bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dialysate Calcium Concentration and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Pun Patrick H. , Horton John R. , Middleton John P. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
The optimal dialysate calcium concentration to maintain normal mineralization and reduce risk of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients is debated. Guidelines suggest that dialysate Ca concentration should be lowered to avoid vascular calcification, but cardiac arrhythmias may be more likely to occur at lower dialysate Ca. Concurrent use of QT-prolonging medications may also exacerbate arrhythmic risk. This study examined the influence of serum Ca, dialysate Ca, and QT interval-prolonging medications on the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in a cohort of hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This case-control study among 43,200 hemodialysis patients occurred between 2002 and 2005; 510 patients who experienced a witnessed sudden cardiac arrest were compared with 1560 matched controls. This study examined covariate-adjusted sudden cardiac arrest risk associations with serum Ca, dialysate Ca, serum dialysate Ca gradient, and prescription of QT-prolonging medications using logistic regression techniques.

Results
Patients assigned to low Ca dialysate<2.5 mEq/L were more likely to be exposed to larger serum dialysate Ca gradient and had a greater fall in BP during dialysis treatment. After accounting for covariates and baseline differences, low Ca dialysate<2.5 mEq/L (odds ratio=2.00, 95% confidence interval=1.40–2.90), higher corrected serum Ca (odds ratio=1.10, 95% confidence interval=1.00–1.30), and increasing serum dialysate Ca gradient (odds ratio=1.40, 95% confidence interval=1.10–1.80) were associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, whereas there were no significant risk associations with QT-prolonging medications.

Conclusions
Increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest associated with low Ca dialysate and large serum dialysate Ca gradients should be considered in determining the optimal dialysate Ca prescription.
Personality traits as a potential predictor of willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments
Authors: Hansen Vincent , Liu Sean Shih-Yao , Schrader Stuart M. , Dean Jeffery A. , Stewart Kelton T. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:To establish an association between patient personality traits and potential willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments.Materials and Methods:One hundred adolescent individuals aged 12–16 years completed an anonymous electronic questionnaire via Survey Monkey. The 24-item questionnaire contained three major sections: patient demographics, a modified Big Five Inventory (BFI)-10 personality index, and a willingness to undergo treatment assessment. Multiple-variable linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations among age, gender, ethnicity, and the five personality traits simultaneously with willingness to undergo treatment. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05.Results:Ninety-six of the 100 individuals were included in the statistical analysis. Age, ethnicity, and gender failed to correlate with potential willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment. Several personality dimensions within the modified BFI-10 (agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) were significantly associated with willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments (P ≤ .05). Agreeableness demonstrated positive correlations with five treatment modalities, while both conscientiousness and neuroticism exhibited negative associations with a single treatment modality. Openness and extraversion were the only personality dimensions that failed to associate with any of the treatment modalities. Four of the nine treatment modalities had no association with patient demographics or a patient's personality dimensions.Conclusions:Personality traits are useful in predicting a patient's potential willingness to participate in various orthodontic treatments. The agreeableness dimension provided the most utility in predicting patient willingness. Age, ethnicity, and gender were not significant in predicting patient willingness.
Delayed closure of postinfarction ventricular septum defect in a patient with single vessel disease
Authors: Kovacevic Pavle , Velicki Lazar , Vujin Bojan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A 65-year-old patient with a systolic murmur that developed five days after acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction was referred to our Institution. He had previously been treated with fibrinolytic therapy. The patient was in a stable hemodynamic condition when admitted, with sustained diuresis. Blood gas analysis revealed normal parameters, whereas a chest X-ray showed signs of pulmonary congestion. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a 1.5×1.2 cm post-infarction ventricular septum defect (VSD) in the apical part of the septum. Because the patient’s hemodynamic conditions were stable, we decided to postpone the operative treatment to allow scarring of the infarcted area to make VSD repair feasible, thereby increasing the chance for success. Operative treatment was performed three weeks after admission. We performed closure of the VSD with a bovine pericardial patch. The patient was discharged in good condition and remained well three months after the surgery.
