bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Properties of Composites of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene with Carbon Fibres or Fibre Monocrystals
Authors: Atanasov Atanas , Koleva Dimitrina 
Published: September 2018

Composite materials were synthesized from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and discrete modified and unmodified carbon fibres or fibre monocrystals of alkali titanates. The modified carbon fibres contained 1.2% w/w oxygen-containing functional groups, obtained by subjecting them to thermo-oxidative treatment in air at 1073 K for 60 min. The properties of the composites were studied as a function of the carbon fibre content (up to 12% w/w) and fibre monocrystal content (up to 6% w/w). Neither the modified nor unmodified carbon fibres showed any reinforcing effect on the tensile strength of the polymer matrix, and the fibre monocrystals showed only an insignificant effect at 0.5–1.0% w/w loading. Composites containing thermally activated carbon fibres or fibre monocrystals were found to have higher thermal resistance. UHMWPE composites containing 12% w/w carbon fibres showed good specific electrical conductance and thermal stability, as well as lower friction coefficient, temperature coefficient of expansion and shrinkage on heat treatment compared to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Composites with 6% w/w fibre monocrystals had higher thermal stability, shrinkage and especially Vicat softening points than ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
The Effect of Tri(n-butyl) Tin(IV) –2– [3–Benzoyl phenyl] Propionate on the Degradation and Stabilisation of PVC in Inert and Oxidative Atmospheres
Authors: Iqbal Azhar , Ishaq Muhammad , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas , Frormann Lars 
Published: September 2018

Tri(n-butyl) tin(IV)–2–[3–benzoyl phenyl] propionate has been used to enhance the shelf life of rigid poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC). Studies of the thermal degradation of PVC have been a prime focus for a long time. Different substances have been tried to control and stabilise the process of thermal degradation. In the present work the aforementioned stabiliser has been used for this purpose. The samples of PVC containing different amounts of the stabiliser were prepared and treated at 190 ± 3 °C. The effect of the stabiliser on the degradation in nitrogen and air environments was studied through conductometric and spectroscopic measurements. The stabiliser was effective in slowing down the process of degradation. It also increased the initial induction period, i.e. the time during which no sign of degradation were observed. About 3% of stabiliser reduced the rate of the degradation of PVC by half, and almost doubled the induction period. It was more efficient in nitrogen than in air. These findings indicate that tri(n-butyl) tin(IV)–2–[3–benzoyl phenyl] propionate is a good inhibitor as well as an effective retarder.
Preparation of Nanometre Carbon Fibres by Using a Blend Approach
Authors: Zhang Wang-xi , Wang Yan-zhi 
Published: September 2018

PMMA/PAN core/shell microspheres were synthesised by polymerising methyl methacrylate (MMA) or acrylonitrile(AN) at 75 °C for 5 h in a soapless emulsion system, using ammonium persulfate (APS) as a radical initiator. It has been shown that in the first-stage reaction the initiator APS significantly accelerated the reaction rate. However, when the APS concentration reached 0.9% (based on the amount of the monomers), this tendency lessened. In the second-stage core/shell reaction, the effect of initiator on reaction rate was not so pronounced. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterise the structure and properties of seeded PMMA core and/or PMMA/PAN core/shell polymers. The core/shell morphology was clearly displayed and the diameter of the core is ca. 350 nm whereas the shell thickness was ca. 100 nm. Both the PMMA core and the PMMA/PAN core/ shell polymers had weak and strong endothermic peaks when heated in the range of 340–390 °C, but the latter showed a characteristic exothermic peak which corresponded with the crosslinking reaction of polyacrylonitrile macromolecules at ca. 600 °C. A mixture was obtained by blending the core/shell polymers with high density polyethylene, then spinning to form composite fibres, which were thermally stabilised in air at 180 °C for 1 h and carbonised in nitrogen at 1000 °C to obtain nanometre-sized carbon fibres.
The effect of education through mobile phone short message service on promoting self-care in pre-diabetic pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abbaspoor Zahra , Amani Anis , Afshari Poorandokht , Jafarirad Sima 
Published: September 2018

