bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a microclip for laryngeal microsurgery: Initial animal studies
Authors: Lau David P. , Chng Chin Boon , Choo Jun Quan , Teo Neville , Bunte Ralph M. , Chui Chee Kong
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Mucosal closure following laryngeal microsurgery can be challenging due to limited access, and incisions are often left to heal without formal closure. This study explores the hypothesis that a bioabsorbable microclip can be developed as an alternative method to close mucosal incisions in laryngeal microsurgery.

Study Design:

Animal study.

Methods:

In vitro studies were performed to determine if a suitable clip could be designed using bioabsorbable materials. A porcine model was used to study behavior of the clip in vivo.

Results:

We initially studied poly‐ϵ‐caprolactone but encountered difficulty creating a small clip with the necessary material strength. Using magnesium we were able to produce a clip sufficiently small to close vocal fold incisions. Magnesium is biocompatible, bioabsorbable, and malleable, and has been used to manufacture vascular stents and sutures. The magnesium microclip could be deployed rapidly using modified 2‐mm micro‐laryngeal cup forceps, which enable the clip to close in a circular shape. In vitro and in vivo tests showed the clip held securely to the vocal fold mucosa. Macroscopic and histologic studies showed no significant injury to the contralateral vocal fold. There was no evidence of lower airway injury after implanting clips into the lower airway.

Conclusions:

The bioabsorbable clip could be used to close selected incisions in laryngeal microsurgery. Currently we are working to further reduce the size of the clip and modify its bioabsorption properties to enable precise control of degradation.
Effect of previous radiotherapy on cervical lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology diagnostic accuracy in head and neck cancers
Authors: Chiu‐Lung Chan Richie , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

It is not uncommon for head and neck surgeons to encounter patients with previous neck irradiation that require fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for assessment of neck mass. It had been observed that the diagnostic performance of FNAC appears to be poorer among patients with previous irradiation. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of previous irradiation on diagnostic performance of FNAC has never been studied.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

A computer search was performed to identify all patients who had been treated under the Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, from January 2008 to December 2010. We retrospectively retrieved all FNAC of cervical lymphadenopathy procedures, and only cases with subsequent histologic confirmation were included. All patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) were included.

Results:

When compared to patients without previous irradiation, FNAC among patients with history of previous irradiation had comparable specificity (100% vs. 88%) and positive predictive value (100% vs. 89%) but significantly worse sensitivity (82% vs. 40%), negative predictive value (74% vs. 37%), and accuracy (88% vs. 54%). History of previous irradiation was found to be strongly associated with false‐negative cytologic results among those with positive final histology (60% vs. 18%; P = .001).

Conclusions:

FNAC remains an important diagnostic tool in assessment of cervical nodal status in HNSCC. However, our study showed that false‐negative rate is significantly higher among patients with previous neck irradiation. Negative FNAC results in this group of patients should be interpreted with caution.
Guidelines for reprocessing nonlumened heat‐sensitive ear/nose/throat endoscopes
Authors: Cavaliere Matteo , Iemma Maurizio
Published: July 2012

Endoscopes have become an indispensable instrument in the daily activity of the ear/nose/throat (ENT) department, but their use has introduced potential health risks such as the transmission of infection. Over the years, scientific knowledge has been consolidated regarding the most appropriate ways for the correct disinfection, and numerous guidelines have been issued for both digestive and respiratory endoscopes, whereas to date specific references to ENT endoscopes do not exist. The diagnostic ENT endoscope does not generally have an operative channel; it is shorter and thinner and has a much more frequent usage, also in the outpatient setting. As a consequence, the guidelines for digestive or respiratory endoscopes are not always functional for the ENT department in that they do not take into account the dynamics or the intensity of the work performed therein. This article proposes: 1) to standardize the correct way to carry out the disinfection procedure of heat‐sensitive nonlumened ENT endoscopes to reduce to a minimum the possibility of errors or oversights; and 2) to guarantee the disinfection within a limited time frame, appropriate for an ENT outpatient department. In the initial phase, the critical areas encountered in ENT endoscopy are determined. This is followed by an examination of the literature to identify existing guidelines for the reprocessing of endoscopes (mainly digestive and respiratory), with a view to establishing a common disinfection procedure for nonlumened ENT endoscopes. Finally, the new methods of disinfection developed specifically for the reprocessing of ENT endoscopes are examined and discussed.
Transmastoid semicircular canal occlusion: A safe and highly effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and superior canal dehiscence
Authors: Beyea Jason A. , Agrawal Sumit K. , Parnes Lorne S.
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Transmastoid occlusion of the superior semicircular canal in superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) syndrome and the posterior semicircular canal in intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) will produce resolution of preoperative symptoms.

Study Design:

Retrospective review, quality assurance.

Methods:

Sixteen patients with SSCD and 61 patients (65 ears) with intractable BPPV who underwent canal occlusion were reviewed. All patients underwent occlusion of the affected semicircular canal through a transmastoid approach.

Results:

Preoperative symptoms (vestibular, 13 patients; pulsatile tinnitus, 2 patients; or hyperacusis, 1 patient) were greatly improved or completely resolved in 15 of the 16 SSCD patients who underwent transmastoid occlusion of the superior canal. Hearing was preserved in 14 patients and improved in two patients. Vestibular symptoms were resolved in all intractable BPPV patients who underwent transmastoid occlusion of the posterior canal. One patient had a late recurrence of atypical BPPV. Almost all BPPV patients with normal preoperative hearing have an initial transient postoperative hearing loss, which when tested for is usually a mild to moderate mixed loss. Delayed sensorineural hearing loss was noted in three patients; one loss was profound whereas two were mild.

