bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigment Cell Differentiation in Sea Urchin Blastula-Derived Primary Cell Cultures
Authors: Ageenko Natalya , Kiselev Konstantin , Dmitrenok Pavel , Odintsova Nelly
Published: June 2014

The quinone pigments of sea urchins, specifically echinochrome and spinochromes, are known for their effective antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities. We developed in vitro technology for inducing pigment differentiation in cell culture. The intensification of the pigment differentiation was accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in cell proliferation. The number of pigment cells was two-fold higher in the cells cultivated in the coelomic fluids of injured sea urchins than in those intact. The possible roles of the specific components of the coelomic fluids in the pigment differentiation process and the quantitative measurement of the production of naphthoquinone pigments during cultivation were examined by MALDI and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Echinochrome A and spinochrome E were produced by the cultivated cells of the sand dollar Scaphechinus mirabilis in all tested media, while only spinochromes were found in the cultivated cells of another sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus intermedius. The expression of genes associated with the induction of pigment differentiation was increased in cells cultivated in the presence of shikimic acid, a precursor of naphthoquinone pigments. Our results should contribute to the development of new techniques in marine biotechnology, including the generation of cell cultures producing complex bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.
Discovery of Gramine Derivatives That Inhibit the Early Stage of EV71 Replication in Vitro
Authors: Wei Yanhong , Shi Liqiao , Wang Kaimei , Liu Manli , Yang Qingyu , Yang Ziwen , Ke Shaoyong
Published: June 2014

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a notable causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children, which is associated with an increased incidence of severe neurological disease and death, yet there is no specific treatment or vaccine for EV71 infections. In this study, the antiviral activity of gramine and 21 gramine derivatives against EV71 was investigated in cell-based assays. Eighteen derivatives displayed some degree of inhibitory effects against EV71, in that they could effectively inhibit virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPEs), but the anti-EV71 activity of the lead compound gramine was not observed. Studies on the preliminary modes of action showed that these compounds functioned by targeting the early stage of the EV71 lifecycle after viral entry, rather than inactivating the virus directly, inhibiting virus adsorption or affecting viral release from the cells. Among these derivatives, one (compound 4s) containing pyridine and benzothiazole units showed the most potency against EV71. Further studies demonstrated that derivative 4s could profoundly inhibit viral RNA replication, protein synthesis, and virus-induced apoptosis in RD cells. These results indicate that derivative 4s might be a feasible therapeutic agent against EV71 infection and that these gramine derivatives may provide promising lead scaffolds for the further design and synthesis of potential antiviral agents.
MAPLE Fabricated Fe3O4@Cinnamomum verum Antimicrobial Surfaces for Improved Gastrostomy Tubes
Authors: Anghel Alina , Grumezescu Alexandru , Chirea Mariana , Grumezescu Valentina , Socol Gabriel , Iordache Florin , Oprea Alexandra , Anghel Ion , Holban Alina
Published: June 2014

Cinnamomum verum-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles of 9.4 nm in size were laser transferred by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique onto gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) for antibacterial activity evaluation toward Gram positive and Gram negative microbial colonization. X-ray diffraction analysis of the nanoparticle powder showed a polycrystalline magnetite structure, whereas infrared mapping confirmed the integrity of C. verum (CV) functional groups after the laser transfer. The specific topography of the deposited films involved a uniform thin coating together with several aggregates of bio-functionalized magnetite particles covering the G-tubes. Cytotoxicity assays showed an increase of the G-tube surface biocompatibility after Fe3O4@CV treatment, allowing a normal development of endothelial cells up to five days of incubation. Microbiological assays on nanoparticle-modified G-tube surfaces have proved an improvement of anti-adherent properties, significantly reducing both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria colonization.
Immobilization as a Strategy for Improving Enzyme Properties-Application to Oxidoreductases
Authors: Guzik Urszula , Hupert-Kocurek Katarzyna , Wojcieszyńska Danuta
Published: June 2014

The main objective of the immobilization of enzymes is to enhance the economics of biocatalytic processes. Immobilization allows one to re-use the enzyme for an extended period of time and enables easier separation of the catalyst from the product. Additionally, immobilization improves many properties of enzymes such as performance in organic solvents, pH tolerance, heat stability or the functional stability. Increasing the structural rigidity of the protein and stabilization of multimeric enzymes which prevents dissociation-related inactivation. In the last decade, several papers about immobilization methods have been published. In our work, we present a relation between the influence of immobilization on the improvement of the properties of selected oxidoreductases and their commercial value. We also present our view on the role that different immobilization methods play in the reduction of enzyme inhibition during biotechnological processes.
Effect of Pt Nanoparticles on the Optical Gas Sensing Properties of WO3 Thin Films
Authors: Qadri Muhammad , Diaz Alex , Cittadini Michaela , Martucci Alessandro , Pujol Maria , Ferré-Borrull Josep , Llobet Eduard , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc
Published: June 2014

