bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, structural characterisation, and magnetic properties of [Cu(men)2][Cu2Cd2Cl2(CN)6] (men = N-methylethane-1,2-diamine)
Authors: Kuchár Juraj , Černák Juraj 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe novel complex [Cu(men)2][Cu2Cd2Cl2(CN)6] (I) was isolated from the aqueous-ethanol system containing CuCl2, men (men = N-methylethane-1,2-diamine) and K2[Cd(CN)4] in the presence of dilute hydrochloric acid and chemically and spectroscopically characterised. The crystal structure of I consists of [Cu2I(CN)6] and [Cd2Cl2(CN)6] building units bridged by cyanide ligands and forms a three-dimensional skeleton with cavities. [Cu(men)2]2+ cations in which two men ligands are chelated (mean Cu-N is 2.033(6) Å) are located in the cavities. The coordination polyhedron around the Cu(II) atoms is formed as a tetragonal bipyramidal by two weaker axial Cu-Cl bonds (2.8642(12) Å) with chlorido ligands from the skeleton. The Cu(I) and Cd(II) atoms in the skeleton exhibit tetra-(CuC4 chromophore) and penta-coordination (CdN3Cl2), respectively. The temperature-dependent susceptibility measurements indicate a Curie-Weiss-like behaviour and the presence of weak anti-ferromagnetic interaction.
Synthesis and reaction process of β-Si3N4 by means of carbothermal nitridation of serpentine
Authors: Duan Hongjuan , Zhu Hongxi , Deng Chengji , Yuan Wenjie , Li Jun 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The reaction process of carbothermal nitridation synthesis of β-Si3N4 from serpentine is investigated in this paper. Samples with different molar ratios of carbon black to serpentine were calcined under nitrogen atmosphere at 1300 °C, 1400 °C and 1500 °C for 3 hrs. The phase composition and microstructure of the synthesized powders were determined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The reaction process was analyzed by means of differential thermal analysis. The results show that the main reaction was that forsterite from serpentine reacted with carbon black to form SiO, Mg vapor and CO, then SiO and N2 generated β-Si3N4. Fine β-Si3N4 powders were produced under nitrogen atmosphere at 1500 °C when the carbon black/serpentine molar ratio was 6.0. The synthesized β-Si3N4 powders had uniform grain size and high β-Si3N4 content.
Contrast magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of cartilage glycosaminoglycan content in dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Stewart M. C. , Ciobanu L. , Constable P. D. , Naughton J. F. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryObjective: To assess the ability of a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to quantitatively determine glycosaminoglycan content in canine articular cartilage.Methods: Fifty-four full-thickness cartilage discs were collected from the femorotibial and scapulohumeral joints of three adult dogs immediately following euthanasia. One set of discs from each dog was analysed for glycosaminoglycan content using a colourimetric laboratory assay. The remaining position-matched set of discs from contralateral limbs underwent pre- and post-contrast gadolinium-enhanced MRI, using repeated saturation recovery pulse sequences which were used to generate calculated T1 maps of the cartilage discs. Linear regression analysis was then performed relating delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 calculated signal intensity to the cartilage glycosaminoglycan content normalized to DNA content. Repeatability of triplicate measurements was estimated by calculating the coefficient of variation.Results: Mean coefficient of variation estimates for the gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity values for nine sampling sites from three dogs ranged from 5.9% to 7.5%. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI T1 signal intensity was significantly correlated (p <0.05) with normalized glycosaminoglycan content in two dogs (r = 0.79, p = 0.011; r = 0.78, p = 0.048), but not in the third dog (r = 0.53, p = 0.071).Clinical significance: Gadolinium-enhanced MRI assessment of cartilage may be predictive of glycosaminoglycan content and therefore offer an in vivo assessment of changes in cartilage characteristics over time. Additional studies appear indicated to determine the reliability and clinical applicability of gadolinium-enhanced MRI in detecting changes in cartilage over time.
Perceptions of registered nurses regarding factors influencing service delivery in expanding programmes in a primary healthcare setting
Authors: Xaba Nnoi. A. , Peu Mmapheko D. , Phiri Salaminah S. 
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses regarding factors influencing service delivery regarding expansion programmes in a primary healthcare setting, using a qualitative approach. The registered nurses, who have been working in the clinics for more than two years and have been exposed to the expansion programmes there, were purposively sampled. Two focus group interviews were conducted in a neutral place and the data collected by the researcher Nnoi A. Xaba (N.A.X.). Data were analysed by the researcher and an independent co-coder using the Tesch method. Categories, subcategories and themes were identified; those that formed the basis of discussion were disabling factors, enabling factors, client-related factors, service-related factors and solutions to problems. It is recommended that integration of programmes and coordination be done at a provincial level and planned together with the training centres in order to alleviate problems in service delivery. Training on expansion programmes in the form of in-service education should be carried out continually in the region.Die doel van die studie was om die persepsie van geregistreerde verpleegkundiges met betrekking tot die faktore wat dienslewering van die uitbreidingsprogramme in ‘n primêre gesondheid opset beinvloed; te eksploreer en te beskryf. ‘n Kwalitatiewe benadering is gevolg in die iutvoering van die studie. ‘n Doelgerigte steekproef is uitgevoer vanuit geregistreerde verpleegkundiges wat vir langer as twee jaar in die klinieke werksaam was en blootgestel is aan die uitbreiding programme. Twee fokus groep onderhoude is deur die navorser Nnoi A. Xaba (N.A.X.) in ‘n neutrale opset uitgevoer. Data is deur die navorser en ŉ onafhanklike kodeerder ontleed volgens Tesch se metode van analise. Kategorieë, sub-kategorieë en temas was geidentifiseer. Die kategorieë fundamenteel tot die bespreking behels: remmende faktore, bydraende faktore, kliënt-verwante faktore, diens-verwante faktore, en oplossing van probleme. Daar word aanbeveel dat die integrasie en koordinasie van programme op provisiale vlak beplan word in samewerking met opleidings instansies om die dienslewerings probleem te verlig. In die streek behoort opleiding met betrekking tot die uitbreidingsprogramme deurlopend deur middel van indiensopleiding gedoen word.
Role of bacteria in oral carcinogenesis
Authors: Rajeev R , Choudhary Kanaram , Panda Swagatika , Gandhi Neha 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOral cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Indian men and is the leading cause of cancer deaths. It is considered as a multistep and multifactorial disease. Besides accumulation of genetic mutations, numerous other carcinogens are involved. In this category, viral and chemical carcinogens are well studied and documented. However, in the oral cavity, the role of microbiota in carcinogenesis is not known. Microbial populations on mouth mucosa differ between healthy and malignant sites, and certain oral bacterial species have been linked with malignancies, but the evidence is still weak in this respect. Nevertheless, oral microorganisms inevitably up-regulate cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that affect the complex metabolic pathways, and may thus be involved in carcinogenesis. Poor oral health associates statistically with prevalence of many types of cancer such as pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancer. This review presents possible carcinogenesis pathway involved in bacterial carcinogenesis, commonly implicated bacteria in oral carcinogenesis, and their role in cancer therapeutics as well.
Edible wild plant use in the Faroe Islands and Iceland
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , Ægisson Sigurður 
Published: November 2012