Introduction Gestational diabetes is increasing in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SMS messaging on the self-care among pre-diabetic pregnant women. Methods This randomized controlled trial conducted on 100 pre-diabetic pregnant women referred to Ahvaz Health Centers, Iran, Sep to Dec, 2016. Women were randomly assigned into the face to face education group and short message systems in addition to the face to face education group. Self-care variables were compared between the groups. Data was analyzed using chi-square, independent and paired t-tests. Results There was no difference regard to FBG and OGTT, but there was a significant difference between groups in physical activity level ( P<0.001) and in all food groups except bread and cereals after the intervention ( P<0.05). Conclusion The education through a short text message system seem couldn't control the blood sugar, but it could promote physical activity and food additives of pre-diabetic pregnant women.
Impact of telemedicine on the clinical outcomes and healthcare costs of patients with chronic heart failure and mid-range or preserved ejection fraction managed in a multidisciplinary chronic heart failure programme: A sub-analysis of the iCOR randomized trial
Authors: Jiménez-Marrero Santiago , Yun Sergi , Cainzos-Achirica Miguel , Enjuanes Cristina , Garay Alberto , Farre Nuria , Verdú Jose M , Linas Anna , Ruiz Pilar , Hidalgo Encarnación , Calero Esther , Comín-Colet Josep 
Published: September 2018

Background The efficacy of telemedicine in the management of patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% is poorly understood. The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of a telemedicine-based intervention specifically in these patients, as compared to standard of care alone. Methods The Insuficiència Cardiaca Optimització Remota (iCOR) study was a single centre, randomised, controlled trial, designed to evaluate a telemedicine intervention added to an existing hospital/primary care multidisciplinary, integrated programme for chronic heart failure patients. 178 participants were randomised to telemedicine or usual care, and were followed for six months. For the present sub-analysis, only iCOR participants (n = 116) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% were included. The primary study endpoint was the incidence of an acute non-fatal heart failure event, defined as a new episode of worsening of symptoms and signs consistent with acute heart failure requiring intravenous diuretic therapy. The healthcare-related costs in each study group were also evaluated. Results The incidence of the first occurrence of the primary endpoint was significantly lower in the telemedicine arm (22% vs 56%, p<0.001), with a hazard ratio of 0.33 comparing to the usual care arm (95% confidence interval 0.17–0.64). Telemedicine was also associated with lower mean overall chronic heart failure care-related costs compared to usual care (8163€ vs 4993€, p=0.001). The results were consistent in both left ventricular ejection fraction of 40–49% and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that telemedicine is a promising strategy for the management of chronic heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. These findings should be replicated in larger cohorts.
A mixed methods systematic review of multimodal non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition for people with dementia
Authors: Chalfont Garuth , Milligan Christine , Simpson Jane 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveMultimodal non-pharmacological interventions have been argued to have the potential to complement current pharmacological approaches to improving quality of life for people living with dementia. The aim of this review was to identify, synthesise and appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of multimodal non-pharmacological interventions for improving cognitive function specifically.MethodAfter a comprehensive search strategy including grey literature, 26 studies were reviewed. The inclusion criteria concerned adults with a primary diagnosis of dementia. Studies used two or more different modes of intervention, and measured a cognitive outcome. Due to differences in the conceptualisations of the term ‘multimodal’, a typology of modes and methods was developed to facilitate classification of candidate studies.ResultsTwenty-one group studies and five case studies were found. Group studies used two or three modes of intervention and multiple methods to implement them. Interventions utilised were cognitive, physical, psychological and psychosocial, nutrition, fasting, gut health, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, detoxification, hormonal health and oxygen therapy. Five individual case studies were found in two separate papers. Each personalised patient treatment utilised in-depth assessments and prescribed up to nine different modes. In 19 (90%) of the 21 group comparisons, participants were reported to have cognitive improvements, stability with their dementia or a delay in their decline. The extent of these improvements in terms of meaningful clinical change was variable.ConclusionMultimodal non-pharmacological interventions have the potential to complement singular therapeutic approaches by addressing multiple modifiable risk factors currently understood to contribute towards cognitive decline.
Effect of Chemically Treated Buffing Dust on Technological Properties of Tyre Tread Compounds
Authors: Wellappili Champa J. , de Silva Karnika , Dharmatilake Malani , Denawaka Indra 
Published: September 2018

