bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing cardiac output monitors and defining agreement: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Crossingham Iain R , Nethercott Daniel R , Columb Malachy O
Published: April 2016

Background

Measuring cardiac output is common in critical care and perioperative medicine. Different monitoring systems are often judged against others in comparative studies. There is no agreed standard or definition on which to base the conclusions of such studies.

Objectives

To review comparative studies of cardiac output monitors using an agreement:tolerability index (ATI) as a measure of monitor precision. To compare the ATI of a monitor with the conclusions of authors regarding agreement and clinical utility.

Design

Systematic review of comparative studies of cardiac output monitoring systems. The precision of each monitor was standardised against an ATI using a tolerability interval based on the normal range for cardiac index. The conclusions of each study were described as positive, neutral or negative, depending on whether authors reported the monitor to be acceptably precise and/or clinically useful. Comparison was made between the precision of a monitor and the likelihood of it being favoured by authors.

Data sources

PubMed was searched up to March 2012.

Eligibility criteria

Studies published in English that compared two or more methods for measuring cardiac output in adult humans.

Results

A total of 213 papers documenting 409 separate comparisons of two methods of measuring cardiac output were included. ATIs for the different comparisons varied from 0.07 to 6.84 (where an ATI < 1 indicates acceptable agreement, 1–2 marginal and >2 unacceptable agreement). Thirty-one percent of authors defined their own terms for acceptable agreement. ATI was only moderately correlated with the conclusions of the authors (Spearman rho = 0.47, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Authors should define what constitutes acceptable agreement a priori when reporting comparative studies of cardiac output monitors. The ATI and the tolerability interval may be a useful basis for helping define acceptable precision.
The Intensive Care Society recommended bundle of interventions for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Hellyer Thomas P , Ewan Victoria , Wilson Peter , Simpson A John
Published: April 2016

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is an important healthcare-associated infection. Interventions for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia are often used within bundles of care. Recent evidence has challenged widespread practices mandating a review of subject. This article outlines guidance for ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention.
Efficacy of topical local anaesthesia to reduce perioperative pain for endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saha Sunita , Tiwari Alok , Hunns Charlotte , Refson Jonathan , Abidia Ahmed
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

Tumescent local anaesthesia via multiple injections in the perivenous space leads to intraoperative and postoperative pain during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). We considered whether the application of topical local anaesthesia reduces pain caused by these injections.

Methods:

Eligible patients undergoing local anaesthetic EVLA were recruited and randomized to either application of topical local anaesthesia or water-based gel (placebo) to the inner thigh over the marked great saphenous vein. Varicose vein severity was classified using the American venous forum clinical etiological anatomical pathological (CEAP) classification score for chronic venous disorders and the Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire (AVVQ) score. Visual analogue pain scores attributable to the varicose veins or tumescent injections were recorded before the procedure, immediately postprocedure and prior to discharge. Secondary outcome measures were extra analgesia requirement during or immediately postoperatively. Analysis was performed using the unpaired Student’s t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

A total of 52 patients underwent the procedure. Eight patients were excluded from analysis due to failure to complete the procedure or incomplete data. In the remaining 44 patients (24 local anaesthesia, 20 placebo), no statistical difference was noted in age, gender distribution or the severity of varicose veins assessed preoperatively by the clinician (CEAP classification score, median = 2 in both groups) and patient (AVVQ, mean placebo = 21.59, local anaesthesia = 17.53, p = 0.264) between the two groups. There was no statistical difference in pain scores between the placebo and topical local anaesthetic group at baseline (23.0 versus 20.44, p = 0.57), immediately postoperatively (23.35 versus. 19.75, p = 0.44) or predischarge (20.9 versus 13.75, p = 0.68).

Conclusions:

Topical local anaesthesia is of no benefit in EVLA of varicose vein to reduce patient experience of perioperative pain.
The place of love in the Special Religious Education classroom
Authors: Chalwell Kaye
Published: April 2016

Special Religious Education is faith-based single tradition religious education taught in many Australian public schools by volunteer teachers who are adherents of the faith they are teaching. This paper derives from a qualitative study of the pedagogy of Christian Special Religious Education teachers that took place between 2010 and 2014. Love is at the heart of these Christian teachers’ pedagogy. It guides their pedagogical decisions and sustains and compels them to continue regardless of the challenges they experience. This paper discusses the place of philia, eros and agape love in SRE pedagogy and uses Buber’s concept of I-It and I-Thou relations to further explicate the nature of love in Special Religious Education.
Suprasternal Approach Aortopexy Relieves Tracheal Compression After Nikaidoh Procedure
Authors: Horne David , Noga Michelle , Anand Vijay , Rebeyka Ivan M.
Published: April 2016

Tracheal obstruction secondary to vascular and soft tissue compression, after Nikaidoh procedure, can effectively be managed with aortopexy from a suprasternal incision.
Severe Pulmonary Vascular Obstructive Disease After Neonatal Arterial Switch Operation for Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Kimura Dai , Briceno-Medina Mario , Kumar T. K. Susheel , Knott-Craig Christopher J.
Published: April 2016

