bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomic Suture Anchor Versus the Broström Technique for Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair
Authors: Waldrop Norman E. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Jansson Kyle S. , LaPrade Robert F. , Clanton Thomas O. 
Published: September 2012

Background: Despite the popularity of the Broström procedure for secondary repair of chronic lateral ankle instability, there have been no biomechanical studies reporting on the strength of this secondary repair method, whether using suture fixation or suture anchors. Hypothesis: The purpose of our study was to perform a biomechanical comparison of the ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the traditional Broström technique using only a suture repair compared with a suture anchor repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) at time zero. We believed that fixation strength of the suture anchor repair would be closer to the strength of the native ligament and allow more aggressive rehabilitation. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 specimens. One group was an intact control group, and the other groups consisted of the traditional Broström and 2 suture anchor modifications (suture anchors in talus or fibula) of the Broström procedure. The specimens were loaded to failure to determine the strength and stiffness of each construct. Results: In load-to-failure testing, ultimate failure loads of the Broström (68.2 ± 27.8 N; P = .013), suture anchor fibula (79.2 ± 34.3 N; P = .037), and suture anchor talus (75.3 ± 45.6 N; P = .027) repairs were significantly lower than that of the intact (160.9 ± 72.2 N) ATFL group. Stiffness of the Broström (6.0 ± 2.5 N/mm; P = .02), suture anchor fibula (6.8 N/mm ± 2.7; P = .05), and suture anchor talus (6.6 N/mm ± 4.0; P = .04) repairs were significantly lower than that of the intact (12.4 N/mm ± 4.1 N/mm) ATFL group. The 3 repair groups were not significantly different from each other, but all 3 were substantially lower in strength and stiffness when compared to the intact ATFL. Conclusion: The use of suture anchors to repair the ATFL produces a repair that can withstand loads to failure similar to the suture-only Broström repair. However, all 3 repair groups were much weaker than the intact, uninjured ATFL. Clinical Relevance: Biomechanically, the results show that both suture anchor and direct suture repair of the ATFL provide similar strength and stiffness. Unfortunately, these methods provide less than half the strength and stiffness of the native ATFL at time zero. As a result, regardless of the repair method, it is necessary to sufficiently protect the repair to avoid premature failure.
The effect of dispersant on toughening mechanism and structure behaviors of Polypropylene Nanocomposites reinforced with nano α-alumina particles
Authors: Mirjalili F , Chuah L , Danafar F , Soltani M , Chen P 
Published: September 2012

This article presents a comparative study on the effects of using nano α-alumina (Al2O3) on toughening mechanisms and structural behaviors of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. The role of using dispersant in nanocomposite preparation was also investigated. For nanocomposite preparation, mixing of the elements was performed using a Haake Poly Drive blending machine at 175°C and the rotor speed of 50 rpm. The notched Izod impact energy obtained for PP was about 27 J/m and by the addition of nano α-Al2O3 (4 wt%) to PP, the notched Izod impact energy increases up to ∼43 J/m. However, higher concentration of nano α-Al2O3 in the nanocomposite resulted in the reduction of Izod impact property due to nano α-Al2O3 agglomeration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of pure PP and PP/nano α-Al2O3 composites demonstrated Al–O bond at 568 cm−1 for nanocomposite spectrum that indicates the creation of nano α-Al2O3 particles. The x-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectra of PP/nano α-Al2O3 composites showed that the intensity of the peaks when dispersant was used slightly increased and the arrangement of the peaks are normalized. This observation is attributed to homogeneous dispersion of nano α-Al2O3 filler in the matrix when dispersant was used. Scanning electron micrograph of impact fractured surface showed that the fracture surface of PP/nano α-Al2O3 composite becomes rougher with increasing the content of filler.
On the prospects of conducting polyaniline/natural rubber composites for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness applications
Authors: Al-Ghamdi AA , Al-Hartomy Omar A , Al-Solamy F , Al-Hazmi Faten , Al-Ghamdi Attieh A , El-Mossalamy EH , El-Tantawy Farid 
Published: September 2012

Conductive polymer composites are at the forefront of composites science research because of the huge number of applications that have been developed around their interesting and unique properties. The present article is focused on the fabrication of natural rubber/polyaniline (NR/PANI) compounds for electromagnetic wave shielding applications at microwave frequency. Their microstructures were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The as-fabricated NR/PANI composite was mechanically characterized to investigate the effect of dispersion of PANI on NR matrix composite. The dielectric spectroscopy, absorption loss, and reflection loss of NR/PANI composite in the frequency range from 1 to 12 GHz have been performed. The total electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness by absorption and reflection loss depends on PANI content in the composite. Results show that the NR/PANI composite represents a new class of conducting lightweight material that makes the NR/PANI with good electromagnetic shielding effectiveness that is suitable for use in industrial application such as electronic conducting composite in polymer package and for radar absorbing materials.
A simple and efficient mild air hybrid engine concept and its performance analysis
Authors: Lee Cho-Yu , Zhao Hua , Ma Tom 
Published: September 2012

