bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precipitados ceráticos atípicos em um paciente com hanseníase virchowiana
Authors: Paula Jayter S. , Schimrbeck Tarciso , Almeida Felipe P. P. , Romão Erasmo 
Published: June 2014

Modelo de Estudo: Relato de caso. Importância do problema: A hanseníase é uma afecção que conduz a inúmeras alterações nos globos e anexos oculares, primordialmente no segmento anterior do olho, com relativa alta prevalência em países subdesenvolvidos. A iridociclite e as alterações corneanas provocadas cronicamente por essa infecção são as manifestações mais freqüentemente envolvidas no estabelecimento da cegueira. Comentários: O caso descrito mostra um achado atípico do acometimento do segmento anterior do olho pela Hanseníase. À biomicroscopia observou-se precipitados ceráticos ovalados, acastanhados, distribuídos na metade inferior do endotélio corneano com aproximadamente 2mm de diâmetro. Essas características ímpares, ainda não foram descritas na literatura. Após tratamento houve recuperação da acuidade visual do paciente, com manutenção dos achados de córnea. São feitas considerações a respeito dos aspectos epidemiológicos e de exame oftalmológico revisados sobre Hanseníase.
Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease and Death After Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sud Maneesh , Tangri Navdeep , Pintilie Melania , Levey Andrew S. , Naimark David 
Published: June 2014

Background—

Patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5 (glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73m
2
) are at increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease when compared with patients with less severe chronic kidney disease. How CV events modify the subsequent risk of progression to end-stage-renal disease (ESRD) or all-cause mortality (ACM) before ESRD is not well known.

Methods and Results—
This retrospective cohort study involved 2964 chronic kidney disease subjects referred between January 2001 and December 2008 to the nephrology clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario. Interim CV events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke), ESRD, and ACM were ascertained from administrative data. Over a median follow-up time of 2.76 years (interquartile range, 1.45–4.62), 447 (15%) subjects had a CV event. In the same time period, 318 (11%) developed ESRD, and 446 (15%) experienced ACM before ESRD (156 [5%] from a CV and 290 [10%] from a non–CV-related cause). When analyzed as a time-dependent variable, an interim CV event was associated with a higher risk of subsequent ESRD (hazard ratio, 5.33; 95% confidence interval, 3.74–7.58) and ACM before ESRD (hazard ratio, 4.15, hazard ratio, 3.30–5.23). The hazard ratio for CV-related death versus non–CV-related death before ESRD was 12.38 (95% confidence interval, 8.30–18.45) versus 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.57–2.87).

Conclusions—
CV events are common in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 to 5 and are associated with a substantial increase in the risk of ESRD and ACM before ESRD. Intensive primary and secondary prevention strategies may help attenuate this risk.
Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 2 Augments cGMP and cAMP Signaling to Ameliorate Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Bubb Kristen J. , Trinder Sarah L. , Baliga Reshma S. , Patel Jigisha , Clapp Lucie H. , MacAllister Raymond J. , Hobbs Adrian J. 
Published: June 2014

Background—
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure, remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature, and right ventricular failure. Loss of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin contributes to PH pathogenesis, and current therapies are targeted to restore these pathways. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a family of enzymes that break down cGMP and cAMP, which underpin the bioactivity of NO and prostacyclin. PDE5 inhibitors (eg, sildenafil) are licensed for PH, but a role for PDE2 in lung physiology and disease has yet to be established. Herein, we investigated whether PDE2 inhibition modulates pulmonary cyclic nucleotide signaling and ameliorates experimental PH.

Methods and Results—
The selective PDE2 inhibitor BAY 60-7550 augmented atrial natriuretic peptide– and treprostinil-evoked pulmonary vascular relaxation in isolated arteries from chronically hypoxic rats. BAY 60-7550 prevented the onset of both hypoxia- and bleomycin-induced PH and produced a significantly greater reduction in disease severity when given in combination with a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor (enhances endogenous natriuretic peptides), trepostinil, inorganic nitrate (NO donor), or a PDE5 inhibitor. Proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension was reduced by BAY 60-7550, an effect further enhanced in the presence of atrial natriuretic peptide, NO, and treprostinil.