Neonatal arterial switch operation for simple dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) has almost eliminated the occurrence of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease compared to patients who underwent Mustard or Senning procedure at an older age. We report a case of a neonate with d-TGA and intact ventricular septum who underwent arterial switch operation and yet developed severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease within two months.
The Method of Loci Improves Longer-Term Retention of Self-Affirming Memories and Facilitates Access to Mood-Repairing Memories in Recurrent Depression
Authors: Werner-Seidler Aliza , Dalgleish Tim
Published: April 2016

The Method-of-Loci (MoL) is a mnemonic strategy that individuals with a history of depression can use to facilitate access to self-affirming memories. In the current study, we investigated (a) the utility of the MoL to enhance access to a preidentified set of personal memories and (b) the ability of the MoL to facilitate the recollection of memories to regulate emotion. Participants in remission from chronic depression used a MoL or rehearsal procedure to facilitate memory recall. Participants using the MoL showed superior retention of this material at both a 1-week and 3-month follow-up memory test, relative to the rehearsal group. For both groups, memory recall effectively repaired mood after a mood induction procedure. Using a diary measure, participants trained to use the MoL reported greater use of the memory repository to offset downturns in mood in day-to-day life, indicating that this could be a useful strategy for mood regulation.
Latarjet Fixation
Authors: Alvi Hasham M. , Monroe Emily J. , Muriuki Muturi , Verma Rajat N. , Marra Guido , Saltzman Matthew D.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Attritional bone loss in patients with recurrent anterior instability has successfully been treated with a bone block procedure such as the Latarjet. It has not been previously demonstrated whether cortical or cancellous screws are superior when used for this procedure.

Purpose:

To assess the strength of stainless steel cortical screws versus stainless steel cannulated cancellous screws in the Latarjet procedure.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen matched-pair shoulder specimens were randomized into 2 separate fixation groups: (1) 3.5-mm stainless steel cortical screws and (2) 4.0-mm stainless steel partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws. Shoulder specimens were dissected free of all soft tissue and a 25% glenoid defect was created. The coracoid process was osteomized, placed at the site of the glenoid defect, and fixed in place with 2 parallel screws.

Results:

All 10 specimens failed by screw cutout. Nine of 10 specimens failed by progressive displacement with an increased number of cycles. One specimen in the 4.0-mm screw group failed by catastrophic failure on initiation of the testing protocol. The 3.5-mm screws had a mean of 274 cycles (SD, ±171 cycles; range, 10-443 cycles) to failure. The 4.0-mm screws had a mean of 135 cycles (SD, ±141 cycles; range, 0-284 cycles) to failure. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 types of screws for cycles required to cause failure ( P = .144).

Conclusion:

There was no statistically significant difference in energy or cycles to failure when comparing the stainless steel cortical screws versus partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws.

Clinical Relevance:

Latarjet may be performed using cortical or cancellous screws without a clear advantage of either option.
Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Nassar Basant R. , Lippa Carol F.
Published: April 2016

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a potentially reversible neurodegenerative disease commonly characterized by a triad of dementia, gait, and urinary disturbance. Advancements in diagnosis and treatment have aided in properly identifying and improving symptoms in patients. However, a large proportion of iNPH patients remain either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Using PubMed search engine of keywords “normal pressure hydrocephalus,” “diagnosis,” “shunt treatment,” “biomarkers,” “gait disturbances,” “cognitive function,” “neuropsychology,” “imaging,” and “pathogenesis,” articles were obtained for this review. The majority of the articles were retrieved from the past 10 years. The purpose of this review article is to aid general practitioners in further understanding current findings on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of iNPH.
All-trans retinoic acid synergizes with FLT3 inhibition to eliminate FLT3/ITD+ leukemia stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ma Hayley S. , Greenblatt Sarah M. , Shirley Courtney M. , Duffield Amy S. , Bruner J. Kyle , Li Li , Nguyen Bao , Jung Eric , Aplan Peter D. , Ghiaur Gabriel , Jones Richard J. , Small Donald
Published: April 2016

Key Points

ATRA and FLT3 TKIs have synergistic activity against FLT3/ITD+ AML cell lines and patient samples. Combination reduces the leukemia stem cell population and improves survival in genetic and xenograft AML mouse models.
Hyperactive mTOR pathway promotes lymphoproliferation and abnormal differentiation in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Völkl Simon , Rensing-Ehl Anne , Allgäuer Andrea , Schreiner Elisabeth , Lorenz Myriam Ricarda , Rohr Jan , Klemann Christian , Fuchs Ilka , Schuster Volker , von Bueren André O. , Naumann-Bartsch Nora , Gambineri Eleonora , Siepermann Kathrin , Kobbe Robin , Nathrath Michaela , Arkwright Peter D. , Miano Maurizio , Stachel Klaus-Daniel , Metzler Markus , Schwarz Klaus , Kremer Anita N. , Speckmann Carsten , Ehl Stephan , Mackensen Andreas
Published: April 2016

