bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Testing of a Novel Suture Pattern for Repair of Equine Tendon Lacerations
Authors: Everett Eric , Barrett Jennifer G. , Morelli Jeffrey , DeVita Raffaella 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo comparein vitrobiomechanical properties of a novel suture pattern to a current standard for primary repair of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) laceration.Study DesignIn vitrorandomized, paired design.AnimalsCadaveric equine forelimbSDFT(n= 24).MethodsThe 3‐loop pulley (3LP) and 6‐strandSavage (SSS) suture patterns were applied to transected equineSDFT. Ultimate failure load, stiffness, mode of failure, and load required to form a 3‐mm gap were obtained using a materials testing system and synchronized high‐speed video analysis. Statistical comparisons were made usingStudent's t‐test, with significance set atP< .05.ResultsTheSSSrepair failed at a higher ultimate load (421.1 N ± 47.6) than the 3LPrepair (193.7 N ± 43.0;P< .001). There was no significant difference in stiffness (P= .99). Failure mode was suture breakage for allSSSrepair and suture pull through for all 3LPrepair. The maximum load to create a 3‐mm gap in theSSSrepair (102.0 N ± 22.4) was not significantly different from the 3LPrepair (109.9 N ± 16.0;P= .27).ConclusionsSSStenorrhaphy has improved strength and resistance to pull through compared with 3LPfor equineSDFTin a single load‐to‐failure test. Load required to form a 3‐mm gap was not significantly different betweenSSSand 3LP.
Comparison of the Mechanical Behaviors of Locked and Nonlocked Plate/Screw Fixation Applied to Experimentally Induced Rotational Osteotomies in Canine Ilia
Authors: Case Joseph Brad , Dean Casey , Wilson David M. , Knudsen John M. , James Susan P. , Palmer Ross H. 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo compare the mechanical behaviors of 2 locked (parallel and diverging screws) and 1 nonlocked (NL) version of triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) plate/screw fixation.Study DesignIn vitro biomechanical evaluation.AnimalsCadaveric canine hemipelves.MethodsComparison 1—NL screws 20° TPO (NL‐20) construct versus locked parallel (LP) screws 20° TPO (LP‐20) construct (n = 7). Comparison 2—LP‐20 construct versus locked diverging (LD) screws 20° TPO (LD‐20) construct (n = 6). Condition 1—Nondestructive loading to determine stiffness. Condition 2—Cyclic loading to determine stiffness, screw loosening, and osteotomy gap displacement. Condition 3—Load to failure (yield load, yield displacement, maximum load, load to failure, failure mode).ResultsStiffness was not significantly different for NL‐20 versus LP‐20 constructs (P = .48) or for LP‐20 versus LD‐20 constructs (P = .83). Screw loosening was significantly more frequent for NL‐20 versus LP‐20 (P = .01) and for LD‐20 versus LP‐20 constructs (P = .02). The relative risk for screw loosening with NL‐20 constructs versus LP‐20 constructs was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1–1.8). The relative risk for screw loosening with LD‐20 versus LP‐20 was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1—2.2). Yield load was significantly greater for LP‐20 versus NL‐20 and LD‐20 constructs (P = .04, P = .03), respectively.ConclusionsNo TPO constructs tested maintained complete integrity after cyclic loading; however, screw loosening was significantly reduced and yield loads were significantly larger for LP‐20 plate/screw constructs.
Are Elderly Patients at Increased Risk of Complications Following Pacemaker Implantation? A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: ARMAGANIJAN LUCIANA V. , TOFF WILLIAM D. , NIELSEN JENS C. , ANDERSEN HENNING R. , CONNOLLY STUART J. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , HEALEY JEFF S. 
Published: October 2011

