bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Ventricular Diverticulum
Authors: DiBardino Daniel J. , Charaf-Eddine Ahmad , Gaymes Charlie , Sheth Michelle , Rivard Andrew , Salazar Jorge D.
Published: July 2013

Left ventricular diverticulum is an extremely rare anomaly, especially in the absence of other findings, and as such it has been rarely imaged, rarely seen intraoperatively, and has no standardized management algorithm. We report our suggested imaging and management in the context of previous management philosophies.
Left Mammary Artery Bypass Grafting Rescued a Patient With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome With Ascending Aorta Obstruction After Norwood Stage I Procedure
Authors: Takeuchi Koh , Minegishi Sachito , Kobayashi Jotaro , Tsuchiya Keiji
Published: July 2013

A three-month-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (mitral atresia, aortic atresia) and moderate tricuspid regurgitation developed ascending aorta obstruction two months after a Norwood stage I procedure. An emergent left mammary artery bypass grafting to the ascending aorta and extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support resulted in successful salvage. The patient subsequently underwent a bidirectional Glenn procedure and tricuspid valve repair at the age of five months. Follow-up at an outpatient clinic reveals no electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia, and echocardiography shows recovery of ventricular function.
Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Children Undergoing Heart Surgery
Authors: Costantini Sydney T. , Lach Donna , Goldfarb Johanna , Stewart Robert D. , Foster Charles B.
Published: July 2013

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of cardiac surgical site infection. Based on studies in adults, nasal screening to detect S aureuscolonization is used to guide decolonization and selection of prophylactic antibiotics. In our Children’s Hospital, a sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay is used to screen patients undergoing cardiac surgery for nasal colonization with methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA). Additionally for patients in diapers, cultures are used to detect MRSA colonization of the groin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether screening two anatomic locations results in a higher MRSA detection rate among children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review determined whether the frequency of bacterial colonization with MRSA differed by anatomic site. Records for 322 pediatric cardiac surgery procedures performed between January 2009 and June 2011 were reviewed. Both a nasal PCR and a second anatomic site culture were performed before 102 procedures.

Results:

The overall rate of colonization with MRSA and MSSA was 4.2% and 29.1%, respectively. Of the seven dually screened patients who tested positive for MRSA, two were identified solely via a groin test, four by nasal screening alone, and one by both the tests. Screening of only the nose would have failed to detect 28.6% of the MRSA cases.

Conclusion:

Preoperative detection of MRSA colonization may be enhanced by screening both the nose and a second anatomic site. The clinical utility of the extranasal MRSA culture was limited due to the long assay turnaround time.
Potts Shunt in a Child With End-Stage Pulmonary Hypertension After Late Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Petersen Cecilie , Helvind Morten , Jensen Tim , Andersen Henrik Ørbæk
Published: July 2013

We report on a 10-year-old boy with medically refractory pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and end-stage right heart failure after closure of a ventricular septal defect. The boy was a candidate for lung transplantation (LTX), but an alternative option was to create an Eisenmenger physiology with right-to-left shunting. The shunt could be created either as an intracardiac or as an extracardiac shunt. We decided to create a Potts shunt, a direct anastomosis between the left pulmonary artery and the descending aorta. The Potts shunt functioned as a right-to-left shunt, thus reducing the afterload on the right ventricle. The boy’s clinical condition improved markedly, so he was discharged two weeks after the procedure. The ultimate therapeutic option for medically refractory PAH is LTX or heart–lung transplantation, but because of the short life span after LTX, time was bought by postponing the time of transplantation.
Improving adherence in paediatric respiratory disease
Authors: Klok Ted , Kaptein Adrian A. , Brand Paul L.P.
Published: July 2013

Educational aims

To review the evidence on determinants of adherence in children with chronic respiratory disease.

To discuss the “common sense model” as a method to understand medication-taking behaviour in children.

To review the importance of illness perceptions and medication beliefs in determining adherence to maintenance medication in children with chronic respiratory disease.

To present recommendations to optimise adherence through enhancing involvement of patients and parents in consultations of children with chronic respiratory disease.

In children with chronic respiratory disease, nonadherence to maintenance medication is common. Observational studies, however, show that good adherence can be achieved and maintained. This review will discuss the current state of the evidence on adherence and its determinants in children with chronic respiratory disease. It will highlight the importance of illness perceptions and medication beliefs as strong drivers of adherence, based on the common sense model of how people deal with a chronic illness. Exploring such cognitions by interested enquiry of the patient's perspective will help the clinician to identify and overcome barriers to adherence. When decisions on treatment are made according to the principle of shared decision making, concordance between patient and healthcare provider is aided, which improves adherence.
Potentiation of neuritogenic activity of medicinal mushrooms in rat pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Ling-Sing Seow Syntyche , Naidu Murali , David Pamela , Wong Kah-Hui , Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Published: July 2013

Background

Senescence of the neurons is believed to be a focal factor in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Diminutions in the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) lead to major declines in brain cell performance. Functional foods, believed to mitigate this deficiency, will be reaching a plateau in the near future market of alternative and preventive medicine. In the search for neuroactive compounds that mimic the NGF activity for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, the potential medicinal values of culinary and medicinal mushrooms attract intense interest.