This paper reviews the use of wild edible plants in the Faroe Islands and Iceland from the times of the first settlement of Norse people in the Viking age until today, with a special emphasis on the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Animal products have been an important source of nutrients for the islanders of northern Atlantic. Cultivation of cereals on the other hand has played a minor role, and had already been abandoned by late medieval times in Iceland and by the early 20th century on the Faroes. Crops such as potatoes, turnips and other roots were only grown in the small patches of cultivated soil. Wild plants have therefore been of some importance for the Faroese people and the Icelanders; in the last centuries especially for the rural poor and during times of recessions. The native <em>Angelica archangelica </em>L. was gathered in the wild and also cultivated in gardens for centuries. A few species have been part of the regular food staple. Some plants are still gathered and made into food products by small companies, especially in Iceland. In the Faroes, the economic aspect of edible wild plant taxa is mostly of historical interest, although a few products of <em>A. archangelica </em>are sometimes available. Two taxa have been exploited as regular food exclusively in Iceland: <em>Cetraria islandica </em>(L.) Arch. and <em>Elymus arenarius </em>L. Icelanders have used <em>C. islandica </em>from the early settlement days and continue to do so today, <em>E. arenarius </em>became obsolete as a food plant a century ago.
High lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease vs low 10‐year Framingham risk score in HIV‐infected subjects under ART in Spain: the Coronator study
Authors: Estrada V , Masiá M , Iribarren J , Sanchez‐Marcos C , Lozano F , Miralles C , Olalla J , Santos J , Bernardino J , Dronda F , Domingo P 
Published: November 2012

