bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco cessation intervention for pregnant women in Argentina and Uruguay: study protocol
Authors: Althabe Fernando , Alemán Alicia , Mazzoni Agustina , Berrueta Mabel , Morello Paola , Colomar Mercedes , Ciganda Alvaro , Becú Ana , Gibbons Luz , Llambi Laura , Bittar Gonzalez María G , Tong Van T , Farr Sherry L , Smith Ruben A , Dietz Patricia M , Johnson Carolyn , Buekens Pierre , Belizán José M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Argentina and Uruguay are among the countries with the highest proportion of pregnant women who smoke. The implementation of an effective smoking cessation intervention would have a significant impact on the health of mothers and infants. The “5 A’s” (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) is a strategy consisting of a brief cessation counseling session of 5–15 minutes delivered by a trained provider. The “5 A’s” is considered the standard of care worldwide; however, it is under used in Argentina and Uruguay.

Methods
We will conduct a two-arm, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial of an implementation intervention in 20 prenatal care settings in Argentina and Uruguay. Prenatal care settings will be randomly allocated to either an intervention or a control group after a baseline data collection period. Midwives’ facilitators in the 10 intervention prenatal clinics (clusters) will be identified and trained to deliver the “5 A’s” to pregnant women and will then disseminate and implement the program. The 10 clusters in the control group will continue with their standard in-service activities. The intervention will be tailored by formative research to be readily applicable to local prenatal care services at maternity hospitals and acceptable to local pregnant women and health providers. Our primary hypothesis is that the intervention is feasible in prenatal clinics in Argentina and Uruguay and will increase the frequency of women receiving tobacco use cessation counseling during pregnancy in the intervention clinics compared to the control clinics. Our secondary hypotheses are that the intervention will decrease the frequency of women who smoke by the end of pregnancy, and that the intervention will increase the attitudes and readiness of midwives towards providing counseling to women in the intervention clinics compared to the control clinics.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01852617
Telomere length dynamics in human memory T cells specific for viruses causing acute or latent infections
Authors: O'Bryan Joel M , Woda Marcia , Co Mary , Mathew Anuja , Rothman Alan L 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Declining telomere length (TL) is associated with T cell senescence. While TL in naïve and memory T cells declines with increasing age, there is limited data on TL dynamics in virus-specific memory CD4+ T cells in healthy adults. We combined BrdU-labeling of virus-stimulated T cells followed with flow cytometry-fluorescent in situ hybridization for TL determination. We analyzed TL in T cells specific for several virus infections: non-recurring acute (vaccinia virus, VACV), recurring-acute (influenza A virus, IAV), and reactivating viruses (varicella-zoster virus, VZV, and cytomegalovirus, CMV) in 10 healthy subjects. Additionally, five subjects provided multiple blood samples separated by up to 10 years.

Results
VACV- and CMV-specific T cells had longer average TL than IAV-specific CD4+ T cells. Although most virus-specific cells were CD45RA-, we observed a minor population of BrdU+ CD45RA+ T cells characterized by long telomeres. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a slow decline in average TL in virus-specific T cells. However, in one subject, VZV reactivation led to an increase in average TL in VZV-specific memory T cells, suggesting a conversion of longer TL cells from the naïve T cell repertoire.

Conclusions
TLs in memory CD4+ T cells in otherwise healthy adults are heterogeneous and follow distinct virus-specific kinetics. These findings suggests that the distribution of TL and the creation and maintenance of long TL memory T cells could be important for the persistence of long-lived T cell memory.
A safe and convenient pseudovirus-based inhibition assay to detect neutralizing antibodies and screen for viral entry inhibitors against the novel human coronavirus MERS-CoV
Authors: Zhao Guangyu , Du Lanying , Ma Cuiqing , Li Ye , Li Lin , Poon Vincent KM , Wang Lili , Yu Fei , Zheng Bo-Jian , Jiang Shibo , Zhou Yusen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Evidence points to the emergence of a novel human coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which causes a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like disease. In response, the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics remains a clinical priority. To accomplish this, it is necessary to evaluate neutralizing antibodies and screen for MERS-CoV entry inhibitors.