Methods

Cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of three medicinal mushrooms basidiocarps, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma neo-japonicum and Grifola frondosa towards rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The potentiation of neuritogenic activity was assessed by neurite outgrowth stimulation assay. Involvement of cellular signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK1/2) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) in mushrooms-stimulated neuritogenesis were examined by using specific pharmacological inhibitors. Alteration of neuronal morphology by inhibitors was visualized by immunofluorescence staining of the neurofilament.

Results

All the aqueous extracts tested caused a marked stimulation of neuritogenesis with no detectable cytotoxic effects towards PC-12 cells. The aqueous extract of G. neo-japonicum triggered maximal stimulation of neurite outgrowth at a lower concentration (50 μg/ml) with 14.22 ± 0.43% of neurite-bearing cells, compared to G. lucidum and G. frondosa that act at a higher concentration (75 μg/ml), with 12.61 ± 0.11% and 12.07 ± 0.46% of neurite-bearing cells, respectively. The activation of MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were necessary for the NGF and aqueous extracts to promote neuritogenesis.

Conclusions

Ganoderma lucidum, G. neo-japonicum and G. frondosa may contain NGF-like bioactive compound(s) for maintaining and regenerating the neuronal communications network. The present study reports the first evidence of the neuritogenic effects of aqueous extracts of basidiocarps of G. neo-japonicum in-vitro and showed the involvement of MEK/ERK1/2 and P13K/Akt signaling pathways for neuritogenesis in PC-12 cells.
Epithelial Splicing Regulator Protein 1 and Alternative Splicing in Somatotroph Adenomas
Authors: Lekva Tove , Berg Jens Petter , Lyle Robert , Heck Ansgar , Ringstad Geir , Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Michelsen Annika Elisabet , Casar-Borota Olivera , Bollerslev Jens , Ueland Thor
Published: July 2013

Somatotroph adenomas secrete supraphysiological amounts of GH, causing acromegaly. We have previously hypothesized that epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play a central role in the progression of these adenomas and that epithelial splicing regulator 1 (ESRP1) may function prominently as a master regulator of the EMT process in pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly. To further elucidate the role of ESRP1 in somatotroph adenomas and in EMT progression, we used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to sequence somatotroph adenomas characterized by high and low ESRP1 levels. Transcripts identified by RNAseq were analyzed in 65 somatotroph adenomas and in GH-producing pituitary rat cells with a specific knockdown of Esrp1. The clinical importance of the transcripts was further investigated by correlating mRNA expression levels with clinical indices of disease activity and treatment response. Many of the transcripts and isoforms identified by RNAseq and verified by quantitative PCR were involved in vesicle transport and calcium signaling and were associated with clinical outcomes. Silencing Esrp1 in GH3 cells resulted in changes of gene expression overlapping the data observed in human somatotroph adenomas and revealed a decreased granulation pattern and attenuated GH release. We observed an alternative splicing pattern for F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 20, depending on the ESPR1 levels and on changes in circulating IGF-I levels after somatostatin analog treatment. Our study indicates that ESRP1 in somatotroph adenomas regulates transcripts that may be essential in the EMT progression and in the response to somatostatin analog treatment.
Estradiol Dose-Dependent Regulation of Membrane Estrogen Receptor-α, Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-1a, and Their Complexes in the Arcuate Nucleus of the Hypothalamus in Female Rats
Authors: Mahavongtrakul Matthew , Kanjiya Martha P. , Maciel Maribel , Kanjiya Shrey , Sinchak Kevin
Published: July 2013

Sexual receptivity in the female rat is dependent on dose and duration of estradiol exposure. A 2 μg dose of estradiol benzoate (EB) primes reproductive behavior circuits without facilitating lordosis. However, 50 μg EB facilitates lordosis after 48 hours. Both EB doses activate membrane estrogen receptor-α (mERα) that complexes with and signals through metabotropic glutamate receptor-1a (mGluR1a). This mERα-mGluR1a signaling activates a multisynaptic lordosis-inhibiting circuit in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) that releases β-endorphin in the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN), activating μ-opioid receptors (MOP). MPN MOP activation is maintained, inhibiting lordosis for 48 hours by 2 μg EB, whereas 50 μg EB at 48 hours deactivates MPN MOP, facilitating lordosis. We hypothesized that 50 μg EB down-regulates ERα and mERα-mGluR1a complexes in the ARH to remove mERα-mGluR1a signaling. In experiment I, 48 hours after 2 μg or 50 μg EB, the number of ARH ERα-immunopositive cells was reduced compared with controls. In experiment II, compared with oil controls, total ARH ERα protein was decreased 48 hours after 50 μg EB, but the 2 μg dose was not. These results indicate that both EB doses reduced the total number of cells expressing ERα, but 2 μg EB may have maintained or increased ERα expressed per cell, whereas 50 μg EB appeared to reduce total ERα per cell. In experiment III, coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot revealed that total mERα and coimmunoprecipitated mERα with mGluR1a were greater 48 hours after 2 μg EB treatment vs rats receiving 50 μg EB. These results indicate 2 μg EB maintains but 50 μg EB down-regulates mERα-mGluR1a to regulate the lordosis circuit activity.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Function and Putative Signaling Cascade
Authors: Sharabi Omri , Ventura Tomer , Manor Rivka , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Sagi Amir
Published: July 2013

Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are highly conserved members of the tyrosine kinase receptor superfamily found in metazoans and plants. In arthropods, EGFRs are vital for the proper development of embryos and of adult limbs, gonads, and eyes as well as affecting body size. In searching for genes involved in the growth and development of our model organism, the decapod crustacean (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), a comprehensive transcript library was established using next-generation sequencing. Using this library, the expression of several genes assigned to the signal transduction pathways mediated by EGFRs was observed, including a transcript encoding M. rosenbergii EGFR (Mr-EGFR), several potential ligands upstream to the receptor, and most of the putative downstream signal transducer genes. The deduced protein encoded by Mr-EGFR, representing the first such receptor reported thus far in crustaceans, shows sequence similarity to other arthropod EGFRs. The M. rosenbergii gene is expressed in most tested tissues. The role of Mr-EGFR was revealed by temporarily silencing the transcript through weekly injections of double-stranded Mr-EGFR RNA. Such treatment resulted in a significant reduction in growth and a delay in the appearance of a male secondary sexual characteristic, namely the appendix masculina. An additional function of Mr-EGFR was revealed with respect to eye development. Although the optic ganglion appeared to have retained its normal morphology, Mr-EGFR-silenced individuals developed abnormal eyes that presented irregular organization of the ommatidia, reflected by unorganized receptor cells occupying large areas of the dioptric portion and by a shortened crystalline tract layer.
Adult Epicardial Fat Exhibits Beige Features
Authors: Sacks Harold S. , Fain John N. , Bahouth Suleiman W. , Ojha Shalini , Frontini Andrea , Budge Helen , Cinti Saverio , Symonds Michael E.
Published: July 2013

Context:

Human epicardial fat has been designated previously as brown-like fat. The supraclavicular fat depot in man has been defined as beige coexistent with classical brown based on its gene expression profile.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to establish the gene expression profile and morphology of human epicardial and visceral paracardial fat compared with sc fat.

Setting:

The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital cardiac center.

Patients:

Epicardial, visceral paracardial, and sc fat samples had been taken from middle-aged patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis or valvular heart disease.

Interventions:

Gene expression was determined by reverse transcription- quantitative PCR and relative abundance of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) by Western blotting. Epicardial tissue sections from patients were examined by light microscopy, UCP-1 immunohistochemistry, and cell morphometry.

Main Outcome Measures:

We hypothesized that epicardial fat has a mixed phenotype with a gene expression profile similar to that described for beige cell lineage.

Results:

Immunoreactive UCP-1 was clearly measurable in each epicardial sample analyzed but was undetectable in each of the 4 other visceral and sc depots. Epicardial fat exhibited high expression of genes for UCP-1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, PPARγ, and the beige adipocyte-specific marker CD137, which were also expressed in visceral paracardial fat but only weakly in sternal, upper abdominal, and lower extremity sc fat. Histology of epicardial fat showed small unilocular adipocytes without UCP-1 immunostaining.

Conclusion:

UCP-1 is relatively abundant in epicardial fat, and this depot possesses molecular features characteristic of those found in vitro in beige lineage adipocytes.
Knowledge economy as the foundation of innovation development: russian specifics
Authors: Каленов  , Kalenov Oleg
Published: July 2013

The article reveal the mechanism of economic growth, which is based on knowledge and innovative technologies, as well as proposed author's approach of the realization of the innovative and technological development of Russian enterprises.
Goals and objectives of resource-saving in manufacturing
Authors: Семенов  , Semenov Nikolay
Published: July 2013

In the article assessed the socio-economic value and specificity of resource saving activities in the industry. Represented the essential characteristics of resource conservation and defined the role of a systemic approach to solving applied problems of resource conservation on industrial enterprises.
Contemporary remuneration systems of companies
Authors: Васильева  , Vasileva Elena
Published: July 2013

Considered basics of wages — current state of the tariff system and the forms of wages. Covered such advanced forms of wages as the tariff free of wages system, categorization of managerial staff with a view to determine the level of their wages, form of liberal staff stimulation, in particular participation in the profits. Presented characteristics of evaluation of the effectiveness of wages organization on the factories.
Delayed diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma following dental treatment
Authors: Singh T , Schenberg M
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can present with a wide range of clinical appearances. Consequently, an oral SCC, particularly in its early stage, may not be considered suspicious by a clinician, thereby delaying diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis of an oral SCC could result in more advanced disease at the time of treatment, leading to more extensive and costly treatment, greater morbidity and poorer survival. The aim of this study was to identify cases of oral SCC treated at Southern Heath (Melbourne, Australia) with a history of prediagnosis dental treatment, and to determine the delay between dental treatment and appropriate surgical assessment of the oral SCC.