PurposeDue to the relative low age of HIV‐infected patients, Framingham risk score (FRS) usually estimates a low CVD risk. Lifetime risk estimations use the risk of developing CVD over the course of an individual's remaining lifetime and may be useful in communicating the risk of CVD to young patients. Our aim is to estimate the lifetime risk of CVD in a representative sample of HIV patients under antiretroviral therapy in Spain.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis in 10 HIV units across Spain, including information on demographics, HIV disease status, treatment history and cardiovascular risk factors of subject under ART. Lifetime CVD risk was calculated with the method of Berry et al, which classifies the lifetime risk in five mutually exclusive categories: 1. All risk factors are optimal; 2. At least one risk factor is not optimal; 3. At least one risk factor is elevated; 4. One major risk factor is present; and 5. Two or more major risk factors are present. Risk factors included are cholesterol level, blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco smoking. We grouped these five categories in two major groups, low‐risk (groups 1+2+3) and high‐risk category (groups 4+5). We calculated the prevalence of having a high lifetime risk, and its crude and aOR (adjusted by age, sex, place of origin, education level, transmission category, time since HIV diagnosis, CDC stage, current and nadir CD4 count, HCV coinfection, time on current and total ART, being on the first ART regimen, and PI vs. NNRTI regimen).ResultsWe included 839 subjects free of previous CVD disease: 72% men, median age 45.6y, median CD4 count 598 cells, median time since HIV diagnosis 11y, median time on ART 6.3y, 87% had undetectable VL. Estimated 10‐year CVD risk was low (<5%) in 78% of the patients, and intermediate (5–10%) in 20%. Lifetime risk estimation shows a high risk profile for 71.4% of the population studied (≥1 major risk factors). Factors significantly and independently associated with an increased lifetime risk were older age, non‐Spanish origin and longer time on ART. Adjusted OR for patients on ART longer than 10 years (vs<5 years) was 2.2 [95% CI 1.13–4.34]. No relationship was found with current or nadir CD4 lymphocyte counts, CDC stage C, HCV confection or type of ART.ConclusionsThere are significant disparities between the low 10y CVD risk estimated with FRS and the elevated lifetime risk in HIV patients on ART. Prolonged ART is associated with an increased CVD lifetime risk.
Management of dyslipidaemia in an HIV‐positive cohort
Authors: Loy A , Townsend L , O'Dea S , Mulcahy F 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundDyslipidaemia, secondary to both HIV and the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is well recognised, with HIV replication and immune status also thought to contribute to the risk. Traditionally the HIV physician has looked after HIV with primary care physicians (GP) managing non‐HIV‐related medical issues. However with the ageing population and the effectiveness of ART the HIV physician is diversifying to focus management strategies on preventative measures also.Method127 subjects were recruited. All subjects were HIV‐positive males without any traditional cardiovascular disease symptoms or history. Details of patients demographics, family history, statin therapy, and primary care physician contact were collected. Baseline parameters were recorded and fasting bloods taken.Results127 asymptomatic HIV‐positive males were recruited. 74/127 (58.3%) met the EACS criteria for statin prescription. 33/74 (44.6%) were on a statin. There was no significant difference between the class of antiretroviral prescribed, (NNRTI v PI) and lipid abnormalities (p=0.628). Hypertension and increased waist:hip ratio significantly increased the chances of the patient being hyperlipidaemic. Patients were more likely to be prescribed a statin if they were older, had hypertension, an increased waist circumference, increased Framingham risk, increased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), or were diagnosed HIV‐positive for longer (p<0.05). Pravastatin (21/33 [63.6%]), was most commonly prescribed statin. 24.2% received their statin prescription from their HIV physician, with 75.8% receiving their prescription from their GP. 5/21 (23.8%) on pravastatin met the target verses 7/7 (100%) on atorvastatin verses 2/2 (100%) on simvastatin versus 1/3 (33.3%) on rosuvastatin (p=0.02). Meeting lipid targets was less successful in the protease inhibitor group (1/9) 11.1% versus 11/21 (52.4%) in the NNRTI group (p=0.16).ConclusionThe majority met criteria for lipid management but less than half of those were prescribed it. Of those, most received treatment from their GP. Nearly half of those on statins did not meet lipid targets. HIV physicians were most likely to prescribe pravastatin and those on pravastatin were the least likely to achieve lipid targets when compared to the other statins. HIV physicians need to diversify their knowledge base and have clearly defined management strategies for the management of dyslipidaemia.
Gender differences in cardiovascular risk factors in HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy: data from the Spanish Coronator study
Authors: Santos J , Olalla J , Pérez Elías M , Miralles C , Lozano F , Iribarren J , Masiá M , Domingo P , Bernardino J , Estrada V 
Published: November 2012