Conclusions—
PDE2 inhibition elicits pulmonary dilation, prevents pulmonary vascular remodeling, and reduces the right ventricular hypertrophy characteristic of PH. This favorable pharmacodynamic profile is dependent on natriuretic peptide bioactivity and is additive with prostacyclin analogues, PDE5 inhibitor, and NO. PDE2 inhibition represents a viable, orally active therapy for PH.
Expenditures on health research in sub-Saharan African countries: results of a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Kebede Derege , Zielinski Chris , Mbondji Peter Ebongue , Sanou Issa , Kouvividila Wenceslas , Lusamba-Dikassa Paul-Samson 
Published: June 2014

Objective To estimate the sources of funds for health research (revenue) and the uses of these funds (expenditure). Design A structured questionnaire was used to solicit financial information from health research institutions. Setting Forty-two sub-Saharan African countries. Participants Key informants in 847 health research institutions in the 42 sub-Saharan African countries. Main outcome measures Expenditure on health research by institutions, funders and subject areas. Results An estimated total of US$ 302 million was spent on health research by institutions that responded to the survey in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region for the biennium 2005–2006. The most notable funders for health research activities were external funding, ministries of health, other government ministries, own funds and non-profit institutions. Most types of health research performers spent significant portions of their resources on in-house research, with medical schools spending 82% and government agencies 62%. Hospitals spent 38% of their resources on management, and other institutions (universities, firms, etc.) spent 87% of their resources on capital investment. Research on human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis and malaria accounted for 30% of funds, followed by research on other communicable diseases and maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions (23%). Conclusions Research on major health problems of the Region, such as communicable diseases, accounts for most of the research expenditures. However, the total expenditure is very low compared with other WHO regions.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (“E‐cigarettes”): Review of Safety and Smoking Cessation Efficacy
Authors: Harrell Paul Truman , Simmons Vani Nath , Correa John Bernard , Padhya Tapan Ashvin , Brandon Thomas Henry 
Published: June 2014

Background and ObjectivesCigarette smoking is common among cancer patients and is associated with negative outcomes. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (“e‐cigarettes”) are rapidly growing in popularity and use, but there is limited information on their safety or effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking.Data SourcesThe authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, and additional sources for published empirical data on safety and use of electronic cigarettes as an aid to quit smoking.Review MethodsWe conducted a structured search of the current literature up to and including November 2013.ResultsE‐cigarettes currently vary widely in their contents and are sometimes inconsistent with labeling. Compared to tobacco cigarettes, available evidence suggests that e‐cigarettes are often substantially lower in toxic content, cytotoxicity, associated adverse effects, and secondhand toxicity exposure. Data on the use of e‐cigarettes for quitting smoking are suggestive but ultimately inconclusive.ConclusionsClinicians are advised to be aware that the use of e‐cigarettes, especially among cigarette smokers, is growing rapidly. These devices are unregulated, of unknown safety, and of uncertain benefit in quitting smoking.Implications for PracticeIn the absence of further data or regulation, oncologists are advised to discuss the known and unknown safety and efficacy information on e‐cigarettes with interested patients and to encourage patients to first try FDA‐approved pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation.
The effect of colloidal solution of molybdenum nanoparticles on the microbial composition in rhizosphere of Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Taran Natalia Yu , Gonchar Olena M , Lopatko Kostyantyn G , Batsmanova Lyudmila M , Patyka Mykola V , Volkogon Mykola V 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The use of colloidal solutions of metals as micronutrients enhances plant resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions and ensures high yields of food crops due to the active penetration of nanoelements into the plant cells.
Microbiological examination of rhizosphere soil have revealed that combined use of colloidal solution of nanoparticles of molybdenum (CSNM, 8 mg/l), and microbial preparation for pre-sowing inoculation of chickpea seeds stimulates the development of ‘agronomically valuable’ microflora. It was shown that combined seed treatment with colloidal solution of Mo nanoparticles with microbial preparation have stimulated nodule formation per plant by four times compared to controls. Single treatment with CSNM increased the number of nodules by two times, while the treatment of microbial preparation have not significantly affected the number of nodules per plant.

PACS

Colloids, 82.70.Dd; Ecology, 87.23.-n
Modular mechatronic system for stationary bicycles interfaced with virtual environment for rehabilitation
Authors: Ranky Richard G , Sivak Mark L , Lewis Jeffrey A , Gade Venkata K , Deutsch Judith E , Mavroidis Constantinos 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Cycling has been used in the rehabilitation of individuals with both chronic and post-surgical conditions. Among the challenges with implementing bicycling for rehabilitation is the recruitment of both extremities, in particular when one is weaker or less coordinated. Feedback embedded in virtual reality (VR) augmented cycling may serve to address the requirement for efficacious cycling; specifically recruitment of both extremities and exercising at a high intensity.

Methods
In this paper a mechatronic rehabilitation bicycling system with an interactive virtual environment, called Virtual Reality Augmented Cycling Kit (VRACK), is presented. Novel hardware components embedded with sensors were implemented on a stationary exercise bicycle to monitor physiological and biomechanical parameters of participants while immersing them in an augmented reality simulation providing the user with visual, auditory and haptic feedback. This modular and adaptable system attaches to commercially-available stationary bicycle systems and interfaces with a personal computer for simulation and data acquisition processes. The complete bicycle system includes: a) handle bars based on hydraulic pressure sensors; b) pedals that monitor pedal kinematics with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and forces on the pedals while providing vibratory feedback; c) off the shelf electronics to monitor heart rate and d) customized software for rehabilitation. Bench testing for the handle and pedal systems is presented for calibration of the sensors detecting force and angle.

