bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Feasibility of Endoscopic Eustachian Tube Catheter Placement: A Cadaveric Analysis
Authors: Manes R. Peter , Kutz J. Walter , Isaacson Brandon , Batra Pete S.
Published: July 2013

Background

Patulous eustachian tube (pET) can result in transmission of sound from the pharynx to the middle ear (ME) via an abnormally patent ET. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a reversible transnasal procedure for pET using an occluded silastic catheter to close the ET.

Methods

Ten sides were evaluated in five cadaver heads. Size 14, 16, and 18G catheters were occluded with bone wax to create a semirigid solid tube. They were placed transnasally, under endoscopic guidance through the ET orifice to span the entire ET length. Proper placement in the ME was confirmed by tympanotomy. Each attempt was graded on a four-point scale based on ease of placement: 3+, 2+, 1+, and 0.

Results

The 16G was the easiest to place with the best fit and was confirmed in the ME in eight cases. The 14G catheter was next easiest to place and was observed in the ME in seven cases. It generally had an extremely tight fit and propensity to impart mucosal trauma. The 18G was the most difficult to place and was observed in the ME in six cases. The catheter was noted to displace easily because of a loose fit. Tympanic membrane or ossicular injury was not noted in any trial.

Conclusion

These cadaveric data suggest that a semirigid catheter provides the technical capability to reversibly occlude the ET via the transnasal endoscopic route. Further confirmation is necessary in human studies to determine its effectiveness for management of pET.
Relationship of Eosinophils and Plasma Cells to Biofilm in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Arjomandi Hamid , Gilde Jason , Zhu Sutao , Delaney Sean , Hochstim Christian , Mazhar Kashif , Wrobel Bozena , Markarian Alexander , Masood Rizwan , Rice Dale
Published: July 2013

Background

This study investigates the relationship of eosinophils and plasma cells to biofilm in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). A prospective observational study was performed at the Keck Hospital, University of Southern California, Department of Otolaryngology, Los Angeles, CA.

Methods

A total of 29 patients, 20 undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS and 9 control patients undergoing septoplasty for nasal obstruction without history or evidence of CRS, were included in this study. Contiguous sinonasal mucosa sample sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for biofilm, microbes, eosinophil major basic protein (EMBP), and cluster designation 27 (CD27). EMBP and CD27 were used as eosinophil and plasma cell markers, respectively.

Results

Biofilm was visualized in 15 of 20 patients with CRS on H&E sections, confirmed by microbial presence using FISH. Biofilm was not identified in tissue samples of the nine control patients. On IHC analysis, CD27 and EMBP expression were significantly higher in patients with CRS compared with control (p < 0.05) and had greater expression in biofilm-positive patients compared with biofilm-negative patients. Nasal polyps correlated with higher expression of CD27 and EMBP, but in CRS patients without polyps CD27 and EMBP was also significantly greater in biofilm-positive specimens compared with biofilm-negative specimens.

Conclusion

Biofilm presence in CRS appears to correlate to host inflammatory response involving plasma cell and eosinophil recruitment.
Unilateral Inferior Turbinate Bone Hypertrophy: Is it Compensatory or Congenital?
Authors: Aslan Gaffar , Uzun Lokman , Ugur Mehmet Birol , Uckurt Yesim Selim , Sagun Omer Faik , Yazicilar Osman
Published: July 2013

Background

This study evaluates the degree of the unilateral hypertrophied inferior turbinate (HIT) by computed tomography (CT) and determines and compares the enlargement of the turbinate bone and soft tissue in different parts of the HIT in pediatric and adult groups.

Methods

Both pediatric and adult patients were studied in two groups: those with a straight or nearly straight septum (n = 25 and 124, respectively) and those with deviation (n = 64 and 129, respectively). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IT bone and soft tissue were measured at anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the IT in coronal CT sections. The ratio of CSA of the IT bone and soft tissue on two sides of the septum (interturbinate ratio [IR]) were calculated. IRs were then compared among straight septum and deviation groups for both the pediatric and the adult groups.

Results

IR of the bony concha CSA for the deviation group was significantly higher compared with the straight septum group in anterior, middle, and posterior segments in adults (p = 0.028, 0.018, and <0.001, respectively; independent samples t-test). The soft tissue component hypertrophy was prominent only in the middle segment (p = 0.15); however, there was no significant difference for pediatric patients. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the adult group with septum deviation and the pediatric group with septum deviation for both soft tissue and bone components (p < 0.001 for all segments; independent samples t-test).

Conclusion

We claim that these results indicate that skeletal and soft tissue IT hypertrophy seem to be compensatory and evolves with age rather than being congenital. Therefore, skeletal enlargement is prominent in anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of HIT in patients with septal deviation in adults but not in the pediatric group.
The Effects of Mometasone Furoate and Desloratadine in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Acar Mustafa , Cingi Cemal , Sakallioglu Oner , San Turhan , Yimenicioglu Mehmet Fatih , Bal Cengiz
Published: July 2013

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are worldwide prevalent diseases. These diseases impair patient quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of treatment of AR on OSAS by objective and subjective methods.