Background:
Patients over the age of 75 represent more than half the recipients of permanent pacemakers. It is not known if they have a different risk of complications than younger patients.
Methods:
Patient‐level data were pooled from the CTOPP, UKPACE, and Danish pacing trials. These three randomized trials of pacing mode systematically captured early and late complications following pacemaker insertion. Early postimplant complications included lead dislodgement or loss of capture, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, hematoma, infection, and death. Lead fracture was considered a late complication.
Results:
A total of 4,814 patients were included in this analysis, with an average follow‐up of 5.1 years. The average age was 76 years and 43% were female. Any early complication occurred in 5.1% of patients ≥75 years of age compared to 3.4% of patients aged <75 years (P = 0.006). This was driven by an increased risk of pneumothorax (1.6% vs 0.8%, P = 0.07) and both atrial and ventricular lead dislodgement/loss of capture (2.0% vs 1.1%, P = 0.07). Early complications were higher in patients receiving atrial‐based pacemakers in both age groups (<75 years: 4.6% vs 2.4%; ≥75 years: 6.6% vs 3.7%); however, the relative risk was not influenced by age group. Older patients had a lower risk of lead fracture (3.6% vs 2.7%, P = 0.08).
Conclusion:
Elderly patients (≥75 years of age) are at increased risk of early postimplant complications but are at lower risk for lead fracture. PACE 2012; 35:131–134)
Biophysical Modeling to Simulate the Response to Multisite Left Ventricular Stimulation Using a Quadripolar Pacing Lead
Authors: NIEDERER STEVEN A. , SHETTY A.K. , PLANK G. , BOSTOCK J. , RAZAVI R. , SMITH N.P. , RINALDI C.A. 
Published: October 2011

Background:
Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is reduced in patients with posterolateral scar. Multipolar pacing leads offer the ability to select desirable pacing sites and/or stimulate from multiple pacing sites concurrently using a single lead position. Despite this potential, the clinical evaluation and identification of metrics for optimization of multisite CRT (MCRT) has not been performed.
Methods:
The efficacy of MCRT via a quadripolar lead with two left ventricular (LV) pacing sites in conjunction with right ventricular pacing was compared with single‐site LV pacing using a coupled electromechanical biophysical model of the human heart with no, mild, or severe scar in the LV posterolateral wall.
Result:
The maximum dP/dtmax improvement from baseline was 21%, 23%, and 21% for standard CRT versus 22%, 24%, and 25% for MCRT for no, mild, and severe scar, respectively. In the presence of severe scar, there was an incremental benefit of multisite versus standard CRT (25% vs 21%, 19% relative improvement in response). Minimizing total activation time (analogous to QRS duration) or minimizing the activation time of short‐axis slices of the heart did not correlate with CRT response. The peak electrical activation wave area in the LV corresponded with CRT response with an R2 value between 0.42 and 0.75.
Conclusion:
Biophysical modeling predicts that in the presence of posterolateral scar MCRT offers an improved response over conventional CRT. Maximizing the activation wave area in the LV had the most consistent correlation with CRT response, independent of pacing protocol, scar size, or lead location. (PACE 2012; 35:204–214)
Preparation of Fused Zirconia/Mullite Aggregates from Sillimanite, Zircon, and Alumina Mixtures via Plasma
Authors: Prusty Sasmita , Mishra D. K. , Mohapatra B. K. , Mishra Gopa , Singh S. K. 
Published: October 2011

The mineral sillimanite and zircon recovered from beach sand were considered as the sources of alumina, silica, and zirconia for the synthesis of fused zirconia mullite (MUZ). The mullite phase appears as a primary phase up to the zirconia percentages of 20, whereas it appears as a secondary phase in the higher percentages of zirconia (>20) in the MUZ composites. The thermal plasma provides higher temperature up to 2100°C to favor the transformation of monoclinic phases of zirconia to tetragonal/cubic zirconia for which a mixture of monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic zirconia is observed in the X‐ray diffraction pattern. The electron probe microstructure analysis reveals the presence of glass phase (SiO2) in the lower (5%) and higher (>15%) percentage of zirconia composites. A variation in the optical band gap (2.06–2.63 eV) and enhancement in the hardness are observed with the increasing concentration of zirconia in the MUZ composites.
Investigation of CuO‐Doped NKN Ceramics with High Mechanical Quality Factor Synthesized by a B‐Site Oxide Precursor Method
Authors: Yang Song‐Ling , Tsai Cheng‐Che , Liou Yi‐Cheng , Hong Cheng‐Shong , Li Bing‐Jing , Chu Sheng‐Yuan 
Published: October 2011