First observations in Turkish Thrace on water mite larvae parasitism of Ranatra linearis by Hydrachna gallica (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: Zawal Andrzej , Çamur-Elipek Belgin , Fent Meral , Kırgız Timur , Dzierzgowska Kinga 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMany aquatic insect species, including aquatic Hemiptera, are parasitized by water mite larvae. Although this situation may cause damaging impacts to the hosts, the mites can disperse and colonize new localities in this way. Little is known about the frequency of water mite ectoparasitism amongst the aquatic Hemiptera in Turkey. In this study, larval water mite parasitism on aquatic Hemiptera, which have been collected from different localities in Turkish Thrace, was evaluated. It was found that only nine individuals, belonging two different species in a total of 367 hemipteran specimens, were parasitized by larval water mites. Furthermore, variations in sizes and shapes of the mites on the waterscorpion Ranatra linearis Linne, 1758 and Nepa cinerea Linne, 1758 were determined. These are the first records for larval mite parasitism on R. linearis and N. cinerea in Turkish Thrace.
Proteolysis on the body surface of pyrethroid-sensitive and resistant Varroa destructor
Authors: Strachecka Aneta , Borsuk Grzegorz , Olszewski Krzysztof , Paleolog Jerzy , Lipiński Zbigniew 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this work was to determine the activity of proteases and protease inhibitors sampled from the body surface of tau-fluvalinate-sensitive and resistant V. destructor. Proteins were isolated from the tau-fluvalinate-sensitive and resistant mites, while mites untreated with tau-fluvalinate constituted the control. Subsequently, the following methodology was applied: protein concentration assay by the Lowry method — as modified by Schacterle and Pollack; assay of proteolytic activity in relation to various substrates (gelatine, haemoglobin, ovoalbumin, albumin, cytochrome C, casein) by the modified Anson method; identification of proteolytic activity in relation to diagnostic inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes (pepstatin A, PMSF, iodoacetamide, o-phenantrolin), using the Lee and Lin method; identification of acidic, neutral and basic protease activities by means of the modified Anson method; electrophoretic analysis of proteins in a polyacrylamide gel for protease detection with the Laemmli method and for protease inhibitor detection with the Felicioli method. The highest value of protein concentration was found in the tau-fluvalinate-sensitive V. destructor, while the highest activity levels of acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases were observed in the tau-fluvalinate-resistant mites. Aspartic, serine, thiolic and metallic proteases were found in the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive Varroa mites. The control samples were found to contain aspartic and serine proteases. In an acidic and alkaline environment, the results revealed a complete loss of inhibitor activities in the in vitro analyses and electrophoresis. Serine protease inhibitor activities (at pH 7.0) were high, especially in the group of tau-fluvalinate-resistant mites.
Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma evansi isolates from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Philippines
Authors: Villareal Marjo , Mingala Claro , Rivera Windell 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTrypanosoma evansi infection in the Philippines is frequently reported to affect the country’s livestock, particularly, the buffaloes. To assess the prevalence and intraspecific diversity of T. evansi in the country, blood samples from water buffaloes in different geographical regions were collected during an outbreak. T. evansi was detected in all 79 animals tested using PCR targeting the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene. Sequencing of the rDNA complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including the 5.8S subunit showed high similarity (99–100%) between Philippine isolates and known T. evansi isolates in Genbank. Tree construction based on the same region confirmed the close relationship between Philippine and reported Thai isolates as compared to Egyptian isolates separated by relatively small genetic distances, 47 polymorphisms, despite the clustering in four branches. Overall, the results of this study prove genetic diversity within T. evansi species despite previous reports on limited heterogeneity among isolates worldwide.