Conclusions:

The transmastoid approach to canal plugging is successful in the treatment of symptoms in both SSCD and intractable BPPV, and is a familiar approach for the otologist. This is a viable alternative to the middle fossa approach for SSCD, thereby avoiding a craniotomy. Transmastoid is the definitive approach for posterior canal occlusion.
Association of candidate genes with nonsyndromic clefts in Honduran and Colombian populations
Authors: Lennon Christen J. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Nuñez José Arturo Pacheco , Su Gloria H. , Lanzano Patricia , Guzman Edwin , Celis Katrina , Eisig Sidney B. , Hoffman David , Rendon Maria Teresa Guerra , Ostos Henry , Chung Wendy K. , Haddad Joseph
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial birth defects in humans, with the majority of orofacial clefts occurring as nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP). We previously demonstrated associations between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IRF6 gene and NSCLP in the Honduran population. Here we investigated other candidate genes and chromosomal regions associated with NSCLP identified from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), including MAFB, ABCA4, 8q24, 9q22, 10q25, and 17q22 in two independent Hispanic populations.

Study Design:

Case‐control and family‐based association testing.

Methods:

Honduran families with two or more members with NSCLP (multiplex) were identified. DNA was collected from affected and unaffected family members (488) and 99 gender‐matched controls. NSCLP Colombian families were identified; DNA was collected from 26 proband‐parent trios. All participants were genotyped for 17 SNPs in six chromosomal regions. Case‐control association and family‐based association testing (FBAT) analyses were conducted.

Results:

Seven SNPs demonstrated association in at least one model in the Honduran population. In the Colombian families, five SNPs demonstrated significance in FBAT when patients with isolated cleft palate (CP) were included; four overlapped with SNPs demonstrating significance in the Honduran population, two with the same allele. One SNP retained significance with CP excluded.

Conclusions:

This study supports the previous GWAS findings and is the first to suggest a role for FOXE1, ABCA4, and MAFB in orofacial clefting in two separate Hispanic populations.
Laser versus stapler: Outcomes in endoscopic repair of Zenker diverticulum
Authors: Adam Stewart I. , Paskhover Boris , Sasaki Clarence T.
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To analyze a single surgeon's experience with endoscopic CO2 laser and stapler repair of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) by comparing dysphagia and regurgitation outcomes.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review of 148 patient charts.

Methods:

Medical records of all patients receiving endoscopic repair of ZD with either CO2 laser (61 patients) or stapler (67 patients) were reviewed. Additional data included demographics (age and sex), size (cm), preoperative and postoperative symptoms, need for revision, and complications. Symptoms of dysphagia were graded based on a modified Functional Oral Intake Scale 1 to 4 scale (1 = normal intake; 4 = severely limited/G‐tube dependent). Regurgitation was also graded on a 1 to 4 scale (1 = no regurgitation; 4 = aspiration events).

Results:

We noted no difference in patient age or defect size (laser, 3.26 cm; stapler, 3.53 cm; P .135). Significant differences were noted in return trips to the operating room for failed procedures (laser, 0; stapler, 7; P = .009), length of stay (laser, 3.19 days; stapler, 1.29 days; P < .001), time to oral intake (laser, 3.01 days; stapler, 1.22 days; P < .001). Significant improvement occurred in laser and staple patient symptom scales following surgery (P < .001). Laser dysphagia and regurgitation scores showed greater improvement when compared to stapler scores (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Endoscopic CO2 laser and staple methods are effective in treating ZD. The laser can have greater efficacy and result in lower recurrence rates. Both methods are analyzed and compared.
Olfactory function in patients with postinfectious and posttraumatic smell disorders before and after treatment with vitamin A: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Reden Jens , Lill Katja , Zahnert Thomas , Haehner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: July 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

In this study we investigated the effectiveness of vitamin A in postinfectious and posttraumatic smell disorders. A possible effect of vitamin A is likely due to the stimulation of regeneration and repair of the peripheral olfactory system.

Study Design:

Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Methods:

A total of 52 patients (age range, 20–70 years; mean age, 52 years) participated, 26 of whom received placebo (7 male, 19 female) and another 26 verum (8 male, 18 female). A standardized history was obtained in each patient. Olfactory function was measured by means of the Sniffin' Sticks test kit, a validated technique to investigate odor thresholds, odor discrimination, and odor identification. Vitamin A was prescribed at a dose of 10,000 IU per day for 3 months. Follow‐up testing was performed on average 5 months after the first investigation.

Results:

Forty‐four percent of all patients reported recovery of their sense of smell; 29% of the participants exhibited significant improvement in measured olfactory function. However, there was no significant difference between the outcome of patients receiving verum or placebo.

