bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation for refractory angina (RASCAL study): study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eldabe Sam , Raphael John , Thomson Simon , Manca Andrea , de Belder Mark , Aggarwal Rajesh , Banks Matthew , Brookes Morag , Merotra Susan , Adeniba Rashidat , Davies Ed , Taylor Rod S 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The RASCAL (R efractory A ngina S pinal C ord stimulation and usuAL care) pilot study seeks to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial to assess if addition of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to usual care is clinically superior and more cost-effective than usual care alone in patients with refractory angina.

Methods/design
This is an external pilot, patient-randomized controlled trial.
The study will take place at three centers in the United Kingdom - South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (The James Cook University Hospital), Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The subjects will be 45 adults with refractory angina, that is, limiting angina despite optimal anti-angina therapy, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classification Class III and IV, angiographically documented coronary artery disease not suitable for revascularization, satisfactory multidisciplinary assessment and demonstrable ischemia on functional testing.
The study will be stratified by center, age and Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classification.
Interventions will involve spinal cord stimulation plus usual care (‘SCS group’) or usual care alone (‘UC group’). Usual care received by both groups will include consideration of an education session with a pain consultant, trial of a transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, serial thoracic sympathectomy and oral/systemic analgesics.
Expected outcomes will be recruitment and retention rates; reasons for agreeing/declining participation; variability in primary and secondary outcomes (to inform power calculations for a definitive trial); and completion rates of outcome measures. Trial patient-related outcomes include disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life, angina exercise capacity, intake of angina medications, frequency of angina attacks, complications and adverse events, and satisfaction.

Discussion
The RASCAL pilot trial seeks to determine the feasibility and design of a definitive randomized controlled trial comparing the addition of spinal cord stimulation to usual care versus usual care alone for patients with refractory angina.
Fifteen patients have been recruited since recruitment opened in October 2011. The trial was originally scheduled to end in April 2013 but due to slow recruitment may have to be extended to late 2013.

Trial registration

ISRCTN65254102
Determination of Degradation Products of Plant Origin Pigments in the Bottom Sediments of Lakes / Oznaczanie Zawartości Produktów Degradacji Barwników Pochodzenia Roślinnego W Osadach Dennych Jezior
Authors: Cieślewicz Joanna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The objective of this exercise was to introduce students to one of the methods used for determination of the content of pigments’ degradation products in lake bottom sediments characterised by heterogeneous physical and chemical properties. The research revealed that the studied bottom sediments were characterised by diverse content of products produced during degradation of pigments of plant origin, whereas higher concentrations of these compounds were found in sediments containing inorganic carbon (carbonates). The obtained results also indicate that it is important to have the results properly presented, particularly in the case of samples containing the carbonates.
Tristram Shandy – The Playful Art of Seduction
Authors: Băniceru Ana Cristina 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe main concern of a skilled storyteller is not to report a sequence of events, but to tell a ‘tellable’ story and to ward off the question ‘so what?’ coming from the listener. However, what happens when the story has little to recommend it as ‘tellable’? This is the case of Tristram Shandy who uses sexuality as elaborate rhetorical strategy to constantly tease and arouse his narratees’ imagination.
Analysis of displacement of excavation based on inclinometer measurements
Authors: Gorska Karolina , Wyjadłowski Marek 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The article presents back analysis to estimate geotechnical parameters of fill layer. The agreement between field measurements and theoretical calculations was examined. Displacements of a cantilever CFA bored pile wall were monitored. The inclinometric measurements were taken directly after pile construction and according to excavation process. Over 200 calculation series were performed, with changing fill parameters. The calculations employed the actual geometric and material parameters of the pile wall, as well as geotechnical parameters of layered soil. The parameters estimated through back analysis were the angle of internal friction and Young’s modulus of fill layer. In the case discussed, pile wall cap displacement was the response of the system, and soil medium parameters were the input data. The agreement between theoretical calculations and inclinometer measurements was assessed in accordance with two functions. The measured horizontal displacements of excavation support structure assumed different values at the two inclinometer sites analysed. Back analysis results for these sites are approximately convergent for a final excavation depth.
