality, and fall in blood pressure during dialysis. Such patients require more frequent but shorter dialysis sessions, using minimally bioincompatible small surface area dialyzers with lower blood flows, in combination with higher sodium and cooled dialysate. In patients at risk of intracranial hemorrhage and those with invasive intracranial monitoring, systemic anticoagulants should be avoided, choosing no anticoagulation protocols or regional anticoagulants.
In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY) generated against Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Revathy J. , Karthika S. , Sentila R. , Michael A.
Published: October 2013

Synopsis

Acne vulgaris driven by multiple factors appears in almost two‐third of the population. Increased resistance of the bacterium to antibiotics and cost‐effective treatments have made us resort to alternative therapy.

Objective

A novel method of targeting acne‐causing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes with polyclonal chicken egg yolk antibodies was studied.

Methods

Anti‐Propionibacterium acnes antibodies were generated in white leghorn chickens by immunizing with antigen. The antibodies extracted from the egg yolk by polyethylene glycol method were subjected to the analysis. The antibody binding activity was evaluated by indirect ELISA. Further, inhibition efficiency of the antibodies was tested by growth inhibition assay, and biofilm inhibition was assessed by adherence test.

Results

Titration of antibodies determined by ELISA was found to 0.323 after the first booster dose. The qualitative test for the determination of the binding activity revealed significant reduction in the colonies.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the egg yolk antibodies obtained from white leghorn chickens after immunization with the antigen may present as an alternative treatment option.
Effect of Binder Content on the Erosive Wear of Ti(C,N)‐Based Cermet in SiO2 Particle‐Containing Simulated Seawater
Authors: Guo Zhixing , Xiong Ji , Wan Weicai , Dong Guangbiao , Yang Mei
Published: October 2013

Erosion of Ti(C,N)‐10 wt% Mo2C‐15 wt% Ni/Co cermet of different Ni/Co in artificial seawater containing 5 wt% SiO2 was investigated. Pure Ni‐bonded cermet exhibited the largest wear rate of 35.7*10−3 mm3/h, which decreased to 17.7*10−3 mm3/h with the substitution of 30% Ni by Co. Further decrease of Ni/Co ratio resulted in the improvement of erosion resistance. Pure Co binder resulted in the increase hardness from 92.0 to 92.5 HRA and transverse rupture strength from 1510 to 1650 MPa. The erosion resistance was slightly worse due to an increasing hardness and brittleness of the binder phases, but the hard phases still kept the as‐prepared morphology.
Microstructure Evolution of Alumina/Alumina Joint Bonded by Boron Oxide–Alumina Nonmetal Powder Interlayer
Authors: Cao Jian , Li Chun , Song Xiaoguo , Feng Jicai , Lin Xingtao
Published: October 2013

Alumina was successfully joined to itself in air environment by B2O3 + Al2O3 powder mixture as the interlayer to synthesize aluminum borate whiskers in the joint. The microstructure evolution was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The possible mechanism of microstructure evolution was also discussed. The effects of parameters such as heating cycles and temperature on the microstructure as well as the 3‐point flexural strength of the joint were investigated. It was found that heating the specimen for several heating cycles instead of holding at a constant temperature for a long time can eliminate the voids among the whiskers to achieve a dense microstructure, and the phenomenon that higher temperatures can accelerate the reaction was also observed. The highest strength of the joint reaches 90.29MPa with the heating temperature of 800°C after four heating cycles.
Enhanced inactivation of pectin methyl esterase in orange juice using modified supercritical carbon dioxide treatment
Authors: Iftikhar Tehreema , Wagner Michael E. , Rizvi Syed S. H.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study is to quantify the effect of ethanol addition and exposure surface on the inactivation of pectin methyl esterase (PME), a juice clarifying enzyme, in orange juice using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). Addition of ethanol to the SC‐CO2 at 2% (v/v) caused greater inactivation than SC‐CO2 alone, with a maximum reduction of PME activity of 97% at 30 MPa and 40 °C for 60 min. As the surface area to volume ratio was increased, the rate of inactivation of PME increased. Analysis of first‐order reaction kinetic data revealed that D values were greatly influenced by ethanol addition and agitation. With the addition of 2% ethanol, the D value reduced by half, that is, 56 min from 109 min. With impeller agitation of the sample at 1100 ± 100 rpm, the D value for PME was further reduced to 43 and 30 min without and with ethanol, respectively. The activity of PME treated with SC‐CO2 remained unchanged after 14 days of storage at 4 °C. Treatment did not significantly change pH or colour, but did significantly increase the cloud values of the juice, resulting in a cloud stabilised juice with similar qualities to fresh juice.
Referee assignment in the Chilean football league using integer programming and patterns
Authors: Alarcón Fernando , Durán Guillermo , Guajardo Mario
Published: October 2013