Thin films of tungsten trioxide were deposited on quartz substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. Different annealing temperatures in the range from 423 to 973 K were used under ambient atmosphere. The influence of the annealing temperature on the structure and optical properties of the resulting WO3 thin films were studied. The surface morphology of the films is composed of grains with an average size near 70 nm for the films annealed between 773 and 973 K. Some of the WO3 thin films were also coated with Pt nanoparticles of about 45 nm in size. Spectrometric measurements of transmittance were carried out for both types of WO3 samples in the wavelength range from 200–900 nm, to determine the effect of the exposure to two different gases namely H2 and CO. Films showed fast response and recovery times, in the range of few seconds. The addition of Pt nanoparticles enables reducing the operation temperature to room temperature.
Distributed Least-Squares Estimation of a Remote Chemical Source via Convex Combination in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Cao Meng-Li , Meng Qing-Hao , Zeng Ming , Sun Biao , Li Wei , Ding Cheng-Jun
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates the problem of locating a continuous chemical source using the concentration measurements provided by a wireless sensor network (WSN). Such a problem exists in various applications: eliminating explosives or drugs, detecting the leakage of noxious chemicals, etc. The limited power and bandwidth of WSNs have motivated collaborative in-network processing which is the focus of this paper. We propose a novel distributed least-squares estimation (DLSE) method to solve the chemical source localization (CSL) problem using a WSN. The DLSE method is realized by iteratively conducting convex combination of the locally estimated chemical source locations in a distributed manner. Performance assessments of our method are conducted using both simulations and real experiments. In the experiments, we propose a fitting method to identify both the release rate and the eddy diffusivity. The results show that the proposed DLSE method can overcome the negative interference of local minima and saddle points of the objective function, which would hinder the convergence of local search methods, especially in the case of locating a remote chemical source.
Intercultural Dating at Predominantly White Universities in the United States: The Maintenance and Crossing of Group Borders
Authors: Keels Micere , Harris Keshia
Published: June 2014

The increased representation of minority students on the campuses of predominantly White universities in the United States presents increased opportunities for intercultural contact. Studying dating experiences across racial and ethnic lines has been used to determine the existence of a post-racial America. While most previous research has examined general racial/ethnic and gender differences in intercultural college dating experiences, this study analyzes precollege and college-going friendship diversity and skin tone as factors accounting for romantic distance between racial/ethnic groups among a recent cohort of college students. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses were conducted on a 4-year longitudinal sample of 2804 undergraduate students from 24 colleges and universities. Results confirm that White students continue to be the group most likely to engage in intragroup dating relationships, Latino/a students were the most likely to date interculturally, and that Black men were significantly more likely to date interculturally than Black women. For Black students there were significant within group differences in intercultural dating based on skin tone.
Informative Simultaneous Confidence Intervals in Hierarchical Testing
Authors: Brannath W. , Schmidt S.
Published: June 2014

Background and Objectives: In clinical trials involving multiple tests it is often difficult to obtain informative simultaneous confidence intervals (SCIs). In particular in hierarchical testing, no quantification of effects is possible for the first tested (and most important) hypothesis after its rejection. Our goal is a construction of SCIs that are always informative.

Methods: We present an approach where the level is split after rejection of each hypothesis to obtain an informative confidence bound. The splitting weights are continuous functions of the parameters. Our method is realizable by a simple algorithm and is illustrated by an intuitive graphical representation.

Results: We show theoretically and by an example that the new SCIs always provide information when a hypothesis is rejected. The power to reject the first hypothesis is not smaller than for the classical fixed-sequence procedure. The price for the extra information is a small power loss in the hypotheses proceeding the most important one.

Conclusions: Given the substantial gain in information, a small loss of power for the non-primary hypotheses seems often acceptable. Especially in the context of non-inferiority trials, this method is a useful alternative. The flexibility in the choice of the weight functions makes the procedure attractive for applications.
Quantitative Conjunctival Provocation Test for Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Sárándi I. , Claßen D. P. , Astvatsatourov A. , Pfaar O. , Klimek L. , Mösges R. , Deserno T. M.
Published: June 2014

Background: The conjunctival provocation test (CPT) is a diagnostic procedure for the assessment of allergic diseases. Photographs are taken before and after provocation increasing the redness of the conjunctiva due to hyperemia.

Objective: We propose and evaluate an automatic image processing pipeline for objective and quantitative CPT.

Method: After scale normalization based on intrinsic image features, the conjunctiva region of interest (ROI) is segmented combining thresholding, edge detection and Hough transform. Redness of the ROI is measured from 0 to 1 by the average pixel redness, which is defined by truncated projection in HSV space. In total, 92 images from an observational diagnostic study are processed for evaluation. The database contains images from two visits for assessment of the test- retest reliability (46 images per visit).

Result: All images were successfully processed by the algorithm. The relative redness increment correlates between the two visits with Pearson’s r = 0.672 (p < .001). Linear correlation of the automatic measure is larger than the manual measure (r = 0.59). This indicates a higher reproducibility and stability of the automatic method.

