bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic oxidation process used as a pretreatment to improve hexane vapors biofiltration
Authors: Saucedo‐Lucero Jose Octavio , Arriaga Sonia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDPhotolytic and photocatalytic oxidation processes were used as pretreatments for the purpose of producing more soluble and easily degradable byproducts that were subsequently treated in a biofiltration system for VOC treatment. n‐Hexane was chosen as a model hydrophobic VOC, and ZnO was used as a photocatalyst.RESULTSThe potential of this technology was evaluated at an inlet load of 200 g m−3 h−1 and a residence time of 94.2 s for the coupled system. The results showed that the photocatalytic pretreatment had a greater impact on the removal of hexane than the photolytic pretreatment with elimination capacities (EC) of 43 g m−3 h−1 and 24 g m−3 h−1, respectively. The EC of hexane and the CO2 production reached in the coupled system increased by at least 20%. This behavior was directly related to the high biodegradability of byproducts produced in the photocatalytic system, such as alcohols and ketones.CONCLUSIONPhotocatalytic oxidation used as a pretreatment system for hexane vapors using ZnO as photocatalyst enabled the generation of byproducts with high solubility that could be easily degraded in subsequent biological treatment. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Incontinence‐Associated Dermatitis, Incontinence, and Moisture as Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcer Development
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Van Lancker Aurélie , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of this analysis was to identify the association between incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD), its most important etiologic factors (incontinence and moisture), and pressure ulcers (PUs). A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant papers dating through March 15, 2013. Fifty‐eight studies were included. Measures of relative effect at the univariate level were meta‐analyzed. In most studies (86%), a significant association between variables of interest was found, with pooled odds ratios of PUs in univariate models between 1.92 (95% CI 1.54–2.38) for urinary incontinence and 4.99 (95% CI 2.62–9.50) for double incontinence (p < .05). This evidence indicates an association between IAD, its most important etiological factors, and PUs. Methodological issues should be considered when interpreting the results of this review. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurobehavioral Effects of Aspartame Consumption
Authors: Lindseth Glenda N. , Coolahan Sonya E. , Petros Thomas V. , Lindseth Paul D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDespite its widespread use, the artificial sweetener aspartame remains one of the most controversial food additives, due to mixed evidence on its neurobehavioral effects. Healthy adults who consumed a study‐prepared high‐aspartame diet (25 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 days and a low‐aspartame diet (10 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 days, with a 2‐week washout between the diets, were examined for within‐subject differences in cognition, depression, mood, and headache. Measures included weight of foods consumed containing aspartame, mood and depression scales, and cognitive tests for working memory and spatial orientation. When consuming high‐aspartame diets, participants had more irritable mood, exhibited more depression, and performed worse on spatial orientation tests. Aspartame consumption did not influence working memory. Given that the higher intake level tested here was well below the maximum acceptable daily intake level of 40–50 mg/kg body weight/day, careful consideration is warranted when consuming food products that may affect neurobehavioral health. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Personalizing medicine: a review of adaptive treatment strategies
Authors: Wallace Michael P. , Moodie Erica E. M. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTMuch of current pharmacological practice focuses on identifying the single ‘best’ treatment (or course of treatments) for a particular disease. Recently, however, focus has begun to shift towards a more patient‐centric rather than disease‐centric approach, where personal characteristics are used to identify the optimal treatment for an individual. Adaptive treatment strategies (also known as dynamic treatment regimes) are part of a rapidly expanding area of research whereby such personalized treatments can be identified. These methods can lead to improved results over standard ‘one size fits all’ approaches, as well as provide a route to formalizing a common practice of using ad hoc approaches when deciding or updating management plans. Here, we provide an introduction to adaptive treatment strategies, explaining their background, their purpose, and how they can be employed in practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimizing signal detection time in postmarket sequential analysis: balancing positive predictive value and sensitivity