Conclusions:

The systemic application of vitamin A at a dose of 10,000 IU per day for 3 months does not appear to be useful in the treatment of postinfectious or posttraumatic olfactory loss.
Porous Polybenzimidazoles via Template‐Free Suzuki Coupling Polymerization: Preparation, Porosity, and Heterogeneous Catalytic Activity in Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Jian , Bian Ning , Mao Li‐Juan , Chen Qi , Fang Ling , Qi Ai‐Di , Han Bao‐Hang
Published: July 2012

Suzuki coupling polymerization between boronic acids and halo‐benzimidazole provides a new alternative approach to prepare polybenzimidazoles. PPBIs (PPBI‐1 and PPBI‐2) with porous structures are prepared through a template‐free synthetic route. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface areas for PPBI‐1 and PPBI‐2 are 385 and 158 m2 g−1, respectively. Based on the hydrogen physisorption isotherms measured at 77 K and a pressure up to 1.13 bar, PPBI‐1 exhibits a hydrogen uptake of 0.83 wt% at 1.13 bar and 77 K. An increase in the carbon dioxide loading capacity with increasing specific surface area is observed, in which PPBI‐1 shows higher carbon dioxide uptake (8.0 wt%) than PPBI‐2 (6.1 wt%) at 1.0 bar and 273 K. Additionally, the prepared PPBIs can act as a heterogeneous catalyst for Knoevenagel reaction.
Hyaluronic Acid/Poly(β‐Amino Ester) Polymer Nanogels for Cancer‐Cell‐Specific NIR Fluorescence Switch
Authors: Park Hye Sun , Lee Jung Eun , Cho Mi Young , Hong Ji Hyeon , Cho Sang Hee , Lim Yong Taik
Published: July 2012

Cancer‐cell‐specific pH‐activatable polymer nanogels consisting of CD44‐receptor‐targeting hyaluronic acid (HA), pH‐sensitive poly(β‐amino ester) (PBAE), and near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent indocyanine green (ICG) were synthesized and used to detect cancer cells. The HA/PBAE/ICG‐polymer‐nanogel‐based NIR probe was nonfluorescent outside of tumor cells. After internalization by CD44‐receptor‐mediated endocytosis, the probe accumulated in the late endosomes or lysosomes where the acidic pH solubilized the PBAE and caused instant disassembly of the polymer nanogel. During endosomal maturation, the encapsulated ICG was released from its quenched state, inducing strong NIR fluorescence recovery. The nanogels generate a highly tumor‐specific NIR signal with a reduced background signal.
Using Cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐c′]dithiophene‐4‐one as a Building Block for Low‐Bandgap Conjugated Copolymers Applied in Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Wei , Cao Jiamin , Liu Ying , Xiao Zuo , Zhu Weiguo , Zuo Qiqun , Ding Liming
Published: July 2012

A novel electron‐accepting unit cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐c′]dithiophene‐4‐one (CPDTO‐c′), which is an isomer of CPDTO‐b′ was developed. CPDTO‐c′ can be incorporated into the D–A backbone through 5, 7 positions. The 2 position of CPDTO‐c′ can be easily functionalized with an electron‐withdrawing chain. By copolymerizing CPDTO‐c′ with four different donor units: benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT), dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole (DTS), carbazole, and fluorene, four new conjugated copolymers P1–P4 were obtained. All these polymers have good solubility and low‐lying HOMO energy levels (−5.41 ∼ −5.92 eV). Among them, P1 and P2 exhibit broad absorption and narrow optical bandgaps of 1.91 and 1.72 eV, respectively. Solar cells based on P1/PC71BM afforded a PCE up to 2.72% and a high Voc up to ∼0.9 V.
Daytime alertness in Parkinson's disease: Potentially dose‐dependent, divergent effects by drug class
Authors: Bliwise Donald L. , Trotti Lynn Marie , Wilson Anthony G. , Greer Sophia A. , Wood‐Siverio Cathy , Juncos Jorge J. , Factor Stewart A. , Freeman Alan , Rye David B.
Published: July 2012

Many patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease experience difficulties maintaining daytime alertness. Controversy exists regarding whether this reflects effects of antiparkinsonian medications, the disease itself, or other factors such as nocturnal sleep disturbances. In this study we examined the phenomenon by evaluating medicated and unmedicated Parkinson's patients with objective polysomnographic measurements of nocturnal sleep and daytime alertness. Patients (n = 63) underwent a 48‐hour laboratory‐based study incorporating 2 consecutive nights of overnight polysomnography and 2 days of Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing. We examined correlates of individual differences in alertness, including demographics, clinical features, nocturnal sleep variables, and class and dosage of anti‐Parkinson's medications. Results indicated that, first, relative to unmediated patients, all classes of dopaminergic medications were associated with reduced daytime alertness, and this effect was not mediated by disease duration or disease severity. Second, the results showed that increasing dosages of dopamine agonists were associated with less daytime alertness, whereas higher levels of levodopa were associated with higher levels of alertness. Variables unrelated to the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test defined daytime alertness including age, sex, years with diagnosis, motor impairment score, and most nocturnal sleep variables. Deficits in objectively assessed daytime alertness in Parkinson's disease appear to be a function of both the disease and the medications and their doses used. The apparent divergent dose‐dependent effects of drug class in Parkinson's disease are anticipated by basic science studies of the sleep/wake cycle under different pharmacological agents. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Animal models of Parkinson's disease: Limits and relevance to neuroprotection studies
Authors: Bezard Erwan , Yue Zhenyu , Kirik Deniz , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: July 2012

Over the last two decades, significant strides has been made toward acquiring a better knowledge of both the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Experimental models are of paramount importance to obtain greater insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. Thus far, neurotoxin‐based animal models have been the most popular tools employed to produce selective neuronal death in both in vitro and in vivo systems. These models have been commonly referred to as the pathogenic models. The current trend in modeling PD revolves around what can be called the disease gene‐based models or etiologic models. The value of utilizing multiple models with a different mechanism of insult rests on the premise that dopamine‐producing neurons die by stereotyped cascades that can be activated by a range of insults, from neurotoxins to downregulation and overexpression of disease‐related genes. In this position article, we present the relevance of both pathogenic and etiologic models as well as the concept of clinically relevant designs that, we argue, should be utilized in the preclinical development phase of new neuroprotective therapies before embarking into clinical trials. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Dietary curcumin inhibits atherosclerosis by affecting the expression of genes involved in leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration
Authors: Coban Dilek , Milenkovic Dragan , Chanet Audrey , Khallou‐Laschet Jamila , Sabbe Linde , Palagani Ajay , Vanden Berghe Wim , Mazur Andrzej , Morand Christine
Published: July 2012

Scope

The aim of the study was to examine the atheroprotective effect of dietary curcumin in a mouse model of atherosclerosis and to identify its cellular and molecular targets at the vascular level.