Key Points

ALPS DNT cells and their putative precursors reveal high proliferative activity in vivo, which is associated with hyperactive mTOR signaling. Rapamycin therapy controls mitotic activity and abnormal differentiation of ALPS DNT cells and reduces CD4+ or CD8+ precursor DNT cells.
Single- vs double-unit cord blood transplantation for children and young adults with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Michel Gérard , Galambrun Claire , Sirvent Anne , Pochon Cecile , Bruno Benedicte , Jubert Charlotte , Loundou Anderson , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Milpied Noel , Lutz Patrick , Marie-Cardine Aude , Gandemer Virginie , Blaise Didier , Michallet Mauricette , Rialland Fanny , Renard Cecile , Oudin Claire , Esmiol Sophie , Seux Mylene , Baumstarck Karine , Mohty Mohamad , Rocha Vanderson , Dalle Jean-Hugues
Published: April 2016

Key Points

A double-unit strategy does not decrease transplantation failure risk when a single unit of cord blood with adequate cell dose is available. Alloreactivity may be enhanced by double-unit cord blood transplantation.
Classification of the primary progressive aphasias: principles and review of progress since 2011
Authors: Vandenberghe Rik
Published: April 2016

Highly influential recommendations published in 2011 for the classification of the primary progressive aphasias (PPA) distinguished three subtypes: the semantic variant, the nonfluent/agrammatic variant, and the logopenic variant. We review empirical evidence published after 2011 that bears relevance to the validity of the recommended classification scheme. The studies that we review principally rely on monocentric, memory clinic-based consecutive series of PPA patients. We review whether a data-driven analysis of neurolinguistic test scores confirms the subtyping that was based on expert consensus, whether the 2011 subtyping covers the diversity of PPA in a comprehensive manner, and whether the proposed subgroups differ along dimensions that are not explicitly part of the defining criteria, such as diffusion tractography. Data-driven mathematical analyses of neurolinguistic data in PPA broadly confirm the presence of separate clusters corresponding to the subtypes but also leave 15–30 % unclassified. A comprehensive description of PPA requires the addition of the mixed variant as a fourth subtype and needs to leave room for cases fulfilling the criteria for a root diagnosis of PPA but not those of any of the three subtypes. Finally, given the limited predictive value of the clinical phenotype for the underlying neuropathology, biomarkers of the underlying pathology are likely of clinical utility in PPA.
Intracoronary Des-Acyl Ghrelin Acutely Increases Cardiac Perfusion Through a Nitric Oxide-Related Mechanism in Female Anesthetized Pigs
Authors: Grossini Elena , Raina Giulia , Farruggio Serena , Camillo Lara , Molinari Claudio , Mary David , Walker Gillian Elisabeth , Bona Gianni , Vacca Giovanni , Moia Stefania , Prodam Flavia , Surico Daniela
Published: April 2016

Des-acyl ghrelin (DAG), the most abundant form of ghrelin in humans, has been found to reduce arterial blood pressure and prevent cardiac and endothelial cell apoptosis. Despite this, data regarding its direct effect on cardiac function and coronary blood flow, as well as the related involvement of autonomic nervous system and nitric oxide (NO), are scarce. We therefore examined these issues using both in vivo and in vitro studies. In 20 anesthetized pigs, intracoronary 100 pmol/mL DAG infusion with a constant heart rate and aortic blood pressure, increased coronary blood flow and NO release, whereas reducing coronary vascular resistances (P < .05). Dose responses to DAG were evaluated in five pigs. No effects on cardiac contractility/relaxation or myocardial oxygen consumption were observed. Moreover, whereas the blockade of muscarinic cholinoceptors (n = 5) or α- and β-adrenoceptors (n = 5 each) did not abolish the observed responses, NO synthase inhibition (n = 5) prevented the effects of DAG on coronary blood flow and NO release. In coronary artery endothelial cells, DAG dose dependently increased NO release through cAMP signaling and ERK1/2, Akt, and p38 MAPK involvement as well as the phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase. In conclusion, in anesthetized pigs, DAG primarily increased cardiac perfusion through the involvement of NO release. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt appears to play roles in eliciting the observed NO production in coronary artery endothelial cells.
Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Induces Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Activating TLR4/MyD88 Pathway
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Hao , Zhang Lin , Cao Yang , Bao Ji-Zhang , Liu Zheng-Xia , Wang Lian-Sheng , Yang Qin , Lu Xiang
Published: April 2016