Neoaulonastus grewlingi sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) a new quill mite species parasitizing Falcunculus frontatus (Passeriformes: Falcunculidae) in Australia
Authors: Glowska Eliza 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA new quill mite species Neoaulonastus grewlingi sp. nov. parasitizing Australian endemic Falcunculus frontatus (Latham) (Passeriformes: Falcunculidae) is described. This new species differs from N. caligatus Skoracki by the following characters: apunctate pygidial shield and coxal fields I–IV, setae c1 1.4 times longer than d1, and lengths of setae ve 20, si 15–25, se 155–175 and c2 145–155. This is the first record of syringophilid mites from hosts of the family Falcunculidae and first register of Neoaulonastus genus in Australian region.
Seasonal fluctuation of the prevalence of cymothoids representing the genus Nerocila (Crustacea, Isopoda), parasitizing commercially exploited marine fishes from the Malabar Coast, India
Authors: Aneesh Panakkool-Thamban , Sudha Kappalli , Arshad Keethadath , Anilkumar Gopinathan , Trilles Jean-Paul 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe presently reported study investigated seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence in four species of Nerocila infesting commercially exploited marine fishes representing the families Engraulidae, Clupeidae and Ambassidae, from the Malabar coast (Kerala, India). Seven of 56 fish species belonging to 23 families were infested by either one or two species of Nerocila. All the collected Nerocila species showed significant seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence of infestation, reaching maximum from October through April and minimum (or total absence of the parasites) from May through September. Such fluctuations were analyzed based on environmental parameters. Body surface, postero-ventral side of the head and the lateral line of the host fish form the major infestation site for the recovered Nerocila species. Skin lesion and hemorrhages were observed on the fish parasitized with these cymothoids.
Cloning and molecular characterization of cDNAs encoding three Ancylostoma ceylanicum secreted proteins
Authors: Siwińska Anna , Bąska Piotr , Daniłowicz-Luebert Emilia , Januszkiewicz Kamil , Długosz Ewa , Wędrychowicz Halina , Cappello Michael , Wiśniewski Marcin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAncylostoma ceylanicum belongs to a group of soil-transmitted helminths, which infect almost 576 mln people worldwide and are a major cause of anaemia and malnutrition. Upon contact with a permissive host, third-stage larvae (L3) residing in the environment become activated larvae (ssL3), a process associated with changes in the profile of gene expression. Ancylostoma secreted proteins (ASPs) are the major proteins secreted during larvae activation and play a crucial role in hookworm adaptation to parasitism. Here we report the cloning using RACE-PCR technique of three novel ASPs from the hookworm A. ceylanicum (Ace-asp-3, Ace-asp-4, and Ace-asp-5) and computational analysis of the protein sequences. All three proteins contain SCP (Sperm Coating Protein) domain characteristic for previously described ASP proteins. Real-time PCR analysis shows significant up-regulation of Ace-asp-3 and Ace-asp-5 expression in adult worms and correlated down-regulation in ssL3 larvae. On the other hand, expression of Ace-asp-4 was increased in ssL3 stages and decreased in adult parasites.
Studies on the life-cycle of Uvulifer iruvettiensis sp. nov. (Digenea: Diplostomidae)
Authors: Subair K. , Brinesh R. , Janardanan K. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe life-cycle stages of a new species of Uvulifer, U. iruvettiensis sp. nov. infecting the white-throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus) in Kerala, India are described. The new species is described in detail, and compared with its related species. The furcocercous cercariae emerged from the planorbid snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes). Metacercariae were found below the skin of tadpoles of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider). H. smyrnensis became infected when fed on tadpoles containing infective metacercariae. Pre-patent period is 10 days. Successive stages in the development of metacercariae and adults were followed in the laboratory.
An analytical approach for optimal design of heat sinks under forced convection
Authors: Miguel Antonio 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Saving energy is just as important as generating energy. In this paper, we seek an optimized structure that achieves a certain level of heat transfer rate under a minimum pumping power to drive the fluid stream. Constraints are specified by the flow regime (laminar and turbulent), admissible boundary conditions on the walls (prescribed temperature and constant heat flux), and design standards. The study will help designers with more effective basic tools for the conceptual design of system and in establishing proper operating procedures.
