bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modeling of Thermal and Circulatory Effects During Hemodialysis
Authors: Droog Rens P.J. , Kingma Boris R.M. , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D. , Kooman Jeroen P. , van der Sande Frank M. , Levin Nathan W. , van Steenhoven Anton A. , Frijns Arjan J.H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the most common complications of hemodialysis (HD) treatment. The initiating factor of IDH is a decrease in blood volume, which is related to an imbalance between ultrafiltration (UF) and refilling rate. Impaired reactivity of resistance and capacitance vessels in reaction to hypovolemia plays possibly a major role in the occurrence of IDH. These vessels also fulfill an important function in body temperature regulation. UF‐induced cutaneous vasoconstriction would result in a reduced surface heat loss and an increase in core temperature. To release body heat, skin blood flow is increased at a later stage of the HD treatment, whereby possibly IDH can occur. The aim of the study is to develop a mathematical model that can provide insight into the impact of thermoregulatory processes on the cardiovascular (CV) system during HD treatment. The mathematical procedure has been created by coupling a thermo‐physiological model with a CV model to study regulation mechanisms in the human body during HD + UF. Model simulations for isothermal versus thermoneutral HD + UF were compared with measurement data of patients on chronic intermittent HD (n = 13). Core temperature during simulated HD + UF sessions increased within the range of measurement data (0.23°C vs. 0.32 ± 0.41°C). The model showed a decline in mean arterial pressure of −7% for thermoneutral HD + UF versus −4% for isothermal HD + UF after 200 min during which relative blood volume changed by −13%. In conclusion, simulation results of the combined model show possibilities for predicting circulatory and thermal responses during HD + UF.
A Controlled Study Evaluating a Novel Surgical Treatment for Kissing Spines in Standing Sedated Horses
Authors: Coomer Richard P. C. , McKane Shaun A. , Smith Naomi , Vandeweerd Jean‐Michel E. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo compare the results of a novel minimally invasive surgical technique with intralesional corticosteroid medication, as treatment for overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP) in horses.Study DesignRetrospective controlled clinical case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 68) with ORDSP.MethodsORDSP was diagnosed based on history, clinical, and radiographic examination. All narrowed spaces were treated. Horses undergoing medical treatment had methylprednisolone acetate injected directly in the affected space under radiographic control. Surgical cases had interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD) using Mayo scissors; supraspinous ligaments were left intact. All horses had the same controlled exercise plan and returned to work 3–6 weeks after treatment.ResultsMethylprednisolone was administered in 1–7 spaces in 38 cases, compared with ISLD in 3–8 spaces in 37 cases. Thirty‐four horses (89%) treated medically initially resolved signs of back compared with 35 horses (95%) treated surgically. From these, back pain recurred in 19 medical cases and in none of the surgical cases. Horses having ISLD were 24 times more likely to experience long‐term resolution of signs of back pain (OR 24; 95%CI: 5–115; P = < .0001). Repeat radiographs in 19 surgical cases indicated that interspinous spaces widened significantly postoperatively (P = < .0001).ConclusionsThis surgical technique allowed horses with back pain and radiographic ORDSP to return to work without further clinical signs of back pain and to show radiographic evidence of improvement.
Efficacy and Safety of 400 and 800 mg Etodolac vs. 1,000 mg Paracetamol in Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Crossover, Multicenter, Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Öztürk Vesile , Ertaş Mustafa , Baykan Betül , Şirin Hadiye , Özge Aynur ,   The Mig‐Etol Study Group
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of etodolac, in acute migraine attacks in comparison with paracetamol (acetaminophen).Methods:  We designed a randomized, double‐blind, crossover phase III clinical trial for patients diagnosed with migraine for at least 1 year, according to ICHD‐II criteria. Two hundred and twenty‐nine adult patients having 2 to 8 attacks monthly from 17 centers were included. The patients were instructed to use 3 attack treatment packages consisting of 1,000 mg paracetamol, 400 mg etodolac, and 800 mg etodolac on 3 migraine attacks of moderate–severe intensity each in a 3‐month treatment period, interchangeably.Results:  Any pain medication was used in 1,570 migraine attacks while study treatments were used in 1,047 attacks. The results for 1,000 mg paracetamol, 400 mg etodolac, and 800 mg etodolac were as follows: response of headache at 2 hours 44.9%, 48.3% and 46.1%; pain‐free at 2 hours 19.2%, 19.3% and 24.1%; sustained pain‐free from 2 to 24 hours 34.3%, 38.3% and 41.1%; relapse rates in 2 to 24 hours 7.3%, 14.3% and 9.7%. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the headache response, pain‐free, sustained pain‐free, and relapse rates. Nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, or photophobia decreased similarly in all groups within 24 hours of treatment administration. Drug‐related adverse events were noted in 8 patients with 1,000 mg paracetamol, in 9 patients with 400 mg etodolac and in 9 patients for 800 mg etodolac during the study.Comment:  Our study showed that etodolac is a safe and effective alternative in acute migraine treatment and showed comparable efficacy to paracetamol 1,000 mg. Etodolac may be considered as an alternative option for acute treatment of migraine.
Cardiac Contractility Modulation for Heart Failure: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: KWONG JOEY S.W. , SANDERSON JOHN E. , YU CHEUK‐MAN 
Published: June 2012