PurposeHIV‐infected patients present an increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) of multifactorial origin, usually lower in women than in men. Information by gender about prevalence of modifiable risk factors is scarce.MethodsCoronator is a cross‐sectional survey of a representative sample of HIV‐infected patients on ART within 10 hospitals across Spain in 2011. Variables include sociodemographics, CVR factors and 10‐year CV disease risk estimation (Regicor: Framingham score adapted to the Spanish population).ResultsWe included 860 patients (76.3% male) with no history of CVD. Median age 45.6 years; 84.1% were Spaniards; 29.9% women were IDUs. Median time since HIV diagnosis for men and women was 10 and 13 years (p=0.001), 28% had an AIDS diagnosis. Median CD4 cell count was 596 cells/mm3, 88% had undetectable viral load. Median time on ART was 91 and 108 months (p=0.017). There was a family history of early CVD in 113 men (17.9%) and 41 women (20.6%). Classical CVR factors are described in the table. Median (IQR) Regicor Score was 3% (2‐5) for men and 2% (1–3) for women (p=0.000), and the proportion of subjects with mid‐high risk (>5%) was 26.1% for men and 9.4% for women (p=0.000).ConclusionsIn this population of HIV‐infected patients, women have lower cardiovascular risk than men, partly due to higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Of note is the high frequency of smoking, abdominal obesity and sedentary lifestyle in our population.