Methods

Patients were identified from the head and neck tumour database at Southern Health who met the inclusion criteria and relevant data were recorded.

Results

Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria and 83% of cases involved the mandible. Dental extraction was the most common prediagnosis treatment performed (75%). The average delay from dental treatment to surgical assessment was just over eight weeks and all patients were found to have stage IV disease. Most patients had received extensive surgical resections (83%), neck dissections (75%) and adjunctive therapy (83%).

Conclusions

Oral SCC can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, which can result in more extensive treatment and greater morbidity. Health professionals and patients need to be aware that non-healing oral lesions, even after dental treatment such as a dental extraction, need to be considered as suspicious and an appropriate surgical referral should be made.
Clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of intraoperative cell salvage in pelvic trauma surgery
Authors: Odak S , Raza A , Shah N , Clayson A
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Pelvic acetabular injuries are associated with significant blood loss. This is compounded by multiple surgical interventions including definitive fracture fixation, which put patients at further risk of postoperative transfusion. We use intraoperative cell salvage routinely as a blood conservation strategy to address this issue. This is a prospective evaluation of the clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of using intraoperative cell salvage in patients with pelvic acetabular injuries.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively for all the patients who underwent pelvic acetabular fracture fixation at our institution. A total of 30 patients (25 men, 5 women) with a mean age of 41 years (range: 31–79 years) were assessed over a period of 10 months.

Results

The mean preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin levels were 11.8g/dl and 9.9g/dl respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 1,232.5ml (range: 150–2,693ml). The mean amount of blood salvaged and retransfused through a cell saver was 388ml. Of the 30 patients, 14 (47%) required transfusion after surgery and 26 units of blood were transfused. In terms of cost effectiveness, a total of £2,572 in 30 patients or £86 per patient were saved.

Conclusions

We found intraoperative cell salvage to be clinically efficacious and cost effective in patients with pelvic acetabular injuries.
Histological assessment of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis: routine or selective?
Authors: Jayasundara JASB , de Silva WMM
Published: July 2013

Traditionally, all cholecystectomy specimens resected for symptomatic cholelithiasis were sent for histological evaluation. The objectives of such evaluation are to confirm the clinicoradiological diagnosis, identification of unsuspected findings including incidental gallbladder malignancy, audit and research purposes, and quality control issues. Currently, there is a developing trend to consider selective histological evaluation of surgical specimens removed for clinically benign disease. This article discusses the need for routine or selective histopathological evaluation of gallbladder specimens following cholecystectomy. Although several retrospective studies have suggested selective histological evaluation of cholecystectomy specimens performed for symptomatic cholelithiasis, the evidence is not adequate at present to recommend selective histological evaluation globally. However, it may be appropriate to consider selective histological evaluation on a regional basis in areas of extremely low incidence of gallbladder cancer only after unanimous agreement between the governing bodies of surgical and histopathological expertise.
Low rate of active treatment of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Mishreki AP , Lim E , Cranefield P , Pascoe S , Jackson S , Stell DA
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The results of surgical resection and palliative chemotherapy use in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) have been well publicised but the proportion of patients able to undergo these treatments and the comparative outcomes in a population of patients with HC are less well known.

Methods

Patients with HC were identified by review of all patients undergoing percutaneous cholangiography over a nine-year period (2002–2010) in a tertiary facility. The treatment undertaken and outcomes were recorded.

Results

Overall, 68 patients were identified (37 female) with a median age of 70 years. Forty-five (66%) were treated solely by insertion of a metal stent (median survival 4.73 months) and nine (13%) also received palliative chemotherapy (median survival 13.7 months). Persisting jaundice after stent insertion was noted in 18 of 35 patients (51%) tested within one month of death. Fourteen patients (21%) underwent surgical resection (median survival 20.2 months).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing surgical resection had significantly longer survival than those receiving only a palliative stent but not compared with those also receiving palliative chemotherapy, with short-term follow-up. Only a third of patients, however, receive active treatment (surgery or chemotherapy) and improvements in long-term biliary palliation are needed.
Improving Services for Patients with Groin Hernias: Reducing Waiting Times for Surgery
Authors: Reid TD , Al-Momani H , Lloyd-Evans J , Saeed ZM , Plumb P , Williams GL , Stephenson BM
Published: July 2013

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed in the UK, with over 70,000 procedures carried out per year. Consequently, patients with groin hernias place a major demand on the surgical resources of our NHS hospitals. Patients referred to secondary care for a repair are typically first assessed in the outpatient department, where an appropriate pre-assessment is arranged, and then either a date for surgery is allocated or the patient is placed on a waiting list. Moreover, as the priority for many of these steps on this pathway is typically 'routine' rather than 'urgent', the vast majority of patients with groin hernias will experience a considerable wait after seeing their family doctor.
'Bumps' at the Table: New Mums in Surgical Training
Authors: Defty C , Prowse P , James Mi
Published: July 2013