Methods and results

ApoE–/– mice were fed with curcumin at 0.2% (wt/wt) in diet for 4 months. This supplementation reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesion by 26% and induced changes in expression of genes implicated in cell adhesion and transendothelial migration or cytoskeleton organization, as revealed by a transcriptomic analysis in the aorta. Expression profile of these genes suggests reduction in both leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration. In agreement with this hypothesis, we observed a reduction (–37%) in macrophage infiltration in the plaque, as measured by immunohistochemistry, and, in vitro, a lower adhesion of monocytes to TNF‐α‐stimulated endothelial cells (–32%) after exposure to a nutritionally achievable concentration of curcumin. These changes in gene expression could be related to the observed increased expression of IκB protein and decrease of TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB/DNA binding and NF‐κB‐transcriptional activity upon exposure to curcumin.

Conclusion

Our findings pointed out that the antiatherogenic effect of curcumin could be linked to its effect on gene networks and cell functions related to leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration via NF‐κB‐dependent pathways.
A domain decomposition technique applied to the solution of the coupled electro‐mechanical problem
Authors: Confalonieri Federica , Corigliano Alberto , Dossi Martino , Gornati Matteo
Published: July 2012

A domain decomposition approach for the solution of the coupled electro‐mechanical problem in dynamics is proposed. The finite element analysis of a coupled electro‐mechanical system is frequently found, for example, in the modelling and design of microsystems and may lead to a burdensome nonlinear problem solution, particularly in the dynamic case. Two versions of the algorithm are proposed: the first one, called single‐level decomposition, exploits the natural partition of the analysis domain given by the two physics to be solved; the second one, called two‐level decomposition, adds a further subdivision of each physics into subdomains. The multilevel domain decomposition strategy here proposed is shown to accurately predict the response of microsystems subjected to electro‐mechanical coupling and to allow for a significant reduction in the computational burden. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successfully recruiting, surveying, and retaining college students: A description of methods for the risk, religiosity, and Emerging Adulthood Study
Authors: Berry Devon M. , Bass Colleen P.
Published: July 2012

The selection of methods that purposefully reflect the norms of the target population increases the likelihood of effective recruitment, data collection, and retention. In the case of research among college students, researchers' appreciation of college student norms might be skewed by unappreciated generational and developmental differences. Our purpose in this article is to illustrate how attention to the generational and developmental characteristics of college students enhanced the methods of the Risk, Religiosity, and Emerging Adulthood study. We address the following challenges related to research with college students: recruitment, communication, data collection, and retention. Solutions incorporating Internet‐based applications (e.g., Facebook) and sensitivity to the generational norms of participants (e.g., multiple means of communication) are described in detail. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:659–670, 2012
Pharmazeutische Beratung: Der Patient im Mittelpunkt
Authors: Berger Karin , Griese Nina
Published: July 2012

Apotheken haben eine Schlüsselrolle für den Schutz des Patienten vor Arzneimittelrisiken und die Sicherstellung einer bestmöglichen Arzneimittelanwendung. Dieser Verantwortung können die Beratenden nur durch eine strukturierte pharmazeutische Beratung gerecht werden. Diese ist keine neutrale Informationsvermittlung, sondern muss unter Berücksichtigung der Gesamtsituation des Patienten individuell maßgeschneidert werden. Es geht dabei also um Patientenorientierung und nicht um Produktorientierung. Pharmazeutische Beratung bedeutet, Verantwortung zu übernehmen und kompetente Entscheidungen zu treffen. Die Systematik einer Pharmazeutischen Beratung baut auf der Trias “Fragen → Entscheiden → Informieren” auf und wird in den Leitlinien der Bundesapothekerkammer abgebildet.
Beratung bei der Erstverordnung von Antibiotika
Authors: von der Gathen Hiltrud
Published: July 2012

Die richtige Anwendung eines Arzneimittels ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung für eine optimale Wirkung. Zusätzlich soll das Vertrauen des Patienten in das Arzneimittel gestärkt werden. Dies geschieht vor allem dadurch, dass die Vorteile des Arzneimittels wie langjährige Erfahrung, gute Verträglichkeit und sichere Wirkung benannt werden können. Einige Antibiotika können aufgrund dieser Eigenschaften sogar von der Wiege bis ins höhere Alter eingesetzt werden.

Die Beratung umfasst Hinweise zur Einnahme mit der geeigneten Flüssigkeit, zum vorgeschriebenen Einnahmeintervall und zur Einnahmedauer, zur Beeinträchtigung der Wirkung hormoneller Kontrazeptiva, zur gleichzeitigen Einnahme anderer Arzneimittel und zur Anfertigung und Verabreichung von Trockensäften.