Authors: Maro Judith C. , Brown Jeffrey S. , Dal Pan Gerald J. , Kulldorff Martin 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeOutcome misclassification in retrospective epidemiologic analyses has been well‐studied, but little is known about such misclassification with respect to sequential statistical analysis during surveillance of medical product‐associated risks, a planned capability of the US Food and Drug Administration's Sentinel System.MethodsUsing a vaccine example, we model and simulate sequential database surveillance in an observational data network using a variety of outcome detection algorithms. We consider how these algorithms, as characterized by sensitivity and positive predictive value, impact the length of surveillance and timeliness of safety signal detection. We show investigators/users of these networks how they can perform preparatory study design calculations that consider outcome misclassification in sequential database surveillance.ResultsNon‐differential outcome misclassification generates longer surveillance times and less timely safety signal detection as compared with the case of no misclassification. Inclusive algorithms characterized by high sensitivity but low positive predictive value outperform more narrow algorithms when detecting rare outcomes. This decision calculus may change considerably if medical chart validation procedures were required.ConclusionsThese findings raise important questions regarding the design of observational data networks used for pharmacovigilance. Specifically, there are tradeoffs involved when choosing to populate such networks with component databases that are large as compared with smaller integrated delivery system databases that can more easily access laboratory or clinical data and perform medical chart validation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension of the orientation region of high density polyethylene molded by gas‐assisted injection molding: control of the thermal field
Authors: Xia Xiao‐Chao , Zhang Quan‐Ping , Wang Long , He Shan , Feng Jian‐Ming , Yang Ming‐Bo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWider zones with close‐knit orientation crystals in high density polyethylene (HDPE) parts prepared via the gas‐assisted injection molding (GAIM) process were obtained under high cooling gas pressure. In this study, compressed nitrogen, as a cooling medium, was introduced to retain a high cooling rate of the polymer melt. The high gas pressure leads to fast cooling of the polymer melt, which contributes to the stability of more oriented and stretched chains during the cooling stage. Then many more oriented structures are formed. SEM shows that many more oriented structures and interlocking shish‐kebab structures are achieved in parts under highest cooling gas pressure (P3). The P3 parts possess a higher degree of orientation than the corresponding regions of parts under lowest cooling gas pressure (P1). Moreover, tensile testing indicates that, compared with P1 parts, although P3 parts have lower crystallinity, the mechanical properties are improved because of the wider orientation zone and many more interlocking shish‐kebab structures. Combining the HDPE molecular parameters with the characteristics of the GAIM flow field and temperature field, the stability of oriented or stretched chains and the formation of orientation structures in various zones of the parts were analyzed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnosing ‘male’ depression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer: the next step in effective translational psycho‐oncology interventions?
Authors: Sharpley Christopher F. , Bitsika Vicki , Christie David R. H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundDepression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer is associated with several adverse outcomes. However, some data suggest that standard methods of assessing depression in males via the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may omit several extra key symptoms of male depression. Therefore, this study tested the comparative effects of standard MDD‐based diagnostic criteria for depression and criteria for ‘male depression’ in a sample of men diagnosed with prostate cancer.Method191 men diagnosed with prostate cancer completed a postal survey questionnaire containing questions about background variables, the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 for depression (PHQ9) and the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS). Comparisons were made of the relative prevalence of depression according to these scales, plus a scale that combined the PHQ9 and GMDS extra items for male depressionResultsAlthough there were significant correlations between total PHQ9 and GMDS scores, over one‐third of variance in the GMDS was not accounted for by the PHQ9, and sensitivity of the PHQ9 against the GMDS showed that about 24% of those patients identified as depressed on the GMDS would not be similarly identified on the PHQ9. Different prevalence rates from the two scales suggested that they were assessing different sets of symptoms of depression. A combined PHQ9‐GMDS scale of 15 items was used to produce a profile of male depression in these patients.ConclusionAdequate and reliable assessment of depression in men diagnosed with prostate cancer may require use of additional symptoms to those listed for MDD, and treatment planning and delivery could be more precise and effective using this methodology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anwendung der Teile 2 der Eurocodes 3 und 4 für Stahl‐ und Verbundbrücken
Authors: Hanswille Gerhard 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEnde 2012 wurden in Deutschland durch das Bundesverkehrsministerium die Eurocodes für Brücken eingeführt und bei Vergaben für die Anwendung des Regelwerks mit den zugehörigen Nationalen Anhängen als Stichtag der 1. Mai 2013 festgelegt. Es wird über erste Erfahrungen mit dem neuen Regelwerk berichtet und der derzeitige Diskussionstand in den europäischen Gremien bezüglich der Weiterentwicklung des Eurocode 4‐2 für die Verbundbrücken dargestellt.First Experiences with the use of the Parts 2 of Eurocodes 3 and 4 for steel and composite bridges and current activities regarding the evolution of these codes. In Germany at the end of 2012 the Eurocodes for Bridges were introduced by the ministry of transport and it was decided that for all bridges with an invitation of tenders after the 1st of May 2013 the design has to be performed according to the Eurocodes and the relevant National Annexes. The paper reports about first experiences with the new codes and gives an overview about the present European discussion regarding the evolution of these codes in the next years.