Relationship Between Postpartum Disorders And Pregnancy Losses and Subsequent Fertility of Dairy Cows
Authors: Zbylut Janusz , Gehrke Marek , Malinowski Edward 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to find the relationship between some postpartum disorders and pregnancy losses (PL), and the influence of PL on further fertility of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. The 1,056 pregnancies and 906 calving intervals (CI) of 378 cows during the nine-year observation period were analysed. The average milk yield during this period increased from 7,500 to 10,500 kg/305 d of lactation. All cows up to 4 weeks after calving were gynecologically examined and cases of genital tract disorders were recorded and treated. Artificial inseminations (AI) were made using commercial frozen/thawed semen. In cows with silent ovulation, oestrus was induced by injection of PGF2α or programmes using PGF2α and GnRH, or hCG were applied. Pregnancy was diagnosed with the use of ultrasonography or foetal membrane slip only from 30 and 42 d after service, respectively, and re-diagnosed between 70 and 90 d after AI. The cases of „early foetal loss” up to 90 d and „mid-to-late PL” between 91 and 260 d after AI were recorded. Endometritis was noted in 31.8%, ovarian cysts in 8.5%, whereas ovarian inactivity in 4.6% of cows. Early PL was observed in 5.2%, whereas mid-to-late PL in 6.8% of cows (total 12%). From all analysed factors, the influence of delayed or periodical lack of ovarian activity was significant with regard to early PL (P=0.029). The probability of early PL increased when besides the diagnosis of ovarian inactivity, AI was made following an induced oestrus (P=0.003). CI for cows, which did not lost pregnancy amounted 442.9 d. The early, mid-to-late and multiple PL extended the CI to 579.6, 661.1 and 657.7 d, respectively (P<0.05). Concurrently, CI for cows with “early foetal loss” was significantly shorter comparing to cows with “mid-to-late foetal loss” (579.6 d vs.661.1 d; P<0.05). On average 2.6 inseminations for one pregnancy were needed, and each PL increased the AI index. Significant differences were stated after early and multiple foetal losses (5.2 and 5.1 vs. 2.6; P<0.05).
Tinea Capitis in Belgrade 1998-2002 / Tinea Capitis u Beogradu 1998-2002. Godine
Authors: Nikolić Miloš M. , Stamenović Zoran , Gajić-Veljić Mirjana , Vukićević Jelica 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Tinea capitis (TC) is a worldwide health problem and a specific therapeutic challenge. The objective of this study was to establish the causative agents and clinical types and to present management options for TC. From 1993 to 2002, we treated 354 children (61% were boys) with TC. The data for the period 1998-2002, were analyzed in detail. After clinical and Wood's light examination, specimens were directly microscopically analyzed and cultivated. Superficial TC was diagnozed in 230 (65%), and kerion in 124 patients (35%), respectively. Of 51 kerion patients, 3 children (6%) had erythema nodosum. Griseofulvin was given at a dose of 15 to 25 mg/kg (average: 18 mg/kg). A 100% cure rate was achieved. In the period 1998-2002, M. audouinii was predominantly found in superficial TC. Oral griseofulvin therapy should be accompanied by shaving the hair from the scalp and topical imidazole creams, which provides 100% cure rate of superficial TC (in 6.5 weeks) and of kerion (in 5.4 weeks).
History of dermatology and venereology in Serbia - part III/1: Dermatovenereology in Serbia from 1881 - 1918
Authors: Lalević-Vasić Bosiljka M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper deals with the period from 1881 to 1918, when the following Sanitary Laws were passed: Law on the Organization of the Sanitary Profession and Public Health Care (1881), which implemented measures for protection from venereal diseases, as well as restriction of prostitution; Public Sanitary Fund (1881), with independent budget for health care; Announcement on Free of Charge Treatment of Syphilis (1887). Dermatovenereological Departments were also founded: in the General Public Hospital in Belgrade (1881), and in the General Military Hospital (1909). The Hospital in Knjaževac for Syphilis was reopened (1881), as well as mobile and temporary hospitals for syphilis, and a network of County and Municipality hospitals. The first Serbian dermatovenereologist was Dr. Jevrem Žujović (1860 - 1944), and then Dr. Milorad Savićević (1877 - 1915). Skin and venereal diseases were treated by general practitioners, surgeons, internists and neurologists. Although Dr. Laza Lazarević (1851 - 1890) was not a dermatologist, but a physician and a writer, he published three papers on dermatovenereology, whereas Dr. Milorad Godjevac (1860 - 1933) wrote an important study on endemic syphilis. From 1885 to 1912, organization of dermatovenereology service has significantly improved. Considering the fact that archive documents are often missing, only approximate structure of diseases is specified: in certain monthly reports in Zaječar, out of all the diseased persons, 45% had skin or venereal diseases, while in Užice the number was 10.5%, which points to different distribution of these diseases. High percentage of dermatovenereology diseases was caused by high frequency of venereal diseases and syphilis. During the war: 1912 - 1918, the military medical service dominated, and in 1917 Prince Alexander Serbian Reserve Hospital was founded in Thessaloniki with a Department for Skin and Venereal Diseases. During this period, work of the Civilian Health Care Service was interrupted, consequently leading to a considerable aggravation of public health.