Pursuing a career in surgery brings with it many challenges but perhaps none more so than for the first-time 'mum-to-be'. while some evidence has suggested that concerns about pregnancy and motherhood among aspiring medical students might be to blame for a lack of interest in surgical careers, it is obviously not discouraging many of us as the number of women taking up careers in surgery is increasing.
The Organisation and Management of Hand Trauma Presenting to Plastic Surgical Services in the British Isles
Authors: Davies RM , Anderson K , Iqbal A
Published: July 2013

The workload of any trauma service varies considerably over short time periods. This is as true for hand trauma as it is for any other trauma specialty. however, the resources to manage the trauma caseload are relatively fixed. The aim of our study was to investigate the optimum way to manage hand trauma given its unpredictable workload. This information could be used to improve the efficiency of our local service and construct guidelines for other services to supplement the current guidance in circulation.
Commissioning explained: early thoughts on taking dentistry forward with a single commissioner
Authors: Bridgman Colette
Published: July 2013

This paper provides an explanation of what commissioning is and what it is intended to achieve. It includes a guide to commissioning and offers a reflection on the impact and limitations of commissioning in dentistry to date. It suggests opportunities and risks for the commissioning of dentistry within NHS England, which became the single commissioner for dentistry in April 2013.
A personal view of today’s NHS
Authors: Hopkins Russell
Published: July 2013

I was reluctant to accept the invitation of the Vice-Dean to participate in a meeting called to discuss a modern, future National Health Service (NHS). I told him I was an angry old man, 80 years old, more concerned about today’s NHS than the future. I was angry because much of the spirit that built and maintained the NHS, in which I had spent 48 years, had been dissipated by politicians, civil servants and managers, and the contracts they had negotiated.
Opportunities in the Economics of Personalized Health Care and Prevention
Authors: Meltzer David O.
Published: July 2013

Personalized medicine is best viewed from a broad perspective of trying to use information about a patient to improve care. While “personalized medicine” often emphasizes the value of genetic information, traditional clinical approaches to personalizing care based on patient phenotype, provider and system-level factors should not be neglected. As these diverse approaches to personalization are examined, tools such as cost-effectiveness analysis can provide important insights into the value of these approaches, strategies for their implementation and dissemination, and priorities for future research. Such analyses are likely to be most insightful if they recognize that patient and provider behaviors are essential determinants of the value of treatments and that patient factors in particular may have large effects on the value of treatments and the need for interventions to improve decision making. These comments suggest three major areas of opportunity for economic analyses of personalized medicine: (1) traditional clinical approaches to personalized medicine, (2) multi-perspective studies of the benefits and costs of personalized medicine, and (3) the role of behavior in the value of personalized medicine.
Enhanced Trichloroethylene CatalyticOxidation on Modified Lanthanum Manganite ano-Perovskites
Authors: Maghsoodi Sarah , Khodadadi A.A. , Towfighi Jafar , Mortazavi Y.
Published: July 2013

The lanthanum manganite perovskites with excess Mn and La partially substituted with alkaline earth metals including Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba were used for oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE). Ba-substituted perovskite shows highest TCE oxidation performance. Twenty percent of excess Mn and La substitution with Ba up to 30% (La0.7Ba0.3Mn1.2O3+δ) resulted in a high Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area and enhanced oxygen mobility. About 12% loss of the performance of La0.7Ba0.3Mn1.2O3+δ is observed during the first 20 min, and then a steady-state conversion is established for oxidation of TCE for 10 h. The perovskite structure is not destroyed after deactivation test, and loss of surface area may be responsible for the initial performance decline.
Triphase Catalysis Using Silica Gel as Support
Authors: Sankarshana T. , Soujanya J. , Anil Kumar A.
Published: July 2013

The oxidation reaction of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol with potassium permanganate in the presence and absence of silica-gel-supported phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) in triphasic conditions was studied. In a batch reactor, the performance of the solid-supported catalysts was compared with unsupported catalyst and without the catalyst. The effect of speed of agitation, catalyst concentration, potassium permanganate concentration and temperature on reaction rate was studied. The reaction is found to be in the kinetic regime. The rate of reaction with the catalyst immobilised on the silica gel was less compared to the catalyst without immobilisation. Triphase catalysis with supported PTCs has potential applications in the continuous quest for greener industrial practices.
Female Arab-Muslim Nursing Students’ Reentry Transitions
Authors: McDermott-Levy Ruth
Published: July 2013

As nursing students are increasingly studying abroad and returning to their home countries to practice, it is important to identify international nursing students’ reentry transition to understand their reentry needs. Phenomenological inquiry was used to describe the reentry experience of seven Omani nurses after studying in the United States. The nurses’ reentry experience was influenced by the personal and professional transformation from studying abroad and included themes of adaptation to cultural differences and service to themselves, their profession, and their nation. These nurses returned home to resume previous roles; they were changed and this required them to redefine and adapt to their roles within their families and workplace. Nurses returning from international study could benefit from a formal reentry program to assist their transition to family, community, and professional life and to enhance the nurses’ contribution from their international education.
Safety of long-term treatment with cabergoline on cardiac valve disease in patients with prolactinomas
Authors: Auriemma Renata S , Pivonello Rosario , Perone Ylenia , Grasso Ludovica F S , Ferreri Lucia , Simeoli Chiara , Iacuaniello Davide , Gasperi Maurizio , Colao Annamaria
Published: July 2013

Objective

Cabergoline (CAB) has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiac valve regurgitation in Parkinson's disease, whereas several retrospective analyses failed to detect a similar relation in hyperprolactinemic patients. The current study aimed at investigating cardiac valve disease before and after 24 and 60 months of continuous treatment with CAB only in patients with hyperprolactinemia.

