bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Headset, Flight Workload, Hearing Ability, and Communications Message Quality on Pilot Performance
Authors: Casto Kristen L. , Casali John G. 
Published: October 2012

Objective: This study was designed to determine the effects of hearing loss, aviation headset type, flight workload complexity, and communication signal quality on pilots’ performance in an army rotary-wing flight simulator. Background: To maintain flight status, army aviators who do not meet current audiometric standards require a hearing loss waiver, which is based on speech intelligibility in quiet conditions. Because hearing loss characteristics of hearing-impaired aviators can vary greatly, and because performance is likely also influenced by degree of flight workload and communication demand, it was expected that performance among hearing-impaired aviators would also vary. Method: Participants were 20 army helicopter pilots. Pilots flew three flights in a full motion-based helicopter simulator, with a different headset configuration and varying flight workload levels and communication signal quality characterizing each flight. Objective flight performance parameters of heading, altitude, and airspeed deviation and air traffic control command read-backs were measured. Results: Statistically significant results suggest that high levels of flight workload, especially in combination with poor communications signal quality, lead to deficits in flight performance and speech intelligibility. Conclusion: These results support a conclusion that factors other than hearing thresholds and speech intelligibility in quiet should be considered when evaluating helicopter pilots’ flight safety. The results also support a recommendation that hearing-impaired pilots use assistive communication technology and not fly with strictly passive headsets. Application: The combined effects of flight environment with individual hearing levels should be considered when making recommendations concerning continued aviation flight status and those concerning communications headsets used in high-noise cockpits.
Spaces Recovered by Memory
Authors: Medina-Sancho Gloria 
Published: October 2012

The Chilean documentary Estadio Nacional (Carmen Luz Parot, 2001) conflates present and past by testifying, through different voices and images, to the National Stadium’s conversion into a concentration camp immediately after the September 11, 1973, coup d’état. Analysis of the way in which the stadium is critically revisited by victims of the dictatorship who were tortured there calls attention to the importance of the representation of space as a sort of archaeological work of memory that allows victims both to work through their traumatic experiences and to denounce the atrocities committed by their captors. In this sense, the film can be seen as a simulacrum of a pending judicial investigation in that it turns the public into a witness of this unfinished trial. El documental chileno Estadio Nacional (Carmen Luz Parot, 2001) combina el presente y el pasado atestiguando, por medio de distintas voces e imágenes, la conversión del Estadio Nacional en un campo de concentración inmediatamente después del golpe de estado del 11 de Septiembre de 1973. Un análisis del modo en que el estadio es críticamente examinado por las víctimas de la dictadura que fueron torturadas allí se enfoca en la importancia de la representación del espacio como forma de trabajo arqueológico de la memoria que permite a las víctimas enfrentar sus traumas y denunciar las atrocidades cometidas por sus captores. En este sentido, la película puede verse como el simulacro de una investigación judicial pendiente que convierte al público en testigo de este juicio inacabado.
Rotator Cuff Muscles Lose Responsiveness to Anabolic Steroids After Tendon Tear and Musculotendinous Retraction
Authors: Gerber Christian , Meyer Dominik C. , Von Rechenberg Brigitte , Hoppeler Hans , Frigg Robert , Farshad Mazda 
Published: October 2012

Background: Long-standing rotator cuff tendon tearing is associated with retraction, loss of work capacity, irreversible fatty infiltration, and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles. Although continuous musculotendinous relengthening can experimentally restore muscular architecture, restoration of atrophy and fatty infiltration is hitherto impossible. Hypothesis: Continuous relengthening with pharmacological stimulation of muscle growth using an anabolic steroid or insulin-like growth factor (IGF) can reverse atrophy and fatty infiltration as well as improve the work capacity of chronically retracted rotator cuff muscles in sheep. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen weeks after tenotomy of the infraspinatus (ISP) tendon, atrophy and fatty infiltration had developed in the retracted ISP muscle. The musculotendinous unit was continuously relengthened in 14 sheep during 6 weeks: Four sheep were treated without pharmacological stimulation, 4 with intramuscular administration of an anabolic steroid, and 6 with IGF before final repair and rehabilitation (12 weeks). Changes were documented by intraoperative measurements of muscle work capacity, histology, and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Musculotendinous relengthening by continuous traction resulted in gains of length ranging from 0.7 cm in the IGF group to 1.3 cm in the control group. Fatty infiltration progressed in all groups, and the muscle’s cross-sectional area ranged from 71% to 74% of the contralateral side at sacrifice and did not show any differences between groups in weight, volume, histological composition, or work capability of the muscle. The contralateral muscles in the anabolic steroid group, however, showed significantly higher (mean ± standard deviation) muscle work capacity of 10 ± 0.9 N·m than the contralateral muscles of the control group (6.8 ± 2.4 N·m) ( P < .05). This was accompanied by an increased mean muscle fiber area as well as by an unusual gain in the animals’ weight after injection of the anabolic steroid. Conclusion: Subcutaneous continuous relengthening of a chronically retracted musculotendinous unit is feasible and advances the retracted musculotendinous junction toward its original position. This does not change the muscle work capacity. Whereas anabolic steroids have been shown to be effective in preventing classic degenerative muscle changes after tendon tears, neither an anabolic steroid nor IGF contributes to regeneration of the muscle once degenerative changes are established. Clinical Relevance: The findings demonstrate that muscle cells lose reactiveness to an anabolic steroid and IGF once retraction has led to fatty infiltration and atrophy of the muscle. Retraction of the muscle after tendon tears must be avoided by early repair, particularly in an athlete, as no regeneration can be achieved by mechanical or pharmacological means at this time.
Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair of Panlabral Tears of the Glenohumeral Joint
Authors: Ricchetti Eric T. , Ciccotti Michael C. , O’Brien Daniel F. , DiPaola Matthew J. , DeLuca Peter F. , Ciccotti Michael G. , Williams Gerald R. , Lazarus Mark D. 
Published: October 2012