Methods

The study group was composed of 80 OSAS patients with AR between the ages of 30 and 50 years. The patients were admitted with the complaint of snoring, and they were asked about AR-related symptoms (nasal discharge, nasal itching, sneeze, and nasal obstruction). Daytime somnolence was measured by the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). Sleep parameters on polysomnography tests before and after treatment were compared, and the effects of different AR treatment protocols on sleep quality were evaluated.

Results

When pretreatment and posttreatment apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) values of the groups were compared, the most significant difference was observed in the nasal steroid (Ns) + antihistamine (Ah) group (p < 0.05). The ESS results were significantly decreased in the Ns and Ns + Ah groups after treatment (p < 0.05). AHI oxygen saturation <90% were significantly decreased in the Ns and Ns + Ah groups after treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nasal obstruction due to nasal congestion causes increases in airway resistance and can lead to development of OSAS. We concluded that treating AR with Ns has both positive effects on OSAS and daily activity. However, adding Ah to this treatment did not show improved effects compared with placebo treatment.
Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of Efficacy of Pollen Blocker Cream for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Li Yanqing , Wang Dehui , Liu Quan , Liu Juan
Published: July 2013

Background

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of a pollen blocker cream in treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in a Chinese population.

Methods

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in the Outpatient Department of the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Patients diagnosed with PAR were randomly assigned to receive pollen blocker cream or placebo, which was applied and evenly distributed to the lower internal nose region three times daily for a total of 30 days. The primary outcome measures for efficacy were nasal symptom scores (NSSs) and quality of life scores (QoLSs). Medication scores and adverse events were also monitored.

Results

After application of pollen blocker, the mean NSS fell from 23.1 to 12.4 points, and the QoLSs fell from 83.9 to 53.2 points (p < 0.001). The decrease in NSSs of pollen blocker (10.7) was highly significant compared with the placebo (3.6; p < 0.001). The decrease in QoLSs of pollen blocker was 30.7 compared with 7.1 in the placebo group, and the difference was also significant (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the mean NSS of the placebo group also decreased from 23.7 to 20.1 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the efficacy of pollen blocker was superior to the placebo both in adults and in children. However, there was no significant difference for individual symptoms of rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion between the pollen blocker group and placebo group (p > 0.05). Only one mild epistaxis was reported.

Conclusion

The pollen blocker was significantly more effective than the placebo in relieving allergy symptoms and improving life quality of PAR in 30 Chinese people.
Sinonasal Complications Resulting from Dental Treatment: Outcome-Oriented Proposal of Classification and Surgical Protocol
Authors: Felisati Giovanni , Chiapasco Matteo , Lozza Paolo , Saibene Alberto Maria , Pipolo Carlotta , Zaniboni Marco , Biglioli Federico , Borloni Roberto
Published: July 2013

Background

Odontogenic sinusitis is a relevant infectious condition of the paranasal sinuses. The widespread use of dental implants and reconstructive procedures for dental implant placement has led to new types of complication. To the authors’ knowledge, no publication has extensively examined sinonasal complications resulting from dental treatment, and no classification system allowing standardization and comparison of results is currently available. This study was designed to (a) analyze the results obtained from surgical treatment of complications resulting from dental procedures combining functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and an intraoral approach and (b) propose a new classification system and standardized treatment protocols for sinonasal complications resulting from dental procedures.

Methods

A total of 257 patients consecutively treated with FESS (136 in conjunction with oral surgery) were included in the study. Different clinical situations were integrated into a new classification system based on the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of each case, with the aim of identifying homogenous treatment groups. Results were evaluated for each class.

Results

Of the 257 patients, 254 were successfully treated with surgery performed according to the proposed protocols. Three of 257 patients required a second surgery, after which they completely recovered. Complications of implant and preimplant surgery (maxillary sinus floor elevation) showed longer recovery times.

Conclusion

The results obtained are very encouraging. The majority of patients (254/257; 98.8%) were successfully treated with the proposed protocols. These results seem to indicate that the rationalization of surgical treatment protocols according to the initial clinical situation may significantly improve the clinical outcome.
Bacterial Biofilm Formation after Nasal Packing in Nasal Mucosa–wounded Mice
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Chen Shan , Chen Jianjun , Zhang Wenjuan , Gong Guoqing , Zhou Tao , Kong Weijia
Published: July 2013

Background

Bacterial biofilm plays an important role in recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. Staphylococcus aureus is a crucial pathogen in chronic rhinosinusitis and S. aureus biofilm is related to unfavorable postoperative outcomes. Although S. aureus is known to be the most common bacteria leading to postoperative infection, whether biofilm forms on the wound surface after functional endoscopic sinus surgery and the relationship between biofilm formation and surgery are still not clear. This study was designed to observe whether S. aureus biofilm forms in mice with wounded nasal mucosa mice after bacteria inoculation.