Polymer blends have become a very important subject for scientific investigation because of their growing commercial acceptance. This research aimed to investigate the possibilities of blending chemically treated buffing dust, a cheap reinforcing filler in virgin natural rubber (NR) systems to obtain improved properties. A series of experiments were carried out with three types of blend - namely NR with untreated buffing dust, fatty acid (FA) treated buffing dust and De-link treated buffing dust. Pre-conditioning of buffing dust by treating with De-link showed improvements in all properties when compared to blends with untreated buffing dust. Further improvement of physical properties was achieved through a blending process where buffing dust was first treated with a FA, before the actual blending with NR compound was carried out. FA based activator seems to improve the miscibility of the two phase through possible plasticizing action thereby improving the physical properties of the end product. It is clear that the incorporation of the FA could be a cheaper alternative to achieve better dispersibility of buffing dust in NR phase to improve the properties of blends.
Functional prognosis of critical limb ischemia and efficacy of restoration of direct flow below the ankle
Authors: Furuyama Tadashi , Onohara Toshihiro , Yoshiga Ryosuke , Yoshiya Keiji , Matsubara Yutaka , Inoue Kentaro , Matsuda Daisuke , Morisaki Koichi , Matsumoto Takuya , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: September 2018

Objective Patients with critical limb ischemia have serious systemic comorbidities and are at high risk of impairment of limb function. In this study, we assessed the prognostic factors of limbs after revascularization. Methods In this retrospective single-center cohort study, from April 2008 to December 2012, we treated 154 limbs of 121 patients with critical limb ischemia by the endovascular therapy-first approach based on the patients’ characteristics. The primary end point was amputation-free survival. Secondary end points were patency of a revascularized artery, major adverse limb events, or death. Furthermore, we investigated the ambulatory status one year after revascularization as prognosis of limb function. Results Endovascular therapy was performed in 85 limbs in 65 patients as the initial therapy (endovascular therapy group) and surgical reconstructive procedures (bypass group) were performed in 69 limbs in 56 patients. Early mortality within 30 days was not observed in either group. The primary patency rate was significantly better in the bypass group than in the endovascular therapy group ( p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the secondary patency rate was similar between the two groups ( p = 0.0096). There were no significant differences in amputation-free survival and major adverse limb event between the two groups. Univariate analysis showed that ulcer healing ( p < 0.0001), no hypoalbuminemia ( p = 0.0019), restoration of direct flow below the ankle ( p = 0.0219), no previous cerebrovascular disease ( p = 0.0389), and Rutherford 4 ( p = 0.0469) were predictive factors for preservation of ambulatory status one year after revascularization. In multivariate analysis, ulcer healing ( p < 0.0001) and restoration of direct flow below the ankle ( p = 0.0060) were significant predictors. Conclusions Ulcer healing and restoration of direct flow below the ankle are independently associated with prognosis of limb functions in patients who undergo infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.
Assessing the institutional learning curve for pararenal aortic repair using the fenestrated Anaconda endograft
Authors: Taher Fadi , Falkensammer Juergen , Nguyen Joseph , Uhlmann Miriam , Skrinjar Edda , Assadian Afshin 
Published: September 2018

