bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors determining the accumulation of pentachlorophenol — a precursor of dioxins in bottom sediments of the Gulf of Gdańsk (Baltic Sea)
Authors: Kobusińska Marta , Skauradszun Maria , Niemirycz Elżbieta 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its derivatives are considered to be the precursors of dioxins, thus their concentrations in environmental compartments remain relatively correlated. Unlimited production and usage of PCP in recent decades may have posed a potential ecological threat to marine ecosystems due to uncontrolled discharge of this contaminant into the Vistula River and finally into the Gulf of Gdańsk. Since there are no data on PCP concentration in sediments of the southern part of the Baltic Sea, the level of contamination has been examined and possible influence of sediment properties in the Gulf of Gdańsk on the accumulation intensification has been investigated. The study has resulted in the evaluation of an efficient analytical procedure characterized by a low detection limit (LOD<1 ng g−1 d.w.). Instrumental analyses have been supplemented with Microtox® bioassay in order to assess the sediment toxicity. The obtained concentrations in collected samples varied from below the LOD in sandy sediments to 179.31 ng g−1 d.w. in silty sediments, exceeding the PNEC value of 25 ng g−1 d.w. (Predicted No Effect Concentration) estimated for the Baltic Sea (Muir & Eduljee 1999). It has been proven that properties of sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk, including pH, Eh of bottom water, the content of water and organic matter, affect the rate of PCP accumulation. High toxicity has been recorded in the bottom sediments of the Gdańsk Deep but no statistically significant correlation between PCP concentration and the sediment toxicity has been observed. Analysis of PCP concentration distribution in sediment cores revealed that the surface layer is the most polluted one, which indicates a continuous inflow of PCP from the Vistula River. Horizontal PCP distribution in the sediment from the Gdańsk Deep reveals variability similar to that observed for highly chlorinated dioxins (Niemirycz & Jankowska 2011).
In vitro infection experiments with eggs of the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (sensu lato) targeting aquatic insect larvae (Odonata: Coenagrionidae and Libellulidae; Trichoptera: Integripalpia) as possible intermediate hosts
Authors: Dziekońska-Rynko Janina , Rokicki Jerzy , Mierzejewska Katarzyna 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe availability of aquatic insects (Odonata: Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae and Trichoptera: Integripalpia) as potential intermediate hosts for the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 sensu lato was studied under laboratory conditions. The infective material consisted of nematode eggs, newly hatched larvae, as well as in vitro infected cyclopoid copepods. High prevalence and intensity of infection associated with a low mortality of aquatic insect larvae suggests that they may serve as intermediate hosts for C. rudolphii and constitute a major reservoir of C. rudolphii larvae in aquatic habitats.
New taxa of the genus Navicula (Bacillariophyceae) in the diatom flora of Serbia
Authors: Vidakovic Danijela , Krizmanić Jelena , Šovran Sanja 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to report two benthic, epilithic diatom species from the Raška River. Samples were collected in April, June, August and November 2011 and March and May 2012 from 5 localities along the Raška River by scraping off the stone surface using a brush. Diatom frustules were first cleaned using the cold acid method, and then mounted on permanent slides. Descriptions (main valve measurements of the populations in the Raška River), ecology, distribution in Serbia and Europe, and appropriate photomicrographs of two species are presented. Navicula jakovljevicii Hustedt and Navicula catalanogermanica Lange-Bertalot & Hofmann are rarely found in Europe and these are new distributional records. These new taxa significantly contribute to diatom floristic diversity of the Raška River.
Salinity changes in the Bay of Puck due to brine discharge based on in-situ measurements
Authors: Robakiewicz Małgorzata 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Brine, a by-product in the process of constructing gas storage caverns in salt deposits, has been discharged into Puck Bay by a system of diffusers since autumn 2010. In-situ measurements taken in the period of October 2010–December 2012 were used to assess salinity changes in the vicinity of the discharge installation. The measured salinity values included two components: the natural, representing salinity in the absence of discharge, and salinity excess due to brine discharge. Owing to the limited number of locations in the Gulf of Gdańsk where the national program of monitoring environmental changes is carried out, it was impossible to determine exactly the natural component. As a consequence, four estimation methods were proposed. A detailed analysis was carried out for the second half of 2012, when parameters of brine were close to the maximum permissible values. It was found that the average salinity excess in the vicinity of the installation rarely reached 0.5 PSU, and the maximum values at individual sites occasionally reached 0.6 PSU. It was shown that the local wind plays an important role in brine mixing with the surrounding environment, however, it is not sufficient to explain the observed salinity patterns.