Results
The modular mechatronic kit for exercise bicycles was tested in bench testing and human tests. Bench tests performed on the sensorized handle bars and the instrumented pedals validated the measurement accuracy of these components. Rider tests with the VRACK system focused on the pedal system and successfully monitored kinetic and kinematic parameters of the rider’s lower extremities.

Conclusions
The VRACK system, a virtual reality mechatronic bicycle rehabilitation modular system was designed to convert most bicycles in virtual reality (VR) cycles. Preliminary testing of the augmented reality bicycle system was successful in demonstrating that a modular mechatronic kit can monitor and record kinetic and kinematic parameters of several riders.
Modifications in ankle dorsiflexor activation by applying a torque perturbation during walking in persons post-stroke: a case series
Authors: Blanchette Andreanne K , Noël Martin , Richards Carol L , Nadeau Sylvie , Bouyer Laurent J 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Background
Results obtained in a previous study (Gait Posture 34:358–363, 2011) have shown that, in non-disabled participants, a specific increase in ankle dorsiflexor (Tibialis anterior [TA]) activation can be induced by walking with a torque perturbation that plantarflexes the ankle during the swing phase. After perturbation removal, the increased TA activation persisted temporarily and was associated with a more dorsiflexed ankle during swing. The objective of the present case-series study was to verify if these results can be reproduced in persons post-stroke.

Methods
Six participants who sustained a stroke walked on a treadmill before, during and after exposure to a torque perturbation applied at the ankle by a robotized ankle-foot orthosis. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, ankle and knee kinematics, and the electromyographic activity of TA and Soleus were recorded. Mean amplitude of the TA burst located around toe off and peak ankle dorsiflexion angle during swing were compared across the 3 walking periods for each participant.

Results
At the end of the walking period with the perturbation, TA mean amplitude was significantly increased in 4 of the 6 participants. Among these 4 participants, modifications in TA activation persisted after perturbation removal in 3 of them, and led to a statistically significant increase in peak dorsiflexion during swing.

Clinical implications
This approach may be helpful to evaluate the residual adaptive capacity in the ankle dorsiflexors after a stroke and guide decision-making for the selection of optimal rehabilitation interventions. Future work will investigate the clinical impact of a multiple-session gait training based on this approach in persons presenting a reduced ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase of walking.
Intracellular Protein Delivery System with Protein Needle–GFP Construct
Authors: Inaba Hiroshi , Sanghamitra Nusrat J M , Fukai Toshihiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Nishijo Kaname , Kanamaru Shuji , Arisaka Fumio , Kitagawa Susumu , Ueno Takafumi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A protein delivery system with a protein needle has been constructed. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was genetically fused to a cell-penetrating protein needle. The construct is stable in buffer and cell culture medium. Internalization of the construct in HeLa cells and subsequent release of GFP from the needle was observed. The study provides a useful tool for intracellular protein delivery in an efficient manner and has potential for use in vitro and in vivo applications.
Diagnostic Opportunities of Elastography of the Liver during the Endosonography
Authors: Морозова  , Morozova T. , Борсуков  , Borsukov A. 
Published: June 2014

62 patients with steatosis – n=27 (43,5%), with hepatitis – n=23 (37,1%), with cirrhosis – n=12 (19,4%) were examined. Elastography during endosonography allows to improve the early diagnostics of the fibrotic process liver. Compression elastography during endosonography was conducted in 2 stages: the qualitative assessment of elastographic images areas in the liver; the qualifying stage elastographic diagnostics: measurement of elastographic ratio in the identified areas of interest, by calculating the comparative factor SR. With a coefficient of difference from 5 units to 17 units (F0 – stage), from 18 units to 25 units (F1 – stage) a diagnosis of steatosis is confirmed, from 26 to 37 units (F2 – stage), from 38 to 49 units (F3 – stage) – a diagnosis of hepatitis is determined, from 50 to 100 units (F4 – stage) a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis is confirmed. Compression elastography during endosonography helps the doctor-gastroenterologist, hepatologist promptly correct tactics of the patient and to monitor treatment.
Positive Effects of the Combined Rehabilitation Actions, Including Warm-Cold Procedures and Vitamin-Mineral Complex, on Sportsmen´s Post-Stress Disorders
Authors: Чернышев  , Chernyshev S. 
Published: June 2014