Evaluating the coordination of motor abilities in Greco-Roman wrestlers by computer testing
Authors: Gierczuk Dariusz , Ljach Włodzimierz 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate, by using a number of selected criteria, the accuracy of Vienna Test System (VST) computer tests used in wrestling to evaluate motor skill development.MethodsFifteen 16–17-year-old students from the SMS Sports School in Radom, Poland, who had been practising Greco-Roman wrestling for a period of 3 to 6 years took part in a VTS-based examination that measured coordination of motor abilities (CMA). Test reliability and validity were evaluated on the basis of thirty test scores characterising six abilities that define motor coordination. Reliability was defined by performing the tests twice (test/retest) over a period of three-to-five days. The validity of the selected scores was established with the help of three different criteria.ResultsThirteen out of the thirty CMA scores under investigation demonstrated sufficient coefficients of reliability. The CMA tests assessing quick reaction time, frequency of movements, partial spatial orientation, movement adaptability and movement coupling fulfilled the assumed criterion. In most cases, the coefficients of validity were not lower than 0.3. The highest validity level was demonstrated by scores measuring movement coupling, complex reaction time, spatial orientation and movement adaptability, while the lowest one was found in simple reactions and frequency of movements.ConclusionsThe obtained reliability and validity coefficients of the scores based on complex reaction, partial spatial orientation, movement adaptability and movement coupling confirm the usefulness of these specific tests in diagnosing CMA in wrestlers, as they meet the demands of sports metrology.
Strength parameters in judo athletes: an approach using hand dominance and weight categories
Authors: Detanico Daniele , Arins Francimara Budal , Pupo Juliano Dal , Santos Saray Giovana Dos 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aimed to relate strength parameters of the judogi pull test and countermovement jump (CMJ), and body fat with body mass and to compare strength parameters in the judogi pull test between the dominant and non-dominant hands.MethodsEighteen male judokas took part in this study. The following parameters were analysed: maximal force (F<sub>max</sub>), time to maximal force (TF<sub>max</sub>), rate of force development (RFD) and rate of peak force decrement (RPFD) of the dominant and nondominant hands during the pull test. Jump height (H<sub>max</sub>), power, F<sub>max</sub>, peak velocity (PV) and RFD in the CMJ were also measured. A t-test and Pearson’s correlation were used.ResultsFmax (absolute and relative) and RFD were greater for the dominant hand, whereas RFPD was greater for the non-dominant hand during the pull test. There was a significant correlation only between absolute Fmax and body mass (<i>r</i> = 0.51) in the pull test. For the CMJ, relative power (<i>r</i> = –0.57), Hmax (<i>r</i> = –0.49) and PV (<i>r</i> = –0.53) were negatively correlated with body mass, while absolute Fmax (<i>r</i> = 0.84) and power (<i>r</i> = 0.69) were positively correlated with body mass. A significant correlation between body mass and body fat (<i>r</i> = 0.88) was found.ConclusionsThere are differences in maximal and explosive force and the rate of peak force decrement between the dominant and non-dominant hand. Absolute values of power and maximal force increased according to body mass (and, therefore, a higher weight category); however jump performance decreased with an increase in body mass (weight category).