Methods
In this study, we produced a pseudovirus bearing the full-length spike (S) protein of MERS-CoV in the Env-defective, luciferase-expressing HIV-1 backbone. We then established a pseudovirus-based inhibition assay to detect neutralizing antibodies and anti-MERS-CoV entry inhibitors.

Results
Our results demonstrated that the generated MERS-CoV pseudovirus allows for single-cycle infection of a variety of cells expressing dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), the confirmed receptor for MERS-CoV. Consistent with the results from a live MERS-CoV-based inhibition assay, the antisera of mice vaccinated with a recombinant protein containing receptor-binding domain (RBD, residues 377–662) of MERS-CoV S fused with Fc of human IgG exhibited neutralizing antibody response against infection of MERS-CoV pseudovirus. Furthermore, one small molecule HIV entry inhibitor targeting gp41 (ADS-J1) and the 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride-modified human serum albumin (HP-HSA) could significantly inhibit MERS-CoV pseudovirus infection.

Conclusion
Taken together, the established MERS-CoV inhibition assay is a safe and convenient pseudovirus-based alternative to BSL-3 live-virus restrictions and can be used to rapidly screen MERS-CoV entry inhibitors, as well as evaluate vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies against the highly pathogenic MERS-CoV.
Impact of preoperative patient education on prevention of postoperative complications after major visceral surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (PEDUCAT trial)
Authors: Fink Christine , Diener Markus K , Bruckner Thomas , Müller Gisela , Paulsen Lisa , Keller Monika , Büchler Markus W , Knebel Phillip 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In line with the growing number of surgical procedures being performed worldwide, postoperative complications are also increasing proportionately. Prevention of these postoperative complications is a high medical priority. Preoperative education of patients, including provision of preparatory information about the correct behavior after surgery, could improve the postoperative outcome, but the evidence for this is inconclusive. The aim of the PEDUCAT trial is to evaluate the feasibility and the impact of preoperative patient education on postoperative morbidity, mortality and quality of life in patients scheduled for elective major visceral surgery.

Methods/design
PEDUCAT is designed as a cluster-randomized controlled pilot study. The experimental group will visit a standardized preoperative seminar to learn how best to behave after surgery in addition to being given a standard information brochure, whereas the control group will only receive the information brochure. Outcome measures such as postoperative morbidity, postoperative pain, postoperative anxiety and depression, patient satisfaction, quality of life, length of hospital stay and postoperative mortality will be evaluated. Statistical analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat population. Analysis of covariance will be applied for the intervention group comparison, adjusting for age, center and quality of life before surgery. This is a pilot study to show the feasibility of the concept. Nevertheless, the planned sample size of n = 204 is large enough to show an effect with power of 90% and a significance level of 5%.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trial Register number: DRKS00004226.
Increasing the metabolic capacity of Escherichia coli for hydrogen production through heterologous expression of the Ralstonia eutropha SH operon
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Bisaillon Ariane , Hallenbeck Patrick C 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Fermentative hydrogen production is an attractive means for the sustainable production of this future energy carrier but is hampered by low yields. One possible solution is to create, using metabolic engineering, strains which can bypass the normal metabolic limits to substrate conversion to hydrogen. Escherichia coli can degrade a variety of sugars to hydrogen but can only convert electrons available at the pyruvate node to hydrogen, and is unable to use the electrons available in NADH generated during glycolysis.

Results
Here, the heterologous expression of the soluble [NiFe] hydrogenase from Ralstonia eutropha H16 (the SH hydrogenase) was used to demonstrate the introduction of a pathway capable of deriving substantial hydrogen from the NADH generated by fermentation. Successful expression was demonstrated by in vitro assay of enzyme activity. Moreover, expression of SH restored anaerobic growth on glucose to adhE strains, normally blocked for growth due to the inability to re-oxidize NADH. Measurement of in vivo hydrogen production showed that several metabolically engineered strains were capable of using the SH hydrogenase to derive 2 mol H2 per mol of glucose consumed, close to the theoretical maximum.