Methods

Three hundred twenty-four wild-type male C57BL/6 mice were recruited for the experiment. Except for the four used in the preliminary experiment, the mice were randomly divided into four groups: a wound plus packing group (group A), a wound group (group B), a packing group (group C), and a control group (group D). After treatment, groups A, B, and C were inoculated with S. aureus suspension at 1 × 109 CFU/mL in the right nasal cavity; sterile physiological saline was used instead of bacteria suspension for group D. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to detect the biofilm. A nasal lavage culture was also completed.

Results

Biofilm formation was found in group A on the 3rd, 7th, and 15th days after inoculation with growth rates of 10, 25, and 40%, respectively. Three cases of biofilm were also detected in group B on the 15th day postinoculation. There was no biofilm observed on the nasal mucosa in group C or D. The nasal lavage culture showed that the inoculated bacteria stayed on the nasal mucosa temporarily after inoculation.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a nasal wound, nasal packing, and the existence of pathogenic bacteria are all essential elements for biofilm formation in healthy mice. This result indicated that biofilm formation may be avoided by shortening the duration of nasal packing and reducing the nasal wound.
Objective Olfactory Outcomes after Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Hsu Chao-Yuan , Wang Ying-Piao , Shen Ping-Hung , Weitzel Erik Kent , Lai Jen-Tsung , Wormald Peter-John
Published: July 2013

Background

Patients who suffer from hyposmia and anosmia report a negative effect on their overall quality of life. Smell disturbance of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can improve after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Although several studies have shown that 50–83% of patients may notice an improvement in olfactory function after ESS, the olfactory improvement after revision ESS (RESS), especially by objective measurements, is still lacking.

Methods

Olfactory function was assessed by the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) preoperatively and postoperatively, recorded as smell identification test (SIT) score. Olfactory outcomes from anosmia to hyposmia/normosmia, or from hyposmia to normosmia, were considered as “improvement.” Postoperative assessments were divided into two periods: period 1 (P1) is defined as >6 but <12 months postoperatively; period 2 (P2) is defined as >12 but <24 months postoperatively.

Results

Thirty-two patients with smell disturbance preoperatively (period 0 [P0]) and confirmed by UPSIT-TC were enrolled into this study. Mean SIT score at P0 was 13.3; mean SIT score at P1 was 18.6; mean SIT score at P2 was 20.4. The presence of nasal polyps blocking the olfactory cleft were associated with better olfaction improvements (p < 0.05) as was the degree of mucosal swelling. The overall improvement rates were 44.8 and 47.8% at P1 and P2, respectively.

Conclusion

RESS resulted in objective evidence of olfactory improvement in approximately one-half of our cohort over 16 months of follow-up and offers a treatment option for an otherwise poor prognosis condition.
Bacille Calmette-Guérin Vaccination is Associated with Lower Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in Indian Children
Authors: Singh Meenu , Das Rashmi Ranjan , Kumar Lata , Kumar Rajesh
Published: July 2013

Background

Immunization with bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been shown to augment T helper (Th) 1 biased response and hence gives protection against developing allergies. However, results across the studies have been inconclusive and there is no Indian study verifying this association. We explored the link between BCG vaccination and prevalence of allergic diseases among school children of Chandigarh, North India.

Methods

In a large cross-sectional study, children aged 7–14 years, with and without documentation and/or scar consistent with BCG vaccination, were examined over a period of 2 years and 5 months with the help of a questionnaire-based survey followed by skin-prick test (SPT).

Results

A total of 10,028 children were included. The mean age was 11.04 ± 2.8 years and M/F ratio was 1.1:1. Among them, 77.7% had documentation of BCG vaccination, 17% had a BCG-like scar but no documentation and 5.3% had no scar/documentation. SPT was performed on 1614 (16%) children. In the BCG group (vaccination and/or scar) 16.7% were atopic (positive SPT) compared with 21.3% in no BCG (no vaccination/scar). T prevalence of allergic diseases among BCG+ subjects was 10.1%. Among these, asthma was the commonest one (6.1%), followed by rhinitis (3.5%) and eczema (0.5%). There was significant negative correlation between BCG positivity, atopy (p = 0.037), and allergic diseases as a whole (p = 0.028), but on independent analysis the negative correlation was strongest with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

BCG vaccination is associated with lower prevalence of allergic disorders in Indian children.
Editorial Vol.1(4)
Authors: Muazzam MG
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(4) 1994 pp.5
An Unusual Case: Intestinal Polyposis Coli
Authors: Muazzam MG
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(4) 1994 pp.37-39
History of Medicine - 4: Roman Period
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(4) 1994 pp.40
Factors responsible for increased percent recirculation in arterio-venous fistula among the haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mahbub T , Chowdhury MNU , Jahan F , Islam MN , Khan FM , Sikder NH , Rahman M
Published: July 2013

