bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term outcome after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in geriatric Mexican patients
Authors: Cortés‐Flores Ana Olivia , Álvarez‐Villaseñor Andrea del Socorro , Fuentes‐Orozco Clotilde , Ramírez‐Campos Kenia Militzi , Ramírez‐Arce Anais del Roció , Macías‐Amezcua Michel Dassaejv , Chávez‐Tostado Mariana , Hernández‐Machuca Joel Sealtiel , González‐Ojeda Alejandro 
Published: December 2013

AimTo evaluate long‐term survival and prognostic factors in elderly Mexican patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).MethodsThe present study was a retrospective cohort analysis of 110 patients aged older than 70 years without head and neck malignancy who underwent PEG between January 2005 and December 2012. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for demographic and clinical variables, and survival was determined by the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsMedium age and follow up were 82.45 ± 6.6 years and 688.3 ± 394.6 days, respectively. The patients who died in the early postoperative period (n = 6) were older than those who survived. The Karnofsky performance status and lymphocyte count were non‐significantly lower in non‐survivors. The body mass index and serum albumin level were lower in non‐survivors (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively) and Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher. A total of 32 (29%) patients died later in the postoperative period with a mean follow up of 436.2 ± 267.4 days. Risk factors for mortality included Karnofsky Performance Status (odds ratio [OR] 9.76, 95% CI: 3.26–29.3), CCI (OR 7.04, 95% CI: 2.31–21.41) and postoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.71–6.67). Postgastrostomy pneumonia occurred in 36.8% of the patients who died during follow‐up (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.6–1.26).ConclusionsKarnofsky performance status, Charlson's comorbidity index and postoperative hypoalbuminemia, were independent risk factors for mortality. Modifiable factors are related to nutritional support. Early PEG may help prevent malnutrition and infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 19–26.
The biogeography of insects' length–dry mass relationships
Authors: Martin Charles A. , Proulx Raphaël , Magnan Pierre 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Biomass measures are central to estimating secondary productivity and studying how resources are distributed within an ecosystem. Because directly measuring insect biomass is a lengthy process, many authors have resorted to empirical length–dry mass relationships.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative importance of latitude, climate and physical habitat (aquatic vs. terrestrial) in explaining the variability in length–dry mass relationships among insect populations.

A global meta‐analysis of the body length–dry mass power coefficients of 457 insect samples was conducted using mixed‐effects models.

The length–dry mass power coefficients of insects were positively related to the absolute latitude of the study site and to habitat type; with insects captured in aquatic habitats being characterised by higher allometric coefficients than terrestrial ones. Neither the annualised climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) nor the metamorphosis type of insect taxa had a significant effect on the allometric coefficients.

The findings may lead to a generalised body length–dry mass relationship for insects, accounting for both the phylogenetic relatedness and the environmental (biotic and abiotic) context of populations.
Herbivores on native and exotic Senecio plants: is host switching related to plant novelty and insect diet breadth under field conditions?
Authors: Castells Eva , Morante Maria , Goula Marta , Pérez Nicolas , Dantart Jordi , Escolà Anna 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Native herbivores can establish novel interactions with alien plants after invasion. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether these new associations are quantitatively significant compared to the assemblages with native flora under natural conditions.

Herbivores associated with two exotic plants, namely Senecio inaequidens and S. pterophorus, and two coexisting natives, namely S. vulgaris and S. lividus, were surveyed in a replicated long‐term field study to ascertain whether the plant–herbivore assemblages in mixed communities are related to plant novelty and insect diet breadth.

Native herbivores used exotic Senecio as their host plants. Of the 19 species of Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hemiptera found in this survey, 14 were associated with the exotic Senecio plants. Most of these species were polyphagous, yet we found a higher number of individuals with a narrow diet breadth, which is contrary to the assumption that host switching mainly occurs in generalist herbivores.