Background: Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) emerges as a promising device treatment for heart failure (HF). This meta‐analysis aimed to systematically review the latest available randomized evidence on the effectiveness and safety of CCM in HF.
Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched in November 2011 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials comparing CCM with sham treatment or usual care. Primary outcomes of interest were all‐cause mortality, all‐cause hospitalizations, and adverse effects. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for dichotomous data using a random‐effects model.
Results: Three studies enrolling 641 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed that, compared to control, CCM did not significantly improve all‐cause mortality (n = 629, RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.50–2.86, P = 0.69), nor was there a favorable effect in all‐cause hospitalizations. No increase in adverse effects with CCM was observed.
Conclusions: Meta‐analysis of data from small randomized trials suggests that CCM, although with no clear benefits in improving clinical outcomes, is not associated with worsening prognosis. Large, well‐designed trials are needed to confirm its role in HF patients for whom cardiac resynchronization therapy is contraindicated or unsuccessful. (PACE 2012; 35:1111–1118)
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation is Associated with Inability to Recover Atrial Contractility after MAZE IV Surgery in Rheumatic Disease
Authors: TINETTI MATIAS , COSTELLO RAMIRO , CARDENAS CESAR , PIAZZA ANTONIO , IGLESIAS RICARDO , BARANCHUK ADRIAN 
Published: June 2012

Background:

MAZE IV surgery is effective in restoring sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial contraction (AC) in patients with nonrheumatic persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is less information on its effectiveness to restore AC in patients with rheumatic disease.
Aims:

To assess the effectiveness of the MAZE IV surgery in restoring AC in patients with rheumatic disease and long persistent AF.
Methods:

Prospective, consecutive study in patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery and had long persistent AF in whom MAZE IV surgery was performed. The presence of AC was assessed by lateral mitral annulus tissue Doppler.
Results:

A total of 75 patients were included. Mean age 60 years (±11.7); 27 men (36%). AF duration was 63 months (±34.1). Primary indication for surgery: rheumatic mitral stenosis 67 patients and mitral insufficiency eight patients. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 51.8% (±12.1) and mean left atrial area was 37 cm2 (±10.3). After a mean follow‐up of 28 months (±9.3), 69 patients remained alive and 59 were in SR. AC was detected in 37.3% (Group A) and absent in 62.7% (Group B). The mean difference between groups was the high prevalence of AF longer than 5 years in group B (P = 0.000001). There were no differences related to left atrial size, LVEF, and age.
Conclusions:

In patients with rheumatic disease, the absence of correlation between SR recovery and AC recovery post MAZE IV surgery is significant. A history of long persistent AF lasting more than 5 years was a strong predictor for the absence of AC.
(PACE 2012; 35:999–1004)
Estimation of Sinusoidal Flow Heterogeneity in Normal and Diseased Rat Livers from Tracer Dilution Data Using a Fractal Model
Authors: WEISS MICHAEL , LI PENG , ROBERTS MICHAEL S. 
Published: July 2012