Conclusion
Previous introduction of heterologous [NiFe] hydrogenase in E. coli led to NAD(P)H dependent activity, but hydrogen production levels were very low. Here we have shown for the first time substantial in vivo hydrogen production by a heterologously expressed [NiFe] hydrogenase, the soluble NAD-dependent H2ase of R. eutropha (SH hydrogenase). This hydrogenase was able to couple metabolically generated NADH to hydrogen production, thus rescuing an alcohol dehydrogenase (adhE) mutant. This enlarges the range of metabolism available for hydrogen production, thus potentially opening the door to the creation of greatly improved hydrogen production. Strategies for further increasing yields should revolve around making additional NADH available.
Provision of foot health services for people with rheumatoid arthritis in New South Wales: a web‐based survey of local podiatrists
Authors: Hendry Gordon J , Gibson Kathryn A , Pile Kevin , Taylor Luke , du Toit Verona , Burns Joshua , Rome Keith 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear if podiatric foot care for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in New South Wales (NSW) meets current clinical recommendations. The objective of this study was to survey podiatrists' perceptions of the nature of podiatric foot care provision for people who have RA in NSW.MethodsAn anonymous, cross‐sectional survey with a web‐based questionnaire was conducted. The survey questionnaire was developed according to clinical experience and current foot care recommendations. State registered podiatrists practising in the state of NSW were invited to participate. The survey link was distributed initially via email to members of the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW), and distributed further through snowballing techniques using professional networks. Data was analysed to assess significant associations between adherence to clinical practice guidelines, and private/public podiatry practices.Results86 podiatrists participated in the survey (78% from private practice, 22% from public practice). Respondents largely did not adhere to formal guidelines to manage their patients (88%). Only one respondent offered a dedicated service for patients with RA. Respondents indicated that the primary mode of accessing podiatry was by self‐referral (68%). Significant variation was observed regarding access to disease and foot specific assessments and treatment strategies. Assessment methods such as administration of patient reported outcome measures, vascular and neurological assessments were not conducted by all respondents. Similarly, routine foot care strategies such as prescription of foot orthoses, foot health advice and footwear were not employed by all respondents.ConclusionsThe results identified issues in foot care provision which should be explored through further research. Foot care provision in NSW does not appear to meet the current recommended standards for the management of foot problems in people who have RA. Improvements to foot care could be undertaken in terms of providing better access to examination techniques and treatment strategies that are recommended by evidence based treatment paradigms.
Management of diabetes mellitus and associated cardiovascular risk factors in Brazil – the Brazilian study on the practice of diabetes care
Authors: Braga Juarez R , Avezum Alvaro , Ferreira Sandra RG , Forti Adriana 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The Brazilian Study on the Practice of Diabetes Care main objective was to provide an epidemiological profile of individuals with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in Brazil, concerning therapy and adherence to international guidelines in the medical practice.

Methods
This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study collected and analyzed data from individuals with type 1 and 2 DM attending public or private clinics in Brazil. Each investigator included the first 10 patients with type 2 DM who visited his/her office, and the first 5 patients with type 1 DM.

Results
A total of 1,358 patients were analyzed; 375 (27.6%) had type 1 and 983 (72.4%) had type 2 DM. Most individuals were women, Caucasian, and private health care users. High prevalence rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia and central obesity were observed, particularly in type 2 DM. Only 7.3% and 5.1% of the individuals with types 1 and 2 DM, respectively, had optimal control of blood pressure, plasma glucose and lipids. The absence of hypertension and female sex were associated with better control of type 1 DM and other cardiovascular risk factors. In type 2 DM, older age was also associated with better control.