The Transition to the Metallic State in Polycrystalline n‐type Doped ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Vai Alex T. , Kuznetsov Vladimir L. , Jain Himanshu , Slocombe Daniel , Rashidi Nazanin , Pepper Michael , Edwards Peter P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe report a detailed investigation of the charge carrier transport in polycrystalline n‐type impurity‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films grown by spray pyrolysis over a wide range of carrier concentrations. Particular attention is devoted to a study of the composition‐dependent metal‐insulator transition (MIT) in this transparent conducting oxide (TCO). In order to describe the flow of electrons in these impurity‐doped thin films over this full range of conditions, it is necessary to consider multiple electronic conduction processes. The first conduction process arises from current carriers thermally excited from impurity states into the (host) ZnO conduction band. The second involves thermally‐activated, quantum‐mechanical tunnelling within an impurity band located close to the host conduction band. The latter conduction process predominates at low temperatures whilst the former dominates at high temperatures. We find that a MIT occurs at a critical carrier concentration between 2 and 6 × 1019 cm–3. At higher concentrations in this metallic regime, the impurity band merges with the ZnO conduction band. The location of the MIT was determined from low temperature resistivity data and the results are discussed in terms of the Mott and Ioffe‐Regel models. In addition, the overriding importance of grain boundaries is highlighted for these polycrystalline thin films; this is a key factor in determining and limiting electronic conduction in these samples, particularly at high temperatures. These results highlight the practical importance of understanding both the MIT and also grain boundary effects in determining the electrical performance of polycrystalline TCO films.
Postoperative Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Anastomotic Leak: Meta‐analysis of Clinical and Experimental Studies
Authors: Bhangu Aneel , Singh Prashant , Fitzgerald J. Edward F. , Slesser Alistair , Tekkis Paris 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground
Enhanced recovery programs following colorectal resection recommend the use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as part of multimodal analgesia. The present study aimed to assess whether postoperative NSAID use increased the risk of anastomotic leak.
Methods
A systematic review of published literature was performed for studies comparing anastomotic leak following NSAID administration versus control. Meta‐analysis was conducted for studies in human patients and experimental animal models. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leak.ResultsThe final analysis included 8 studies in humans and 12 experimental animal studies. Use of NSAIDs was significantly associated with anastomotic leak in humans (8 studies, 4,464 patients, odds ratio [OR] 2.14; p < 0.001). This effect was seen with nonselective NSAIDs (6 studies, 3,074 patients, OR 2.37; p < 0.001), but not with selective NSAIDs (4 studies, 1,223 patients, OR 2.32; p = 0.170). There was strong evidence of selection bias from all clinical studies, with additional inconsistent definitions and outcomes assessment. From experimental animal models, anastomotic leak was more likely with NSAID use (ten studies, 575 animals, OR 9.51; p < 0.001). Bursting pressures at day 7 were significantly lower in NSAID versus controls (7 studies, 168 animals, weighted mean difference −35.7 mmHg; p < 0.001).ConclusionsEmerging data strongly suggest that postoperative NSAIDs are linked to anastomotic leak, although most studies are flawed and may be describing pre‐existing selection bias. However, when combined with experimental data, these increasing concerns suggest caution is needed when prescribing NSAIDs to patients with pre‐existing risk factors for leak, until more definitive evidence emerges.
Distribution of various types of low‐risk human papillomavirus according to cervical cytology and histology in northern Chinese women
Authors: Wei Heng , Wang Ning , Zhang Yao , Zhang Jing , Wang Shizhuo , Zhang Shulan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the distribution of specific types of low‐risk (LR) human papillomavirus (HPV) among a general population of northern Chinese women.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2012, 118 096 women were tested with the HPV Geno‐Array Test Kit (HybriBio) at China Medical University's Shengjing Affiliated Hospital, Shenyang, China. Among these women, 80 418 underwent cervical cytology and colposcopic examination, and 30 961 of these had a cervical biopsy. The prevalence of HPV infection among the women was analyzed according to age, and cytologic and histologic findings.ResultsCP8304 was the most common type of LR‐HPV overall, and was most prevalent in the youngest age group. The overall prevalence of LR‐HPV (averaged across all types) was 1.7% in women with normal cytology, 8.8% in those with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 8.0% in those with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and 5.8% in those with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). LR‐HPV alone, without any high‐risk (HR)‐HPV, was most common among women with ASCUS and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) not otherwise specified (CINNOS) together. Co‐infections of LR‐HPV and HR‐HPV were most common among women with LSIL and CIN1.ConclusionThese data will facilitate modeling of the cost‐effectiveness of a prophylactic LR‐HPV vaccination in China.
Elective removal of cervical cerclage and onset of spontaneous labor
Authors: Gomes da Costa Ana O.F. , Clode Nuno , Graça Luís M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the time interval between elective removal of cervical cerclage and onset of spontaneous labor.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2012 at a tertiary care hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. All singleton pregnancies with a McDonald or Shirodkar cerclage electively removed at 36–37 weeks were evaluated for the time interval between cerclage removal and spontaneous labor. Delivery within 72 hours after cerclage removal was compared between patients with elective cerclage and those with non‐elective cerclage. In the non‐elective group, a sub‐analysis of the results for ultrasound‐ and physical examination‐indicated cerclage was performed.ResultsThirty‐eight women were included. The time interval between cerclage removal and spontaneous labor did not differ significantly between the elective and the non‐elective group (15.6 ± 7.6 vs 10.9 ± 7.4 days; P = 0.063). A higher incidence of delivery 72 hours after cerclage removal was seen in the non‐elective group but this was not significant (P = 0.061). There were no differences regarding the time interval from elective removal of cervical cerclage to onset of spontaneous labor between ultrasound‐indicated and physical examination‐indicated cerclage.ConclusionRegardless of the indication for cervical cerclage, the probability of delivery soon after elective cerclage removal is low.