This article uses integer linear programming to address the referee assignment problem in the First Division of the Chilean professional football league. The proposed approach considers balance in the number of matches each referee must officiate, the frequency of each referee being assigned to a given team, the distance each referee must travel over the course of a season, and the appropriate pairings of referee experience or skill category with the importance of the matches. Two methodologies are studied, one traditional and the other a pattern‐based formulation inspired by the home‐away patterns for scheduling season match calendars. Both methodologies are tested in real‐world and experimental instances, reporting results that improve significantly on the manual assignments. The pattern‐based formulation attains major reductions in execution times, solving real instances to optimality in just a few seconds, while the traditional one takes anywhere from several minutes to more than an hour.
Local flap therapy for the treatment of pressure sore wounds
Authors: Wettstein Reto , Tremp Mathias , Baumberger Michael , Schaefer Dirk J , Kalbermatten Daniel F
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary cooperation between conservative and surgical disciplines for the treatment of pressure sores (PS). From January 2004 to December 2005, a single‐centre study was performed with paraplegic and tetraplegic patients presenting with PS grades III–V. Outcome measures were defect size, grade, method of reconstruction, complication and recurrence rate as well as average length of hospitalisation. A total of 119 patients aged 22–84 years with totally 170 PS were included. The most common PS were located in the ischial region (47%), followed by the sacral (18%), trochanteric (11%), foot (9%) and the malleolar (8%) regions. Defect sizes ranged between 4 and 255 cm2. Grade IV was the most common PS (68%), followed by grade III (30%) and grade V (2%) PS. For wound closure, fasciocutaneous flaps were used most frequently (71%), followed by skin grafts (10%) and myocutaneous flaps (7%). Postoperative follow‐up ranged between 6 and 38 months. The overall complication and recurrence rate was 26% and 11%, respectively. If no complication occurred, the average duration of hospitalisation stay after the first debridement was 98 ± 62 days. In conclusion, our treatment concept is reliable, effective and results in a low recurrence rate. The complication rate, even though favourable when compared with the literature, still needs to be improved.
Relationship between activity of daily living and asteatosis in the lower legs among elderly residents in long‐term care institutions: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nakagami Gojiro , Kimura Nao , Takehara Kimie , Nakamura Tetsuro , Kawashima Makoto , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2013

This cross‐sectional observational study investigated the relationship between the level of activities of daily living (ADL) and asteatosis in the lower legs among elderly residents. We enrolled 173 residents from a long‐term care health facility and two special nursing homes for elderly persons in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Oshima Island, Japan. The level of ADL was measured by the Barthel Index. The relationship between the Barthel Index total score and the presence of asteatosis in the lower legs diagnosed by a dermatologist was analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among the residents, 79·2% had asteatosis in their lower legs. An increase of 1 point in the Barthel Index total score was significantly associated with a decreased probability of lower leg asteatosis after adjusting for age, sex and the type of institution (adjusted odds ratio = 0·982; 95% confidence interval: 0·966–0·998). A higher level of ADL is associated with a lower probability of having asteatosis in the lower legs among residents in long‐term care institutions. Nurses should pay specific attention to residents with limited ADL for initiating preventive care for asteatosis.
MH II‐DAB gene expression in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes) after infection with the ciliate parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Yu H , Yan Q G , Wang Z B , Lu Y J , Xu M J , Li H , Zhu X Q
Published: October 2013

The grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), is one of the most extensively aquacultured freshwater fish in China. However, because of the lack of effective control measures and the high‐density culture environment, considerable economic losses are caused by infection of C. idella with the parasitic ciliate, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The major histocompatibility (MH) DAB gene belongs to antigen‐presented genes in the class II genomic region, which is associated with parasite resistance. To understand the relationship of the DAB gene with I. multifiliis infection in grass carp, the expression profiles of MH II‐DAB were studied in tissues using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that expression of the MH II‐DAB gene was up‐regulated in head kidney after I. multifiliis infection, and the expression peak appeared earlier in the study (case) group than in the control group. The obvious up‐regulation peak of MH II‐DAB gene was found at days 2 and 4 in skin; at 12 h to day 4 in spleen; at 12 h and days 1 and 6 in gill; and at day 10 in blood, whereas the MH II‐DAB gene was down‐regulated in liver and intestines after I. multifiliis infection. These results have implications for better understanding C. idella resistance to I. multifiliis infection.
Intermediate‐Term Results of Biventricular Pacing in Heart Failure: Correlation Between Clinical and Hemodynamic Data
Authors: REUTER SYLVAIN , GARRIGUE STEPHANE , BORDACHAR PIERRE , HOCINI MELEZE , JAÏS PIERRE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES
Published: October 2013