The paper is devoted to studying the effects of warm-cold treatment combined with the use of the special vitamin-mineral complex, on the athletes&#180; post-stress disorders rehabilitation. The examination was amde among 20 highest qualification athletes aged 28-32 years, which had considerable stress load at a training process and a competitive activities. It is known, that a stress affects on the hypophysial-adrenal and autonomic nervous systems, promotes for a excretion of vitamins and minerals from the human body. To restore post-stress disorders complex rehabilitation was used, it was based on the combined action of warm and cold procedures at a sauna, physical exercises and taking vitamins and minerals. For this purpose daily during 10 days for 1,5-2,0 hours surveyed athletics were exposed to warm treatments at humidified sauna with a temperature of 60-80 deg., alternating with cold treatments at reservoir water. Before an entrance to a sauna surveyed athletics accepted inside contents of one package of the vitamin and mineral complex. Before and immediately after warm-cold treatments in the sauna in the athletes registered pulse, blood pressure, tremor dynamic, the level of subjective well-being. The vegetative index Kerdo, pulse pressure, blood flow in minute volume were calculated. In addition, before the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation actions all surveyed athletics were examined by therapeutist, neuropathologist, otolaryngologist, oculist, endocrinologist. The laboratory indicators were determined: analysis of blood and urina, biochemic analysis of blood, blood test on catecholamines&#180;s level, vitamin and mineral status. The result of this study are established, that the rehabilitation of athletes, based on the combined action of warm and cold procedures, taking vitamins and minerals, allows to normalize vegetative functions, reduce vitamin deficiency and psycho-emotional stress level.
Graph-analytic Solution of Some Special Problems of Quadratic Programming
Authors: Сальков  , Sal'kov Nikolay 
Published: June 2014

Quadratic programming problems are one of special
cases of mathematical programming problems. Mathematical programming
problems solution is of great importance, because these
problems are those of optimizing of solution related to presented
issues from multitude of possible ones. The mathematical programming
problems are linear, nonlinear, dynamic and others. It is
suggested to consider a graph-analytic solution of quadratic programming’s
special problems, which, taken together, constitute the
quadratic programming problems for two and three variables. A
total of eight special problems have been considered.
Realization of the Aims of Sustainable Development in “Strategy for the Social and Economic Growth of Eastern Poland by 2020”
Authors: Busłowska Anna 
Published: June 2014

The realization of the idea of the sustainable development is a direction of development of many countries in the world, also in the European Union. It is possible to find examples of such action in the structural policy conducted by the EU. It is directed at deliberate and intentional activity of the official authority aiming at the harmonious development of EU regions. In particular it is regarding eastern regions of Poland which are reporting wide financial support from the budget of the European Union for social, economic and ecological growth. Particular directions of that growth contains “Strategy for the social and economic growth of Eastern Poland by 2020”. The purpose of this article is to evaluate (using available statistical data) the implementation of development goals in eastern Polish regions contained in the Strategy in the context of sustainable development.
The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality with an Irish sample: a factor analysis
Authors: Bodling Angela , Heneghan Miranda , Walsh Jane C , Yoon Dong Pil , Johnstone Brick 
Published: June 2014

Background/Aim: The relationship between increased spirituality and better health has been consistently demonstrated in the US. The Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) is one of the most commonly used measures in the US used to assess the spirituality and religiosity of people with disabilities, but it has not been validated for use with other international populations. This study was carried out to validate the factor structure of the BMMRS with an Irish population so that future research can be carried in spirituality and health research with Irish populations with disabilities. Methods: Based on 180 Irish undergraduate students, a principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalisation was completed. Results: Four factors with extraction eigenvalues greater than 1.0 (4.50, 3.12, 2.56, and 1.90) were identified, and explained a cumulative total of 63.56% of the variance. Based on face validity of the items from each factor, they were labelled as: spiritual coping (eight items: α=0.89); spiritual beliefs (five items: α=0.80); religious practices (three items: α=0.68); and spiritual connectedness (three items: α=0.70). Conclusion: The BMMRS measures distinct dimensions of religion and spirituality in Irish populations similar to those identified with US populations, and appears appropriate for comparative international research.
Developing the SELF study: A focus group with patients and the public
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Ahston Jon , Scott Emma , Mawson Sue , May Stephen , Walters Stephen 
Published: June 2014

Background Patient and public involvement (PPI) in the research process is a key feature of NHS Research and Development policy but reporting of the extent and value of PPI in relation to physiotherapy research is lacking. Aims To determine whether the proposed methodology within the randomized controlled trial aspect of the SELF study was acceptable to patients and to ascertain whether enhancements could be made in relation to elements that matter most to patients. Methods A focus group discussion was undertaken with four lay people who were currently attending physiotherapy. The data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework method. Findings The lay members found the proposals to be generally acceptable but were able to suggest enhancements to the SELF study's design relating to recruitment, retention, blinding, and acceptability of the intervention. Additionally, we were able to recruit lay members to the trial steering committee. Conclusion The unique perspective offered by PPI has resulted in enhancements to the SELF study's design and a means of maintaining PPI throughout the conduct of the SELF study has been established.