Spezifische Anwendungshinweise zu den eingesetzten Antibiotika runden ein gutes Beratungsgespräch ab. Dazu zählen Angaben zur Dosierung, Einnahmezeitpunkt bezüglich der Mahlzeit, Umgang mit häufigen unerwünschten Wirkungen, mögliche Beeinträchtigungen der Reaktionsfähigkeit und Warnung vor intensiver Sonnenbestrahlung.

Antibiotika haben entscheidend dazu beigetragen, dass sich die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung signifikant erhöhte. Der Apotheker muss sich als “Anwalt” des Arzneimittels für die Verteidigung dieser manchmal in der öffentlichen Meinung zu Unrecht angegriffenen Arzneimittelgruppe nachhaltig einsetzen und dem Patienten laiengerecht sowohl Anwendung als auch Wirkung erläutern.
Beratungsbedürftige Darreichungsformen
Authors: Kircher Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

Die geschilderten arzneiformenbezogenen Erklärungen und Interventionen stellen nur eine exemplarische Auswahl dar. Durch derartige Dienstleistungen kann die Präsenzapotheke als letztes Glied der Versorgungskette die Anwendungssicherheit bei vielen Arzneimitteln ganz entscheidend erhöhen. Dies gilt in besonderen Maß bei pädiatrischen, geriatrischen und fremdsprachigen Patienten. Um hierbei die jeweilige individuelle Situation des Patienten berücksichtigen zu können, ist der unmittelbare “Face‐to‐face‐Kontakt” mit dem Kranken oder seiner Pflegeperson von entscheidender Bedeutung.
Asthma bronchiale
Authors: Martin Eric
Published: July 2012

Trotz evidenzbasierter Leitlinien und einer Vielzahl wirksamer Arzneistoffe und Inhalationsgeräte ist die Versorgungsqualität bei Asthmatikern nach wie vor unzureichend. Defizite bestehen dabei insbesondere bei der Qualifizierung der Patienten für die geführte Selbstbehandlung und bei der interdisziplinären Begleitung der komplexen Therapie. Mit der 2. Auflage der Nationalen VersorgungsLeitlinie (NVL) Asthma wurde Apothekern mit dem Monitoring und Verbesserung der Handhabungskompetenz bei der inhalativen Therapie erstmals eine konkrete Aufgabe und Verantwortung zugewiesen.
Pharmazeutische Beratung von Patienten mit Hypertonie
Authors: Goebel Ralf
Published: July 2012

Die weitere Herabsetzung der Zielblutdruckwerte und das Konzept der Risikostratifikation stellten einen bedeutenden Wandel in der Hypertonie‐Behandlung dar, der durch die Einführung neuer medikamentöser Therapiemöglichkeiten gefördert wurde. Analysen zum aktuellen Stand der Früherkennung, Behandlung und Kontrolle von Hypertonikern in Deutschland lassen jedoch erkennen, dass die Anpassung und Optimierung der Bluthochdruckbehandlung in weiten Teilen der Bevölkerung nicht Schritt gehalten hat mit dem Wissenszuwachs und den neuen medikamentösen Therapieoptionen.

Zu den weitgehend bekannten Ursachen für den ungenügenden Behandlungserfolg der arteriellen Hypertonie gehören die mangelhafte Therapie‐ und Einnahmetreue, häufige Präparatewechsel und die fehlende Wahrnehmung nichtmedikamentöser Maßnahmen zur Blutdrucksenkung.

Die Diskussion um den differenzialtherapeutischen und pharmakoökönomischen Stellenwert einzelner Antihypertensiva‐Klassen hält an. Die Kernaussage aller aktuellen Therapieempfehlungen und Studien bleibt zweifellos, dass die Blutdrucksenkung an sich, unabhängig vom eingesetzten Antihypertensivum, den entscheidenden Nutzen bezüglich der kardiovaskulären und Gesamtmortalität bringt. Die wissenschaftliche Datenlage, wonach einzelne Arzneistoffgruppen spezielle organoprotektive Eigenschaften aufweisen, hat sich verbreitert. Je nach Hypertonie‐Schweregrad und Gesamtrisiko wird initial auch eine primäre Kombinationstherapie empfohlen.

Eine systematische Dokumentation des Arzneimittelgebrauchs und – soweit möglich – klinisch‐physiologischer Parameter bilden die Voraussetzung für ein professionelles Monitoring der Arzneimittelanwendung und Therapieverlaufskontrolle im Rahmen einer interdisziplinären Betreuung durch Ärzte und Apotheker.

Apotheker können durch eine fachkundige und patientenorientierte Arzneimittelinformation und Beratung einen wichtigen Beitrag zur frühzeitigen Erkennung, Lösung und Vermeidung Arzneimittel‐ und Therapie‐bezogener Probleme leisten. Der Apotheker kann durch eine apothekengestützte Kontrolle der Blutdruckwerte, des Körpergewichts sowie durch ein Monitoring dem behandelnden Arzt und Patienten zusätzliche Hinweise für eine sichere und wirksame Therapie mit Antihypertensiva sowie individuelle Lösungsmöglichkeiten bei Arzneimittel‐ und Therapie‐bezogenen Problemen anbieten.
Carolacton – ein hochwirksamer Inhibitor von Biofilmen
Authors: Schmitz Jens
Published: July 2012

Biofilme entstehen durch Anheftung einer Vielzahl verschiedener Mikroorganismen, z.B. Bakterien, Pilze oder Viren, bevorzugt an wässrigen Grenzflächen. Die Erreger scheiden extrazelluläre polymere Substanzen (EPS) wie Polysaccharide oder Proteine aus, die in Verbindung mit Wasser eine dünne schleimartige Matrix ausbilden. Diese schützt die Mikroorganismen vor äußeren Einflüssen, wie z.B. dem Zugriff des Immunsystems oder der Wirkung von Antiinfektiva.
Wirkmechanismus von Paracetamol – Weiterer Baustein entdeckt
Authors: Gabler Matthias , Schubert‐Zsilavecz Manfred
Published: July 2012