Recirculation is an important issue in haemodialysis (HD) patients as increased percent recirculation causes decreased dialysis delivery of the patients. The purpose of the study was to determine the amount and factors of recirculation in those patients. The study was a cross sectional one carried in the department of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital during October 2010 to September 2011. A total of 118 end stage renal disease patients with arterio-venous fistula who were on HD for more than 3 months were purposively selected. The degree of recirculation was measured with urea based two needle technique method. For each patient distances between arterial and venous and distances of needles from fistula and its directions were recorded. Echocardiography and A-V fistula Colour Doppler Ultrasound were also performed. The mean A-V fistula recirculation was 8.1±5.5% with a range 0-66%. The most common factors were close proximity and improper arterial and venous needles placement. No difference was observed between diabetic and non diabetic also between hypertensive and normotensive. A-V fistula recirculation is common occurrence in HD patients and the most common factors of recirculation are misplacement and close proximity of needles therefore emphasis should be given on education and training of HD staffs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i1.15807 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 28-33
Risk factors of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in Bangladeshi population: a case control study
Authors: Flora MS , Amin MN , Karim MR , Afroz S , Islam S , Alam A , Hossain M
Published: July 2013

Despite success in tuberculosis control, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Bangladesh is increasing and currently multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis rate is 3.6% in new cases and 19% in re-treatment cases. This study focused on determination of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis which is warranted for effective prevention strategy. An unmatched case control study was conducted in 2010. Purposively recruited 136 culture-proved multi-drug-resistant- tuberculosis cases and 152 cured tuberculosis patients were interviewed. Associations between exposure and outcome variables were initially tested by ?2-test, t-test. A result was considered significant at p value <0.05. Effects of exposure variables were also assessed after adjusting for other variables by binary logistic regression models. Crude and adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% Confidence Interval was computed. Younger age (p=0.008) and, periurban locality (p=0.002) were associated with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. History of contact (p<0.001) and tuberculosis in the past (p<0.001) were four and eight times, respectively, more likely to influence multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Regularity [Odds Ratio 0.05; 95% Confidence Interval (0.01 to 0.39)] and always observation of treatment [Odds Ratio 0.25; 95% Confidence Interval (0.10 to 0.61)], sputum conversion [Odds Ratio 0.02; 95% Confidence Interval (0.01 to 0.08)] negatively associated with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Gender and socio-economic status did not show any influence. Treatment course and sputum conversion was the best predictors. Like other developing countries adequacy of treatment is the most important exposure variable. Strengthening of control activities might contribute in preventing development of resistance in tuberculosis patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i1.15808 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 34-41
Microsurgical excision of olfactory groove meningiomas: a brief study of outcome of different surgical approaches
Authors: Alam S , Rahman A , Ansari A , Waldi AN Uddin , Hossain ATMM
Published: July 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i1.15810Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 45-46
Temporality and Truth
Authors: Smith Daniel W.
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the intersecting of the themes of temporality and truth in Deleuze's philosophy. For the ancients, truth was something eternal: what was true was true in all times and in all places. Temporality (coming to be and passing away) was the realm of the mutable, not the eternal. In the seventeenth century, change began to be seen in a positive light (progress, evolution, and so on), but this change was seen to be possible only because of the immutable laws of nature that govern change. It was not until philosophers such as Bergson, James, Whitehead – and then Deleuze – that time began to be taken seriously on its own account. On the one hand, in Deleuze, time, freed from its subordination to movement, now becomes autonomous: it is the pure form of change (continuous variation) that lies at the basis of Deleuze's metaphysics in Difference and Repetition (and is explored more thematically in The Time-Image). As a result, on the other hand, the false, freed from its subordination to the form of the true, assumes a power of its own (the power of the false), which in turn implies a new ‘analytic of the concept’ that Deleuze develops in What Is Philosophy?
Healthier Lives for European Minority Groups: School and Health Care, Lessons from the Roma
Authors: Flecha Ainhoa
Published: July 2013