Subjects and methods

Forty patients (11 men and 29 women, aged 38.7±12.5 years) newly diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia entered the study. Cumulative CAB dose ranged from 12 to 588 mg (median 48 mg) at 24 months and 48–1260 mg (median 149 mg) at 60 months. All patients underwent a complete trans-thoracic echocardiographic examination. Valve regurgitation was assessed according to the American Society of Echocardiography.

Results

At baseline, the prevalence of trace mitral, aortic, pulmonic, and tricuspid regurgitations was 20, 2.5, 10, and 40% respectively, with no patient showing clinically relevant valvulopathy. After 24 months, no change in the prevalence of trace mitral (P=0.78) and pulmonic (P=0.89) regurgitations and of mild aortic (P=0.89) and tricuspid (P=0.89) regurgitations was found when compared with baseline. After 60 months, the prevalence of trace tricuspid regurgitation was only slightly increased when compared with that after 24 months (37.5%; P=0.82), but none of the patients developed significant valvulopathy. No correlation was found between cumulative dose and prevalence or grade of valve regurgitation at both evaluations. Prolactin levels normalized in all patients but one.

Conclusion

CAB does not increase the risk of significant cardiac valve regurgitation in prolactinomas after the first 5 years of treatment.
Involvement of exercise-induced macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the prevention of fatty liver disease
Authors: Moon Hyo Youl , Song Parkyong , Choi Cheol Soo , Ryu Sung Ho , Suh Pann-Ghill
Published: July 2013

Physical inactivity can lead to obesity and fat accumulation in various tissues. Critical complications of obesity include type II diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Exercise has been reported to have ameliorating effects on obesity and NAFLD. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We showed that liver expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was increased after 4 weeks of treadmill exercise. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in human hepatocyte cell lines was enhanced after MIF treatment. These responses were accompanied by increases in lipid oxidation. Moreover, inhibition of either AMPK or cluster of differentiation 74 resulted in inhibition of MIF-induced lipid oxidation. Furthermore, the administration of MIF to a human hepatocyte cell line and mice liver reduced liver X receptor agonist-induced lipid accumulation. Taken together, these results indicate that MIF is highly expressed in the liver during physical exercise and may prevent hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPK pathway.
Levantamentos seccionais sôbre a esquistossomose no Nordeste do Brasil. I. Estado de Alagoas
Authors: Barbosa Frederico Simões , Pessoa Dirceu , Pinto Kaimundo Ferreira , Barbosa Jandyra de Morais , Rodrigues Benedita de Almeida
Published: July 2013

Os autores apresentam os resultados de levantamentos seccionais sobre a prevalência e a morbidade da esquistossomose mansônica no Estado de Alagoas. Os inquéritos foram feitos em oito localidades, urbanas e rurais. A prevalência da esquistossomose e de outras helmintoses intestinais foi muito elevada. As formas hepato-esplênicas variaram de 1 a 3%.
Doença de Weil com uremia prolongada
Authors: Santino Filho F. , Gonçalves A. J. Rios , Quagliato Junior Reynaldo , Hoette Marcos , Suzuki Lucia Emi
Published: July 2013

Um caso de síndrome de Weil de evolução incomum é relatado, no qual o período azotêmico perdurou por cêrca de oito semanas. O curso clínico foi pontilhado por inúmeras e severas complicações, tendo o paciente permanecido internado por mais de cem dias. Não obstante a gravidade que a moléstia assumiu, houve recuperação clinica integral e restituição total da função renal. De passagem, os autores analisam as lesões e o comprometimento funcional dos rins na leptospirose.
Infecções bacterianas tratadas com Ro 6-2580
Authors: Lopes Paulo F. A. , Vieira Walber , Coura J. Rodrigues , Gruenbaum Ronald S. , Conceição Maria José
Published: July 2013