Biventricular (BV) pacing acutely improves the hemodynamic status of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and wide QRS complex. Long‐term data are few. This study examined the relationship between hemodynamic and clinical status of BV‐paced CHF patients over an intermediate duration of follow‐up. Forty‐seven patients (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 19% women, LVEF 0.23 ± 0.07) with QRS ≥140 ms received a DDD‐BVP device for management of CHF due to ischemic disease in 21 (45%) patients. Clinical, electrocardiographic, exercise testing, and hemodynamic measurements were followed over an 8‐month period. Seven patients died during the study, four patients suddenly. A significant decrease in NYHA class, from 3.3 ±0.6 before implantation, to 2.5 ± 0.57 months after device implantation (P < 0.01) was measured, although 23% of patients reported no symptomatic improvement. Paced QRS narrowing by BVP was unchanged throughout follow‐up (166 ± 28 vs 159 ± 23 ms, P = NS). Maximal V02 values did not change (15.7 ± 5 vs 16 ± 8 mL/kg per min, P = NS). Echocardiographic parameters showed that the degree of mitral regurgitation was significantly decreased during BV pacing compared with no pacing (1.8 ±1.0 before implantation vs 1.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). The radionuclide LVEF was not statistically different during no pacing, versus BV pacing at 3 months or 8 months after pacemaker implantation (24 ± 9 vs 26 ± 11 vs 25 ± 10%, respectively, P = NS). Of nine patients whose QRS duration was prolonged by BV pacing, two were not hemodynamically and clinically improved at the end of follow‐up. Patients not improved by BV pacing had the same degree of QRS shortening (203 ± 39 vs 167 ± 26 ms, P < 0.01) as patients who were clinically improved during follow‐up (193 ± 40 to 171 ± 24 ms, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, ischemic heart disease (P = 0.025), absence of mitral regurgitation regression (P = 0.01), and older age (P = 0.04) predicted the absence of improvement by BV pacing. By standard noninvasive measures, intermediate‐term BV pacing was associated with no objective hemodynamic improvement, though more than three fourths of the patients reported being clinically improved. A global improvement in left ventricular function by BV pacing may become apparent only over longer periods of observations. Patients with CHF unimproved by BV pacing are more likely to suffer from ischemic heart disease and less likely to have BV pacing induced regression of mitral regurgitation, regardless of changes in QRS duration.
Automatic Optimization of Resting and Exercise Atrioventricular Interval Using a Peak Endocardial Acceleration Sensor: Validation with Doppler Echocardiography and Direct Cardiac Output Measurements
Authors: LEUNG SUM‐KIN , LAU CHU‐PAK , LAM CATHY TSE‐FUN , HO SHERON , TSE HUNG‐FAT , YU CHEUK‐MAN , LEE KATHY , TANG MAN‐OI , TO KAM‐MUI , RENESTO FABRIZIO
Published: October 2013

Peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) measured by an implantable acceleration sensor inside the tip of a pacing lead reflects ventricular filling and myocardial contractility. The contribution of the plateau phase of PEA as an indicator of optimal ventricular filling, hence of the appropriate atrioventricular interval (AVI) at rest and during exercise, was studied in 12 patients (age 69 ± 6 years) with complete AV block and a PEA sensing DDDR pacemakers (Living 1 Plus, Sorin Biomedica). At a mean resting heart rate of 79 ± 15 beats/min, the mean AVI optimized by PEA versus Doppler echocardiography (echo) were identical (142 ± 37 vs 146 ± 26 ms, P = 0.59). During submaximal exercise at a mean heart rate of 134 ± 6 beats/min, AVI optimized by PEA was 135 ± 37 ms. Cardiac output at rest, measured by the CO2 rebreathing method, was comparable with AVI determined by echo versus PEA (4.3 ± 2.9 and 3.7 ± 2.4 L/min, respectively), and increased to the same extent (8.0 ± 3.9 vs 8.3 ± 5.2 L/min) during sub‐maximal exercise. In patients with AV block, AVI automatically set by PEA was comparable with AVI manually optimized by Doppler echocardiography and was associated with comparable exercise induced hemodynamic changes.
Inhibition of Muscarinic Potassium Current by the Class III Antiarrhythmic Drug RP58866 in Guinea‐Pig Atrial Myocytes
Authors: BRANDTS BODO , VAN BRACHT MARC , TÜTTELMANN FRANK , ALLESSIE MAURITZ A. , TRAPPE HANS‐JOACHIM
Published: October 2013