Insulin resistance plays a major role in the development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Heart failure in turn promotes insulin resistance and increases the risk for diabetes. The vicious cycle determines significant mortality in patients with heart failure and diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms for the vicious cycle are not fully elucidated. Here we show that circulating levels and adipose expression of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), an adipokine that contributes to systemic insulin resistance, were elevated in cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) infusion. Ang-II increased RBP4 expression in adipocytes, which was abolished by losartan, an Ang-II receptor blocker. The elevated RBP4 in cardiac hypertrophy may have pathophysiological consequences because RBP4 increased cell size, enhanced protein synthesis, and elevated the expression of hypertrophic markers including Anp, Bnp, and Myh7 in primary cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, RBP4 induced the expression and activity of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in cardiomyocytes, resulting in enhanced inflammation and reactive oxygen species production. Inhibition or knockdown of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway attenuated inflammatory and hypertrophic responses to RBP4 stimulation. Importantly, RBP4 also reduced the expression of glucose transporter-4 and impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes. This impairment was ameliorated in cardiomyocytes from TLR4 knockout mice. Therefore, RBP4 may be a critical modulator promoting the vicious cycle of insulin resistance and heart failure by activating TLR4/MyD88-mediated inflammatory pathways. Potentially, lowering RBP4 might break the vicious cycle and improve both insulin resistance and cardiac hypertrophy.
Tide-related biological rhythm in the oxygen consumption rate of ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea uncinata Milne Edwards)
Authors: Leiva Félix P. , Niklitschek Edwin J. , Paschke Kurt , Gebauer Paulina , Urbina Mauricio A.
Published: April 2016

The effects of tidal height (high and low), acclimation to laboratory conditions (days in captivity) and oxygen level (hypoxia and normoxia) were evaluated in the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of ghost shrimp Neotrypaea uncinata. We evaluated the hypothesis that N. uncinata reduces its OCR during low tide and increases it during high tide, regardless of oxygen level and acclimation. Additionally, the existence of an endogenous rhythm in OCR was explored, and we examined whether it synchronized with tidal, diurnal and semidiurnal cycles. Unexpectedly, high OCRs were observed at low tide, during normoxia, in non-acclimated animals. Results from a second, longer experiment under normoxic conditions, suggested the presence of a tide-related metabolic rhythm, a response pattern not yet demonstrated for a burrowing decapod. Although rhythms persisted for only 2 days after capture, their period of 12.8 hours closely matched the semidiurnal tidal cycle that ghost shrimp confront inside their burrows.
Plasticity of immunity in response to eating
Authors: Luoma Rachel L. , Butler Michael W. , Stahlschmidt Zachary R.
Published: April 2016

Following a meal, an animal can exhibit dramatic shifts in physiology and morphology, as well as a substantial increase in metabolic rate associated with the energetic costs of processing a meal (i.e., specific dynamic action, SDA). However, little is known about the effects of digestion on another important physiological and energetically costly trait: immune function. Thus, we tested two competing hypotheses. (1) Digesting animals up-regulate their immune systems (putatively in response to the increased microbial exposure associated with ingested food). (2) Digesting animals down-regulate their immune systems (presumably to allocate energy to the breakdown of food). We assayed innate immunity (lytic capacity and agglutination) in cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus Linnaeus, 1766) during and after meal digestion. Lytic capacity was higher in females, and (in support of our first hypothesis) agglutination was higher during absorption. Given its potential energetic cost, immune up-regulation may contribute to SDA.
Nearest-neighbor parameters for 7-deaza-adenosine·uridine base pairs in RNA duplexes
Authors: Richardson Katherine E. , Znosko Brent M.
Published: April 2016

One of the major limitations in RNA structure prediction is the lack of information about the effect of nonstandard nucleotides on stability. The nonstandard nucleotide 7-deaza-adenosine (7DA) is a naturally occurring analog of adenosine that has been studied for medicinal purposes and is commonly referred to as tubercidin. In 7DA, the nitrogen in the 7 position of adenosine is replaced by a carbon. Differences in RNA duplex stability due to the removal of this nitrogen can be attributed to a possible change in hydration and a difference in base stacking interactions resulting from changes in the electrostatics of the ring. In order to determine how 7DA affects the stability of RNA, optical melting experiments were conducted on RNA duplexes that contain either internal or terminal 7DA·U pairs with all possible nearest-neighbor combinations. On average, duplexes containing 7DA·U pairs are 0.43 and 0.07 kcal/mol less stable than what is predicted for the same duplex containing internal and terminal A-U pairs, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters for all nearest-neighbor combinations of 7DA·U pairs were derived from the data. These parameters can be used to more accurately predict the secondary structure and stability of RNA duplexes containing 7DA·U pairs.
Οι "Caesares" του Αυσονίου. Παρατηρήσεις και επισημάνσεις
Authors: ΠΑΠΠΑΣ Βασίλειος Λ.
Published: April 2016