99mTc tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in CAD
Authors: Keinrath P. , Rettenbacher L. , Rendl G. , Holzmannhofer J. , Hammerer M. , Schuler J. , Beheshti M. , Pirich C. 
Published: June 2014

Summary
Aim: Early stress imaging (15 min after injection of the radiopharmaceutical) in 99mTc tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) has been shown feasible in comparison to standard imaging after 45 minutes, but the effects on image quality and diagnostic accuracy ask for further evaluation. Patients, methods: 97 patients (61 men, 36 women, age 69 ± 11 years) underwent both early (EA) and standard (SA) acquisition (after 14 ± 4 min and 43 ± 6 min, respectively) using 99mTc tetrofosmin gated SPECT with iterative reconstruction. sub- diaphragmatic tracer activity and image quality was scored in a 4-point scale by blinded observers. Semiquantitative myo- cardial perfusion analysis was performed on a 17-segment model using standard cardiac quantification SPECT software (4 DM- SPECT). Stenoses of indeterminate haemody- namic significance were validated by measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR). Results: Extra-cardiac tracer activity was more commonly found in EA (43%) than in SA (38%), but without any diagnostic impact in > 95% of the patients. The mean summed stress score was significantly higher for early than standard imaging (6.4 ± 6.3 vs.5.6 ± 6.1, p = 0.009). The amount of ischaemic area was not significantly different (EA: 9.1 ±6.7 % vs. SA: 7.8 ± 6.9 %). The mean stress ejection fraction was 52 ± 11% (EA) compared to 55 ± 11 % (SA) (p = ns). FFR was inversely related to SDS at early (r = -0.704, p < 0.05) and standard (r=-0.678, p < 0.05) acquisition. All patients with a FFR < 0.8 (considered as hemodynamically significant stenoses) revealed a positive scan. Conclusion: Stress 99mTc tetrofosmin MPS with early acquisition is feasible and at least equally accurate when iterative reconstruction is applied.
Management of gastrointestinal complaints in differentiated thyroid cancer patients treated with 131I
Authors: Mirzababaee M. , Shafiei B. , Seifollahi S. , Motazdian M. , Fatholahi L. , Delavari S. , Naghshine R. , Baharfar N. , Tabeie F. , Javadi H. , Asli I. N. , Assadi M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjective: To compare safety and efficacy of pantoprazol , metoclopramide, ondansetron, as compared to placebo, in controlling gastrointestinal (GI) complaints of thyroid cancer patients treated with I-131these patients. Design: Four-armed, parallel group, single blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, setting: A university hospital, registration: database for clinical trials IRCT2013061713705N1. Patients: 85 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who received 131I. Main outcome measures: Post- radioiodine nausea and vomiting within three days of therapy (primary endpoint); occurrence of adverse reaction. Results: The patients’ characteristics were similar within the study groups. Among the study variables, age, sex, administered dosage, history of previous GI complaints, and history of hyper- emesis gravidarum in female patients were not statistically different among the groups (p > 0.05). The results revealed that only ondansetron shows a therapeutic benefit over the placebo in controlling nausea (p < 0.05); however, it does not prevent vomiting (p > 0.05). The other two drugs, pantoprazole and metoclopramide, did not control nausea (p > 0.05) or vomiting (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study may demonstrate that the therapeutic dose of ondansetron could be an effective prophylactic agent in controlling GI complaints in differential thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients following RAI therapy; however, these preliminary findings should be validated in larger studies.