Please cite this paper as: Weiss M, Li P, Roberts MS. Estimation of sinusoidal flow heterogeneity in normal and diseased rat livers from tracer dilution data using a fractal model. Microcirculation 19: 723–728, 2012.AbstractObjectives: Up to now, vascular indicator‐dilution curves have been analyzed by numerical integration or by fitting empirical functions to the data. Here, we apply a recently developed mechanistic model with the goal to quantitatively describe flow distribution in the sinusoidal network of normal rat livers and those with high‐fat emulsion‐induced NASH.Methods: Single‐pass outflow concentration data of sucrose were obtained from in situ perfused rat livers after impulse injection. The model fitted to the data consists of a continuous mixture of inverse Gaussian densities assuming a normal distribution of regional flow. It accounts for the fractal flow heterogeneity in the organ and has three adjustable parameters with a clear physiological interpretation.Results: The model fitted the data well and revealed that the intrahepatic flow dispersion of 49.6 % in the control group increased significantly to 87.2 % in the NASH group (p < 0.01). In contrast to previously used empirical functions, the present model exhibits a power‐law tail (∼t−2.4), which is a signature of fractal microvascular networks.Conclusions: The approach offers the possibility to determine hepatic blood flow heterogeneity in perfused livers and to evaluate the functional implications.
Phase Diagram, Temperature Stability, and Electrical Properties of (0.85−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.10Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.05PbZrO3–xPbTiO3 System
Authors: Luo Nengneng , Li Qiang , Xia Zhiguo , Chu Xiangcheng 
Published: June 2012

(0.85−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.10Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.05PbZrO3–xPbTiO3 [(0.85−x)PMN–0.10PFN–0.05PZ–xPT] polycrystalline ceramics with morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) compositions were prepared using the modified columbite precursor method. The phase transitional behaviors, composition‐dependent electrical properties, and temperature‐dependent piezoelectric properties were investigated, respectively. XRD and Raman spectrum analysis indicated that MPB compositions were located around the region with the PT content of x = 0.30–0.34, confirmed by their corresponding dielectric, piezoelectric, and electromechanical properties. The composition with x = 0.32 possessed the optimum properties with dielectric permittivity εr, tangent loss tan δ, piezoelectric coefficient d33, electromechanical coupling coefficient kp, remnant polarization Pr, and coercive field Ec of 3432, 0.017, 626 pC/N, 0.56, 29.90 μC/cm2, and 7.23 kV/cm, respectively. The phase diagram mapped indicated that this quaternary system possesses the similar MPB region with that of other binary and ternary systems. The quaternary system PMN–PFN–PZ–PT possessed more competitive d33, kp, and Tr−t than that of Fe‐free ternary 0.59Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.05PbZrO3–0.36PbTiO3 (0.59PMN–0.05PZ–0.36PT) near MPB, exhibiting comparable Pr, Ec, εr, tan δ, and Tc. Temperature‐dependent field‐induced‐strain and the as‐calculated high field d33 also confirmed higher temperature stability for Fe‐contained PMN–PFN–PZ–PT.
Correlation Between Structural Characteristics and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Scheelite Ca1−xCdxMoO4 Solid Solution
Authors: Rama Rao S. D. , Roopas Kiran S. , Murthy V. R. K. 
Published: June 2012