Conclusion: We presented a robust and effective way to objectify CPT. The algorithm operates on low resolution, is fast and requires no manual input. Quantitative CPT measures can now be established as surrogate endpoint in controlled clinical trials.
Spatial Repolarization Heterogeneity and Survival in Chagas Disease
Authors: Rivolta M. W. , Mainardi L. T. , Reis R. C. , Rocha M. O. C. , Ribeiro A. L. P. , Lombardi F. , Sassi R.
Published: June 2014

Objectives: We investigated if cardiac spatial repolarization heterogeneity might be associated with an increased risk of death in patients with chronic Chagas disease.

Methods: Repolarization heterogeneity was assessed using the V-index, a recently introduced metric founded on a biophysical model of the ECG. This metric provides an estimate of the standard deviation of the repolarization times across the heart. We analyzed 113 patients (aged 21– 67 years) enrolled between 1998 and 1999 who had a known serological status showing positive reactions to Trypanosoma cruzi. Fourteen subjects died during a 10-year follow-up period.

Results: The V-index was significantly lower in survivor (S) than in non-survivor (NS) subjects (S: 31.2 ± 13.3 ms vs NS: 41.2 ± 18.6 ms, single-tail t-test: p = 0.009, single-tail Wilcoxon rank sum test: p = 0.029). A V-index larger than 36.3 ms was related to a significantly higher risk of death in a univariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis (hazard ratio, HR = 5.34, p = 0.0046). In addition, V-index > 36.3 ms retained its prognostic value in a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis after adjustment for other three clinical variables (left ventricular ejection factor < 0.50, QRS duration > 133 ms, ventricular tachycardia during stress testing or 24 hours Holter) and for T-wave amplitude variability > 30 μV, even using shrinkage, a statistical procedure that protects against over-fitting due to small sample size.

Conclusions: The study showed that an increased dispersion of repolarization times in patients with Chagas disease, as measured by the V-index, is significantly correlated with the risk of death in a univariate survival analysis. The V-index captures prognostic information not immediately available from the analysis of other established risk factors.
Anticoagulation in Long-Term Care: How Can We Improve Medication Monitoring?
Authors: Holley Mikel L. , Brandt Nicole J. , Watson Kristin
Published: June 2014

Thromboembolic diseases affect a significant proportion of older adults; however, due to the risks and associated adverse events with anticoagulation therapy, this population may be less likely to receive the best care. Among anticoagulant-related events within the nursing home, most involve oral anticoagulant agents and occur due to deficiencies in monitoring. With the recent approvals of new oral anticoagulant agents dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, more options are now available for treating thrombotic disorders. Ensuring that all members of the health care team are aware of the risks and benefits of these agents is paramount to improving the monitoring as well as safety in older adults who are at greatest risk for adverse events. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40
(7), 10–15.]
Web-Based Unfolding Cases: A Strategy to Enhance and Evaluate Clinical Reasoning Skills
Authors: Johnson Gail , Flagler Susan
Published: June 2014

Clinical reasoning involves the use of both analytical and nonanalytical intuitive cognitive processes. Fostering student development of clinical reasoning skills and evaluating student performance in this cognitive arena can challenge educators. The use of Web-based unfolding cases is proposed as a strategy to address these challenges. Unfolding cases mimic real-life clinical situations by presenting only partial clinical information in sequential segments. Students receive immediate feedback after submitting a response to a given segment. The student’s comparison of the desired and submitted responses provides information to enhance the development of clinical reasoning skills. Each student’s set of case responses are saved for the instructor in an individual-student electronic file, providing a record of the student’s knowledge and thinking processes for faculty evaluation. For the example case given, the approaches used to evaluate individual components of clinical reasoning are provided. Possible future uses of Web-based unfolding cases are described. [J Nurs Educ.2013;52(10):589–592.]
Using Guided Debates to Teach Current Issues
Authors: Hanna Debra R.
Published: June 2014

A guided-debate strategy was developed for a graduate-level core course in current issues based on the Jesuit method of discernment (group decision making). The strategy encourages students to use up-to-date Internet sources to determine the range of opinions on current controversies in the discipline. In addition to providing a structured process to engage in persuasive discussion of difficult issues, the strategy facilitates critical thinking about the quality of the debate itself. Thus, students learn to avoid the pitfalls associated with consensus, such as failing to express reservations or negative opinions that might be important, while learning how to express concerns that might not be easily received by others in a group. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(6):352–355.]
Amblyopia Screening in Bulgaria
Authors: Oscar Alexander , Cherninkova Sylvia , Haykin Vasil , Aroyo Ani , Levi Alina , Marinov Nikolay , Kostova Stanislava , Elenkov Chavdar , Veleva Nevyana , Chernodrinska Violeta , Petkova Iva , Spitzer Jeffrey
Published: June 2014

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of amblyopia and the average age at first ophthalmological examination of school-aged children from northwestern Bulgaria.