Conclusions
Female sex, older age, and absence of hypertension were associated with better metabolic control. An optimal control of plasma glucose and other cardiovascular risk factors are obtained only in a minority of individuals with diabetes. Local numbers, compared to those from other countries are worse.
Disassembly-driven Turn-on Sensing of Enzyme Activity by Substrate-based Fluorescent Nanoprobe
Authors: Takaoka Yousuke , Fukuyama Yoshiaki , Matsuo Kazuya , Hamachi Itaru 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Herein, we report a novel signal-amplifiable self-assembling fluorescent nanoprobe for turn-on detection of specific enzyme activity. This probe employed a substrate of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) together with a self-assembling unit, and showed a detection limit of less than 830 pM, which is 84-fold lower than that of our previous ligand-tethered fluorescent nanoprobes. Using this new probe, we succeeded in monitoring the specific activity of secreted MMP even in the conditioned media of tumor cells.
Optical coatings for energy-efficient fenestration: principles, products and prospects
Authors: Granqvist Claes G. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Buildings use as much as 40% of the world’s total primary energy. This huge energy consumption is mainly tied to poor designs and entrenched practices for buildings’ envelopes. One major road toward more energy efficient buildings is to employ design principles that are in harmony with the radiation in our natural surroundings. Glass coatings with spectral selectivity can lead to windows and glass facades with good thermal insulation and capability to transmit mainly visible light or, alternatively, across the full solar spectrum. Chromogenic glazings, especially if based on electrochromism, can regulate the inflow of visible light and solar energy between widely separated limits and achieve further energy efficiency. The new fenestration technologies are able to improve indoor comfort.
Increased B-type natriuretic peptide levels in early-onset versus late-onset preeclampsia
Authors: Szabó Gábor , Molvarec Attila , Nagy Bálint , Rigó Jr. János 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe compared B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, clinical and laboratory findings in early-onset preeclampsia (EOP), late-onset preeclampsia (LOP) and healthy pregnant groups.We studied 40 healthy pregnant and 40 preeclamptic patients. Preeclamptics were divided in two groups, the EOP group (n=20) and LOP group (n=20), according to gestational age at the onset of disease. The distinction criterion for early- vs. late-onset was set as week 34 of gestation. The concentration of the BNP levels was measured by a sandwich fluorescence immunoassay. For statistical analysis of the clinical and laboratory findings non-parametric methods were applied.BNP levels were higher in EOP [61.35 (36.95–93.25) pg/mL] and LOP patients [32.4 (19.15–39.2) pg/mL] than in healthy pregnant women [10.05 (6.08–16.03) pg/mL] (both p<0.001). Furthermore, EOPs had significantly higher BNP levels as compared to LOP patients (p<0.001). A BNP cut-off <24.5 pg/mL had a negative-predictive value of 85.1% excluding preeclampsia. There was a significant inverse correlation between plasma BNP levels of EOP patients and sodium (p<0.05) and total protein concentrations (p<0.05). In the EOP group, a significant positive correlation was observed between plasma levels of BNP and hematocrit (p<0.05), serum potassium (p<0.05), urea (p<0.05) and 24-h proteinuria (p<0.05).BNP levels were significantly higher in EOP than in LOP patients. The cut-off value <24.5 pg/mL seems to be a powerful discriminative indicator excluding preeclampsia. The amount of proteinuria and total protein levels correlate with the elevation of the BNP levels. In EOP the extent of proteinuria is higher than in the LOP.
Recent Advances of Spout-Fluid Bed: A Review of Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Shao Yingjuan , Liu Xuejiao , Zhong Wenqi , Jin B.-S. , Zhang Mingyao 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The spout-fluid bed (SFB) is a very successful synthesis of the spouting and fluidization. The hydrodynamics of SFB are more complex than both fluidized beds and spouted beds. Up-to-date information on the fundamentals and applications of SFBs has been briefly presented, based on the limited work reported, in the new spouted bed book edited by Norman Epstein and John R. Grace (Spouted and spout-fluid beds: fundamentals and applications, 2011). In the past three years, nearly 30 papers have been published in international journals. They reported interesting studies on hydrodynamic characteristics, numerical simulations and new applications of SFBs. This article reviews the major research and development on SFB from the year 2010 and recommends further research topics. This review is intended not only as an important supplement to the SFB chapter of the spouted bed book but also helpful guidance for future research.