Background: Combined lesions of the glenoid labrum involving tears of the anterior, posterior, and superior labrum have been infrequently reported in the literature. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic repair of these lesions in a general population using validated scoring instruments, presence of complications, and need for revision surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-eight patients who had arthroscopic labral repair of tears involving the anterior, posterior, and superior labrum (defined as a panlabral repair) were identified at our institution by retrospective review. All patients underwent arthroscopic labral repair with suture anchor fixation by a uniform approach and with a standardized postoperative protocol. Forty-four patients had a minimum 16-month postoperative follow-up. Outcomes were assessed postoperatively by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Penn Shoulder score. Complications were also documented, including need for revision surgery. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 32 years (range, 15-55 years) in the 44 patients. Presenting shoulder complaints included pain alone (40%), instability alone (14%), or pain and instability (45%). Mean number of anchors per repair was 7.9 (range, 5-12). Mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 16-78 months). Mean ± standard deviation ASES score at final follow-up was 90.1 ± 17.7 (range, 22-100), and mean Penn Shoulder score was 90.2 ± 15.3 (range, 38-100). Three of the 4 patients with outcome scores of 70 or less at final follow-up had undergone prior surgery. Thirteen postoperative complications (30%) occurred, with 3 (7%) requiring a second surgery. Five patients (11%) had an instability event following panlabral repair, but only 1 of these patients (2%) required revision surgery for a recurrent labral tear. Conclusion: Combined tears of the anterior, posterior, and superior glenoid labrum represent a small but significant portion of labral injuries. Arthroscopic repair of these injuries can be performed with good postoperative outcomes and a low rate of recurrent labral injury.
Testing the efficacy of quercetin in mitigating bisphenol A toxicity in liver and kidney of mice
Authors: Sangai Neha P , Verma Ramtej J , Trivedi Mrugesh H 
Published: October 2012

Quercetin (3,5,7,3′,4′-pentahydroxy flavone) is a potent antioxidant found in various fruits and vegetables. The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the mitigatory effect of quercetin on the damage caused by bisphenol A (BPA; 2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane), a well-known xenoestrogen, on liver and kidney of mice. Swiss strain adult male albino mice were orally administered with 120 and 240 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day BPA with or without quercetin (60 mg/kg bw/day) for 30 days. On the completion of the treatment period, animals were killed; organs were isolated and used for the study. Results revealed that oral administration of BPA for 30 days caused significant and dose-dependent decrease in body weight. Absolute and relative organ weights, total lipid and cholesterol contents were significantly increased in liver and kidney of mice when compared with vehicle control. BPA treatment also caused, when compared with vehicle control, a statistically significant reductions in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione- S-transferase as well as in glutathione and total ascorbic acid contents; however, significant increase was found in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological studies revealed hepatocellular necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and decrease in hepatocellular compactness in liver as well as distortion of the tubules, increased vacuolization, necrosis and disorganization of glomerulus in the kidney of BPA-treated mice. All these effects were dose-dependent. Co-treatment with quercetin (60 mg/kg bw) and BPA (low dose and high dose) alleviates the changes in body weight, as well as absolute and relative organ weights of mice. It also ameliorates the oxidative stress created by BPA by lowering MDA levels and by increasing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as well as it brings back the normal histoarchitecture of liver and kidney of mice. The present results revealed that graded doses of BPA caused oxidative damage in liver and kidney of mice, which is mitigated by quercetin.
Anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin and quercetin in rats
Authors: Heeba Gehan H , Mahmoud Magda E , Hanafy Amr A El 
Published: October 2012