Ca1−xCdxMoO4 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction method. Tetragonal scheelite structure with I41/a space group was observed in all these compositions. Microwave dielectric properties such as quality factor (Q × f), dielectric constant (εr), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) were measured in the microwave frequency range. Rietveld refinement was performed on all these compositions and bond valences of A‐, B‐site cation, and oxygen were calculated. Influence of these structural parameters on the microwave dielectric properties was examined. Q × f was correlated with the average covalence of A‐, B‐site cations. The variation in εr was explained with ionic polarizability of Cd+2 ions. The deviation of observed polarizability from theoretical polarizability and τf of all these compositions were explained with oxygen bond valence. The well‐sintered Ca1−xCdxMoO4 ceramics showed highly promising microwave dielectric properties (εr = 8–10, Q × f = 46000–53000 GHz and τf = −22 to −57 ppm/°C).
Postpartum monitoring of retained placenta.Two cases of abnormally adherent placenta
Authors: TORRENGA BAS , HUIRNE JUDITH A. , BOLTE ANTOINETTE C. , VAN WAESBERGHE JAN HEIN T. M. , DE VRIES JOHANNA I.P. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractTo save fertility, hysterectomy may be avoided with abnormal placental adherence by leaving the placenta in situ. Several reports support this strategy, but no reports are available on optimal follow‐up strategies. We present two women with conservative treatment of placenta accreta and describe the prospective monitoring of the clinical course, placental regression, and recovery of the uterine anatomy using serial sonography, hysteroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging. There was no postpartum hemorrhage. Menstrual cyclicity resumed within 18 weeks. The human chorionic gonadotropin serum levels normalized within 10 weeks, whereas regression of placenta tissue was slow and continued up to nine months after delivery. In both cases placental remnants persisted; in one woman they were removed and uterine anatomy restored. She had a subsequent uneventful pregnancy afterwards. The presented systematic follow‐up provides tools to monitor and treat other women in similar ways.
Expression of snail, twist, and Zeb1 in malignant mesothelioma
Authors: Merikallio Heta , Pääkkö Paavo , Salmenkivi Kaisa , Kinnula Vuokko , Harju Teihu , Soini Ylermi 
Published: June 2012