Objective Custom-made fenestrated aortic endografts allow exclusion of pararenal aortic aneurysms while maintaining blood flow to aortic branches. Meticulous device planning and precise deployment of the main body are essential to allow successful cannulation of the fenestrations. This study investigates whether a learning curve can be observed with more reliable cannulation and connection of fenestrations over time at a single department of vascular and endovascular surgery with multiple surgeons trained to use the device. Methods A retrospective analysis of data from all patients undergoing primary fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair during the study period was performed. Outcome measures included case volume and average number of fenestrations over time, average fluoroscopy dose area product per calendar year and primary unconnected fenestration and 30-day mortality rates. Results Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016, 89 patients with no history of endovascular aneurysm repair underwent fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair at our institution. The number of fenestrations per case increased over time, averaging 2.6 in 2013 and 3.3 in 2016. Primary unconnected fenestration and 30-day mortality rates were 5.6%. Primary-assisted technical success was 93.3%, secondary-assisted technical success was 94.4%. Fluoroscopy dose area product declined over the study period. Thirty-day mortality and primary unconnected fenestration rates did not significantly change over the study period. Conclusion Albeit the reduction in lethal complications and primary technical success rates were not statistically significant, a lower percentage of unconnected fenestrations and 30-day mortality per calendar year were observed over time. At the same time, an increasing complexity of performed cases, as reflected by an increasing number of fenestrations per case, was observed. Complications associated with this complex endovascular procedure are potentially lethal and remain an unfortunate reality and may not be entirely dependent on overcoming a learning curve. A higher volume of cases performed over the study period and a reduction in fluoroscopy use can be considered a representation of the institutional development and learning curve for the Anaconda fenestrated endograft at a department with prior complex endovascular aortic repair experience, but due to limitations of the current retrospective observation, deserve further consideration in future trials, ideally designed in a prospective fashion.
The different scenarios of urgent carotid revascularization for crescendo and single transient ischemic attack
Authors: Pini Rodolfo , Faggioli Gianluca , Gargiulo Mauro , Gallitto Enrico , Cacioppa Laura M , Vacirca Andrea , Pisano Emilio , Pilato Alessandro , Stella Andrea 
Published: September 2018

Objective Carotid stenosis with crescendo-transient-ischemic-attack (cTIA) requires a prompt intervention to reduce the stroke risk. Few data are reported in literature about cTIA suggesting a different perioperative risk compared with patients with single TIA (sTIA). This study aimed to compare the outcome of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with TIA (single/crescendo) and evaluate the outcome risk-factors. Methods Data from two tertiary hospitals for vascular treatment were analyzed from 2007 to 2016. All patients with TIA subjected to CEA were considered, comparing the 30-day postoperative stroke and stroke/death in patients with cTIA and sTIA, particularly in the urgent (≤48 h) setting. Results On a total of 3866 CEA, 888 (23%) were performed in symptomatic patients and 515 for TIA: 365 (71%) patients with sTIA and 150 (29%) with cTIA. When compared with sTIA, cTIA patients were younger and less frequently affected by coronary disease, dyslipidemia, and chronic pulmonary disease; however, contralateral carotid occlusion was more common (20% vs. 10%, P = .004; 56% vs. 46, P = .03; 16% vs. 7%, P = .01; >80 years 26% vs. 16%, P = .01 and 2% vs. 10%, P = .001; respectively). Postoperative stroke and stroke/death were significantly higher in cTIA compared with sTIA (5.3% vs. 1.6%, P = .02 and 6.0% vs. 2.2%, P = .03; respectively). Urgent CEA was performed in 58% ( n: 87) cTIA and in 11% ( n: 56) sTIA( P<.01). The urgent setting did not influence the stroke and stroke/death rate of CEA for sTIA (3.6% vs. 1.3%, P = .21 and 3.6% vs. 1.9%, P = .44, respectively), but was associated with lower rate of events in cTIA (1.1%vs. 11.1%, P = .01 and 2.3% vs. 11.1%, P = .03, respectively). This beneficial effect in patients with cTIA treated within 48-h was confirmed also by multivariate analysis (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.76–0.01, P=.02). Conclusions cTIA subjected to CEA have a higher stroke and stroke/death risk compared with patients with sTIA. The urgent setting seems to reduce the stroke/death rate cTIA; for sTIA with a stable neurological condition, the timing of CEA did not influence the outcome.
In vitro comparison of wear characteristics of PyroCarbon and metal on bone: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Klawitter Jerome J , Patton Jason , More Robert , Peter Noel , Podnos Evgeny , Ross Mark 
Published: September 2018