Methods:

Visual acuity testing, stereopsis, orthoptics, ocular motility, non-cycloplegic refraction, direct ophthalmoscopy, and external ocular inspection were performed. Cycloplegic refraction and indirect ophthalmoscopy were done as necessary. A total of 2,054 children (1,020 girls and 1,034 boys) were divided into three age groups: 6 to 8 years (803 children), 8 to 10 years (719 children), and 10 to 12 years (530 children).

Results:

A total of 1,861 children (90.6%) received their first examination: 754 (93.9%) aged 6 to 8 years, 638 (88.7%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 469 (88.2%) aged 10 to 12 years. Amblyopia was detected in 88 children (4.3%): 42 (5.2%) aged 6 to 8 years, 27 (3.8%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 19 (3.6%) aged 10 to 12 years. The first group had higher prevalence compared to countries with well-developed screening programs. Refractive errors were detected in 403 children (19.7%): 125 (15.6%) aged 6 to 8 years, 146 (20.3%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 132 (24.8%) aged 10 to 12 years. The estimated prevalence increases with age. Strabismus was detected in 24 children (1.2%): 8 (1.0%) aged 6 to 8 years, 7 (1.0%) aged 8 to 10 years, and 9 (1.7%) aged 10 to 12 years.

Conclusions:

The lack of screening programs in Bulgaria is the main reason for late diagnosis of amblyopia. The “Do Good “project provided eye examination of school-aged children aged 6 to 12 years, when amblyopia is curable. This model could be used in establishing a Bulgarian national screening program.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(5):284–288.]
Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Remaining Astigmatism After Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Hirnschall Nino , Hoffmann Peter C. , Draschl Petra , Maedel Sophie , Findl Oliver
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the influencing factors on remaining astigmatism after implanting a toric intraocular lens during cataract surgery.

METHODS:

In this observational study, consecutive patients with cataract from three different centers who received toric intraocular lenses were included. Keratometry was performed with an optical biometry device preoperatively. The IOLMaster 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) was used in Vienna, Lenstar (Haag-Streit, Köniz, Switzerland) in Castrop-Rauxel, and IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) in London. Partial least squares regression was used to detect the influence of different parameters on remaining astigmatism.

RESULTS:

In total, 235 eyes of 200 patients were included. Mean corneal astigmatism measured preoperatively with the optical biometry device was −2.24 ± 0.87 diopters (D) (range: −5.75 to −1.00 D). Mean absolute and vector difference between the aimed for and the postoperatively measured astigmatism were 0.48 ± 0.37 D (range: 0.00 to 2.05 D) and 0.73 ± 0.46 D (range: 0.031 to −2.20 D), respectively (
P
= .576). Partial least squares regression showed a significant effect of preoperatively measured corneal astigmatism and deviation between preoperative measurements of the cornea on the postoperative (unintended) remaining astigmatism.

CONCLUSIONS:

The main source of error when using toric intraocular lenses is the preoperative measurement of corneal astigmatism, especially in eyes with low astigmatism. The influence of the postoperative anterior chamber depth on the cylindrical power of toric intraocular lenses and the effect of misalignment on the reduction of the astigmatism-reducing effect can be easily calculated.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):394–400.]
Femtosecond Cataract Laser Capsulotomy Enabling Optic Capture and Secondary Sulcus IOL Insertion in an Eye With Traumatic Aniridia and Aphakia
Authors: Grewal Dilraj S. , Basti Surendra
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:

To describe a surgical technique and intraoperative modifications to create a secondary capsulotomy using the femtosecond cataract laser in an eye with traumatic aphakia and aniridia.

METHODS:

The expanded use of the femtosecond cataract laser (Catalys Precision Laser System; Optimedica, Sunnyvale, CA) for creation of a well-centered and circular secondary capsulotomy in the capsular remnants of an eye with traumatic aphakia and aniridia.

RESULTS:

Using software modifications based on intraoperative anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging, and customizing the capsulotomy settings, the femtosecond cataract laser was able to penetrate through most of the fused anterior and posterior capsular leaflets and a circular capsulotomy was achieved. The latter permitted optic capture and excellent centration of a three-piece intraocular lens placed in the sulcus with good postoperative visual rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION:

The femtosecond cataract laser can be customized to create a well-centered and circular secondary capsulotomy in aniridic and aphakic eyes where optic capture is critical for long-term intraocular lens stability.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):416–419.]
Occupational Needs and Intervention Strategies for Military Personnel with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms: A Review
Authors: Cogan Alison M.
Published: June 2014

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), also known as concussion, has been labeled the “signature injury” of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A subset of military personnel with mTBI experience ongoing symptoms well beyond the normal recovery window. While much research has been dedicated to understanding the etiology and severity of the symptoms, very little has assessed how long-term symptoms impact participation in daily life. A scoping study of the occupational science and occupational therapy literature was conducted to ascertain the current state of research on the impact of mTBI on participation in daily life activities, as well as occupational therapy interventions for mTBI. Although the emphasis in this article is on military personnel with mTBI, studies on civilians with mTBI were included in the review as research with military populations is extremely limited. Based on the literature reviewed, the author suggests a role for occupational science research and occupational therapy practice in meeting the occupational needs of military service members with persistent symptoms after mTBI.
Changes in Choroidal Thickness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Zengin Mehmet Özgür , Öz Tolga , Baysak Ayşegül , Çinar Esat , Küçükerdönmez Cem
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in comparison to healthy controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This observational, comparative study consisted of 35 patients with OSAS and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. The controls did not have systemic or ocular diseases. All study participants underwent complete ophthalmic examination as well as choroidal thickness measurement using a high-speed, high-resolution SD-OCT device.