The Senecio specialist Sphenella marginata (Diptera: Tephritidae) was the most abundant and widely distributed insect species (ca. 80% of the identified specimens). Sphenella was associated with S. lividus, S. vulgaris and S. inaequidens and was not found on S. pterophorus. The presence of native plant congeners in the invaded community did not ensure an instantaneous ecological fitting between insects and alien plants.

We conclude that novel associations between native herbivores and introduced Senecio plants are common under natural conditions. Plant novelty is, however, not the only predictor of herbivore abundance due to the complexity of natural conditions.
Fatalities and hospitalisations due to acute poisoning among New Zealand adults
Authors: Peiris‐John R. , Kool B. , Ameratunga S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcute poisoning accounts for a significant proportion of the total burden of disease worldwide. While the rate of poisoning fatalities in New Zealand is comparable to other industrialised countries, demographic trends in incidence, particularly including socio‐economic indicators and substances involved, are less well known.AimTo determine demographic patterns and substances related to acute poisoning fatalities and hospital admissions in New Zealand among people at the age of 25 years or older.MethodsRecords with a poisoning external cause of injury code were identified using the national mortality (1999–2008) and hospital discharge (2000–2009) databases, and population‐based incidence and trends were analysed.ResultsThe 1841 fatalities and 29 881 primary hospital admissions over the 10‐year period accounted for mean annual rates of 7.1 and 115.4/100 000, respectively. The majority of deaths from acute poisoning were among males with the converse for hospitalisations for self‐poisoning. While hospitalisation for intentional poisoning decreased with advancing age, admissions for unintentional poisoning increased, especially in Pacific people at the age of 65 years or older. Overall, fatality and hospitalisation rates increased with increasing deprivation. Two thirds of deaths and hospitalisations were due to intentional self‐poisoning. Carbon monoxide was involved in most fatal intentional self‐poisoning events, while pharmaceuticals were the main agent involved in fatal unintentional poisonings and poisoning admissions, irrespective of intent.ConclusionsThe majority of hospitalisations and deaths due to poisoning in New Zealand adults are intentional self‐harm episodes. A comprehensive approach to monitoring poisoning, the underlying risks and the implementation of interventions is required to minimise risks.
Perceived stress and coping strategies among Jordanian nursing students during clinical practice in psychiatric/mental health courses
Authors: Al‐Zayyat Abdulkarim Subhi , Al‐Gamal Ekhlas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractClinical practice in the psychiatric/mental health nursing (PMHN) field is considered a highly‐stressful experience for nursing students. The purpose of the present study was to identify the degrees of stress, the types of stressors, and coping strategies perceived by undergraduate nursing students during their clinical practice in PMHN courses. A descriptive, longitudinal design was used. Sixty‐five students registered in PMHN clinical courses were recruited from five Jordanian universities using a systematic random‐sampling method. Data collection was conducted in the second semester of the 2012–2013 academic year at two points of time: pre‐PMHN clinical training and post‐PMHN training. The Basic Information Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Behavior Inventory were administered. Students' ages ranged from 20 to 25 years. The findings illustrate that the highest reported types of stressors at both data‐collection times were taking care of patients, stress related to teachers and nursing staff, and from assignments and workloads. The most utilized coping strategy at both data‐collection times was problem solving. The findings of the present study are useful for clinical educators in identifying nursing students' stressors, easing their learning in the clinical setting, and establishing an efficient PMHN course programme.
Self‐management in Chinese people with schizophrenia and their caregivers: A qualitative study on facilitators and barriers
Authors: Zou Haiou , Li Zheng , Arthur David , Wang Hongxing 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers of self‐management from the viewpoint of Chinese people with schizophrenia and their caregivers. A qualitative study using the individual interview method was used. Twenty‐one people with schizophrenia and 14 caregivers were interviewed. Three facilitators were identified: family and peer support, positive relationships with health professionals, and positive attitudes towards self‐management. Four barriers were identified: lack of knowledge and skills, financial constraint, social stigma, and uncoordinated mental health services. The findings from this study should help nurses to recognize the factors that influence self‐management and provide direction for nurses and other health professionals involved in initiating and implementing family‐based self‐management programmes for people with schizophrenia. The findings also call for the development of antistigma programmes, which are needed to help reduce prejudice and discrimination towards individuals with schizophrenia in China. The study also provides information for health policy makers in China to help them make potential changes in mental health services, which can better meet the needs of Chinese people with schizophrenia.