Cutaneous Blastomycosis – a case report
Authors: Ninković Baroš Đuka , Balaban Jagoda , Tomašević Pavlović Svetlana , Salapura Dugonjić Aleksandra , Popović Gorana , Brđanin Dušanka 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
We present a 46-year-old non-atopic HIV-negative woman from Doboj, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was referred to the Department of Dermatovenereology, Clinical Center Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a 3-month long history of an erythematous, large indurated infl amed area on the upper arm. The condition was asymptomatic, immediately following surgical excision of a small tumor. After exlusion of pulmonary blastomycosis and other organ involvement, the diagnosis of primary inoculation cutaneous blastomycosis was made based on clinical presentation and histopathological fi ndings. Histopathology revealed thick-walled, rounded, budding yeasts with broad-based buds that stained pink with periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining. Itraconazole therapy was initiated at a dose of 2x100 mg/day. After three months of therapy, the dose of itraconazole was increased to 2x200 mg/day during the next three months, and then the dose was reduced to 2x100 mg. Blastomycosis is an uncommon, chronic granulomatous and suppurative mycosis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, which belongs to the group of main endemic systemic mycoses and in the great majority of cases represents a primary pulmonary disease. Few sporadic cases have been reported in Europe. There are three forms of blastomycosis: primary cutaneous, pulmonary and disseminated. B. dermatitidis has rarely been isolated from the environment. Wood debris or land close to rivers or subject to fl ooding are considered to be the natural substrate. The fungus can grow in sterile soil in the laboratory, and it is believed that humans get infected by inhaling spores from a saprophytic source. Primary cutaneous blastomycosis is very rare and it is found in farmers and laboratory workers. Human to human transmission does not normally occur. The diagnosis of the skin lesions is made by direct microscopy of skin samples (e.g., pus, scrapings) with 10% potassium hydroxide mount and confi rmed by culture or biopsy. Histopathological analysis provides identifi cation of all the dimorphic fungi. However, this can be complicated by the fact that in some cases they can be morphologically atypical or sterile. In the tissues, B. dermatitidis produces characteristic thick-walled, rounded, refractile, and spherical budding yeasts with broad-based buds. Of the available antimycotic drugs, itraconazole 200 mg/day is probably the most effective, but at least 400 mg/day is redommended initially.
Determination of Dynamic Loads of Sprocket Drum Teeth and Seats by Means of a Mathematical Model of the Longwall Conveyor / Wyznaczenie Obciążeń Dynamicznych Zębów I Gniazd Bębna Łańcuchowego Za Pomocą Modelu Matematycznego Przenośnika Ścianowego
Authors: Dolipski Marian , Remiorz Eryk , Sobota Piotr 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Scraper conveyors are one of the key machines forming part of mechanised longwall systems. They are currently the only means of transporting the mined rock from longwalls in hard coal mines. The hauling force caused by the drive is transmitted onto a link chain through drive wheels with their external shape corresponding to a geometric polygon. The number of teeth (seats) in such wheels ranges between 5 and 8. The horizontal links running on the drum are arranged in the drive wheel seats and are meshing with the teeth segments. The geometric relationships between the sprocket drum and the links are decisive for the position of the chain links in the seats. The abrasive wear of the chain parts and of the drive drum parts occurring due to conveyor operation is increasing the chain pitch and decreasing the wheel pitch. The position of a link in the seats changes as a result along with the load on the sprocket drum teeth and seats. Sprocket drums are the weakest element in longwall conveyors. It is, therefore, urgently necessary to determine the dynamic loads of such drums’ teeth and seats. The article presents a physical model and a mathematical model of a longwall conveyor created for the purpose of determination of dynamic loads of the sprocket drum teeth and seats. The results of computer simulations are also presented (dynamic loads: in chains, dynamic loads of sprocket drums and dynamic loads of sprocket drums’ teeth and seats) carried out using the created mathematical model for a 350 m long face conveyor.
Carex disperma – not yet extinct species in old-growth swampy forests of Lithuania
Authors: Uselis Vytautas , Uselienė Asta 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Uselis V., Uselienė A., 2012: Carex disperma - not yet extinct species in old-growth swampy forests of Lithuania [Carex disperma - dar neišnykusi pelkinių sengirių rūšis Lietuvoje]. - Bot. Lith., 18(1): 13-18. The paper describes the locality of Carex disperma reaffirmed after a century; the locality is situated in the present territory of the Viešvilė State Strict Nature Reserve. Plants were found in an old swampy spruce forest, which, according to the geobotanical description, corresponds to the Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum Polak. 1962 association. The stand is rich in indicator species of an old-growth forest. Twelve Carex disperma individuals, growing in the area of 3 m2, were recorded in 2009. One more locality has recently been found in Utena region, but it has not been published in scientific references yet. Information on other localities of this species in Lithuania is either very old (mid-19th century) or not confirmed by the herbarium specimens.