Nova combinação medicamentosa composta de sulfametoxazól e trimetoprim ("Bactrim"), com efeito bactericida sobre germes Gram negativos e Gram positivos, foi ensaiada no tratamento de 15 casos de salmonelose e 9 casos de infecções bacterianas. Os resultados foram favoráveis, tanto nas salmoneloses, como em infecções por estafilococos, shigelas, pneumococos e coliformes. A remissão do estado tóxico nos casos de febre tifóide foi observada dentro de 48 horas, e o tempo médio para desaparecimento da febre e demais sintomas, nessa infecção, foi de 3 dias. Foram constatados efeitos secundários em alguns pacientes, tais como hipertermia medicamentosa, farmacodermia, vômitos, linfomonocitose e eosinofilia, possivelmente relacionados a posologia excessiva, e todos remissíveis. Os autores concluem pela utilidade do novo medicamento na terapêutica de salmoneloses, estafilococcias e outras infecções.
Associação de marcadores microssatélites com teores de óleo e proteína em soja
Authors: Rodrigues Josiane Isabela da Silva , Arruda Klever Márcio Antunes , Cruz Cosme Damião , Piovesan Newton Deniz , Barros Everaldo Gonçalves de , Moreira Maurilio Alves
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação de marcadores microssatélites localizados próximos a locos de caracteres quantitativos (QTL) descritos na literatura, com os teores de óleo e proteína de genótipos de soja cultivados no Brasil. Quarenta e nove genótipos de soja foram avaliados em Viçosa, MG (12/2009); Visconde do Rio Branco, MG (2/2010); e São Gotardo, MG (2/2010 e 10/2011). Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os teores de óleo e proteína foram determinados por espectrometria do infravermelho. Foi observada ampla variabilidade genética para esses teores. Dos 65 marcadores microssatélites testados, 35 apresentaram associação significativa com pelo menos um dos teores, mas poucos foram consistentes com a mudança de ambiente. Ao se levar em conta a consistência da associação em todos os ambientes, os marcadores Satt239, Satt384 e Satt562 destacam-se para a seleção assistida quanto aos teores de óleo e de proteína, enquanto o Satt310 destaca-se para seleção quanto ao teor de óleo, e o Satt567, quanto ao de proteína.
Avaliação clínica e evolutiva de crianças em programa de atendimento ao uso de fórmulas para alergia à proteína do leite de vaca
Authors: Aguiar Ana Laissa O. , Maranhão Clarissa Marques , Spinelli Lívia Carvalho , Figueiredo Roberta Marinho de , Maia Jussara Melo C. , Gomes Rosane Costa , Maranhão Hélcio de Sousa
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Determinar características clínicas e evolutivas de crianças acompanhadas em programa de referência para fornecimento de fórmulas especiais para alergia ao leite de vaca. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, realizado em amostra de conveniência, com 214 crianças até três anos, com diagnóstico clínico e/ou teste padronizado de provocação oral aberto, referenciadas ao Programa de Fórmulas para Alergia ao Leite de Vaca, em Hospital Universitário Pediátrico de Natal, Rio Grande do Norte (2007/2009). Avaliaram-se dados clínico-epidemiológicos e indicação de fórmulas (soja, hidrolisado ou aminoácido) à consulta inicial, além de resposta clínica e evolução nutricional (Anthro-OMS 2006) após três meses. Aplicaram-se os testes do qui-quadrado e t pareado nas análises, considerando-se significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Ao primeiro atendimento, a média de idade foi de 9,0±6,9 meses. Manifestações digestórias foram observadas em 81,8%; cutâneas, em 36,9%; e respiratórias, em 23,8%. Escore Z do IMC <-2,0 desvios padrão (DP) foi encontrado em 17,9% das crianças com sintomas digestórios isolados, em 41,7% em uso de leite de vaca e em 8,7% com outras fórmulas (p<0,01). Fórmula de proteína isolada de soja foi usada em 61,2%; hidrolisados, em 35,4%; e aminoácidos, em 3,3%. As médias de escore Z do IMC ao atendimento inicial e após três meses foram, respectivamente, -0,24±1,47DP e 0,00±1,26DP (p=0,251), quando em uso de soja, e -0,70±1,51DP e -0,14±1,36DP (p=0,322), em uso de hidrolisado. CONCLUSÕES: Manifestações digestórias da alergia ao leite de vaca foram preponderantes e determinaram maior comprometimento nutricional. As fórmulas de substituição ao leite de vaca mais utilizadas foram de proteína isolada de soja e hidrolisados proteicos. O uso de ambas foi importante para a manutenção do estado nutricional.
Mortality from oral cancer in Aracaju/SE, Brazil: 2000-2009
Authors: Gois Santos Vanessa Tavares de , Santos Victor Santana , Carvalho Renata Alves da Silva , Guedes Simone Alves Garcez , Trento Cleverson Luciano
Published: July 2013

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of oral cancer varies widely in the world, with two thirds of cases diagnosed in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of deaths from oral cancer and the spatial distribution in the city of Aracaju in the state of Sergipe between 2000 and 2009. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data were collected using the Mortality Information System (MIS) of Aracaju/SE at the DATASUS website and were tabulated using the software TABWIN 3.4. The geographic distribution of deaths by neighborhoods of that city was visualized. RESULT: Of the 78 deaths, 61 (78.2%) were male. The mean age was 64.23 years. Individuals of mixed ethnicity had a higher death frequency (34.6%). Regarding education, the majority of death certificates recorded the option ignored, followed by individuals with 1 to 3 years of study. The anatomical sites most affected were unspecified parts of the mouth (43.6%). The spatial distribution analysis indicated that neighborhoods such as Santos Dumont, Luzia, Atalaia, Santa Maria, Cidade Nova and Industrial had the highest death frequencies. CONCLUSION: Males between the fifth and sixth decades of life of mixed ethnicity, low education and in neighborhoods with low and very low standards of living constitute the epidemiological profile for deaths from oral cancer.
Study of the influential factors on the rheological behavior of adhesive mortar available in the market
Authors: Costa M. R. M. M. , Pereira E. , Pileggi R. G. , Cincotto M. A.
Published: July 2013