Effect of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine–thymol varnish on mutans streptococci levels in human dental plaque: a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paul Sanchit , Baranya Shrikrishna Suprabha , Suman Ethel , Shenoy Ramya , Rao Arathi 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundRecent systematic reviews on clinical trials comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish found that the evidence was inconclusive and further well‐conducted randomized controlled clinical trials were advocated.AimTo compare the effect of fluoride varnish (F) and Chlorhexidine–thymol varnish (CHX/T) with intensive application regimen on mutans streptococci (MS) levels in human dental plaque.DesignSeventy‐five subjects between 6 and 10 years of age were allocated into three groups: Group 1‐F varnish (n = 29); Group 2‐CHX/T varnish(n = 29); Group 3‐placebo varnish (n = 17) by stratified block randomization. After baseline plaque samples were obtained, varnish application was applied and repeated at an interval of 3 days in each group. Plaque samples were repeated at 48 h, 1 month, and 3 months. The samples were spread over mitis‐salivarius‐bacitracin (MSB) culture media, and the colony‐forming units per ml (CFU) were measured.ResultsIn both Groups 1 and 2, Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank test revealed significant differences in log CFU values of MS between baseline and 48 h, baseline and 1 month but no significant difference between baseline and 3 months. An intergroup comparison at different time intervals showed that the difference between three groups was statistically insignificant.ConclusionF varnish and CHX/T varnish, with an intensive regimen application have equivocal effect on MS levels in dental plaque.
Class IV laser therapy as treatment for chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in onco‐haematological paediatric patients: a prospective study
Authors: Chermetz Maddalena , Gobbo Margherita , Ronfani Luca , Ottaviani Giulia , Zanazzo Giulio A. , Verzegnassi Federico , Treister Nathaniel S. , Di Lenarda Roberto , Biasotto Matteo , Zacchigna Serena 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundOral mucositis is a debilitating side effect of chemotherapy. Laser therapy has recently demonstrated efficacy in the management of oral mucositis (OM).AimThis prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of class IV laser therapy in patients affected by OM.DesignEighteen onco‐haematological paediatric patients receiving chemotherapy and/or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, prior to total body irradiation, affected by OM, were enrolled in this study. Patients were treated with class IV laser therapy for four consecutive days; the assessment of OM was performed through WHO Oral Mucositis Grading Objective Scale, and pain was evaluated through visual analogue scale. Patients completed a validated questionnaire, and photographs of lesions were taken during each session. Patients were re‐evaluated 11 days after the first day of laser therapy.ResultsAll patients demonstrated improvement in pain sensation, and all mucositis was fully resolved at the 11‐day follow‐up visit, with no apparent side effects. Laser therapy was well tolerated with remarkable reduction in pain associated with oral mucositis after 1–2 days of laser therapy.ConclusionsGiven class IV laser therapy appears to be safe, non‐invasive, and potentially effective, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are necessary to further assess efficacy and to determine optimal treatment parameters.
Cyclic negative pressure wound therapy: an alternative mode to intermittent system
Authors: Lee Kangwoo N , Ben‐Nakhi Muneera , Park Eun J , Hong Joon P 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a novel mode of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) that minimises pain while preserving the efficacy in wound healing. A porcine model was used in this study. Wounds were generated in animals and treated with either simple dressing or various treatment modes of NPWT. The wound volume, perfusion level and vasculature status were analysed and compared among different groups. Clinical application was performed to evaluate the level of pain occurring when negative pressure is applied. Among the NPWT groups, the Cyclic‐50 group showed most decrement in wound volume, even though statistical relevance was not found (P = 0·302). The perfusion level was significantly increased in the Cyclic‐50 group compared with the Intermittent group (P < 0·001) and the Cyclic‐100 group (P = 0·004). Evaluation of blood vessel formation revealed that the Cyclic‐50 group showed the highest number of vasculature with statistical significance (P < 0·001). In clinical application, the cyclic group showed significant decrease in pain compared with the intermittent group (P = 0·001). The cyclic NPWT mode decreased patient discomfort while maintaining superior wound healing effects as the intermittent mode.
Paracrine factors from mesenchymal stem cells: a proposed therapeutic tool for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Li Jiwei , Huang Sha , Wu Yan , Gu Chengwei , Gao Dongyun , Feng Changjiang , Wu Xu , Fu Xiaobing 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDespite extensive researches in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), current pharmacological therapies and respiratory support are still the main methods to treat patients with ALI and ARDS and the effects remain limited. Hence, innovative therapies are needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality. Because of the proven therapeutic effects in other fields, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be considered as a promising alternative to treat ALI and ARDS. Numerous documents demonstrate that MSCs can exert multiple functions, such as engraftment, differentiation and immunoregulation, but now the key researches are concentrated on paracrine factors secreted by MSCs that can mediate endothelial and epithelial permeability, increase alveolar fluid clearance and other potential mechanisms. This review aimed to review the current researches in terms of the effects of MSCs on ALI and ARDS and to analyse these paracrine factors, as well as to predict the potential directions and challenges of the application in this field.
One‐Step Fast Synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 Particles Using an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet
Authors: Chang Shih‐Min , Rodríguez Tolava Erwin F. , Yang Yao‐Jhen , Li Hsin‐Chieh , Lee Rung‐Chuan , Wu Nae‐Lih , Hsu Cheng‐Che 
Published: December 2013