In this paper, a simplified and more effective approach to achieve mild air hybrid operation in an engine with split intake ports is presented and its performance is analysed. The regenerative engine braking is achieved by operating the engine as a compressor during vehicle deceleration through the application of a cam profile switching device to one of the intake valves. Compared to the previous concepts, the new approach simplifies the control and allows more compressed air to be captured during the compressor mode operation. A four-cylinder 2.0 l diesel engine has been modelled in Ricardo’s WAVE to operate in an air hybrid engine configuration so that the valve timing optimization during the compressor mode and the expander mode operations could be studied. An air hybrid operation map during the compressor mode is then created, in which the amount of air mass charged (g/cycle) during a deceleration is given as a function of engine braking torque and tank pressure. The other air hybrid operation map for the expander mode operation is generated using a program in MATLAB, which allows the compressed air consumption during each cranking to be determined for a given tank pressure and the number of cylinders. In order to evaluate the potential fuel savings of the mild air hybrid engine technology and the availability of the compressed air for additional usages, a driving cycle simulation program has been developed and applied to a light duty vehicle. The vehicle simulation shows that standard vehicle operation during the New European Driving Cycle consumes 677 g of fuel and the mild air hybrid vehicle uses 631.2 g of fuel, which represents a 6.8% reduction in fuel consumption as a result of the regenerative stop–start operations. In addition, the free compressed air is available to provide instant boost so that a highly downsized engine can be used for further improvement in fuel economy without the loss in performance and greater emissions associated with turbo-lag.
Loss of Cardioprotection With Ischemic Preconditioning in Aging Hearts: Role of Sirtuin 1?
Authors: Adam Tasneem , Sharp Stephanie , Opie Lionel H. , Lecour Sandrine 
Published: September 2012

The effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) declines with age. The deacetylase protein sirtuin 1 ( Sirt 1) confers myriad functions including longevity and cardioprotection against IRI. As such, Sirt 1 may be a potential candidate to explain the protective effect of IPC. We aim to explore the role of Sirt 1 in the loss of the cardioprotective effect of IPC with age. Isolated hearts from young (9 weeks) and older (12-18 months) Long-Evans rats were subjected to 30 minutes of global ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion. Preconditioning stimuli were applied with either 2 cycles of 5-minute ischemia/reperfusion or with the potent Sirt 1 agonist resveratrol (RSV, 10 µmol/L) for 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute washout before the sustained ischemia. Both IPC and RSV significantly enhanced the functional recovery of young hearts by 168% ( P < .001 vs control) and 65% ( P < .01 vs control), respectively, and concomitantly reduced the infarct size by 65% and 45%, but the effect was blunted in older hearts. Administration of the selective Sirt 1 inhibitor III to young hearts did not alter the protective effect of IPC. Following ischemia/reperfusion, higher Sirt 1 deacetylase activity was detected in older hearts compared to young hearts (0.48 ± 0.13 arbitrary units [AU] vs 0.17 ± 0.03 AU, P < .01) and IPC did not alter Sirt 1 deacetylase activity. In conclusion, although Sirt 1 deacetylase activity is increased with age during ischemia/reperfusion, our data suggest that the loss of the cardioprotective effect of IPC in older animals is likely to be independent of Sirt 1.
Oligoclonal bands and cerebrospinal fluid markers in multiple sclerosis: associations with disease course and progression
Authors: Lourenco Pedro , Shirani Afsaneh , Saeedi Jameelah , Oger Joel , Schreiber William E , Tremlett Helen 
Published: September 2012

Background: The use of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters are established in the diagnosis of MS, but poorly as markers of disease. Objective: To investigate the role of OCBs in disease course and progression. Methods: CSF data for 1120 patients with MS were analyzed for associations between OCBs and CSF parameters and clinical data (disease course [relapsing-onset MS (ROMS) vs primary-progressive MS (PPMS)]), disability progression (proportion reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale 6 within 10 years of onset and progression index) and ethnicity. Results: Of patients with MS, 72.5% had detectable OCBs. For patients with detectable OCBs, 84.6% had ROMS and 15.4% PPMS versus 89.7% and 10.3%, respectively for those without detectable OCBs ( p=0.04). Total CSF IgG and protein levels were higher in PPMS compared with ROMS ( p<0.001). Disease progression appeared independent of OCB status. Patients with CSF (vs without) data were more likely to be male, older at onset, have PPMS and lack optic neuropathy at onset ( p<0.001). Conclusions: OCB positivity and elevated total CSF IgG and protein were moderately associated with a PPMS disease course, but not disease progression. Patients with atypical clinical presentations were more likely to have had CSF work-up, suggesting a testing bias.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is not more prevalent in patients with mild multiple sclerosis: a sonographer-blinded, case-control ultrasound study
Authors: Chambers Brian , Chambers Jayne , Cameron Heather , Macdonell Richard 
Published: September 2012