On average, the Roma in Europe can expect to die 10 years earlier than the rest of the population, given the health conditions they experience. EU-funded research has informed on successful actions (SA) that when implemented among the Roma provide them new forms of educational participation which have a direct impact on improving their health status, regardless of their educational level. The findings from this research, unanimously endorsed by the European Parliament, have been included in several European Union recommendations and resolutions as part of the EU strategy on Roma inclusion. To analyze these SA, as well as the conditions that promote them and their impact on reducing health inequalities, communicative fieldwork has been conducted with Roma people from a deprived neighbourhood in the South of Spain, who are participating in the previously identified SA. The analysis reveals that these SA enable Roma people to reinforce and enrich specific strategies like improving family cohesion and strengthening their identity, which allow them to improve their overall health. These findings may inform public policies to improve the health condition of the Roma and other vulnerable groups, one goal of the Europe 2020 strategy for a healthier Europe.
Use of Competition ELISA for Monitoring of West Nile Virus Infections in Horses in Germany
Authors: Ziegler Ute , Angenvoort Joke , Klaus Christine , Nagel-Kohl Uschi , Sauerwald Claudia , Thalheim Sabine , Horner Steffen , Braun Bettina , Kenklies Susanne , Tyczka Judith , Keller Markus , Groschup Martin
Published: July 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen of global importance and is considered to be the most widespread flavivirus in the World. Horses, as dead-end hosts, can be infected by bridge mosquito vectors and undergo either subclinical infections or develop severe neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to detect WNV specific antibodies in horses in Germany as an indicator for an endemic circulation of WNV. Sera from more than 5,000 horses (primarily fallen stock animals) were collected in eight different federal states of Germany from 2010 to 2012. Sera were screened by a competitive ELISA and positive reactions were verified by an indirect IgM ELISA and/or by virus neutralization tests (VNT) for WNV and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in order to exclude cross-reacting antibody reactions. In essence WNV specific antibodies could not be detected in any of the horse sera. Not surprisingly, a small number of sera contained antibodies against TBEV. It is noteworthy that equine sera were often collected from horse carcasses and therefore were of poor quality. Nonetheless, these sera were still suitable for WNV ELISA testing, i.e., they did not produce a high background reaction which is a frequently observed phenomenon. According to these data there is no evidence for indigenous WNV infections in horses in Germany at present.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of N-(3-Florophenyl)ethylcaffeamide in Mice
Authors: Liao Jung-Chun , Tsai Jen-Chieh , Peng Wen-Huang , Chiu Yung-Jia , Sung Ping-Jyun , Tsuzoki Minoru , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: July 2013

In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of one synthetic product, N-(3-Florophenyl)ethylcaffeamide (abbrev. FECA), by using animal model of λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of FECA was determined by measuring the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the edema paw tissue, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GRd) in the liver. The results showed that FECA reduced the paw edema at three, four and five hours after λ-carrageenan administration. The levels of COX-2, NO, TNF-α, and MDA in the λ-carrageenan-induced edema paws were reduced and the activities of SOD, GPx, and GRd in liver tissues were raised by FECA. These results suggested that FECA possessed anti-inflammatory activities and the anti-inflammatory mechanisms might be related to the decrease of the levels of COX-2, NO, and TNF-α in inflamed tissues and the increase in the MDA level by increasing the activities of SOD, GPx, and GRd.
Exposure to Environmental Toxicants and Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: State of the Art and Research Perspectives
Authors: Trojsi Francesca , Monsurrò Maria , Tedeschi Gioacchino
Published: July 2013

There is a broad scientific consensus that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neuromuscular disease, is caused by gene-environment interactions. In fact, given that only about 10% of all ALS diagnosis has a genetic basis, gene-environmental interaction may give account for the remaining percentage of cases. However, relatively little attention has been paid to environmental and lifestyle factors that may trigger the cascade of motor neuron degeneration leading to ALS, although exposure to chemicals—including lead and pesticides—agricultural environments, smoking, intense physical activity, trauma and electromagnetic fields have been associated with an increased risk of ALS. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of potential toxic etiologies of ALS with emphasis on the role of cyanobacteria, heavy metals and pesticides as potential risk factors for developing ALS. We will summarize the most recent evidence from epidemiological studies and experimental findings from animal and cellular models, revealing that potential causal links between environmental toxicants and ALS pathogenesis have not been fully ascertained, thus justifying the need for further research.
Interaction between Dipolar Lipid Headgroups and Charged Nanoparticles Mediated by Water Dipoles and Ions
Authors: Velikonja Aljaž , Santhosh Poornima , Gongadze Ekaterina , Kulkarni Mukta , Eleršič Kristina , Perutkova Šarka , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Ulrih Nataša , Iglič Aleš
Published: July 2013

In this work, a theoretical model describing the interaction between a positivelyor negatively charged nanoparticle and neutral zwitterionic lipid bilayers is presented. It isshown that in the close vicinity of the positively charged nanoparticle, the zwitterionic lipidheadgroups are less extended in the direction perpendicular to the membrane surface, whilein the vicinity of the negatively charged nanoparticle, the headgroups are more extended.This result coincides with the calculated increase in the osmotic pressure between the zwitterionic lipid surface and positively charged nanoparticle and the decrease of osmoticpressure between the zwitterionic lipid surface and the negatively charged nanoparticle.Our theoretical predictions agree well with the experimentally determined fluidity of alipid bilayer membrane in contact with positively or negatively charged nanoparticles. Theprospective significance of the present work is mainly to contribute to better understandingof the interactions of charged nanoparticles with a zwitterionic lipid bilayer, which may beimportant in the efficient design of the lipid/nanoparticle nanostructures (like liposomes withencapsulated nanoparticles), which have diverse biomedical applications, including targetedtherapy (drug delivery) and imaging of cancer cells.
The L10P Polymorphism and Serum Levels of Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Taubenschuß Eva , Marton Erika , Mogg Maurice , Frech Barbara , Ehart Lisa , Muin Dana , Schreiber Martin
Published: July 2013