DNA extraction from filter‐paper spots of vaginal samples collected after sexual violence
Authors: Campos Elisabete A. , Pitta Denise R. , Costa Fernanda A. , Campos Vanessa M. , Yela Daniela , Fernandes Arlete 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo detect the presence of male DNA in vaginal samples collected from survivors of sexual violence and stored on filter paper.MethodsA pilot study was conducted to evaluate 10 vaginal samples spotted on sterile filter paper: 6 collected at random in April 2009 and 4 in October 2010. Time between sexual assault and sample collection was 4–48 hours. After drying at room temperature, the samples were placed in a sterile envelope and stored for 2–3 years until processing. DNA extraction was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for human β‐globin, and the presence of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was quantified. The presence of the Y chromosome was detected using primers for sequences in the TSPY (Y7/Y8 and DYS14) and SRY genes.Resultsβ‐Globin was detected in all 10 samples, while 2 samples were positive for PSA. Half of the samples amplified the Y7/Y8 and DYS14 sequences of the TSPY gene and 30% amplified the SRY gene sequence of the Y chromosome. Four male samples and 1 female sample served as controls.ConclusionFilter‐paper spots stored for periods of up to 3 years proved adequate for preserving genetic material from vaginal samples collected following sexual violence.
Introduction of postabortion contraception, prioritizing long‐acting reversible contraceptives, in the principal maternity hospital of Gabon
Authors: Mayi‐Tsonga Sosthène , Obiang Pamphile Assoumou , Minkobame Ulysse , Ngouafo Doris , Ambounda Nathalie , de Souza Maria Helena 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA prospective, descriptive, analytic study was conducted at the Centre Hospitalier de Libreville in Gabon between February and September 2013 to evaluate acceptance of long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) and depot‐medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) following abortion. Women received counseling on the combined oral pill, DMPA, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants. The association between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge of contraceptives, and acceptance was analyzed. Of the 383 women admitted with abortion complications, 206 (53.7%) knew of no systemic contraceptives. The best‐known method was the oral pill (42.0%). Only 14 women (3.6%) knew of a LARC method (IUD or implants) and only 2 (0.5%) said the injectable was their best‐known method. Over 90% accepted a modern contraceptive method after abortion. Two‐thirds (66.8%) chose the pill, 14.6% DMPA, and 9.3% a LARC method. Only 9.1% of the women refused to initiate use of any method.
Expanding the use of manual vacuum aspiration for incomplete abortion in selected health institutions in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Tumasang Florence , Leke Robert J.I. , Aguh Valentine 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPreference for manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and its use for the treatment of incomplete abortion were evaluated among 52 healthcare professionals in 7 Yaoundé hospitals in Cameroon. All but one healthcare professional preferred MVA; however, this technique was available at all times in only two hospitals. In some hospitals, MVA use was only available during the day, while in others it was not available at all. Based on these findings, MVA kits were obtained from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) for training and to supply selected hospitals. The result was a dramatic increase in the use of MVA in all of the hospitals that received the kits. In one hospital, no kits were received; however, the staff had been sensitized to the problem and the equipment belonging to one of the physicians was put into service. The successful experience of this pilot project provides a rationale for expanding MVA use for incomplete abortion to the entire country.
Toona sinensis leaf aqueous extract displays activity against sepsis in both in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Yang Chih‐Jen , Chen Yung‐Chia , Tsai Yee‐Jean , Huang Ming‐Shyan , Wang Chao‐Chuan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractToona sinensis (TS) leaves are used as a vegetable and in traditional Chinese medicine. However, in vivo experiments regarding the anti‐inflammatory function of TS leaves have not previously been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of TS leaf extract (TSL) in the prevention of sepsis‐induced lung injury in vivo and on macrophage activation in vitro. The results showed that oral gavage pretreatment with TSL in rats for 30 days improved the survival of cecal ligation and puncture‐induced sepsis, potentially by attenuating sepsis‐induced histological lung damage rather than inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pretreatment with TSL attenuated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, thereby inhibiting nitric oxide production and release in murine macrophage‐like RAW 264.7 cells. Interestingly, TSL did not affect the LPS‐induced release of other cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β) but increased LPS‐induced heme‐oxygenase‐1 expression. In conclusion, the study provides preliminary data for TSL on cecal ligation and puncture‐induced sepsis. The beneficial impact of TSL needs extensive study to get solid evidence.