Objectives: We designed a prospective case-control study of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) with an Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) of ≤2, compared with age-and-sex-matched healthy controls, to test the hypothesis that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is more prevalent in patients with CIS or mild MS. Methods: All subjects were examined using a Siemens Antares duplex ultrasound machine. The internal jugular, vertebral and intracranial veins were studied in subjects in both supine and sitting postures. The sonographer was blind to the subject’s clinical status. Measures included the criteria proposed by Zamboni and volume flow. Presence of CCSVI was defined as ≥2 Zamboni criteria. Results: Seventy patient-control pairs were recruited, with 11 males and 59 females in each group. Only one subject, a control, satisfied the Zamboni definition of CCSVI; however, 19 patients and 13 controls had abnormalities as defined by Zamboni, the difference largely caused by a higher prevalence in patients of internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis, defined as a cross-sectional area ≤0.3cm2. This difference disappeared with a more rigorous stenosis definition. Further analysis revealed there was IJV valve variation in seven patients and one control. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that CCSVI, as defined by the Zamboni ultrasound criteria, is not present in CIS and mild RRMS (EDSS ≤2), providing further evidence that CCSVI does not have a causal role in MS; however, we found an apparent increase in IJV variation in patients with CIS or mild MS that would warrant further investigation.
ANCAC: amino acid, nucleotide, and codon analysis of COGs – a tool for sequence bias analysis in microbial orthologs
Authors: Meiler Arno , Klinger Claudia , Kaufmann Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The COG database is the most popular collection of orthologous proteins from many different completely sequenced microbial genomes. Per definition, a cluster of orthologous groups (COG) within this database exclusively contains proteins that most likely achieve the same cellular function. Recently, the COG database was extended by assigning to every protein both the corresponding amino acid and its encoding nucleotide sequence resulting in the NUCOCOG database. This extended version of the COG database is a valuable resource connecting sequence features with the functionality of the respective proteins.

Results
Here we present ANCAC, a web tool and MySQL database for the analysis of amino acid, nucleotide, and codon frequencies in COGs on the basis of freely definable phylogenetic patterns. We demonstrate the usefulness of ANCAC by analyzing amino acid frequencies, codon usage, and GC-content in a species- or function-specific context. With respect to amino acids we, at least in part, confirm the cognate bias hypothesis by using ANCAC’s NUCOCOG dataset as the largest one available for that purpose thus far.

Conclusions
Using the NUCOCOG datasets, ANCAC connects taxonomic, amino acid, and nucleotide sequence information with the functional classification via COGs and provides a GUI for flexible mining for sequence-bias. Thereby, to our knowledge, it is the only tool for the analysis of sequence composition in the light of physiological roles and phylogenetic context without requirement of substantial programming-skills.
Macrolides decrease the minimal inhibitory concentration of anti-pseudomonal agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from cystic fibrosis patients in biofilm
Authors: Lutz Larissa , Pereira Dariane Castro , Paiva Rodrigo Minuto , Zavascki Alexandre Prehn , Barth Afonso Luis 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Biofilm production is an important mechanism for bacterial survival and its association with antimicrobial resistance represents a challenge for the patient treatment. In this study we evaluated the in vitro action of macrolides in combination with anti-pseudomonal agents on biofilm-grown Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Results
A total of 64 isolates were analysed. The biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) results were consistently higher than those obtained by the conventional method, minimal inhibitory concentration, (MIC) for most anti-pseudomonal agents tested (ceftazidime: P = 0.001, tobramycin: P = 0.001, imipenem: P < 0.001, meropenem: P = 0.005). When macrolides were associated with the anti-pseudomonal agents, the BIC values were reduced significantly for ceftazidime (P < 0.001) and tobramycin (P < 0.001), regardless the concentration of macrolides. Strong inhibitory quotient was observed when azithromycin at 8 mg/L was associated with all anti-pseudomonal agents tested in biofilm conditions.