The L10P single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is located in the signal sequence of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) gene. The proline-encoding (Pro-) allele of this SNP has been associated with an increased breast cancer risk, which has been attributed to the elevated secretion of this TGFβ1 variant observed in vitro and in male subjects. Here we investigated the association of the L10P SNP with serum levels of TGFβ1 in female breast cancer patients and controls. We genotyped the L10P SNP in 276 breast cancer patients and 255 controls. Serum TGFβ1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a subset of the study population (n = 211). We found no evidence for an association of the L10P SNP with breast cancer risk (per-allele odds ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.71–1.16). However, patients with the Pro/Pro genotype exhibited a significantly younger age at breast cancer onset (55.2 ± 14.3 years) than Leu/Leu patients (60.6 ± 13.6 years; p = 0.04), which may reflect the ability of TGFβ to promote tumor progression. Mean TGFβ1 serum levels of Pro-allele carriers were 39.4 ± 7.4 ng/mL, whereas those of Leu/Leu subjects were 37.6 ± 6.0 ng/mL (p = 0.07). Thus, compared to a previous study of male subjects, we observed only a modest increase, if any, in TGFβ1 levels of female Pro-allele carriers.
A Necessary Condition for Coexistence of Autocatalytic Replicators in a Prebiotic Environment
Authors: Hernandez Andres , Grover Martha
Published: July 2013

A necessary, but not sufficient, mathematical condition for the coexistence of short replicating species is presented here. The mathematical condition is obtained for a prebiotic environment, simulated as a fed-batch reactor, which combines monomer recycling, variable reaction order and a fixed monomer inlet flow with two replicator types and two monomer types. An extensive exploration of the parameter space in the model validates the robustness and efficiency of the mathematical condition, with nearly 1.7% of parameter sets meeting the condition and half of those exhibiting sustained coexistence. The results show that it is possible to generate a condition of coexistence, where two replicators sustain a linear growth simultaneously for a wide variety of chemistries, under an appropriate environment. The presence of multiple monomer types is critical to sustaining the coexistence of multiple replicator types.
Red, Green, and Blue Photoluminescence of Ba2SiO4:M (M = Eu3+, Eu2+, Sr2+) Nanophosphors
Authors: Streit Huayna , Kramer Jennifer , Suta Markus , Wickleder Claudia
Published: July 2013

Divalent europium doped barium orthosilicate is a very important phosphor for the production of light emitting diodes (LEDs), generally associated to the green emission color of micron-sized crystals synthesized by means of solid-state reactions. This work presents the combustion synthesis as an energy and time-saving preparation method for very small nano-sized Ba2SiO4 particles, flexibly doped to acquire different emission energies. The size of the resulting spherical nanoparticles (NPs) of the green emitting Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ was estimated to about 35 nm applying the Scherrer equation and further characterized with aid of atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This phosphor is able to build homogeneous luminescent suspensions and was successfully down-sized without changing the optical properties in comparison to the bulk phosphors. Besides the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the different types of microscopy, the samples were characterized by luminescence spectroscopy. Undoped Ba2SiO4 NPs are not luminescent, but show characteristic red emission of the 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0–4) electronic transitions when doped with Eu3+ ions. Moreover, these orthosilicate nanoparticles generate blue light at low temperatures due to impurity-trapped excitons, introduced by the partial substitution of the Ba2+ with Sr2+ ions in the Ba2SiO4 lattice causing a substantial distortion. A model for the temperature behavior of the defect luminescence as well as for their nature is provided, based on temperature-dependent luminescence spectra and lifetime measurements.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some New Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) Complexes with Salicylidene Thiosemicarbazones: Antibacterial, Antifungal and in Vitro Antileukemia Activity
Authors: Pahontu Elena , Fala Valeriu , Gulea Aurelian , Poirier Donald , Tapcov Victor , Rosu Tudor
Published: July 2013

Thirty two new Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes (1–32) with salicylidene thiosemicarbazones (H2L1–H2L10) were synthesized. Salicylidene thiosemicarbazones, of general formula (X)N-NH-C(S)-NH(Y), were prepared through the condensation reaction of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and its derivatives (X) with thiosemicarbazide or 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide (Y = H, C6H5). The characterization of the new formed compounds was done by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, magnetochemical, thermoanalytical and molar conductance measurements. In addition, the structure of the complex 5 has been determined by X-ray diffraction method. All ligands and metal complexes were tested as inhibitors of human leukemia (HL-60) cells growth and antibacterial and antifungal activities.
A Comparison between Different Error Modeling of MEMS Applied to GPS/INS Integrated Systems
Authors: Quinchia Alex , Falco Gianluca , Falletti Emanuela , Dovis Fabio , Ferrer Carles
Published: July 2013