Eine Studie aus dem Jahr 2011 enthüllt einen weiteren Baustein im insgesamt vielschichtigen Wirkmechanismus von Paracetamol, der möglicherweise Ausgangspunkt von Analgetika mit neuem Wirkmechanismus sein könnte.
Ein Geodreieck als optisches Gitter
Authors: Schlichting Hans‐Joachim , Suhr Wilfried
Published: July 2012

Äußerlich glatt und perfekt erscheinende, transparente Lineale und Geodreiecke aus Kunststoff verursachen in bestimmten Bereichen Beugungserscheinungen, wenn man sie mit einem Laserpointer durchstrahlt. Diese zunächst mysteriös erscheinende Beobachtung lässt sich auf eine Gitterstruktur zurückzuführen, die unbeabsichtigt beim Herstellungsverfahren entsteht.
Olympische Rekorde
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Thaller Sigrid
Published: July 2012

Auch wenn das olympische Motto “dabei sein ist alles” lautet, gilt der Ehrgeiz doch den Weltrekorden. Zu Rekorden führen unterschiedliche Einflüsse. Einer ist die körperliche Konstitution. Menschen sind Obergrenzen gesetzt, aber die körperlichen Eigenschaften der Bevölkerung lassen sich durch eine Gaußsche Normalverteilung nähern. Ihr “statistischer Schwanz” bietet also einen gewissen Spielraum für Steigerungen der Rekorde. Förderlich können auch physikalische Rahmenbedingungen sein: Rückenwind, sinkende Luftreibung und ‐dichte mit der Höhe, besseres Material.
Raindrops keep falling on my head
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: July 2012

Fallende Tropfen oszillieren zwischen zigarren‐ und pfannkuchenähnlichen Formen. Das hat praktische Konsequenzen für moderne Methoden der Niederschlagsbestimmung, da Regenradargeräte als Eingangsparameter die statische Gleichgewichtsform der Tropfen zugrunde legen. Deshalb muss man auch deren dynamisches Verhalten kennen. Mit Hochgeschwindigkeitsvideos lässt sich dieses sehr gut beobachten.
Flugzeuge mit Farbrändern
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim
Published: July 2012

Auf Bildern von Google Earth finden sich manchmal Flugzeuge mit einem Farbsaum. Auch deren Schatten zeigen Farbränder, allerdings in den Komplementärfarben. Selbst bei Wolken findet sich auf Satellitenaufnahmen mitunter dieses Phänomen. Ursache ist die Aufnahmetechnik.
Feine Cremes – gerührt, aber nicht geschüttelt
Authors: Vilgis Thomas
Published: July 2012

Schon der Begriff Cremigkeit – eine Umschreibung für den angenehm weichen, weder flüssigen noch festen Zustand eines Lebensmittels – lässt Genießerherzen höher schlagen. Pürees, geschlagene Sahne oder sehr weiche Puddings bestechen durch ihr Mundgefühl. Eine physikalische Methode, Cremes aus allen möglichen Flüssigkeiten herzustellen, ist Gelieren bei gleichzeitiger Scherung. Dabei bilden sich “flüssige Gele”.
Distinguishing yy‐G tautomers by their spectroscopic signatures: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Zhang Laibin , Ren Tingqi
Published: July 2012

A comprehensive theoretical study of electronic transitions of naphtho‐homologated yyG and its five possible tautomers (yyG‐AO7, yyG‐AEc, yyG‐AEt, yyG‐IcO17, and yyG‐ItO17) was performed. The nature of the low‐lying excited states is discussed, and the results are compared to that of y‐bases. Geometry optimizations were performed on the lowest excited singlet ππ* states. Finally, the effects of methanol solution and hydrogen bonding with cytosine on the absorption and emission spectra were examined. The ground state structures were optimized using both the DFT and ab initio HF methods, whereas the excited‐state structures were optimized using the CIS method. The methanol solution was found to red‐shifts both the absorption and emission maxima of the studied bases except for yyG, for which the absorption and emission maxima were blue‐shifted after solvation. In addition, hydrogen bonding with cytosine was found to blue‐shifts both the absorption and emission maxima of yyG, yyG‐AO7, yyG‐IcO17, and yyG‐ItO17. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In search of El Dorado: The elusive financial returns on corporate political investments
Authors: Hadani Michael , Schuler Douglas A.
Published: July 2012

Although many believe that companies' political activities improve their bottom line, empirical studies have not consistently borne this out. We investigate the relationship between corporate political activity (CPA) and financial returns on a set of 943 S&P 1500 firms between 1998 to 2008. We find that firms' political investments are negatively associated with market performance and cumulative political investments worsen both market and accounting performance. Firms placing former public officials on their boards experienced inferior market performance and similar accounting performance than firms without such board members. We find, however, that CPA is positively associated with market performance for firms in regulated industries. Our results challenge the profit‐maximizing assumptions underlying CPA research and focus on agency theory to better understand CPA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pragmatic System of Decision Criteria
Authors: Metcalfe Mike
Published: July 2012