Ausonius was a latin poet, born in Burdigala (Bordeaux), who, inter alios, composed the poetic work entitled "Caesares" between 379-383 A.D. This  collection is an exposition of the lives of Roman emperors in verse (in hexameter and elegiac couplets). The collection is  not complete. The work stops suddenly at the incomplete quatrain of Elagabalus. In this paper the author deals  with the literary genre of the collection, the style of  the poem, while he also attempts to trace the texts the poet used (Suetonius, Tacitus, the so[called Kaisergeschichte, Marius Maximus etc.). Finally he refers to the proposals concerning the missing part of the collection as put forth by various scholars in recent years.
Ομιλία του κ. Αναστ. Ορλάνδου περί του ναού της Μονής Δαφνίου
Authors: ΟΡΛΑΝΔΟΣ Αναστάσιος Κ.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Δωρεαί εις το Χριστιανικόν Αρχαιολογικόν Μουσείον κατά το έτος 1901
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Δωρεαί εις το Χριστιανικόν Αρχαιολογικόν Μουσείον κατά το έτος 1902
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Δωρεαί εις το Χριστιανικόν Αρχαιολογικόν Μουσείον κατά το έτος 1904
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Αρχαί της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας κατά το έτος 1904
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Αγόρευσις του εριτίμου βουλευτού Αττικής κ. Φωκίωνος Νέγρη υπέρ της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας γενομένη επί της συζητήσεως του νομοσχεδίου περί συγχωνεύσεως του Λαχείου της Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και του υπέρ του Εθνικού Στόλου της Ελλάδος Λαχείου κατά την συνεδρίαν της 27 Ιουνίου 1905
Authors: ΡΟΥΦΟΣ ΚΑΝΑΚΑΡΗΣ Λουκάς Θ.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Αιτιολογική έκθεσις του βουλευτού Πατρών κ. Λουκά Θ. Ρούφου Κανακάρη επί της προτάσεως τροποποιήσεως του 4 άρθρου του Νομοσχεδίου περί συγχωνεύσεως του λαχείου της Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και του λαχείου υπέρ του Εθνικού Στόλου της Ελλάδος. Πρότασις τροποποιήσεως του 4ου άρθρου του νομοσχεδίου περί συγχωνεύσεως του λαχείου της Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και του λαχείου του Εθνικού Στόλου
Authors: ΜΑΡΟΥΚΗΣ Οράτιος
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Υπόμνημα προς την σεβαστήν Βουλήν των Ελλήνων
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Χριστιανικαί αρχαιότητες εν τη Στερεά Ελλάδι
Authors: ΣΠΕΤΣΙΕΡΗΣ Ιωακείμ
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Δωρεαί εις το Χριστιανικόν Αρχαιολογικόν Μουσείον κατά το έτος 1909
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Η μονή Οσίου Μελετίου και ο Μητροπολίτης Αθηνών Νικάνωρ
Authors: ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Κωνσταντίνος Μ.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Καταστατικόν της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας τροποποιηθέν κατά την Συνεδρίαν της Γενικής Συνελεύσεως της Εταιρείας την 23ην Απριλίου 1923
Authors: ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ (ΧΑΕ)
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Ξυλόγλυπτος βυζαντινή θύρα
Authors: ΟΡΛΑΝΔΟΣ Αναστάσιος Κ.
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Ανασκαφαί Νικοπόλεως. Χριστιανικά μνημεία
Authors: ΦΙΛΑΔΕΛΦΕΥΣ Αλέξανδρος
Published: April 2016

no abstract
Optimized purification strategies for the elimination of non-specific products in the isolation of GAD65-specific monoclonal autoantibodies
Authors: Jiang Wei , Macmillan Henriette , Madec Anne-Marie , Mellins Elizabeth D.
Published: April 2016

Autoantibodies against antigens expressed by insulin-producing β cells are circulating in both healthy individuals and patients at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Recent studies suggest that another set of antibodies (anti-idiotypic antibodies) exists in this antibody/antigen interacting network to regulate auto-reactive responses. Anti-idiotypic antibodies may block the antigen-binding site of autoantibodies or inhibit autoantibody expression and secretion. The equilibrium between autoantibodies and anti-idiotypic antibodies plays a critical role in mediating or preventing autoimmunity. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying such a network in autoimmunity and potentially develop neutralizing reagents to prevent or treat Type 1 diabetes, we need to produce autoantibodies and autoantigens with high quality and purity. Herein, using GAD65/anti-GAD65 autoantibodies as a model system, we aimed to establish reliable approaches for the preparation of highly pure autoantibodies suitable for downstream investigation.
Advances in laparoscopic urologic surgery techniques
Authors: Abdul-Muhsin Haidar M. , Humphreys Mitchell R.
Published: April 2016

The last two decades witnessed the inception and exponential implementation of key technological advancements in laparoscopic urology. While some of these technologies thrived and became part of daily practice, others are still hindered by major challenges. This review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search in order to highlight some of the most promising technologies in laparoscopic visualization, augmented reality, and insufflation. Additionally, this review will provide an update regarding the current status of single-site and natural orifice surgery in urology.
Molecular biology of breast tumors and prognosis
Authors: Baldassarre Gustavo , Belletti Barbara
Published: April 2016