Advances in the development of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) have made possible the fabrication of cheap and small dimension accelerometers and gyroscopes, which are being used in many applications where the global positioning system (GPS) and the inertial navigation system (INS) integration is carried out, i.e., identifying track defects, terrestrial and pedestrian navigation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), stabilization of many platforms, etc. Although these MEMS sensors are low-cost, they present different errors, which degrade the accuracy of the navigation systems in a short period of time. Therefore, a suitable modeling of these errors is necessary in order to minimize them and, consequently, improve the system performance. In this work, the most used techniques currently to analyze the stochastic errors that affect these sensors are shown and compared: we examine in detail the autocorrelation, the Allan variance (AV) and the power spectral density (PSD) techniques. Subsequently, an analysis and modeling of the inertial sensors, which combines autoregressive (AR) filters and wavelet de-noising, is also achieved. Since a low-cost INS (MEMS grade) presents error sources with short-term (high-frequency) and long-term (low-frequency) components, we introduce a method that compensates for these error terms by doing a complete analysis of Allan variance, wavelet de-nosing and the selection of the level of decomposition for a suitable combination between these techniques. Eventually, in order to assess the stochastic models obtained with these techniques, the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) of a loosely-coupled GPS/INS integration strategy is augmented with different states. Results show a comparison between the proposed method and the traditional sensor error models under GPS signal blockages using real data collected in urban roadways.
Digging gold: keV He+ ion interaction with Au
Authors: Veligura Vasilisa , Hlawacek Gregor , Berkelaar Robin P , van Gastel Raoul , Zandvliet Harold J W , Poelsema Bene
Published: July 2013

Helium ion microscopy (HIM) was used to investigate the interaction of a focused He+ ion beam with energies of several tens of kiloelectronvolts with metals. HIM is usually applied for the visualization of materials with extreme surface sensitivity and resolution. However, the use of high ion fluences can lead to significant sample modifications. We have characterized the changes caused by a focused He+ ion beam at normal incidence to the Au{111} surface as a function of ion fluence and energy. Under the influence of the beam a periodic surface nanopattern develops. The periodicity of the pattern shows a power-law dependence on the ion fluence. Simultaneously, helium implantation occurs. Depending on the fluence and primary energy, porous nanostructures or large blisters form on the sample surface. The growth of the helium bubbles responsible for this effect is discussed.
Hiv-Infected Women in Europe: Gender-Specific Needs and Challenges
Authors: Bertisch Barbara , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Calmy Alexandra
Published: July 2013

In collaboration with the Strong, HIV positive, Empowered Women (SHE) programme, an industry-funded initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of HIV-positive women, Antiviral Therapy has taken the excellent step to dedicate a Supplement Issue addressing the needs and challenges related to the care of women living in Europe. Included articles present the multiple facets of gender-specific issues and research gaps, ranging from HIV testing strategies to antiretroviral combination therapy, including long-term challenges associated with chronic HIV infection.
X ray diffraction. Applications to construction quality control
Authors: Triviño Vázquez F.
Published: July 2013

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First Latin American meeting of cement and concrete institutions
Authors: Caluja José
Published: July 2013

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Determination of calcium in cements, by atomic absorption
Authors: Triviño Fernando
Published: July 2013

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Cement Meeting of the II General IETcc Assembly
Authors: Calleja José , Ruiz de Gauna Ángel
Published: July 2013

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Durabilidad del hormigón
Authors: Escorihuela M. José , Fernández-Peña Olga
Published: July 2013

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Contribución al estudio de los reacciones de hidratación del cemento portland por espectroscopia infrarroja II. Estudio de clínkeres y de cementos portland anhidros
Authors: Vázquez-Moreno Tomás , Gaspar-Tebar Demetrio
Published: July 2013

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Estudios espectroscópicos de silicatos Contribución a la determinación espectroscópica de aniones silicatos en silicatos de calcio hidratados
Authors: Krönert Wolfgang , Siegert Michael
Published: July 2013

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Contribución al estudio de los reacciones de hidratación del cemento portland por espectroscopia infrarroja
Authors: Vázquez Moreno Tomás
Published: July 2013

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Durabilidad del hormigón. Resistencia química de los cementos
Authors: García de Paredes Gaibrois P.
Published: July 2013

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Contribución al estudio de los reacciones de hidratación del cemento portland por espectroscopia infrarroja. IV Hidratación del cemento con distintas proporciones de yeso y cloruro cálcico hasta 28 días
Authors: Vázquez T. , Calleja I. , Triviño F.
Published: July 2013