Making decisions requires a set of criteria be drafted to assist in the evaluation process. Pragmatism offers an alternative philosophy to underpin designing this system. In Western philosophy, there are two main explanations of how to think about any complex situation. One is to use Plato's ideal forms, which involve comparing the actual situation to some ideal. The other is Aristotle's dialectic, which involves setting up a balanced competitive process and awaiting its ever‐changing insights. Mathematics, theory, Abraham religions, landscape gardening and liberal democracy provide examples of the former. Evolution, Schumpeter's capitalism, Marx's socialism and Rorty's pragmatism provide examples of the latter. Whereas Aristotle refers to people, evolution to species, Schumpeter to products, and Marx to class, Rorty's pragmatism refers to the linguistic concepts we have patterned from our past experiences. This paper develops this stream of pragmatism and explains how it can be used to design the system of selection of the criteria used to make and evaluate decisions. Two rapid decision‐making situations are reviewed as a demonstration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bewertung historischer Brückenlager – Das Kontaktproblem – Teil 2
Authors: Eisenkolb Tino , Mehdianpour Milad
Published: July 2012

Der vorliegende Beitrag thematisiert die Spannungsberechnung im Kontaktbereich historischer Brückenlager. Speziell der Kontakt zwischen Kugelzapfen und Lagerpfanne steht im Fokus der Ausführungen. Es wird gezeigt, dass die auf Grundlage der Hertz’schen Theorie an der Ersatzgeometrie Kugel–Ebene berechneten Spannungszustände nennenswerte Fehler gegenüber den numerisch an der tatsächlichen Geometrie Kugelzapfen‐Lagerpfanne ermittelten Spannungen aufweisen können. Nach Darstellung der Ursachen und Einflussparameter dieser Fehler wird eine Methodik aufgezeigt, diese Fehler signifikant zu korrigieren.

Assessment of historical bridge bearings: The contact problem – part 2. This paper addresses the calculation of stresses within the contact zone of historical bridge bearings. Special attention is paid to the contact between ball stud and bearing cup. It will be shown that the stresses calculated according to the Hertzian theory at the idealised analogous geometry of a ball on a plate present considerable differences to the stresses numerically calculated at the real geometry of a ball stud on a bearing cup. Afterwards the causes and influencing factors of these failures are discussed, and a method to improve them significantly is provided.
Sanierung der Bahnsteighalle des Wiesbadener Hauptbahnhofes
Authors: Springer Johannes , Merwar Gabriele , Bosse Jürgen
Published: July 2012

Der Beitrag beschreibt die Planungen und Arbeiten zur Erneuerung der Bahnsteighalle des Wiesbadener Hauptbahnhofes, die Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts erbaut wurde und unter Denkmalschutz steht. Die Bahnsteighalle wies zahlreiche Schäden an Stahlkonstruktion, Dachhaut und Verglasung auf. Die Sanierungsarbeiten wurden unter Beachtung des Denkmalschutzes und unter Aufrechterhaltung des Eisenbahnbetriebs durchgeführt. Neben einer Beschreibung des Tragwerkes, der Schäden am bestehenden Bauwerk und der Sanierungsmaßnahmen wird über Einzelheiten aus der statischen Berechnung sowie über die Ausschreibung und die Ausführung der Arbeiten berichtet.

Rehabilitation of the platform hall of Wiesbaden Main Station. The article describes the planning and execution of the overhaul works regarding the Wiesbaden main station platform hall. The station which is a listed historic structure was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The platform hall showed various damages related to steel structure, roof skin and glazing. Rehabilitation work was carried out by considering the aspects of protected monuments and under the prerequisite of maintaining the railway operations. In addition to describing the structural system, the damages of the existing building and the rehabilitation measures, details on the structural calculation, the tender and the execution of works are addressed.
Landmarke Tiger
Authors: Pinger Thomas , Prenger Frank
Published: July 2012

Die neue Landmarke “Tiger
DIN 18008 – Bemessungs‐ und Konstruktionsregeln für Bauprodukte aus Glas – Erfassung von Nutzlasten und Ausfallszenarien
Authors: Kasper Ruth
Published: July 2012

Der Aufsatz “DIN 18008 – Teil 1 und Teil 2 – Was ändert sich gegenüber der TRLV?“ [1] verdeutlicht die wesentlichen Veränderungen hinsichtlich des Sicherheitsniveaus bei der Bemessung von linienförmig gelagerten Mono‐, VSG‐ und Isolierglas‐Scheiben unter gleichförmiger Beanspruchung. Die systematische Betrachtung wird hier weitergeführt für Nutzlasten und Ausfallszenarien, bei denen für letztere die außergewöhnliche Einwirkungskombination nach DIN EN 1990 verwendet wird. Es werden die Einwirkungskombinationen exemplarisch angegeben und die Sicherheitsniveaus von TRLV und DIN 18008 gegenübergestellt.