Methods for Cyanotoxins detection
Authors: Koreivienė Judita , Belous Olga 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Koreivienė J., Belous O., 2012: Methods for cyanotoxins detection [Cianotoksinų nustatymo metodai]. - Bot. Lith., 18(1): 58-65. Global occurrence and concern about microcystin contamination, the potential consequences of exposure to cyanobacterial toxins in recreational and drinking waters promoted the development of numerous methods to detect the toxin and their producers as well as identification and quantification of toxins. In current study we overview numerous methods that have been developed for the cyanotoxin analysis. We discuss advantages and shortages of their applications to solve different questions.
Long delay cerebral metastases
Authors: Danaila Leon , Radoi Mugurel , Popa Roxana , Stefanescu Florin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In adults, cerebral metastases are the most common intracranial tumors, and their incidence has been rising in the last decades. The median interval between the diagnosis of the primary cancer and the detection of brain metastasis is relatively short, generally around one or two years.
This study made a selection of six cases with a more than five years delay until the diagnosis of a cerebral metastases, from over 246 patients with brain metastases, admitted in our department, between 2006- 2010. All six patients underwent surgery for their primary neoplasm, prior to neurosurgical diagnosis and treatment.
We found 6 patients, having renal, breast or lung cancer, in which the delay between diagnosis of the primary tumor and that of the brain metastases started from 5 years and reached even 18 years.
In all cases, this delay was longer than the median interval found in the most neurosurgical series. Very probably the immune system plays a major role in controlling recurrences and new metastases in the nervous system
European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index and European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Patient‐Reported Index: A Complete Picture of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients
Authors: Seror R. , Gottenberg J. E. , Devauchelle‐Pensec V. , Dubost J. J. , Le Guern V. , Hayem G. , Fauchais A.‐L. , Goeb V. , Hachulla E. , Hatron P. Y. , Larroche C. , Morel J. , Pedriger A. , Puechal X. , Rist S. , Saraux A. , Sene D. , Sibilia J. , Vittecoq O. , Zarnitsky C. , Labetoulle M. , Ravaud P. , Mariette X. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThe European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and the EULAR SS Patient‐Reported Index (ESSPRI) were recently developed. We aimed to determine whether patients' symptoms differed between patients with and without systemic involvement and if the disease‐specific indices correlated with each other in primary SS.MethodsFifteen French centers included 395 primary SS patients in the Assessment of Systemic Signs and Evolution in Sjögren's Syndrome Cohort. At enrollment, physicians completed the ESSDAI, the SS Disease Activity Index (SSDAI), and the Sjögren's Systemic Clinical Activity Index (SCAI), and patients completed the ESSPRI, the Sicca Symptoms Inventory, and the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort. All scores were compared between patients with and without systemic involvement. Correlations between scores of systemic activity and patients' symptoms were obtained.ResultsAt enrollment, 120 (30.4%) patients had never experienced systemic complication and 155 (39.2%) patients and 120 (30.4%) patients had, respectively, only past or current systemic manifestations. Past or current systemic patients had higher levels of symptoms, except dryness. The ESSDAI did not correlate with the patient‐scored ESSPRI (rho = 0.06, P = 0.30), whereas the SSDAI and the SCAI, which include subjective items, did correlate (rho = 0.28 and 0.25, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both).ConclusionAlterations of common patient‐reported outcomes are present in all patients with primary SS, including those with systemic complications. However, patient symptoms and systemic complications are 2 different facets of primary SS. Therefore, the use of both systemic and patients' indices, such as the ESSDAI and ESSPRI, are useful. Since these 2 facets weakly overlap, one should identify which of both components is the main target of the treatment to test, when designing clinical trials in primary SS.
Addition of Cilostazol to Conventional Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Reduces the Risk of Cardiac Events and Restenosis After Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhangwei , Qian Juying , Chen Yinghua , Ma Jianying , Ge Junbo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis meta‐analysis was performed to compare the risk of cardiac events and restenosis between triple antiplatelet therapy (TAT, addition of cilostazol to aspirin and clopidogrel) and conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT, aspirin and clopidogrel) in drug‐eluting stents (DES) implantation patients. We performed PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL searches for randomized clinical trials of TAT versus DAT in patients after DES implantation. Five clinical trials were involved in the study. TAT was associated with a 36% reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE; odds ratio (OR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51–0.81, P < .01), a 40% reduction (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44–0.80; P < .01) in target vessel revascularization (TVR), a 44% reduction (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34–0.91; P = .02) in target lesion revascularization (TLR) and a 47%/44% reduction in in‐segment/in‐stent restenosis (P < .01) and lower in‐segment/in‐stent late loss (P < .01). As regards to the safety assessment, there was no significant difference about the risk of stent thrombosis and bleeding between TAT and DAT group, while the risk of gastrointestinal trouble was significantly higher in TAT group (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.25–4.86; P < .01). Addition of cilostazol to DAT reduced the incidence of MACE, TVR, and TLR after DES implantation. TAT also reduced the risk of restenosis and late loss in patients after DES implantation.