RESULTS:

The mean horizontal and vertical choroidal thicknesses, respectively, were 237.84 ± 69.9 μm and 234.97 ± 62.0 μm (
P
= .654) in patients with OSAS and 244.09 ± 41.2 μm and 241.88 ± 40.9 μm (
P
= .590) in the healthy controls. The mean choroidal thicknesses were thinner in patients with OSAS, but the difference was not significant (
P
> .05 for all values).

CONCLUSION:

No differences in choroidal thickness were found between patients with OSAS and healthy controls.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:298–304.]
Estudio de afloramientos de unidades detríticas como posibles almacenes geológicos de CO₂ en la cuenca del Duero (España)
Authors: Llamas B. , Alvarez R. , Mazadiego L. F. , Loredo J. , Cámara A.
Published: June 2014

Los estudios de selección y caracterización de potenciales estructuras y formaciones geológicas como almacenes de CO₂ son costosos y se encuentran sometidos a un alto riesgo de fracaso, especialmente cuando la estructura considerada es un acuífero salino profundo. Con el fin de minimizar el coste y el riesgo exploratorio, se hace necesaria una etapa previa de selección y posterior caracterización que deberá englobar la identificación de parámetros técnicos y socio-económicos y el estudio de los afloramientos de las formaciones almacén y sello. El estudio de dichos afloramientos permite estimar valores de determinados parámetros petrofísicos, geomecánicos y otras propiedades hidrogeológicas.

En este artículo, se presentan resultados de una campaña de caracterización en la cuenca del Duero y la digitalización y análisis de muestras petrográficas de campañas previas realizadas por el Instituto Geológico y Minero de España. Tras la evaluación de los resultados petrofísicos se puede considerar como más favorable la facies Utrillas por presentar mejores valores de porosidad y permeabilidad (al Hg) y una composición mineralógica más estable y madura, siempre en comparación con las areniscas y arcosas rojas del Buntsandstein. Sin embargo, la presencia de mayor proporción de feldespato potásico en la fracción granular de esta última unidad, podría favorecer el atrapamiento mineral e iónico, pero esta consideración se basa en datos cualitativos, que deberán
ser contrastados en posteriores trabajos, evaluando también la pérdida de porosidad y permeabilidad, parámetros que se consideran igualmente relevantes en el cálculo del ratio de inyección.
Diagnostic Problem Solving in Male Collegiate Athletic Trainers
Authors: Gardin Fredrick A. , Mensch James M.
Published: June 2014

Context:

Knowledge and experience may be important factors for understanding expertise based upon a clinician's ability to select and execute an appropriate response as a clinician during injury evaluation.

Objective:

To describe how collegiate male certified athletic trainers represent injury-evaluation domain knowledge during a situational interview using a think-aloud protocol.

Design:

Qualitative.

Setting:

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II colleges in National Athletic Trainers' Association District 3.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 20 male certified athletic trainers (n = 10 with less than 2 years of experience in the college setting and n = 10 with at least 10 years of experience in the college setting) participated in the study.

Data Collection and Analysis:

We collected data using a situational interview and questionnaire. Data were transcribed, reduced to meaningful units, and analyzed using verbal analysis procedures. Member checks, triangulation of data, field journaling, and peer-debriefing techniques were used to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Knowledge concepts were enumerated to describe differences between experts and novices.

Results:

Compared with novices, experts had more knowledge concepts of patient history and predictions and fewer concepts of situation appraisal.

Conclusions:

Expertise in athletic training shares traits with other areas in health care. Athletic training education and professional development may benefit from our understanding which cognitive processes differentiate expert practice. Future investigators should attempt to describe other settings and study diagnostic problem solving in a natural environment.
Environmental Conditions and the Occurrence of Exertional Heat Illnesses and Exertional Heat Stroke at the Falmouth Road Race
Authors: DeMartini Julie K. , Casa Douglas J. , Belval Luke N. , Crago Arthur , Davis Rob J. , Jardine John J. , Stearns Rebecca L.
Published: June 2014

Context:

The Falmouth Road Race is unique because of the environmental conditions and relatively short distance, which allow runners to maintain a high intensity for the duration of the event. Therefore, the occurrence of exertional heat illnesses (EHIs), especially exertional heat stroke (EHS), is 10 times higher than in other races.