Flavonoids are group of compounds that have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects in both cellular and animal models of inflammation. In the current study, the single and combined effects of the two flavonoids, curcumin and quercetin, against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats were evaluated with emphasis on the role of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Curcumin (50 mg/kg), quercetin (50 mg/kg) and a combination of both were orally administered for 14 days before carrageenan injection in rats and compared with the reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin (10 mg/kg). The percentage increase in paw thickness was calculated. Frozen hind paws were used for the estimation of lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde, MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), TNF-α level and HO-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Formalin-fixed hind paws were used for histopathological examination. Results showed that both curcumin and quercetin caused reduction in carrageenin-induced edema and lymphocytes infiltration along with the decrease is being even higher in case of their combination. Additionally, both flavonoids reduced MDA and NO formation, and restored GSH contents in the paw. Furthermore, both flavonoids increased HO-1 mRNA expression and decreased the elevated TNF-α level. Results showed that both flavonoids moderately lowered inflammation, while their combination was more effective. Accordingly, this study suggests that the reduction in oxidative stress and modulation of HO-1 mRNA expression and TNF-α release by curcumin and quercetin may contribute to the synergistic anti-inflammatory effects of these two flavonoids upon combination.
Measurement of asthma control according to global initiative for asthma guidelines: a comparison with the asthma control questionnaire
Authors: Olaguibel José María , Quirce Santiago , Juliá Berta , Fernández Cristina , Fortuna Ana María , Molina Jesús , Plaza Vicente ,   on behalf of the MAGIC Study Group
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a validated tool to measure asthma control. Cut-off points that best discriminate “well-controlled” or “not well-controlled” asthma have been suggested from the analysis of a large randomized clinical trial but they may not be adequate for daily clinical practice.

Aims
To establish cut-off points of the ACQ that best discriminate the level of control according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2006 guidelines in patients with asthma managed at Allergology and Pulmonology Departments as well as Primary Care Centers in Spain.

Patients and methods
An epidemiological descriptive study, with prospective data collection. Asthma control following GINA-2006 classification and 7-item ACQ was assessed. The study population was split in two parts: 2/3 for finding the cut-off points (development population) and 1/3 for validating the results (validation population).

Results
A total of 1,363 stable asthmatic patients were included (mean age 38 ± 14 years, 60.3% women; 69.1% non-smokers). Patient classification according to GINA-defined asthma control was: controlled 13.6%, partially controlled 34.2%, and uncontrolled 52.3%. The ACQ cut-off points that better agreed with GINA-defined asthma control categories were calculated using receiver operating curves (ROC). The analysis showed that ACQ < 0.5 was the optimal cut-off point for “controlled asthma” (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 77.5%) and 1.00 for “uncontrolled asthma” (sensitivity 73%, specificity 88.2%). Kappa index between GINA categories and ACQ was 0.62 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The ACQ cut-off points associated with GINA-defined asthma control in a real-life setting were <0.5 for controlled asthma and ≥1 for uncontrolled asthma.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with diabetes in prevalent hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sattar Abdus , Argyropoulos Christos , Weissfeld Lisa , Younas Nizar , Fried Linda , Kellum John A , Unruh Mark 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Diabetes is the most common risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and has been associated with increased risk of death. In order to better understand the influence of diabetes on outcomes in hemodialysis, we examine the risk of death of diabetic participants in the HEMODIALYSIS (HEMO) study.

Methods
In the HEMO study, 823 (44.6%) participants were classified as diabetic. Using the Schoenfeld residual test, we found that diabetes violated the proportional hazards assumption. Based on this result, we fit two non-proportional hazard models: Cox’s time varying covariate model (Cox-TVC) that allows the hazard for diabetes to change linearly with time and Gray’s time-varying coefficient model.

Results
Using the Cox-TVC, the hazard ratio (HR) for diabetes increased with each year of follow up (p = 0.02) for all cause mortality. Using Gray’s model, the HR for diabetes ranged from 1.41 to 2.21 (p <0.01). The HR for diabetes using Gray’s model exhibited a different pattern, being relatively stable at 1.5 for the first 3 years in the study and increasing afterwards.