DIN 18008 – Design and structural regulations for construction products of glass – Imposed loads and failure scenario. In “DIN 18008 – Teil 1 und Teil 2 – What changes with respect to TRLV?“ [1] the significant changes about safety levels for design of linearly supported safety glass and insulating glazing with constant loads have been considered. In the present publication systematic investigations are continued regarding failure scenarios, extraordinary load combinations and the effects of imposed loads for buildings. Special load combinations are exemplary presented. The safety levels of TRLV and DIN 18008 are compared.
Achieving True Sustainability of Zoo Populations
Authors: Lacy* Robert C.
Published: July 2012

For the last 30 years, cooperative management of irreplaceable animal populations in zoos and aquariums has focused primarily on the goal of minimizing genetic decay within defined time frames, and large advances have been made in technologies to optimize genetic management of closed populations. However, recent analyses have shown that most zoo programs are not projected to meet their stated goals. This has been described as a lack of achieving “sustainability” of the populations, yet by definition a goal of managed decay is not a plan for sustainability. True sustainability requires management of the resource in manner that does not deplete its value for the future. Achieving such sustainability for many managed populations may require changing from managing isolated populations to managing populations that are part of a broader metapopulation, with carefully considered exchange between populations across a spectrum of ex situ to in situ. Managing zoo populations as components of comprehensive conservation strategies for the species will require research on determinants of various kinds of genetic, physiological, behavioral, and morphological variation and their roles in population viability, development of an array of management techniques and tools, training of population managers in metapopulation management and integrated conservation planning, and projections of impacts of management strategies on the viability of the captive populations and all populations that are interactively managed or affected. Such a shift in goals and methods would result in zoo population management being an ongoing part of species conservation rather than short‐term or isolated from species conservation. Zoo Biol. 32:19‐26, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absorption and Ocular Deposition of Dietary Lutein in Marine Mammals
Authors: Koutsos Elizabeth A. , Schmitt Todd , Colitz Carmen M.H. , Mazzaro Lisa
Published: July 2012

Cataracts and ocular disease are common lesions of marine mammals in zoological collections. Lutein, an oxygenated carotenoid, may have therapeutic or prophylactic effects on ocular disorder. Therefore, this study examined the ability of marine mammals to absorb dietary lutein. Two preliminary trials examined lutein in two forms (beadlet or ester) in a small sample size of marine mammals representing pinnipeds and cetaceans. Lutein was fed daily in tablets providing 0.89–3.6 mg lutein/kg body weight0.75 per day for 15 days to 2 years. A third study was conducted using lutein beadlet fed at 3.6 mg lutein/kg body weight0.75 per day for 15–21 days. Blood was analyzed for lutein pre‐ and postsupplementation. In the preliminary trials, lutein beadlet was observed to result in greater blood lutein levels than lutein esters, and cetaceans had more noticeable responses than pinnipeds. In Study 3, serum lutein and zeaxanthin increased postsupplementation in beluga whales (P < 0.05), and serum lutein tended to increase postsupplementation in dolphins (P < 0.10), but little change was seen in serum lutein in pinnipeds or manatee. Opportunistic retinal samples demonstrated some detectable lutein in the retina of a dolphin and several harp seals. The lutein levels in dolphins after supplementation are similar to those reported in free‐ranging animals. Ocular lutein in harp seals demonstrates that ocular deposition occurs despite low circulating lutein levels. Zoo Biol. 32:316–323, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Definition and Classification of Complications of Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Based on the Accordion Severity Grading System
Authors: Jung Mi Ran , Park Young Kyu , Seon Jang Won , Kim Kwang Yong , Cheong Oh , Ryu Seong Yeob
Published: July 2012

Background

Postoperative complications still comprise the marker used most frequently to assess the quality of gastrectomy. However, the definition and grading of morbidity is not standardized, hampering meaningful comparisons over time and among centers. This study proposes specific definitions and a reproducible classification of complications following gastrectomy using standardized grading tools.

Methods

We defined each complication based on the literature, and adopted the Accordion Severity Grading System to stratify morbidity. The classification was applied to 890 patients with gastric cancer seen between January 2010 and April 2011. The correlation between the complication grades and the length of hospital stay (LOS) was analyzed, and risk factors for complications were examined with special reference to severity grade.

Results

The overall morbidity rate was 18.1 %. Mild complications occurred in 31 patients (3.5 %), moderate in 77 patients (8.7 %), severe—invasive procedure/no general anesthesia (GA) in 27 patients (3.0 %), severe—invasive procedures/GA in 18 patients (2.0 %), and severe—organ failure in 3 patients (0.3 %). Five patients (0.6 %) died postoperatively. The grade of complications had a significant effect on the LOS (p < 0.001). Operating time and cardiovascular and pulmonary co‐morbidities were independent risk factors for severe complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.001, p = 0.016; OR 2.226, p = 0.006; OR = 2.896, p = 0.003, respectively].

Conclusions

The complications after gastrectomy could be classified into different severity grades that had distinct clinical outcomes. The use of this classification provides more reliable, practical outcome data. Consequently, complications should be reported using a standardized classification tool such as the Accordion Severity Grading System, which requires consensus on the definition of specific complications.
Neuronal representation of number and proportion in the primate brain
Authors: Vallentin D. , Jacob · S.N. , Nieder A.
Published: July 2012

Number symbols have allowed humans to develop superior mathematical skills that are a hallmark of technologically advanced cul­tures. Findings in animal cognition, devel­opmental psychology, and anthropology in­dicate that these numerical skills are rooted in nonlinguistic biological primitives. Recent studies in human and nonhuman primates using a broad range of methodologies pro­vide evidence that numerical information is represented and processed by regions of the prefrontal and posterior parietal lobes, where single neurons are tuned to preferred abso­lute quantities. Until recently, data explor­ing ratios of quantities, as in proportions and fractions, were comparatively sparse. New data derived with complementary methods and from different model systems now shed light on the mechanisms of magnitude ra­tio representations. A coding scheme for pro­portions has emerged that is highly reminis­cent of the representation of absolute num­ber. The magnitude code is automatic, inde­pendent of language and the format of pre­sentation. These findings suggest that the primate brain houses a phylogenetically old network for the representation of quantity that, during the course of human evolution, has been coopted to build our remarkable sense of number.