Objective:

To summarize the occurrence and relationship of EHI and environmental conditions at the Falmouth Road Race.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Setting:

An 11.3-km (7-mile) road race in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Patients or Other Participants:

Runners who sustained an EHI while participating in the Falmouth Road Race.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We obtained 18 years of medical records and environmental conditions from the Falmouth Road Race and documented the incidence of EHI, specifically EHS, as related to ambient temperature (Tamb), relative humidity, and heat index (HI).

Results:

Average Tamb, relative humidity, and HI were 23.3 ± 2.5°C, 70 ± 16%, and 24 ± 3.5°C, respectively. Of the 393 total EHI cases observed, EHS accounted for 274 (70%). An average of 15.2 ± 13.0 EHS cases occurred each year; the incidence was 2.13 ± 1.62 cases per 1000 runners. Regression analysis revealed a relationship between the occurrence of both EHI and EHS and Tamb (R2 = 0.71, P = .001, and R2 = 0.65, P = .001, respectively) and HI (R2 = 0.76, P < .001, and R2 = 0.74, P < .001, respectively). Occurrences of EHS (24.2 ± 15.5 cases versus 9.3 ± 4.3 cases) and EHI (32.3 ± 16.3 versus 13.0 ± 4.9 cases) were higher when Tamb and HI were high compared with when Tamb and HI were low.

Conclusions:

Because of the environmental conditions and race duration, the Falmouth Road Race provides a unique setting for a high incidence of EHS. A clear relationship exists between environmental stress, especially as measured by Tamb and HI, and the occurrence of EHS or other EHI. Proper prevention and treatment strategies should be used during periods of high environmental temperatures as the likelihood of runners experiencing EHS is exacerbated in these harsh conditions.
Las nuevas plataformas televisivas en España y su influencia en el mercado.
Authors: García Santamaria José Vicente , Pérez Serrano María José , Alcolea Díaz Gema
Published: June 2014

Introducción. Los procesos de absorción de las cadenas Cuatro y La Sexta por Telecinco y Antena 3, respectivamente, han configurado un nuevo mapa audiovisual en España. Las dos nuevas plataformas mediáticas, denominadas ahora Mediaset España y Atresmedia, han acumulado un considerable poder en la facturación televisiva, la configuración de las audiencias y la gestión publicitaria de la televisión en abierto. El objetivo es analizar las causas de estas integraciones, su influencia en el mercado televisivo español, y comprobar si afectan —en cuanto a ―mercados relevantes‖—, a la supervivencia de otros concurrentes. Metodología. Parte de la Economía Política de la Comunicación, que proporciona un marco teórico integrado, que se centra especialmente en la propiedad y la concentración de los medios de comunicación. Resultados y conclusiones. La conclusión general es que, desde el año 2010, fecha de la primera operación, el mercado audiovisual ha visto modificadas sus condiciones de competencia.
Importance of knowing the level of sacral hiatus for caudal epidural anesthesia
Authors: Nadeem G.
Published: June 2014

Introduction and Materials and Methods: The Study was carried out on 100 dry human sacra to know the Anatomical variations of sacral hiatus. Results: Different shapes of sacral hiatus were observed which included- Inverted U (56%), Inverted V (14%), Irregular (16%), Dumb-bell (10%), Bifid (2%) and Elongated (2%). The apex of the sacral hiatus was most commonly found at the level of 3rd sacral vertebrae in 62%. The mean length of sacral hiatus was 25.2mm, the mean anteroposterior diameter of sacral canal at the apex of sacral hiatus was 5.53mm. The mean distance between sacral cornu at the base of sacral hiatus was observed to be 19.5mm. Conclusion: This study was done to clarify the anatomical variations of sacral hiatus using bony landmarks of sacrum for improving the reliability of caudal epidural anesthesia and to improve its success rate and reduce the complications and failure rate.
Histological studies on the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats treated with Arteether™
Authors: Okunlola A. , Okunlola C. , Okani C. , Adewole O. , Ofusori D. , Komolafe O. , Ojo S. , Bejide R. , Ayoka A. , Ojewole J.
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Arteether™, a derivative of artemisinin, is among the recent drugs that have given renewed hope for combating malarial menace. The present study investigated the effects of arteether™ on the histology of the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult albino Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each and used for this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i.m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats were given i.m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b.w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were also given i. m. of arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days, and the same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks; while Group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The retina and cerebellum were excised and processed routinely for histopathology changes, using haematoxylin and eosin stain (H & E), as well as Nissl stain. Results: Results obtained showed normal cellular components of the retina and cerebellum in all groups, and no cyto-pathological changes were observed. Conclusion: Thus, this study showed that under light microscopic examination, therapeutic doses of arteether™ caused no significant cyto-pathologic changes in the retina and cerebellum of Wistar rats.
Cirrhosis in rats does not resolve in the long-term after induction by thioacetamide model
Authors: Rui L. , Silva E. , Silva T. , Portela T. , Silva A. , Cogliati B. , Dagli M. , Hernandez-Blazquez F.
Published: June 2014