Conclusions

P. aeruginosa from CF patients within biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotics but macrolides proved to augment the in vitro activity of anti-pseudomonal agents.
Nutritional status and dietary intake of urban residents in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Amare Bemnet , Moges Beyene , Moges Feleke , Fantahun Bereket , Admassu Mengesha , Mulu Andargachew , Kassu Afework 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
There is paucity of data on the dietary intake and nutritional status of urban Ethiopians which necessitates comprehensive nutritional assessments. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the dietary intake and nutritional status of urban residents in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
This cross-sectional community based nutrition survey was conducted by involving 356 participants (71.3% female and 28.7% male with mean age of 37.3 years). Subjects were selected by random sampling. Socio demographic data was collected by questionnaire. Height, weight, hip circumference and waist circumference were measured following standard procedures. Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and 24-h dietary recall. The recommended dietary allowance was taken as the cut-off point for the assessment of the adequacy of individual nutrient intake.

Results
Undernourished, overweight and obese subjects composed 12.9%, 21.3% and 5.9% of the participants, respectively. Men were taller, heavier and had higher waist to hip ratio compared to women (P < 0.05). Fish, fruits and vegetables were consumed less frequently or never at all by a large proportion of the subjects. Oil and butter were eaten daily by most of the participants. Mean energy intakes fell below the estimated energy requirements in women (1929 vs 2031 kcal/day, P = 0.05) while it was significantly higher in men participants (3001 vs 2510 kcal/day, P = 0.007). Protein intake was inadequate (<0.8 g/kg/day) in 11.2% of the participants whereas only 2.8% reported carbohydrate intake below the recommended dietary allowances (130 g/day). Inadequate intakes of calcium, retinol, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid were seen in 90.4%, 100%, 73%, 92.4%, 86.2% and 95.5% of the participants.

Conclusions
The overall risk of nutritional inadequacy among the study participants was high along with their poor dietary intake. Hence, more stress should be made on planning and implementing nutritional programmes in urban settings aimed at preventing or correcting micronutrient and some macronutrient deficiencies which may be useful in preventing nutrition related diseases in life.
Association between salivary pH and metabolic syndrome in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tremblay Monique , Brisson Diane , Gaudet Daniel 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The salivary flow rate is an important determinant of salivary pH. It is influenced by several metabolic syndrome (MetS) components as well as the menopausal status. The cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that characterizes the MetS could be exacerbated following menopause. The objective of this study was therefore to document the association between salivary pH and MetS expression in women according to the menopausal status.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, unstimulated saliva collection was performed on 198 Caucasian women of French-Canadian origin of which 55 were premenopausal women (PMW) and 143 menopausal women (MW). Student’s t test, ANOVA and correlation analyses were used to assess the association between salivary pH and MetS components.

Results
The salivary pH level was significantly correlated with several MetS covariates, namely triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (apo B) and plasma glucose concentrations as well as waist circumference and the number of MetS components present in the whole sample and PMW only. Mean pH levels decreased as the number of MetS components increased (p = 0.004). The correlations between salivary pH and variables associated with MetS components tended to be stronger in PMW. The proportion of the variance (R2) of salivary pH explained by MetS-related variables in PMW, MW and the whole sample was 23.6% (p = 0.041), 18.1% and 17.0% (p < 0.001) respectively.

Conclusions
The increasing prevalence of obesity calls for the development of new technologies to more easily monitor health status without increasing the burden of healthcare costs. As such, the salivary pH could be an inexpensive screening tool. These exploratory data suggest that salivary pH may be a significant correlate of the expression of MetS components. However, other studies with different populations are needed to confirm these findings before our observations lead to practical use in clinical settings.
A national survey of health service infrastructure and policy impacts on access to computerised CBT in Scotland
Authors: Kenicer David , McClay Carrie-Anne , Williams Christopher 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
NICE recommends computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for the treatment of several mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. cCBT may be one way that services can reduce waiting lists and improve capacity and efficiency. However, there is some doubt about the extent to which the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is embracing this new health technology in practice. This study aimed to investigate Scottish health service infrastructure and policies that promote or impede the implementation of cCBT in the NHS.

Methods
A telephone survey of lead IT staff at all health board areas across Scotland to systematically enquire about the ability of local IT infrastructure and IT policies to support delivery of cCBT.

Results
Overall, most of the health boards possess the required software to use cCBT programmes. However, the majority of NHS health boards reported that they lack dedicated computers for patient use, hence access to cCBT at NHS sites is limited. Additionally, local policy in the majority of boards prevent staff from routinely contacting patients via email, skype or instant messenger, making the delivery of short, efficient support sessions difficult.

Conclusions
Conclusions: Overall most of the infrastructure is in place but is not utilised in ways that allow effective delivery. For cCBT to be successfully delivered within a guided support model, as recommended by national guidelines, dedicated patient computers should be provided to allow access to online interventions. Additionally, policy should allow staff to support patients in convenient ways such as via email or live chat. These measures would increase the likelihood of achieving Scottish health service targets to reduce waiting time for psychological therapies to 18 weeks.