Impact of Prior Virological Failure and Nucleos(t)ide Genotypic Resistance Mutations on the Efficacy of Switching from Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitors to Raltegravir
Authors: Blanco José L , Gonzalez-Cordón Ana , Llibre Josep M , Calvo Marta , Gutierrez Felix , Podzamczer Daniel , Laguno Montserrat , Fumero Emilio , Murillas Javier , Mallolas Josep , Martinez-Rebollar Maria , Lonca Montserrat , Perez Iñaki , Gatell Josep M , Martinez Esteban 
Published: June 2014

Background The virological efficacy of switching from a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r)- to a raltegravir (RAL)-containing regimen remains controversial according to the results of SWITCHMRK and SPIRAL studies. The aim of this analysis is to assess the impact of prior resistance mutations to nucleos(t)ides and other potential factors on the virological outcome. Methods This was a substudy of the prospective, open-label, multicentre SPIRAL study. Demographic, virological variables, prior episodes of virological failures (VF) and archived resistance mutations to nucleos(t)ides were identified from databases and its impact measured by genotypic sensitive scores (GSS) according to the genotypic resistance interpretation algorithm from the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database on outcome was analysed. Results Of 250 patients (128 RAL and 122 PI/r) included in the main SPIRAL study, 74 (30%) had previous VF with prior genotypic resistance tests (GRT). Median time of virological suppression prior to inclusion in SPIRAL study was 63.5 months. GSS for backbone nucleos(t)ides was <1 in 15/38 (39%) in the RAL arm and in 9/36 (25%) in the PI/r arm ( P=0.13). Among those with nucleos(t)ides GSS <1, 0/15 (0%) in the RAL versus 2/9 (22%) in the PI/r arm developed VF ( P=0.13). Moreover 0/11 subjects with null or residual (GSS≤0.5) backbone activity developed VF in the RAL arm. Conclusions The 48-week virological efficacy of switching from a PI/r to RAL in subjects with long-term virological suppression was not compromised by a reduction of the nucleos(t)ide backbone activity.
Virological Outcome and Management of Persistent Low-Level Viraemia in HIV-1-Infected Patients: 11 Years of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Boillat-Blanco Noémie , Darling Katharine EA , Schoni-Affolter Franziska , Vuichard Danielle , Rougemont Mathieu , Fulchini Rosamaria , Bernasconi Enos , Aouri Manel , Clerc Olivier , Furrer Hansjakob , Günthard Huldrych F , Cavassini Matthias ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Aubert V , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Böni J , Bucher HC , Burton-Jeangros C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux CA , Gorgievski M , Günthard H , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch HH , Hoffmann M , Hösli I , Kahlert C , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R , Kovari H , Ledergerber B , Martinetti G , Martinez De Tejada B , Metzner K , Müller N , Nadal D , Nicca D , Pantaleo G , Rauch A , Regenass S , Rickenbach M , Rudin C , Schöni-Affolter F , Schmid P , Schüpbach J , Speck R , Tarr P , Telenti A , Trkola A , Vernazza P , Weber R , Yerly S 
Published: June 2014

Background Management of persistent low-level viraemia (pLLV) in patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) with previously undetectable HIV viral loads (VLs) is challenging. We examined virological outcome and management among patients enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Methods In this retrospective study (2000–2011), pLLV was defined as a VL of 21–400 copies/ml on ≥ three consecutive plasma samples with ≥8 weeks between first and last analyses, in patients undetectable for ≥24 weeks on cART. Control patients had ≥ three consecutive undetectable VLs over ≥32 weeks. Virological failure (VF), analysed in the pLLV patient group, was defined as a VL>400 copies/ml. Results Among 9,972 patients, 179 had pLLV and 5,389 were controls. Compared to controls, pLLV patients were more often on unboosted protease inhibitor (PI)-based (adjusted odds ratio [aOR; 95% CI] 3.2 [1.8, 5.9]) and nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-only