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Great scientific, economical, and organizational efforts are in place to understand the causes of onset, identify the critical molecular players of progression, and define new lines of intervention providing more benefits and less toxicity. These efforts have certainly not been vain, since overall survival, especially in specific subsets of breast cancer, has greatly improved during the last decades. At present, breast cancer patients’ treatment and care have reached a high standard of quality, and currently one of the most urgent needs resides in the necessity to better distinguish the tumors that need to be more aggressively treated and identify the best therapeutic option tailored to each patient. This objective will be achievable only if the information clarifying the biology of breast cancer can be successfully transferred to the clinic. A common effort by scientists and clinicians toward this integration and toward the use of multidisciplinary approaches will be necessary to reach this important goal.
Recent advances in the understanding of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
Authors: Kahokehr Arman A. , Gilling Peter J.
Published: April 2016

In this review, we have looked at three important areas in understanding male lower urinary tract symptoms. These are improvement in terminology, detrusor underactivity, and nocturia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to bladder outlet obstruction has been covered in a previous review.
The Influence of Routine Interdependence and Skillful Accomplishment on the Coordination of Standardizing and Customizing
Authors: Spee Paul , Jarzabkowski Paula , Smets Michael
Published: April 2016

This paper advances understanding of the coordination of interdependence between multiple intersecting routines and its influence on the balancing of coexisting ostensive patterns. Building on a professional service routine—the deal appraisal routine—and its intersections with four related routines, we develop a dynamic framework that explains the coordination of standardization and flexibility in four ways. First, intersecting routines have shifting salience in the performance of a focal routine, and this shifting salience is enacted through professional skill and judgment. Second, each intersection amplifies pressure toward one or the other ostensive pattern thus introducing dynamism into the balancing of competing ostensive patterns. Third, professionals skillfully acknowledge these pressures from intersecting routines to orient toward one ostensive pattern and then reorient the performance of the routine toward the opposite ostensive pattern. Fourth, this balancing act, which we theorize as reciprocal task interdependence, occurs within the moment of performing each task, so providing a highly dynamic understanding of the association between routine interdependence and the coordination of coexisting ostensive patterns.
Orthopaedic device-related infection: current and future interventions for improved prevention and treatment
Authors: Moriarty T. Fintan , Kuehl Richard , Coenye Tom , Metsemakers Willem-Jan , Morgenstern Mario , Schwarz Edward M. , Riool Martijn , Zaat Sebastian A.J. , Khana Nina , Kates Stephen L. , Richards R. Geoff
Published: April 2016

Orthopaedic and trauma device-related infection (ODRI) remains one of the major complications in modern trauma and orthopaedic surgery. Despite best practice in medical and surgical management, neither prophylaxis nor treatment of ODRI is effective in all cases, leading to infections that negatively impact clinical outcome and significantly increase healthcare expenditure. The following review summarises the microbiological profile of modern ODRI, the impact antibiotic resistance has on treatment outcomes, and some of the principles and weaknesses of the current systemic and local antibiotic delivery strategies. The emerging novel strategies aimed at preventing or treating ODRI will be reviewed. Particular attention will be paid to the potential for clinical impact in the coming decades, when such interventions are likely to be critically important. The review focuses on this problem from an interdisciplinary perspective, including basic science innovations and best practice in infectious disease.

Cite this article: Moriarty TF, Kuehl R, Coenye T, et al. Orthopaedic device related infection: current and future interventions for improved prevention and treatment. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:89-99. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000037.
Developing a national quality registry for hand surgery: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Arner Marianne
Published: April 2016

The Scandinavian National Healthcare Quality Registries (NQRs) have brought about considerable improvements since their introduction in the 1970s. One such registry – HAKIR (‘hand surgery’) – was established in 2010 and was likely the first NQR for hand surgery. Patient-reported outcome and reoperations due to post-operative complications are registered in HAKIR, as well as hand function in selected groups of surgical procedures. Creating simple logistics for collecting data and careful planning are important factors when establishing a new NQR. Continuous surveillance of data validity and coverage are crucial for success. With perseverance, large databases for clinical research can be created, along with the establishment of national multi-professional collaboration in healthcare improvement work.

Cite this article: Arner, M. Developing a national quality registry for hand surgery: challenges and opportunities. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:100-106. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000045.
PRIORITIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OWNER CONCERNS ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: Gupta Rakesh M K , Makrigeorgis Christos
Published: April 2016

For almost a century, Americans lacked a comprehensive health care system. Upon the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, politicians, media, and lobbyists provided conflicting and confusing interpretations of the law. With such varied opinions, small business enterprise (SBE) owners became concerned about the potential adverse financial effects of the ACA. In this paper, we researched the problem by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to create a ranking of the concerns of the SBE owners toward the ACA. A sample of 50 SBE owners representing 5 specific industry groups in Richmond, Virginia, was used to obtain a cross-sectional view of the concerns which allowed us to ascertain their uniformity or variability across these industry groups. The AHP sample data set was obtained via a pairwise comparison questionnaire. The AHP analysis revealed that the topmost SBE owners concerns were insurance premium, quality of care, and tax burden. In addition, these concerns were non-uniformly ranked among the industry groups. However, the highest and lowest concerns in each industry group were the same across the industry groups.