Men n=656
Women n=204
P value

Age (men >55 y, women >65 y) n (%)
72 (11.0)
8 (3.9)
0.002

Smoking, n (%)
358 (54.9)
110 (53.9)
0.805

Waist >102 cm (men), >88 cm (women), n (%)
84 (12.9)
55 (27.4)
0.000

Hypertension, n (%)
208 (31.8)
45 (22.2)
0.009

Diabetes, n (%)
50 (7.8)
11 (5.4)
0.262

Total cholesterol>240 mg/dL, n (%)
63 (9.8)
24 (11.9)
0.399

HDL‐cholesterol <40 mg/dL, n (%)
239 (37.5)
34 (16.8)
0.000

Total cholesterol/HDL >5, n (%)
197 (30.9)
23 (11.4)
0.000

Physical inactivity, n (%)
324 (56.7)
108 (69.2)
0.005
Non‐communicable diseases among elderly patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection at an urban clinic in a resource‐limited setting
Authors: Katusiime C , Kambugu A 
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the studyFollowing the introduction of highly‐active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there is improved survival of elderly persons infected with HIV, which may be complicated by multiple co‐morbidities. There is limited data on non‐communicable disease prevalence among HIV‐infected elderly persons in developing countries. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity among HIV‐infected elderly persons above 60 years of age attending an urban clinic in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed records from a program perspective of HIV‐infected patients aged 60 years of age and above who were attending our clinic. The purpose was to assess prevalence of non‐communicable diseases to improve clinical care.Summary of resultsDuring the period from April 2011 to March 2012 we reviewed records and identified 154 HIV‐infected patients aged 60 years of age and above. Of these, 26 (16.9%) were aged 70 years and older while 128 (83.1%) were 60–69 years of age. The median age was 63 years (IQR: 61–68 years). Eighty‐five (55.2%) were males while 69 (44.8%) were females. Only 10 participants (6.5%) had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus while 42 participants (27.3%) had essential hypertension. On the contrary, only 6 patients (4%) had both essential hypertension and diabetes mellitus. There was evidence to show that 58.3% of the female participants with a BMI≥25.00 kg/m2 were significantly different from 38.7% of their male counterparts with a BMI of ≥25.00 kg/m2 (χ2=5.16; 1 df; p=0.02). There was strong evidence that hypertensive patients with BMI <25.00 kg/m2 were significantly different from hypertensive patients with BMI ≥25.00 kg/m2 (χ2=9.55; 1 df; p=0.002).ConclusionThree in 10 elderly HIV positive persons aged 60 years and older had a non‐communicable disease‐either diabetes mellitus or essential hypertension. Thirty‐one percent of patients were either overweight or obese. Almost 50% of patients were diabetic, hypertensive, overweight or obese. There is therefore need to incorporate diagnostic tests and management protocols of non‐communicable disease control for elderly HIV‐positive persons aged 60 years and older in resource‐limited settings.
Interest in the ‘Test and Treat’ strategy for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men living in Bangkok
Authors: Maek‐a‐nantawat W , Phanuphak N , Teeratakulpisarn N , Kanteeranon T , Chaiya O , Mansawat T , Ananworanich J , Phanuphak P 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThe current HIV epidemic in Thailand is primarily driven by new cases among men who have sex with men (MSM). HPTN052 study demonstrated 96% efficacy of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) to reduce HIV transmission among serodiscordant heterosexual couples. As a result, universal HIV testing and immediate ART has emerged as a strategy to reduce HIV transmission in certain at‐risk populations. The acceptability of this strategy, however, is unknown in MSM.MethodsFrom August 2011‐March 2012, we conducted a cross‐sectional study using self‐administered questionnaires to assess attitudes towards universal HIV testing and immediate ART among MSM VCT clients in Bangkok. Participants were asked to complete the questionnaires prior to and after knowing their HIV status. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.ResultsOf 342 MSM, the median age (IQR) was 26 (22–31) years, and 34.2% had bachelor's degree or higher. Previous HIV testing was reported by 69.9%, 35.2% of which had HIV testing annually. The most common reasons for previous HIV testing included perceived risk behaviors (63.6%), annual health checkup (26.4%), and partner's request (13.8%). Prior to receiving pre‐test counseling, 74.4% expressed interest to get regular HIV testing. Health benefits from testing (59.6%), free testing (36.5%), and speedy service (35.7%) were the most common persuasive reasons to come for regular HIV testing. Longevity (73.1%) and prevention of HIV transmission to others (58.4%) were reasons for interest in immediate ART (if tested positive) program while costs (37.0%) and life‐long burden (36.7%) were cited as main barriers. Among MSM who tested HIV‐positive (n=45, 13.2%), the interest to participate in immediate ART program was very high both before and after knowing their HIV status (86.7% vs 93.3%, p=0.371). Among HIV‐negative MSM, the interest to participate in regular HIV testing program significantly increased after knowing HIV status (83.4% vs 77.0%, p<0.001).ConclusionsMSM in Bangkok showed high level of interest in the “Test and Treat” strategy for HIV prevention. Knowing one's HIV status affected the interest to access regular HIV testing program.