combinations (aOR 2.1 [1.1, 4.2]) than on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and boosted PI-based regimens. At 48 weeks, 102/155 pLLV patients (66%) still had pLLV, 19/155 (12%) developed VF and 34/155 (22%) had undetectable VLs. Predictors of VF were previous VF (aOR 35 [3.8, 315]), unboosted PI-based (aOR 12.8 [1.7, 96]) or NRTI-only combinations (aOR 115 [6.8, 1,952]), and VLs>200 during pLLV (aOR 3.7 [1.1, 12]). No VF occurred in patients with persistent very LLV (21-49 copies/ml; n=26). At 48 weeks, 29/39 patients (74%) who changed cART had undetectable VLs, compared with 19/74 (26%) without change ( P <0.001). Conclusions Among patients with pLLV, VF was predicted by previous VF, cART regimen and VL≥200. Most patients who changed cART had undetectable VLs 48 weeks later. These findings support cART modification for pLLV>200 copies/ml.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Hepatitis Delta in HBsAg-Positive Patients by HIV Status
Authors: Nicolini Laura A , Taramasso Lucia , Schiavetti Irene , Giannini Edoardo G , Beltrame Andrea , Feasi Marcello , Cassola Giovanni , Grasso Alessandro , Bartolacci Valentina , Sticchi Laura , Picciotto Antonino , Viscoli Claudio ,   the Ligurian HBV Study Group
Published: June 2014

Background The epidemiology of HBV-associated hepatitis has changed in recent years, especially after the introduction of anti-HBV vaccination, with a consequent decrease in the incidence of HDV-associated hepatitis. However, HDV remains of concern in non-vaccinated people and in immigrants. The aim of this retrospective survey has been to assess prevalence and clinical characteristics of HDV infection in Liguria, a region in Northern Italy, in both HIV-positive and negative patients. Methods During the year 2010, 641 patients chronically infected with HBV entered an observational study of HBV infection conducted in eight tertiary care centres belonging to the ‘Ligurian HBV Study Group’. Results Of 641 patients, 454 (70.8%) were evaluated for HDV serology and 26 (5.7%) were found positive. Among them, 16 were also HIV-positive and 10 were not. Of the 428 HDV-negative patients, only 313 were tested for HIV and 33 (10.5%) were positive. At the time point of study entry there was no age difference between HIV-positive or negative patients, but HIV-positive patients were 10 years younger than HIV-negative (mean age 34.25 ±6.16 versus 41.50 ±8.89 years; P=0.021) at the time point of their first visit in each centre and they were also more frequently intravenous drug users ( P=0.009). Despite a similar rate of cirrhosis in the two groups, no HIV-positive patient received an HDV-active therapy (that is, interferon), versus 4 of 10 HIV-negative patients ( P=0.014). Conclusions HDV infection is still a problem in patients not covered by HBV vaccination. Both HDV and HIV testing were frequently overlooked in our setting.
The Development of a Potentiometer Electric Parameter Comprehensive Test Instrument
Authors: Yuan Jing Ping , Yu Fen Fen 
Published: June 2014

This paper describes a sort of integrated tester controlled by STC series microcontroller that can be used to test simplex and duplex potentiometer’s total resistance, front and rear zero resistance, dynamic noise and duplex potentiometer synchronization feature. Multi-CPU parallel working mode is adopted by the tester. This paper mainly expounds the working principle of this test instrument, its software and hardware composition and the communication protocol between each part.
Study on the SNR Gain of RAKE Demodulator
Authors: Zhu Chu Rong , Fu Hai Yang , Jia Xiang Dong 
Published: June 2014

Classic RAKE demodulator(RAKEDE), multi-carrier coherent RAKEDE and RAKEDE with two antennas are given in the paper. According to those schemes provided, the GSNR, which means the gain of signal to noise ratio (SNR), for those three kinds of RAKEDE is derived, and the closed form of the expression for GSNR of those three kinds of RAKEDE is given in the paper. Comparing with those performance evaluation methods of RAKEDE existed, the method derived in this paper on the basis of diversity reception is more usable and easy to be accept.
Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Grant-Supported Primary Care Faculty Development
Authors: Klink Kathleen A. , Joice Sylvia E. , McDevitt Shannon K. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Health reform requires well-trained primary care physicians with new skills. Teaching faculty need to develop proficiency to deliver care in new models and systems, to lead change, and to teach these skills to the next generation of clinicians. Title VII Section 747 of the Public Health Service Act, modified and reauthorized under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), is the only federal program that specifically supports the professional development of primary care faculty. We analyzed the effect of the modifications under the ACA on a funding opportunity announcement addressing faculty development needs and attributes of funded applications, including geographic regions. The data offer useful insights to programs interested in tapping sources of support for primary care faculty development. The data also show that targeted federal funding can bring about changes that contribute to an up-to-date, responsive primary care workforce. Title VII programs, as amended by the ACA, focus on curriculum development, teaching in community-based settings, and integrating patient-centered medical home concepts and interprofessional education and practice into the training of the next generation of physicians. These strategies drive change and improve the quality of care and patient outcomes.
EPDM RECYCLED RUBBER POWDER CHARACTERIZATION: THERMAL AND THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Liang Huan , Hardy Jean-Michel , Rodrigue Denis , Brisson Josée 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Investigations on ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) with varying cross-link densities and carbon black contents, as well as commercial EPDM waste ground rubber (WGR), have been performed to improve characterization. The aim is to provide additional quality-control methods in the field of rubber recycling, as WGR is transformed and reused in the form of rubber mats mainly for playground, agricultural, sport, and automobile applications. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and elemental (CHNS) analyses were used to determine the content of various chemical elements. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the amount of carbon black and inorganic material in the sample. Mass loss at 400 °C was related to cross-link density. TGA coupled with mass spectrometry showed that this mass loss corresponds to the loss of SO2 as cross-links are destroyed during heating. Melt point and glass transition temperatures determined by differential scanning calorimetry are mainly proportional to the ethylene/propylene weight ratio.
Atypical Sino-Orbital Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor with Bone and Cerebral Invasion Extending to the Orbit
Authors: Lauwers Noémie , De Groot Veva , Kenis Christoph , Ní Dhubhghaill Sorcha , Claes Jos , De Keizer Robert J.W. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To report the case of an atypical sino-orbital inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Methods Case report. Results A 71-year-old man presented slowly progressive painless diplopia followed by unilateral proptosis of the left eye with slight edema of the upper eyelid. Visual acuity was 0.4 with a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Abduction and depression of the left eye were limited. Imaging showed a left sino-orbital tumor with mass effect on the medial rectus muscle resulting in proptosis. The lesion showed intracranial extension through the superior orbital fissure with bone erosion and sclerotic bone reaction. Endoscopic ethmoidal, maxillary, and orbital biopsies revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Full blood count showed an eosinophilia while antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and C-reactive protein were negative. To date, 7 cases of orbital myofibroblastic tumor have been described, though none of the prior studies have described bone invasion. Conclusions This erosive sino-orbital inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a novel finding mimicking a malignant tumor.
Current Status of Visual Field Examination in Andalusia, Spain: The SICVA Study
Authors: Benítez-del-Castillo Javier , Regi Teresa , Group The Sicva Study 
Published: June 2014

Purpose To ascertain the frequency of visual field examination (VFE) in patients attending public Andalusian hospitals (the SICVA study). Methods This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective study of patients with documented and/or suspected glaucoma subject to campimetric monitoring for longer than 2 years. The numbers of VFEs performed in the first 2 years and in the complete follow-up period were analyzed. Data on VFE reliability were studied and VFE change was collected based on the Glaucoma Staging System 2. Results A total of 722 eyes (from 467 consecutive patients), 349 with suspected and 373 with documented glaucoma, were included. Mean patient age was 65.9 years (SD = 11.3), and median follow-up time was 56 months (P25 = 36, P75 = 84). Three (P25 = 2, P75 = 4) VFEs were performed in the first 2 years of follow-up in the overall sample, as compared to 2 VFEs (P25 = 2, P75 = 4) in patients with suspected glaucoma, and 3 VFEs (P25 = 2, P75 = 4) in those with documented glaucoma (p<0.001). Conclusions Based on these results, frequency of VFE in Andalusia differs from the standards recommended by the European Glaucoma Society to assess progression in the first 2 years of patient follow-up.