 
AHP BASED MULTICRITERIA COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF REGIONS OF EASTERN POLAND
Authors: Strojny Jacek
Published: April 2016

The modern economic landscape dynamically creates new and often difficult conditions in which all types of organizations must function. In management sciences literature the companies sector is the situation most often analyzed, yet it is also important to improve the management processes in public administration. The global economic crisis that started in 2008 assumed the form of a public finance crisis especially in developed economies. Public authorities are forced to meet the rising expectations of democratic societies while maintaining financial discipline. The pressure to optimize public spending constantly increases. Decision-making processes must therefore focus on the dimensions most relevant to the development of economic systems data. This research takes into account these realities, and focuses on the competitiveness of regions located in so-called Eastern Poland. The study uses a multi-criteria comparative analysis based on the AHP method. The procedure involved building models of competitiveness which systemize statistical variables describing the phenomenon of competitiveness. Based on these models, measurements were constructed and the level of competitiveness was calculated.  The regions selected for the case study are separated according to the Polish cohesion policy due to their similar developmental problems. The author is very familiar with the context of development for the selected regions which makes the evaluation of the usefulness of the results obtained by the analysis easier.

 
Looking Forward to ISAHP2016 in London, UK!
Authors: Ferretti Valentina
Published: April 2016

We are looking forward to seeing you at the ISAHP 2016 Symposium which will take place August 4 - 7, 2016, in London, UK !
Heat Capacity and Its Variation with Moisture Content for Plywood and Oriented Strand Board Sheathing Produced by North American Mills
Authors: Rice Robert W. , Redfern Ian
Published: April 2016

The heat capacity of panels used for house sheathing is an important property that allows the hygrothermal modeling of thermal mass and the calculation of heating and cooling rates of certain types of walls. To our knowledge, this article presents the first data in over four decades for the measurement of heat capacity across a range of moisture content values. Although some estimates of panel heat capacity exist, few, if any, have been reported for mills across North America and across a range of moisture contents. The data clearly show the dependence of heat capacity on moisture content. They also show that solid wood and panel heat capacity values are similar at low moisture contents but diverge as moisture content increases. The variation in heat capacity with moisture content is large enough so that it should be considered when determining hygrothermal efficiency in walls containing plywood or oriented strand board or when developing hygrothermal models.
CO2 Laser–Incised Teak and Mahogany Lumber Dried by Microwave and Steam Injection
Authors: Listyanto Tomy , Ando Keisuke , Yamauchi Hidefumi , Hattori Nobuaki
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of microwave and steam injection drying on CO2 laser–incised teak (Tectona grandis) and mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) lumber. The specimens were teak and mahogany lumber with dimensions of 60 by 120 by 600 mm. Three incising densities, 0, 1,250, and 2,500 holes per m2, were applied to the drying specimens. The drying process was carried out by a combination of microwave and steam injection drying. Microwave irradiation had a power of 3 kW at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, while steam injection drying was done by injecting superheated steam at 105°C to 110°C through a perforated plate at 110°C to 120°C. Drying rate, moisture content (MC) distribution, and checks were observed to evaluate the quality of the drying process. The results indicate that microwave heating and steam injection drying could successfully dry incised teak and mahogany lumber. The highest drying rate was achieved in the specimens with an incising density of 2,500 holes per m2. Interestingly, reducing the MC of teak from 46 to 20 percent required only 20 hours, while lowering the MC of mahogany from 60 to 20 percent took only 24 hours, without the formation of surface and internal checks. Laser incising, microwave heating, and the setting temperature of steam injection drying contributed considerably in creating a more uniform moisture distribution in teak and mahogany lumber, which significantly reduced surface and internal check formation.
Modeling of n-Hexadecane and Water Sorption in Wood
Authors: Baglayeva Ganna , Krishnamoorthy Gautham , Frihart Charles R. , Seames Wayne S. , O'Dell Jane , Kozliak Evguenii I.
Published: April 2016

Contamination of wooden framing structures with semivolatile organic chemicals is a common occurrence from the spillage of chemicals, such as impregnation with fuel oil hydrocarbons during floods. Little information is available to understand the penetration of fuel oil hydrocarbons into wood under ambient conditions. To imitate flood and storage scenarios, the sorption of n-hexadecane (representing fuel oil hydrocarbons) and water by southern yellow pine was studied using gravimetric techniques at ambient temperature and pressure. The sorption curves obtained had three distinct regions, reflecting three different sorption phases. Lower sorption coefficients were obtained for nonpolar n-hexadecane than for water, leading to n-hexadecane maximum mass uptake values being half those of water. Lower penetration values were obtained for epoxy-coated wood compared with uncoated wood, apparently because of the inaccessibility of diffusion paths along the wood lateral surface and slower air removal from tracheids. Two models were introduced to fit the observed sorption curves into a single algebraic equation, a diffusion (Fickian) model and an empirical (non-Fickian) equation. Effective diffusion coefficients were determined under the Fickian model, resulting in ca. 10−7 m2/s, 10−8 m2/s, and 10−10 to 10−11 m2/s diffusion rates for sorption in Phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The proposed non-Fickian model was based on first-order kinetic constants for the second sorption phase and fit the experimental data throughout all three phases. The two models were shown to corroborate each other by demonstrating that the effective surface areas of wood blocks calculated using both models' parameters were consistent with the corresponding expected physical values.
Tournament Satisfaction Scale (TOSS)
Authors: Öcal Kubilay
Published: April 2016