Introductions: Hepatic cirrhosis is a final common pathway of all chronic liver diseases, characterized by deposit of fibrillar collagen and liver failure. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, hepatic cirrhosis was induced in 15 female Wistar rats by a 14-week period, with thioacetamide solution in a 200 mg/kg dosage, via intraperitoneal. Animals were submitted to liver biopsy, and euthanized after a 80-day post-induction period. Serum biochemical analysis was performed, in addition to histopathology by H.E., Picrosirius, Alcian Blue and P.A.S. stainings, following analysis of histological activity index and staging of fibrosis. Morphometric analysis of collagen on Picrosirius slides was also performed. Results: Mortality during experimental period was low (13.33%), and after 80-day period, liver function improved, cellular changes did not altered, and deposition of acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycogen were increased. Liver histological activity did not change significantly (7.25 ± 1.30 to 6.41 ± 1.32), but staging of fibrosis was altered (3.91 ± 0.76 to 4.70 ± 1.11). Interlobular collagen showed a significant decrease (5.14 ± 2.00 to 4.00 ± 1.20), while intralobular collagen was increased (0.23 ± 0.06 to 0.36 ± 0.08). Conclusions: These findings characterize thioacetamide as a safe experimental model for induction cirrhosis, which may be used for future therapy studies.
Effects of coffee (Coffea arabica) consumption on the femoral morphology and biomechanics in rats
Authors: Santos M. , Pagani J. , Silva T. , Garcia J. , Romào M. , Fernandes G. , Soares E.
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Coffee consumption has proved to be harmful to osseous tissue integrity, thus, diminishing bone resistance. Considering the great number of individuals consuming coffee daily, therefore, the present study aims to demonstrate the effects of coffee on the femoral morphology and biomechanics resistance in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were chosen for the experiment, divided into two groups (n = 10), as to know, CT (control) group, to which was offered water diet ad libitum; and, CF (coffee) group, to which was offered coffee as liquid diet. After 60 days, the animals had their blood analyzed for serum calcium level, they were euthanized and the right femurs were collected for histological procedure and the left ones were isolated for bone measures and mechanical test. Results: CF group animals do not present malnutrition or dehydration. Femur dimensions, trabecular bone width and cortical width analyses shown to be lower for CF group. Material and structural properties of the femurs of CF group animals demonstrate that this group presents weaker bones than those of CT group. Conclusion: The findings in the present study allow us to confirm that coffee consumption interferes negatively on the material and structural bone properties, diminishes trabecular and cortical bone density, and hence making bones more fragile and likely to fractures. So, due to the great number of individuals consuming coffee daily, it is important to reduce this consume on order to prevent bone trauma.
Between horrid and science. Girolamo Segato's strange anatomy (1792-1836)
Authors: Lippi D. , Weber D.
Published: June 2014

Fascinating methods and materials for preserving dead bodies from decomposition were used by different populations in any time for various reasons. During the XVIII-XIX centuries, the necessity of preserving bodies increased, in order to improve anatomical studies, and many methods were developed. Girolamo Segato (1792-1836) devoted himself to the art of “petrifaction“, discovering a particular procedure, which permitted him to obtain amazing results. His sudden death prevented him from revealing his method: recent studies have disclosed unexpected contacts between Segato and American scientists, who were very interested in his work.
Embryological considerations on the bilateral reversed palmaris longus muscle: a case report in human
Authors: Heck L. , Campos D.
Published: June 2014

This study describes a rare case of bilateral reversed palmaris longus muscle. An unusual variation was observed during the male cadaver dissection (60-year-old White). According to the literature, a reversed palmaris longus muscle may cause a compartment syndrome in the wrist area, carpal tunnel, and Guyon's syndrome. Moreover, this particular variation of the reversed palmaris longus muscle is rarely reported and has the potential to cause compression of both the median and ulnar nerves. Thus, the described variation is also useful to the hand surgeon, as the anomalous muscle is an anatomical landmark for operations at this area. Morphological variability and clinical significance are reviewed.
Bilateral mandibular premolars with tooth shape deviation: a rare dental anomaly
Authors: Costa G. , Ramos-Perez F. , Castro J. , Perez D.
Published: June 2014