RP58866 is a potent antiarrhythmic drug that maintains its antiarrhythmic properties during ischemia. Since interstitial concentrations of adenosine increase during ischemia, we examined the properties of the drug with respect to the muscarinic K+ current [Ik(ach)], with a main emphasis on the adenosine (Ado) ‐induced current [Ik(ado)]. Using different Gj‐coupled receptors (M2, A1, sphingolipid), we studied the effect of RP58866 in isolated guinea‐pig atrial myocytes by the whole‐cell voltage clamp technique. Application of 50 μM RP58866 resulted in complete inhibition of the muscarinic K+ current. Inhibition was observed during activation of IK(ACh) by each of the three receptors. IC50 was ∼2.0 μM. GTP‐γ‐S induced IK(ACh) was reduced by RP58866. The drug was active from the outside only, and its intracellular application via the patch pipet had no inhibitory effect. Despite the structural homologies between inward rectifying K+ channels, the adenosine triphosphate‐sensitive K+ current [Ik(atp)] was not inhibited by the compound. It is concluded that muscarinic K+ current is inhibited by RP58866, an inhibition not limited to IK1, Ito, and IKr. High interstitial adenosine concentrations during ischemia are expected to increase the participation of IK(Ado) on repolarization. RP58866‐induced inhibition of Ik(ado) would, therefore, be of particular relevance during ischemia. The high sensitivity of Ik(ado) to RP58866 may partially explain the unique properties of the drug toward arrhythmias developing in the ischemic myocardium.
Increased Expression of P‐Selectin in Patients with Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: GOETTE ANDREAS , ITTENSON ANNELORE , HOFFMANNS PHILIPP , REEK SVEN , HARTUNG WOLFGANG , KLEIN HELMUT , ANSORGE SIEGFRIED , GELLER J. CHRISTOPH
Published: October 2013

Previous studies have shown that platelets are activated during atrial fibrillation (AF). However, prophylactic therapy with aspirin is not associated with a reduction of thromboembolic complications in patients with AF. Stimulation of platelet thrombin and ADP receptors causes a release of P‐selectin, which is not affected by aspirin. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of AF on platelet P‐selectin expression. Blood samples from 30 patients were studied ex vivo. Nineteen patients had chronic AF (> 3 months), 11 patients were in sinus rhythm (SR). P‐selectin expression was determined by flow cytometry (antibody binding capacity [BC]) at baseline and after platelet stimulation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). To determine the effect of heart rate and atrial pressure (RAP), measurements were repeated after 10 minutes of ventricular pacing (120 beats/min) in patients with SR. P‐selectin expression was increased in patients with AF at baseline (AF: 1329 ±81 BC vs SR: 968 ± 108 BC; P < 0.05) and after stimulation with ADP (AF: 1445 ± 101 BC vs SR: 1061 ± 109 BC; P < 0.05) and TRAP (AF: 13783 ± 2442 BC vs SR: 5977 ± 800 BC; P < 0.05). RAP (2.0 ± 0.5 vs 6.0 ± 0.8 mmHg; P < 0.01) and atrial rate (75 ± 5 vs 114 ± 5 beats/min; P < 0.001) increased during ventricular pacing. However, P‐selectin levels remained stable. AF was accompanied by increased P‐selectin expression. In contrast, increased ventricular rate and elevated atrial pressure alone had no effect on platelet activity. Further studies are needed to determine if platelet ADP receptor inhibitors offer a therapeutic benefit in patients with AF.
Amiodarone, Sotalol, or Propafenone in Atrial Fibrillation: Which Is Preferred to Maintain Normal Sinus Rhythm?
Authors: KOCHIADAKIS GEORGE E. , MARKETOU MARIA E. , IGOUMENIDIS NIKOS E. , CHRYSOSTOMAKIS STAVROS I. , MAVRAKIS HERCULES E. , KALEBOUBAS MICHAIL D. , VARDAS PANOS E.
Published: October 2013

This randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of amiodarone, propafenone and sotalol in the prevention of atrial fibrillation. Methods: The population consisted of 214 consecutive patients (mean age 64 ± 8 years, 106 men) with recurrent symptomatic atrial fibrillation. After restoration of sinus rhythm, patients were randomized to amiodarone (200 mg/day), propafenone (450 mg/day) or sotalol (320 ± 20 mg/day). Follow‐up evaluations were conducted at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months, and at 3‐month intervals thereafter. The proportion of patients developing recurrent atrial fibrillation and/or experiencing unacceptable adverse effects was measured in the three groups by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Results: Recurrent atrial fibrillation occurred in 25 of the 75 patients treated with amiodarone compared to 51 of the 75 patients treated with sotalol and 24 of the 64 patients treated with propafenone. Fourteen patients treated with amiodarone, five with sotalol, and one with propafenone experienced adverse effects while in sinus rhythm, necessitating discontinuation of treatment (P < 0.001 for amiodarone and propafenone vs sotalol). The difference between amiodarone and propafenone was statistically nonsignificant when all events were included in the analysis. However, if the analysis was limited to recurrent atrial fibrillation events, amiodarone was more effective than propafenone (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Amiodarone and propafenone were superior to sotalol in maintaining long‐term normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone tended to be superior to propafenone, though its long‐term efficacy was limited by adverse side effects.