We examined 56 malignant mesotheliomas, 117 lung adenocarcinomas, and 34 metastatic lung adenocarcinomas with antibodies to transcription factors involved in epitheliomesenchymal transition. The tumors were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies zeb1, twist, and snail. Malignant mesotheliomas exhibited a stronger expression of zeb1 and twist than lung adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001 for both). Metastatic adenocarcinomas displayed a more frequent expression of zeb1 and twist (p < 0.001 for both) than lung adenocarcinomas. Patients with snail positive mesotheliomas experienced a better survival (p = 0.046), whereas in lung adenocarcinomas, this trait predicted worse survival (p = 0.024). Biphasic mesotheliomas had a more frequent expression of snail or zeb1 than epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesotheliomas as a group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.005, respectively). E‐cadherin was more commonly present in epithelioid mesotheliomas (p = 0.002). Cases with snail positivity showed a significantly lower apoptotic index (p = 0.039). Malignant mesotheliomas display strong twist and zeb1 expression, which may be an indication of transdifferentiation between the epithelioid and sarcomatoid cell types with biphasic mesotheliomas representing tumors in active transition. Metastatic adenocarcinomas show a higher expression of zeb1 and twist than primary lung tumors, confirming our previous findings and highlighting their significance in the metastatic process. Snail expression is associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinomas, but an opposite effect was seen in mesothelioma, a fact which may be related to the different cellular origin of epithelial and mesothelial cells.
A single session of motivational interviewing as an additive means to improve adherence in periodontal infection control: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stenman Jane , Lundgren Jesper , Wennström Jan L. , Ericsson Jessica S. , Abrahamsson Kajsa H. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of a single session of motivational interviewing (MI) on self‐performed periodontal infection control.Material and MethodsA randomized, examiner masked, controlled clinical trial of 6‐month duration was performed involving 44 patients with chronic periodontitis, referred for periodontal treatment. At baseline, all subjects were examined concerning marginal gingival bleeding (MBI) and plaque (PI). Test subjects received a single MI‐session before initiation of the periodontal treatment. Otherwise, all patients followed the same treatment protocol for conventional educational intervention and non‐surgical periodontal therapy. Efficacy variables for evaluation of self‐performed periodontal infection control were MBI (primary variable) and PI.ResultsThe MI intervention resulted in a negligible decrease (3–4%) in MBI and PI that was not significantly different from the changes observed in the control group without any intervention. Neither was any additive effect of the initial MI‐session found on the standard of oral hygiene subsequent to conventional treatment. A desirable MBI score of ≤20% at the end of treatment was associated with being a female patient, whereas high plaque scores at baseline counteracted a corresponding desirable final PI of ≤20%.ConclusionA single freestanding MI session as a prelude to conventional periodontal treatment had no significant effect on the individuals' standard of self‐performed periodontal infection control in a short‐term perspective.
The influence of reflection on portfolio learning in undergraduate dental education
Authors: Koole S. , Vanobbergen J. , De Visschere L. , Aper L. , Dornan T. , Derese A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIntroductionDisparity exists between the growing consensus about the positive effects of reflection on performance and the scarcity of empirical evidence demonstrating this effect. Portfolios are considered a useful instrument to assess and supervise competence‐based education and to stimulate reflection. The present study describes the introduction of a portfolio in a social dentistry and oral health promotion course and investigates student reflection as a predictor for the acquisition of the other competences in the course.MethodsFourth year undergraduate dental students (n = 110) in the course ‘Society and Health’ between 2008 and 2011 collected evidence in their portfolios, demonstrating the acquisition of five competences: the ability to (1) assess the oral health profile of a target group; (2) integrate theoretical models in health promotion; (3) search for and apply scientific evidence; (4) work trans‐, multi‐ and/or trans‐disciplinarily; (5) reflect on personal development. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the predictive value of reflection on the other course related competences.ResultsReflection scores proved to significantly predict other course‐related competences, when analysing all students between 2008 and 2011 and for each year separately, explaining between 10.7% and 25.5% of the variance in the other competences.ConclusionUndergraduate dental students' competences related to social dentistry and oral health promotion were significantly predicted by the reflection scores obtained in a portfolio‐based context. In line with the growing consensus about the benefits of reflection for dental students and professionals, results suggest the value to further develop the integration of reflection in dental education and practice.
The Maternal‐to‐Zygotic Transition in Higher Plants
Authors: Xin Hai‐Ping , Zhao Jing , Sun Meng‐Xiang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDuring early embryogenesis in mammals and higher plants, the maternal‐to‐zygotic transition (MZT) marks the turnover of developmental control from maternal products to de novo zygotic genome transcripts. Intensive studies in animals indicate that early embryonic development is largely maternally controlled. In recent years, the MZT has drawn the attention of botanists, as it is important for understanding the mechanism of embryogenesis and hybrid vigor. In this study, we present a brief overview of some aspects of the MZT in flowering plants. Based on what we have learned from Nicotiana tabacum, we hypothesize that the MZT occurs before zygotic cell division and that the development of the fertilized egg cell in flowering plants can be divided into two phases: the zygote stage, which is mainly controlled maternally, and the one‐celled proembryo stage, in which zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs and is required for zygote division.
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[ Meng‐Xiang Sun (Corresponding author)]
Medication adherence among homeless patients: A pilot study of cell phone effectiveness
Authors: Burda Charon , Haack Mary , Duarte Ana C. , Alemi Farrokh 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose: We examined the feasibility of using cell phones to monitor medication adherence among homeless participants and collected data for research purposes.Data sources: Ten homeless individuals with a co‐occurring substance use and psychiatric disorders who were receiving psychopharmacologic treatment participated in the study. All psychopharmacologic treatment was provided by a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Cell phones were provided to participants with unlimited phone service for 45 days. An automated telephone system was programmed to call participants daily for 30 days. All participant responses were reported to a computer and reviewed by study staff on a daily basis.Conclusions: The automated calls reached study participants 93% of days and, when reached, participants reported 100% adherence with the prescribed medication regimen. Exit interviews indicated strong support for the usefulness of the phone and the value of the call and survey as reminders to take their medication. No patients dropped out of this study.Implications for practice: This pilot study establishes the feasibility of using cell phones to monitor and manage medication regimens for hard‐to‐reach populations, such as the homeless with co‐occurring disorders. It also establishes that this technology would work for research data collection.Disclaimer  The views expressed in this article do not represent the views of the Veterans Administration or the United States Government.