The tooth shape deviations are rare dental anomaly described in premolars, characterized by to show simultaneously an increased mesio-distal dimension and decreased bucco-lingual dimension when compared with other normal teeth. The presence of such teeth with variation in size may be related to malocclusions, since there is a reduction in circumference of the dental arch. This report describes a rare case of bilateral tooth shape deviations in the two mandibular first premolars and discusses the prevalence of this condition and the eventual clinical consequences associated with this dental anomaly.
Quantifying black carbon from biomass burning by means of levoglucosan – a one-year time series at the Arctic observatory Zeppelin
Authors: Yttri K. E. , Lund Myhre C. , Eckhardt S. , Fiebig M. , Dye C. , Hirdman D. , Ström J. , Klimont Z. , Stohl A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Levoglucosan, a highly specific tracer of particulate matter from biomass burning, has been used to study the influence of residential wood burning, agricultural waste burning and Boreal forest fire emissions on the Arctic atmosphere black carbon (BC) concentration. A one-year time series from March 2008 to March 2009 of levoglucosan has been established at the Zeppelin observatory in the European Arctic. Elevated concentrations of levoglucosan in winter (mean: 1.02 ng m−3) compared to summer (mean: 0.13 ng m−3) were observed, resembling the seasonal variation seen for e.g. sulfate and BC. The mean concentration in the winter period was 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than typical values reported for European urban areas in winter, and 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than European rural background concentrations. Episodes of elevated levoglucosan concentration lasting from 1 to 6 days were more frequent in winter than in summer and peak values were higher, exceeding 10 ng m−3 at the most. Concentrations of elemental carbon from biomass burning (ECbb) were obtained by combining measured concentrations of levoglucosan and emission ratios of levoglucosan and EC for wildfires/agricultural fires and for residential wood burning. Neglecting chemical degradation by OH provides minimum levoglucosan concentrations, corresponding to a mean ECbb concentration of 3.7 ± 1.2 ng m−3 in winter (October–April) and 0.8 ± 0.3 ng m−3 in summer (May–September), or 8.8 ± 4.5% of the measured equivalent black carbon (EBC) concentration in winter and 6.1 ± 3.4% in summer. When accounting for chemical degradation of levoglucosan by OH, an upper estimate of 31–45% of EBC could be attributed to ECbb* (ECbb adjusted for chemical degradation) in winter, whereas no reliable (<100%) upper estimate could be provided for summer for the degradation rates applied. Hence, fossil fuel sources appear to dominate the European Arctic BC concentrations in winter, whereas the very wide range obtained for summer does not allow us to conclude upon this for the warm season. Calculations using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART show that the seasonal variation of the modeled ECbb (ECbb,m) concentration compared relatively well with observationally derived ECbb from agricultural fires/wildfires during summer, and residential wood burning in winter. The model overestimates by a factor of 2.2 in winter and 4.4 in summer when compared to the observationally derived mean ECbb concentration, which provides the minimum estimate, whereas it underestimates by a factor of 2.3–3.3 in winter and a factor of 4.5 in summer when compared to ECbb*, which provides the upper estimate. There are indications of too-low emissions of residential wood burning in northern Russia, a region of great importance with respect to observed concentrations of BC in the European Arctic.
Amino acids in Antarctica: evolution and fate of marine aerosols
Authors: Barbaro E. , Zangrando R. , Vecchiato M. , Piazza R. , Capodaglio G. , Barbante C. , Gambaro A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. The chemical composition and size distribution of marine aerosols constitute an important parameter to investigate the latter's impact on global climate change. Amino acids are an important component of organic nitrogen in aerosols and have the ability to activate and act as cloud condensation nuclei, with important effects on the radiation balance. In order to understand which physical and chemical transformations occur during transport processes, aerosol samples were collected during four different Antarctic austral summer campaigns. The mean amino acids concentration detected at the Italian coastal base was 11 pmol m−3. The main components were fine fractions, establishing a local marine source. Once produced on the sea surface, marine aerosols undergo an ageing process, due to various phenomena such as coagulation, or photochemical transformations. This was demonstrated by using the samples collected on the Antarctic plateau, where the background values of amino acids (0.7 and 0.8 pmol m−3) were determined, and concentration enrichment in the coarse particles was observed. Another important source of amino acids in marine aerosols is the presence of biological material, demonstrated through a sampling cruise on the R/V Italica on the Southern Ocean.
Chemical climatology of the southeastern United States, 1999–2013
Authors: Hidy G. M. , Blanchard C. L. , Baumann K. , Edgerton E. , Tanenbaum S. , Shaw S. , Knipping E. , Tombach I. , Jansen J. , Walters J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. A series of experiments (the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study-SOAS) took place in central Alabama in June–July 2013 as part of the broader Southern Atmosphere Study (SAS). These projects were aimed at studying oxidant photochemistry and formation and impacts of aerosols at a detailed process level in a location where high biogenic organic vapor emissions interact with anthropogenic emissions, and the atmospheric chemistry occurs in a subtropical climate in North America. The majority of the ground-based experiments were located at the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization (SEARCH) Centreville (CTR) site near Brent, Alabama, where extensive, unique aerometric measurements of meteorology, trace gases and particles have been made from the early 1990s through 2013. The SEARCH network data permits a characterization of temporal and spatial context of the SOAS findings. The long-term measurements show that the SOAS experiments took place during the second wettest and coolest year in the 2000–2013 period, with lower than average solar radiation. The pollution levels at CTR and other SEARCH sites were the lowest since full measurements began in 1999. This dataset provides a perspective for the SOAS program in terms of long-term average chemistry (chemical climatology) and short-term comparisons of summer average spatial variability across the Southeast at high temporal (hourly) resolution. Changes in anthropogenic gas and particle emissions between 1999 and 2013, account for the decline in pollutant concentrations at the monitoring sites in the region. The long-term and short-term data provide an opportunity to contrast SOAS results with temporally and spatially variable conditions in support for the development of tests for the robustness of SOAS findings.