A one‐step process to fabricate crystalline Li4Ti5O12(LTO) particles directly from solution using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is reported. This process uses Ti and Li ions‐containing salt solutions as the precursor, which is ultrasonically nebulized and then transported to the downstream of the APPJ using a carrier gas. With an extremely short contact time (<0.1 s) between the precursor droplets and the plasma jet, crystalline LTO can be fabricated in one step without additional rinse and postannealing steps. The LTO particle size can be effectively controlled using a preheater, the precursor solution composition and concentration, and the carrier gas flow rate. By properly adjusting the operating condition, particles of diameters from 100 nm to few μm with various morphologies can be obtained. When used as an electrode material, the resulting LTO powders fabricated under selected conditions show specific capacities over 100 mAh/g even at 50 C rate.
Structure and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Low Firing Bi2Te2W3O16 Ceramics
Authors: Schileo Giorgio , Dias Anderson , Moreira Roberto L. , Jackson Tim J. , Smith Paul A. , Chung Kelvin T. S. , Feteira Antonio 
Published: December 2013

Dense Bi2Te2W3O16 ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state reaction route. X‐ray diffraction data show the room‐temperature (RT) crystal symmetry of Bi2Te2W3O16 to be well described by the centrosymmetric monoclinic C2/c space group [a = 21.280(5) Å, b = 5.5663(16) Å, c = 12.831(3) Å and β = 124.014(19)° and Z = 4]. Raman spectroscopy analyses are in broad agreement with space group assignment, but also revealed the presence of Bi2W2O9 as a secondary phase. This phase is present as plate‐like grains embedded on a fine‐grained equiaxed matrix, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. From the fitting of infrared reflectivity data the relative permittivity, εr, was estimated as 34.2, and the intrinsic quality factor, Qu × f as 57 500 GHz. At RT and microwave frequencies, Bi2Te2W3O16 ceramics sintered at 720°C for 6 h exhibit εr ~ 34.5, Qu × f = 3173 GHz (at 7.5 GHz), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, τf = −92 ppm/°C. This shows a good agreement between the estimated and measured εr values, but also shows that, in principle, the dielectric losses of the ceramics are of extrinsic origin.
Modified Pechini Synthesis of Proton‐Conducting Ba(Ce,Ti)O3 and Comparative Studies of the Effects of Acceptors on its Structure, Stability, Sinterability, and Conductivity
Authors: Chi Xiaowei , Zhang Jingchao , Wen Zhaoyin , Liu Yu 
Published: December 2013