Increasing in the popularity of regional sport tourism addresses the consumers to measure satisfaction of participants in order to provide high quality product or services. The literature declares the strong need of a reliable and valid scale in the area of sport tourism. For that purpose this paper describes the process of developing Tournament Satisfaction Scale (TOSS) that can be used to asses athletes’ perception of satisfaction through sport tournaments. An item pool with 33 items was developed by literature reviews and interviews with experts in the area of sport tourism, sport management and coaching. Exploratory Factor Analysis with Maximum Likelihood extraction method and oblique rotation (direct oblimin) was carried out by using the data obtained from 278 athletes in various sport branches participated in a tournament as a regional sport tourist. Exploratory Factor Analysis results yielded one factor with 22 items over .50 factor loading. The 22-item TOSS was found to explain 40.3% of the variance in tournament satisfaction. Cronbach alpha coefficient is 0.93 for TOSS indicating satisfactory reliability evidence. Overall, it can be concluded that the scale is reliable and valid tool for evaluating tournament satisfaction from the perceptions of athletes. In this way coaches, team managers, and tournament organizers would possible to obtain important clues about their performances.
Evaluation of Mindray BC-6800 body fluid mode for automated cerebrospinal fluid cell counting
Authors: Buoro Sabrina , Seghezzi Michela , Mecca Tommaso , Vavassori Mauro , Crippa Alberto , La Gioia Antonio
Published: April 2016

Background:

Cellular analysis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides important diagnostic information in various medical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of Mindray BC-6800 body fluid (BF) mode in cytometric analysis of CSF compared to light microscopy (LM).

Methods:

One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive CSF samples were analyzed by BC-6800-BF mode as well as by LM. The study also included limits of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ), carryover and linearity.

Results

White blood cells LoQ was 4.0×106 cells/L. Linearity was good and carryover was negligible. As for the total and white blood cells, the BC-6800-BF parameters vs. LM showed both bias ranged from –10.28 to 0.06×106 cells/L. Polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells ranged from 6.64 to 10.90%. For white blood cell the diagnostic agreement was 93% at the cut-off >5.0×106 cells/L, and for polymorphonuclear and mononuclear at the cut-off >50% was 91% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusions:

BC-6800-BF offers rapid and accurate counts in clinically relevant concentration ranges, replacing LM for most samples. However, in samples with abnormal cell counts or with abnormal white blood cell differential scattergrams the need to microscopic review for a correct clinical outcome remains.
TiCl2·2H2O catalyzed one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydropiperidines and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities
Authors: Abbasi Mohsen , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad , Sadeghian Hamid , Akhbari Maryam , Enayaty Mohammadreza , Shiri Ali
Published: April 2016

One-pot condensation reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, various substituted benzaldehydes and anilines in the presence of TiCl2·2H2O yields highly functionalized tetrahydropiperidines. Atom economy, efficiency, and short reaction times are the advantages of the method, which is carried out under mild conditions using easily accessible and inexpensive chemicals. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized products was evaluated against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria, a yeast and a fungus strain using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods.
Optimal Energy Management for a Smart Grid using Resource-Aware Utility Maximization
Authors: Abegaz Brook W. , Mahajan Satish M. , Negeri Ebisa O.
Published: April 2016

Heterogeneous energy prosumers are aggregated to form a smart grid based energy community managed by a central controller which could maximize their collective energy resource utilization. Using the central controller and distributed energy management systems, various mechanisms that harness the power profile of the energy community are developed for optimal, multi-objective energy management. The proposed mechanisms include resource-aware, multi-variable energy utility maximization objectives, namely: (1) maximizing the net green energy utilization, (2) maximizing the prosumers’ level of comfortable, high quality power usage, and (3) maximizing the economic dispatch of energy storage units that minimize the net energy cost of the energy community. Moreover, an optimal energy management solution that combines the three objectives has been implemented by developing novel techniques of optimally flexible (un)certainty projection and appliance based pricing decomposition in an IBM ILOG CPLEX studio. A real-world, per-minute data from an energy community consisting of forty prosumers in Amsterdam, Netherlands is used. Results show that each of the proposed mechanisms yields significant increases in the aggregate energy resource utilization and welfare of prosumers as compared to traditional peak-power reduction methods. Furthermore, the multi-objective, resource-aware utility maximization approach leads to an optimal energy equilibrium and provides a sustainable energy management solution as verified by the Lagrangian method. The proposed resource-aware mechanisms could directly benefit emerging energy communities in the world to attain their energy resource utilization targets.