Rheology studies the deformation and flow of matter and seeks to describe the deformations of material depending on the time they are exposed to mechanical actions. This paper proposes to understand the behavior of fresh mortar adhesives in Squeeze Flow tests based on rheological characterization of different commercial compositions. In the tests, flow of material results from the application of a compressive load on the sample in the fresh state which causes displacement due to stresses generated during radial shear flow. We performed further physical characterizations of mortars and viscosity on material passing the through a sieve with a 0.075 mm sieve opening with the objective of basing the analysis of the results obtained from Squeeze Flow tests. It was observed that the mortars studied showed differences in rheological behavior, probably resulting from synergistic action of some of the composition parameters, especially the particle size distribution and particle morphology.
Image-based method for monitoring of crack opening on masonry and concrete using Mobile Platform
Authors: Martins A. P. , Pizolato Junior J. C. , Belini V. L.
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes an automatic method based on the computing vision, implemented in a mobile platform, to inspect cracks in masonry and concrete. The developed algorithm for image processing performs this task from images of the cracks evolution. The contribution of this paper is the development of a mobile tool with quick response aiming to assist technicians in periodic visits when monitoring the crack opening in masonry and concrete. The obtained results show, successfully, the dimensional alterations of cracks detected by mobile phone in a faster and accurate way compared with the conventional measurement technique. Regardless the irregular shape of the cracks, the proposed method has the advantage of producing results statistically significant in measurement repetition by decreasing the subjectivity inherent to manual measurement technique.
Allee effects and the spatial dynamics of a locally endangered butterfly, the high brown fritillary (Argynnis adippe)
Authors: Bonsall Michael B. , Dooley Claire A. , Kasparson Anna , Brereton Tom , Roy David B. , Thomas Jeremy A.
Published: July 2013

Conservation of endangered species necessitates a full appreciation of the ecological processes affecting the regulation, limitation, and persistence of populations. These processes are influenced by birth, death, and dispersal events, and characterizing them requires careful accounting of both the deterministic and stochastic processes operating at both local and regional population levels. We combined ecological theory and observations on Allee effects by linking mathematical analysis and the spatial and temporal population dynamics patterns of a highly endangered butterfly, the high brown fritillary,Argynnis adippe. Our theoretical analysis showed that the role of density‐dependent feedbacks in the presence of local immigration can influence the strength of Allee effects. Linking this theory to the analysis of the population data revealed strong evidence for both negative density dependence and Allee effects at the landscape or regional scale. These regional dynamics are predicted to be highly influenced by immigration. Using a Bayesian state‐space approach, we characterized the local‐scale births, deaths, and dispersal effects together with measurement and process uncertainty in the metapopulation. Some form of an Allee effect influenced almost three‐quarters of these local populations. Our joint analysis of the deterministic and stochastic dynamics suggests that a conservation priority for this species would be to increase resource availability in currently occupied and, more importantly, in unoccupied sites.
Effect of Chronic Periodontitis on Serum and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever Before and After Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Bostanci Vildan , Toker Hulya , Senel Soner , Ozdemir Hakan , Aydin Huseyin
Published: July 2013

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of periodontal status on oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) who experienced familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and their response to non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods: Data were obtained from 13 patients with FMF with generalized CP (FMF‐CP), 15 systemically healthy patients with generalized CP, 15 systemically and periodontal healthy controls (HCs), and 14 periodontally healthy patients with FMF (FMF‐HC). Each participant's total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in their gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum were recorded. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival and plaque indices in each participant were also measured. The GCF and clinical parameters at baseline and 6 weeks after periodontal treatment were recorded.

Results: The study showed statistically significant improvement of clinical parameters in both FMF‐CP and CP groups after periodontal treatment. The baseline GCF‐TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher in the CP group compared with the FMF‐CP group (P <0.05). After periodontal treatment, the GCF‐TOS levels were significantly reduced in members of the FMF‐CP group (P <0.05). The GCF‐TAS levels in members of the FMF‐CP group were significantly higher than those of members of the HC group at baseline (P <0.05). Serum‐TAS levels in the FMF‐CP group were significantly higher than those in the CP and HC groups at baseline (P <0.05). The GCF‐TOS level in the FMF‐CP group was significantly higher than that in the FMF‐HC group at baseline and 6 weeks. However, there were no significant differences in the serum‐TOS and serum‐OSI levels of those in the FMF‐CP and CP groups at baseline and 6 weeks (P >0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the present study show that patients with FMF‐CP displayed reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant status compared with those in the CP and HC groups.