Background There are concerns regarding glenoid erosion with metal shoulder hemiarthroplasty. PyroCarbon may offer an alternative because of favorable wear characteristics and preservation of the glenoid. The purpose of this study was to assess in vitro bone wear characteristics of PyroCarbon relative to cobalt chromium alloy hemiarthroplasty in a shoulder wear simulator. Methods Wear of PyroCarbon and cobalt chromium prostheses articulating with bone were characterized by means of bone wear penetration rate, changes to surface roughness, and wear particle analysis. Results PyroCarbon prostheses produced significantly less damage to bone and were less damaged by the bone than cobalt chromium prostheses. Cobalt chromium testing was halted at approximately 320,000 cycles because the bone was consumed. Wear testing of PyroCarbon specimens continued through five million cycles. Linearized bone penetration rate, bone volume loss rate, and surface roughness for cobalt chromium test specimens were 30 times greater than for PyroCarbon. Conclusions Results demonstrate significantly less damage to bone in simulated shoulder function testing for PyroCarbon hemiarthroplasty implants relative to conventional cobalt chromium implants. Our study supports use of PyroCarbon in humeral head hemiarthroplasty as a viable alternative to conventional metal hemiarthroplasty. Further investigation of PyroCarbon performance in clinical settings is warranted.
How I treat breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Mehta-Shah Neha , Clemens Mark W. , Horwitz Steven M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBreast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a recently described form of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma now formally recognized by the World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms. The disease most often presents with a delayed seroma around the breast implant, almost exclusively with a textured surface, and manifests with breast pain, swelling or asymmetry, capsular contracture, but can also present with a breast mass, and lymph node involvement. The prognosis of BIA-ALCL is favorable compared with many other subtypes of systemic T-cell lymphoma; however, unlike other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, complete surgical excision for localized disease is an important part of the management of these patients. In this paper, we share our recommendations for a multidisciplinary team approach to the diagnosis, workup, and treatment of BIA-ALCL in line with consensus guidelines by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Coronary artery disease, genetic risk and the metabolome in young individuals
Authors: Battram Thomas , Hoskins Luke , Hughes David A. , Kettunen Johannes , Ring Susan M. , Smith George Davey , Timpson Nicholas John 
Published: September 2018

Background:Genome-wide association studies have identified genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults – the leading cause of death worldwide. It often occurs later in life, but variants may impact CAD-relevant phenotypes early and throughout the life-course. Cohorts with longitudinal and genetic data on thousands of individuals are letting us explore the antecedents of this adult disease.Methods:149 metabolites, with a focus on the lipidome, measured using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, and genotype data were available from 5,905 individuals at ages 7, 15, and 17 years from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort. Linear regression was used to assess the association between the metabolites and an adult-derived genetic risk score (GRS) of CAD comprising 146 variants. Individual variant-metabolite associations were also examined.Results:The CAD-GRS associated with 118 of 149 metabolites (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05), the strongest associations being with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and atherogenic non-LDL subgroups. Nine of 146 variants in the GRS associated with one or more metabolites (FDR < 0.05). Seven of these are within lipid loci: rs11591147PCSK9,rs12149545HERPUD1-CETP,rs17091891LPL,rs515135APOB,rs602633CELSR2-PSRC1,rs651821APOA5,rs7412APOE-APOC1.All associated with metabolites in the LDL or atherogenic non-LDL subgroups or both including aggregate cholesterol measures. The other two variants identified were rs112635299SERPINA1and rs2519093ABO.Conclusions:Genetic variants that influence CAD risk in adults are associated with large perturbations in metabolite levels in individuals as young as seven. The variants identified are mostly within lipid-related loci and the metabolites they associated with are primarily linked to lipoproteins. This knowledge could allow for preventative measures, such as increased monitoring of at-risk individuals and perhaps treatment earlier in life, to be taken years before any symptoms of the disease arise.