The phase structure, chemical stability, sinterability, and electrical performance of the proton‐conducting Ba(Ce,Ti)O3 solid solution with a series of acceptors M (M = In, Y, Sm) synthesized by a modified Pechini method were systematically investigated. The substitution of cerium with titanium was proved as an effective way to improve the stability of BaCeO3. Especially for the BaCe0.95Ti0.05O3−δ sample doped with In, no change in the phase was found even after treatment in the atmosphere containing both CO2 and H2O at 700°C for 10 h. Thanks to the highly sinteractive powders with particle size of ~100 nm, dense ceramics were easily acquired. Moreover, compared with the undoped BaCe0.95Ti0.05O3 sample, In, Y, and Sm dopants further improved the sinterability of the solid solution. In particular, In played a role of sintering aid and led to the largest linear shrinkage of the ceramics. As to the electrical performance, the transport properties of the samples under various atmospheres were analyzed and compared. The impedance tests demonstrated the best electrical performance of the Y‐doped samples.
Processing, Characterization, and Modeling of Room‐Temperature‐Vulcanized Silicone‐Derived Ceramic Foams
Authors: Chen Haibiao , Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Cinibulk Michael K. , Chen Ming‐Yung 
Published: December 2013

A novel method was developed to produce ceramic foams from a silicone precursor which was foamed and vulcanized at room temperature. Silicone foams were prepared by platinum‐catalyzed cross‐linking and dehydrogenation of reactive polysiloxanes. Silicone foams were converted to ceramic foams after being pyrolyzed at 1200°C in argon. Near‐net‐shape polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion was achieved when SiC particles were added to the polymer as a solid filler. A simple physical model was created to describe the rising and pyrolysis of the silicone foam, and was validated by experimental data. Foam density was largely dependent on the content of ethanol, which was used as a chemical blowing agent. Up to 1.8 wt% ethanol was effective in driving foam rising without leading to foam collapse. SiC filler helped reduce weight loss and volumetric shrinkage during pyrolysis, and slightly increased foam density. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that although incorporating a solid filler helps to reduce the bulk shrinkage, it cannot prevent local microcracking and residual porosity.
Fabrication of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3) 3D Microcomponents from Aqueous Suspensions
Authors: Olhero Susana M. , Kaushal Ajay , Ferreira José M. F. 
Published: December 2013

This study reports on the fabrication of BST (Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3)‐based 3D microcomponents through an aqueous colloidal approach. The BST powder was synthesized by solid‐state reaction assisted by thermal analysis and XRD diffraction. Well crystalline cubic BST single phase was obtained upon heat‐treating the precursor powder mixture at 1200°C–1250°C. The reactivity of the BST powder toward water was evaluated by the changes in pH and concentration of leached ionic species along aging time. Hydrolysis reactions were suppressed by chemisorbing a suitable phosphate‐based protective agent and enabled an excellent dispersion ability to be achieved. Aqueous suspensions with solids loadings as high as 50 vol% that are stable against hydrolysis for several days could easily be prepared from the surface‐treated BST powder in aqueous solutions of an epoxy resin. After adding a suitable hardener, the colloidal suspensions could easily be cast into soft silicon rubber molds to obtain homogeneous and high dense green BST bodies.