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Performance Evaluation of a Three Node Client Relay System
Authors: Andreev Sergey , Galinina Olga , Vinel Alexey
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the authors examine a client relay system comprising three wireless nodes. Closed-form expressions for mean packet delay, as well as for throughput, energy expenditure, and energy efficiency of the source nodes are also obtained. The precision of the established parameters is verified by means of simulation.
Cooperation Among Members of Online Communities
Authors: Merani M. L. , Capetta M. , Saladino D.
Published: July 2013

Today some of the most popular and successful applications over the Internet are based on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) solutions. Online Social Networks (OSN) represent a stunning phenomenon too, involving communities of unprecedented size, whose members organize their relationships on the basis of social or professional friendship. This work deals with a P2P video streaming platform and focuses on the performance improvements that can be granted to those P2P nodes that are also members of a social network. The underpinning idea is that OSN friends (and friends of friends) might be more willing to help their mates than complete strangers in fetching the desired content within the P2P overlay. Hence, an approach is devised to guarantee that P2P users belonging to an OSN are guaranteed a better service when critical conditions build up, i.e., when bandwidth availability is scarce. Different help strategies are proposed, and their improvements are numerically assessed, showing that the help of direct friends, two-hops away friends and, in the limit, of the entire OSN community brings in considerable advantages. The obtained results demonstrate that the amount of delivered video increases and the delay notably decreases, for those privileged peers that leverage their OSN membership within the P2P overlay.
Method and Lessons from Evaluating the Impact of E-Participation Projects in MOMENTUM
Authors: Wimmer Maria , Bicking Melanie
Published: July 2013

Decreasing election turnouts and citizens’ disinterest in democracy galvanized the European Commission (EC) to co-fund a set of e-participation pilot projects. During the runtime of the program, and in particular after the last projects ended in 2010, policy makers at European level were keen to know how well this funding program performed. Hence, the EC also initiated a project called MOMENTUM with the aim to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the projects. MOMENTUM designed and performed a systematic comparative analysis of the projects. This chapter presents the impact evaluation framework, which is based on methods of evaluation from empirical research, thereby also reflecting programmatic contexts of the projects. The evaluation framework grounds the interplay of elements of a holistic e-participation solution: the participation process, the topics to discuss, the policy supported, and the technology and tools deployed. The authors present results of the evaluation and demonstrate how attention on the interrelations of these issues affect users’ perception and motivation to participate in an e-participation endeavor. Insights show that the method developed can lead to useful and usable impact analysis and evaluation results. The survey results provide valuable clues to the behavioral intention of the civil society to use e-participation tools and applications. These findings provide not only information on whether and how far the monitored projects are successful but also why they succeeded or failed and how they can be improved.
Consumer Information Systems Development
Authors: Tuunanen Tuure , Myers Michael D. , Cassab Harold
Published: July 2013

We suggest that a new type of information system appears to be increasing in importance, that of consumer information systems. Compared with traditional information systems development approaches, where the focus is on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational processes, design for consumer information systems focuses more on the enjoyment, pleasure and purchases of the consumer. We argue that the shift in focus from users to consumers in consumer information systems calls for a significant re-appraisal of our current information systems development methods. Hence, this chapter proposes a new research agenda for IS researchers focusing on the development of consumer information systems. We plan to pursue this agenda by primarily using design science research, supplemented by other research methods as needed. The expected contributions include new insights into effective management processes for service design, a better understanding of issues of integration of information systems development practices used to develop consumer information systems, and the development of methods for requirements discovery for service innovation. These three components aim to contribute to a holistic evaluation of consumer information systems.
Consumer Information Systems as Services
Authors: Bastek Martin , Tuunanen Tuure , Gardner Lesley
Published: July 2013

Consumer Information Systems (CIS) are a new type of Information System that provides services to consumers instead of addressing users in traditional organizational settings, such as Internet based television. Services typically involve a trade-off between achieving high service productivity and quality. The use of service mass customization to successfully address these issues of both productivity and quality in a service context is proposed. We suggest that the development of Consumer Information Systems as Services (CISaS) may achieve such service mass customization. This paper presents a conceptual framework and investigates how it applies to an emerging field of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)/Internet TV systems.
Value Co-Creation in Cloud Services
Authors: Rashid Ammar , Wang William Yu Chung , Tan Felix B.
Published: July 2013

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in cloud services in academic literature. Most research in this area has focused on the technical aspects of designing and implementing cloud services, with few studies focusing on understanding the value of cloud services and the processes by which consumer and service providers engage each other to co-create these services. This chapter explains the co-creation processes, and, the role of consumer in the value co-creation process of cloud services. It incorporates extant marketing and information systems literature, industry reports, and practical experience reflections to highlight the significance of cloud services. The drivers of co-creation are explored with the description of co-creation processes and the underlying factors involved in value co-creation of cloud services. The chapter concludes by outlining the opportunities associated with the development of cloud services, noting future research directions and discussing academic and managerial implications.