Hip and shoulder kinematics during initial sled acceleration in luging – a case study
Authors: Fedotova Veronika , Pilipiv Viktor 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe start is treated as one of the most important technical elements in all sliding sports, as it is the only phase when athletes can actively contribute to increasing sled velocity. Nevertheless, start kinematics in luging have seldom been addressed in literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse hip and shoulder movement of lugers during one of the essential start phases – the pull and push-off from the start handles – to further understanding of the velocity development process at its initial stage.MethodsThree experienced female lugers volunteered to take part in the case study. A number of start attempts were filmed and analysed using a motion tracking method.ResultsThe study found that an athlete and the sled do not move as a whole rigid system, and a hip movement relative to the sled was found to exist. The study participants used two techniques for achieving high sled velocity: by initially pulling on the start handles with a powerful back extension, and sliding the hips forward on the sled in an attempt to increase forward momentum; a combination of both techniques might provide increased performance. Athletes featured two weaknesses in terms of where horizontal sled velocity was lost – at the end of the initial pull on the handles and during the final moment of the push-off from the handles. The latter was previously believed to be another option at gaining increased sled horizontal velocity.ConclusionsAs found in the results, athletes have at least two possibilities of increasing horizontal sled velocity. Hip movement relative to the sled appeared to be important for gains in velocity. Additional studies that analyse larger pulls are necessary for understanding the role of hip and sled relative movement in start technique and its impact on increasing initial velocity.
Investigation of localised pressure applied to specific sites on the lateral aspect of the foot’s dorsum by the upper parts of footwear during sports specific movements
Authors: Greenhalgh Andrew , Sinclair Jonathan , Chockalingam Nachiappan 
Published: February 2013

PurposeLocalised peak pressure linked to overuse injuries has been documented extensively at the plantar surface during human locomotion. There is however a paucity of research investigating pressure applied to non-plantar regions of the foot during movement. This study investigates the magnitudes of peak pressures applied to the lateral side of the 5<sup>th</sup> metatarsal head (5MTH) and calcaneus (CC) by the uppers of footwear during sports movements.MethodA plantar pressure measuring system was adapted to fit into a sock covering the lateral aspect of the L5MTH and LCC. Six male participants (26.7 ± 2.4 years, 75.2 ± 5.5 kg) performed ten trials each of starting, stopping, sprinting, cutting and sidestepping at self-selected velocities, whilst wearing the pressure measuring device. Repeated measures ANOVA’s were used to examine differences between peak pressures at different aspects of the lateral side of the dorsum of the foot.ResultsThe results indicate significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05) between peak pressures at the LCC compared to the L5MTH. Significant differences in peak pressure at the L5MTH were also found between movement strategies. No significant differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) were reported at the LCC between different movements.ConclusionsThe results identify a need for athletes pre-disposed to injuries in the uppers of the feet to consider the possible influence of footwear on the magnitudes of peak pressures applied to the lateral side of the dorsum of their feet.
Influence of hypoxia training on the aerobic capacity of an elite race walker
Authors: Maciejczyk Marcin , Sudoł Grzegorz , Szyguła Zbigniew 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a combination of two different hypoxic training models (“live high-train high” and “live high-train low” with the use of a hypoxic tent) on the aerobic capacity of a elite race walker preparing for the 2009 IAAF World Championships.MethodsEvaluation of VO<sub>2</sub>max and the second ventilatory threshold was performed three times: 1) after four weeks training without hypoxic conditions, 2) after 28 days training in normoxia and sleeping for 8 h/day in a hypoxic tent (normobaric hypoxia, simulated hypoxia at 2133 m above sea level) and 3) after 26 days of classical altitude training at a moderate altitude of about 1800 m ASL (hypobaric hypoxia). The hematological parameters of the athlete’s blood (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocytes and reticulocytes counts) were also measured after each stage.ResultsAfter training in normoxia and sleeping in a hypoxic tent the ventilatory threshold was noted at a higher work intensity and featured an improvement in his hematological parameters, although VO<sub>2</sub>max was unchanged (compared to training without hypoxia). After classical altitude training a higher level of VO<sub>2</sub>max was observed (with a ventilatory threshold level similar to the level after training in normobaric hypoxia), but the hematological indices were lower than the levels observed before starting hypoxic training.ConclusionsThe combination of two methods of hypoxic training improved the aerobic capacity of the test subject, but an improvement in the analyzed hematological indicators was observed only after LH + TL training. After training in LH + TH these indicators were lower in comparison to the levels prior hypoxic training. The changes in the hematological indices after hypoxic training did not seem to have a significant influence on aerobic capacity; the observed improvements in physical performance may result from other factors.