Conclusion
Risk of death associated with diabetes in ESRD increases over time and suggests that an increasing risk of death among diabetes may be underappreciated when using conventional survival models.
Proof of Concept: Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor decreases inflammation and improves muscle insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Frankwich Karen , Tibble Courtney , Torres-Gonzalez Moises , Bonner Mariah , Lefkowitz Roy , Tyndall Matt , Schmid-Schönbein Geert W , Villarreal Francisco , Heller Mike , Herbst Karen 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a state of subclinical inflammation resulting in loss of function of insulin receptors and decreased insulin sensitivity. Inhibition of the inflammatory enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), for 6 months in rodent models restores insulin receptor function and insulin sensitivity.

Methods
This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled proof-of-concept study was performed to determine if the MMP inhibitor (MMPI), doxycycline, decreased global markers of inflammation and enhanced muscle insulin sensitivity in obese people with type 2 diabetes (DM2). The study included non-DM2 controls (n = 15), and DM2 subjects randomized to PL (n = 13) or doxycycline 100 mg twice daily (MMPI; n = 11). All participants were evaluated on Day 1; MMPI and PL groups were also evaluated after 84 days of treatment.

Results
There was a significant decrease in inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (P < 0.05) and myeloperoxidase (P = 0.01) in the MMPI but not PL group. The MMPI also significantly increased skeletal muscle activated/total insulin signaling mediators: 3’phosphoinositide kinase-1 (PDK1) (p < 0.03), protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) (p < 0.004), and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) (p < 0.03).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated short term treatment of people with diabetes with an MMPI resulted in decreased inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. Larger, longer studies are warranted to determine if doxycycline can improve glucose control in people with diabetes.

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01375491
Preliminary study of an intestinal bio-robot system based on nerve stimulation
Authors: Zhu Lan , Liu Hongying , Wang Zhenyu , Pi Xitian , Zhou Shengshan 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Wireless capsule endoscopes for diagnosis and treatment in the gastrointestinal tract face the common problem of active actuation. To tackle this difficulty, a non-invasive intestinal bio-robot system with active actuation based on nerve stimulation was developed.

Methods
This intestinal inspection system utilized a natural organism—the mud eel—to serve as the locomotion mechanism, and it was controlled by a LabVIEW-programmed pulse generator. The exterior control unit was able to actively drive and remotely control the navigation and site-specific anchoring of the organism.

Results
Through in vitro stimulation experiments, a method of controlling the organism’s forward motion was obtained: when the organism was stimulated at the tail, it moved forward at a relatively fast speed and with high repeatability. The stimulator parameters were as follows: amplitude 1.85 μA, frequency 2 Hz, pulse duration 500 μs.

Conclusions
Since this is a preliminary study, considerable work remains to be done. However, the results could provide a solid theoretical basis for further research toward producing a practical intestinal bio-robot for the diagnosis and treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Attenuation of an adult T-cell leukemia skin lesion after treatment of a concomitant herpes simplex infection: a case study
Authors: Tomita Hajime , Ogawa Fumihide , Kuwatsuka Sayaka , Toriyama Fumi , Yasumoto Shinichirou , Kamihira Shimeru , Utani Atsushi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We report the development and treatment of eczema herpeticum in a 51-year-old male suffering from adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Lesions of eczema herpeticum coexisted with the skin lesions of ATL. Treatment of eczema herpeticum resulted in a concomitant improvement in the symptoms of ATL, including a reduction in the size of the ATL plaques, for over 2 months before relapse.
Intravenous flurbiprofen for post-thymectomy pain relief in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Su Chunhua , Su Yihua , Chou Chiu-Wen , Liu Weibing , Zou Jianyong , Luo Honghe , Chen Zhenguang 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Post-thymectomy pain in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients can inhibit breathing and coughing. Inappropriate usage of analgesics may exacerbate respiratory inhibition and even cause myasthenic crisis. Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to control moderate postoperative pain and is not associated with respiratory inhibition. We hypothesized that flurbiprofen may provide post-thymectomy pain relief without increasing the risk of complications in MG patients.

Methods
Two hundred MG patients underwent extended thymectomy from March 2006 to December 2010 and were randomly allocated to a flurbiprofen group (110 patients, 50 mg intravenous flurbiprofen axetil) or a control group (90 patients, 100 mg intramuscular tramadol) as postoperative analgesia. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and adverse effects were recorded before and up to 24 h after drug administration.

Results
There were no significant differences in the preoperative clinical characteristics of the flurbiprofen and control (tramadol) groups. Both flurbiprofen and tramadol significantly alleviated post-thymectomy pain (p < 0.05 for both), but patients in flurbiprofen group had significantly lower VAS pain scores at 0.5 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after surgery (p < 0.05 for all times). There were no significant post-thymectomy changes of heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, or SpO2 in either group at all time points.

Conclusions
Post-thymectomy intravenous administration of flurbiprofen axetil provides safe and effective analgesia for MG patients.