Dual form of Generalized Variational Principles for Piezoelectricity
Authors: Song Hai-Yan , Liu Zong-Min , Huang Yong-Hu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Because of electromechanical coupled properties and anisotropy of piezoelectric materials, it is quite a challenge to obtain analytical solution and numerical solution. In the paper, the dual form of the generalized VPs for piezoelectricity are established using the variational integral method and form the Hamilton symplectic dual system for piezoelectricity. These then provide the theoretical foundation of the finite element method for piezoelectricity.
Exponential Stabilization and Synchronization of Complex-variable Chaotic Systems via Intermittent Control
Authors: Wu Zhaoyan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper, exponential stabilization and synchronization of complex-variable chaotic system are investigated. Periodically intermittent controllers are designed and applied to achieve the stabilization and synchronization. Based on the differential inequality method and the analysis technique, several simple and useful synchronization criteria are derived. Simulated examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Size Effect Analysis in Laminated Composite Structure using General Bilinear Fit
Authors: Mohammed Y. , Hassan Mohamed K. , Abu El-Ainin H. , Hashem A. M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A bilinear cohesive law analyzes the in-plane nominal strength of Quasi-brittle material containing a single hole in which damage around the open hole is represented by a line crack loaded on its faces. This analysis of quasi-brittle structures has been done by taking into account the geometry and length of fracture processing zone and the shape of the cohesive law. The nominal strength based on size effect is analyzed for similarly shape specimen geometry. Simple design tables for the bilinear cohesive law have been developed respect to the specimen types offering a very useful for engineering designers.
Complex Dynamics in Non-linear Real Estate Models
Authors: Gkana Amalia , Zachilas Loukas , Arvanitidis Paschalis 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In the present paper we study the complex dynamics of non-linear cobweb models of real estate markets in discrete time. Our model incorporates two sub-markets, land and housing, interacting with each other. We start by outlining the basic model, which assumes that land prices determine housing supply. This provides the foundations for the development of the more refined and complicated models that follow. These explore the dynamics of the real estate system, when land supply is affected by housing prices. Two forms of this relation are examined: linear and quotient, in order to investigate the dynamics of the system and the qualities and behaviour of the solutions. Stability analysis is obtained in order to investigate the stability properties of the fixed points. Various numerical simulation tools are used in order to study the complex dynamics of the systems. Finally, a global bifurcation occurring in the nonlinear case (quotient) is investigated, which changes the asymptotic behaviour of the system leading from a situation of bistability (cycle of period 2) to chaotic behaviour.
Mutual masking in the cochlea by bone conduction stimulation and by soft tissue conduction stimulation in an animal model
Authors: Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim , Perez Ronen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue conduction (STC) is a recently described mode of auditory stimulation in which vibrations induced by a clinical bone vibrator applied to soft tissue sites on the head, neck, and thorax of human subjects reach the cochlea and elicit auditory sensation. In humans, STC stimulation interacts with air conduction stimulation and with bone conduction (BC) stimulation in several ways, e.g., mutual masking.

Methods: This study investigated whether mutual masking between STC and BC stimulation can be demonstrated in an experimental animal. In fat sand rats, auditory nerve and brainstem evoked response to BC stimulation was recorded in the presence of noise masking presented by STC and vice versa.

Results: STC successfully masked BC, and BC also masked STC responses.

Conclusions: Mutual masking, now demonstrated in animals, paves the way for animal experiments to clarify the pathway between the STC stimulation sites and the cochlea.