In this study, composition of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 + x mol% CuO ceramics (NKNCx, where x = 0–1 mol%) were separately prepared using the B‐site oxide precursor method (BO method) and the conventional mixed oxide method (MO method). The diffracted angles of the NKNCx ceramics decreased as the concentrations of CuO dopants increased, because Nb5+ ions were replaced by Cu2+ ions, leading to the formation of oxygen vacancies. The microstructures of NKNCx ceramics prepared using the BO method were more homogeneous microstructures than that of ceramics prepared using the MO method. The mechanical quality factor (Qm) and dielectric constant (ε33T/ε0) of NKNCx ceramics prepared using the BO method were therefore by 21% and 25% better, respectively. The activation energy and internal bias field were measured and calculated to confirm the presence of oxygen vacancies. A low activation energy corresponds to a high Qm value. NKN ceramics with 0.75 mol% CuO doping prepared using the BO method had an activation energy and internal bias field of 0.95 eV and 3.5 kV/cm, respectively, at x = 0.75 mol%. The bulk density, kp, Qm, ε33T/ε0, and dielectric loss of NKNCx ceramics with this composition were 4.488 g/cm3, 41.5%, 2100, 280, and 0.15%, respectively.
Rapid Crystallization Process of Amorphous Silicon Nitride
Authors: Li Yanhui , Wang Li , Yin Shaowu , Yang Fuming , Wu Ping 
Published: October 2011

The crystallization of nanosized amorphous silicon nitride powder is one of the methods to produce sub‐micrometer/nanosized α‐Si3N4 powder. The application of this method is still limited by the long crystallization time, low output, and high cost. This article invents a new crystallization method of amorphous silicon nitride involving the addition of Si powder. The new process reduces the complete crystallization time from more than 6 h to 30 min, thus allowing efficient production of sub‐micrometer/nanosized α‐Si3N4 powder. Effects of factors such as additive, temperature, and duration on the crystallization process are investigated using XRD and FTIR. The experimental results showed that the added Si powder accelerates the crystallization process effectively. The final product is a mixture of α‐Si3N4 and Si2N2O. In this article, amorphous silicon nitride powder with added Si is annealed at 1450°C. Powder of nearly 100% crystalline phase content is produced either by adding 10% Si and annealing for 15 min or by adding 5% Si and annealing for 30 min.
Oral health promotion interventions on oral reservoirs of staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review
Authors: Lam O LT , McGrath C , Bandara HMHN , Li L SW , Samaranayake L P 
Published: October 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 244–254The oral cavity serves as a reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus for infection of the lower respiratory tract and cross‐infection to other patients. This systematic review was designed to examine the effectiveness of oral health promotion interventions on this pathogen. The PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for clinical trials assessing the effect of oral health promotion interventions on oral and oropharyngeal carriage of S. aureus. Oral health promotion interventions on oral reservoirs of S. aureus in both systemically healthy and medically compromised groups consisted of oral hygiene interventions only. There was a lack of evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of mechanical oral hygiene interventions against this pathogen. Chlorhexidine delivered in oral hygiene products such as mouthrinses, gels, and sprays appeared to have some utility against S. aureus, although some studies found equivocal effects. There was a dearth of studies investigating the efficacy of other chemical agents. Although many chemical agents contained in oral hygiene products have proven in vitro activity against S. aureus, their clinical effectiveness and potential role as adjuncts or alternative therapies to conventional treatment remain to be confirmed by further high‐quality randomized controlled trials.
Self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and dental service utilization among pregnant women in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hashim R 
Published: October 2011

To cite this article:

Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 142–146  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00531.xHashim R. Self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and dental service utilization among pregnant women in United Arab Emirates.Abstract:Aim: The aim of this study was to describe self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and frequency of visits to a dentist among pregnant women visiting maternity hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Material and methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted, with anonymous structured questionnaires distributed to 800 pregnant women who were chosen at random from attendants of three maternity and child health centres from various geographical areas of UAE, during January–March 2010. Results: The response rate was 93.7% (n = 750). Less than quarter of the participated pregnant women were in their first trimester. Almost a quarter (23.5%) of the women believed that they had periodontal problem currently, while 46.3% reported having carious teeth. More than 44% reported having dental pain, and about 40% women felt that her oral health was poor. About 60% reported having heard about the possible connection between pregnancy and the oral health. About 94% of the women were brushing their teeth at least once a day. More than half of the women (58.3%) visited the dentist during their most recent pregnancy, mostly for dental pain. Conclusions: A large proportion of the pregnant women in this study had oral health problems; however, more than 40% of those women had not visited a dentist during their pregnancy, and the majority of those utilized dental services when they had dental pain only. To provide better oral health care, more knowledge needs to be made available to the pregnant women and the medical community.
Effects of maintenance electroshock on mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain
Authors: Réus Gislaine Z. , Stringari Roberto B. , Rezin Gislaine T. , Pezente Daiana P. , Scaini Giselli , Maggi Débora D. , De-Nês Bruna T. , Streck Emilio L. , Quevedo João , Feier Gustavo 
Published: October 2011

Réus GZ, Stringari RB, Rezin GT, Pezente DP, Scaini G, Maggi DD, De-Nês BT, Streck EL, Quevedo J, Feier G. Effects of maintenance electroshock on mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain.Objective:Electroconvulsive therapy is used efficacious treatment for a variety of complicated psychiatric disorders and evidences have indicated that energy metabolism impairment may be involved in pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorders. This work was performed to determine creatine kinase and mitochondrial respiratory chain activities at different times after the maintenance electroconvulsive shock (ECS).Methods:Male Wistar rats received a protocol mimicking therapeutic of maintenance or simulated ECS (sham) and were subsequently sacrificed immediately after, 48 h and 7 days after the last maintenance ECS. We measured creatine kinase and mitochondrial respiratory chain activities in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum and striatum.Results:Our results showed that maintenance ECS alter respiratory chain complexes and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain, but these effects were related to brain area and time after the ECS, in which the animal were killed.Conclusion:Finally, these findings further support the hypothesis that alteration on the energy metabolism could be involved in the therapeutic or adverse effects of ECS.
Is a routine voiding cystourethrogram necessary in children after the first febrile urinary tract infection?
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Moon Kyu , Park Sung Eun 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the value of identifying vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and the benefit of VUR management according to imaging strategies at the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).Methods:  Children aged 1–144 months (n = 618) with the first febrile UTI admitted at our hospital from 2000 to 2009 were enrolled. In all patients, renal sonogram (US), 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scanning and VCUG were performed. Retrospective analyses per patient and per renal unit were performed.Results:  Abnormal US or DMSA scans had a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% to detect high‐grade reflux. In hydronephrotic kidneys, DMSA scanning had a sensitivity of 88.2% and a NPV of 97.1% to detect high‐grade reflux.Conclusion:  Routine VCUG is not required after the first febrile UTI in patients with normal US or normal DMSA scan. Even if the US reveals hydronephrosis, routine VCUG is not necessary if the DMSA findings are normal. It is recommended that children who did not receive both a DMSA scan and VCUG after the first febrile UTI should be followed up over the long term.
Literacy in the Early Years in New Zealand: policies, politics and pressing reasons for change
Authors: McLachlan Claire , Arrow Alison 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAlthough priding itself on high rates of literacy achievement, New Zealand's track record in the last two decades has noticeably declined. Successive New Zealand governments have invested heavily in trying to redress this decline with limited success. Demographic changes in population due to immigration provide a partial explanation, but arguably, inconsistencies and omissions in policies and curriculum for early childhood and primary education are also factors to be considered further. Evidence regarding New Zealand's effectiveness in promoting literacy since the early 1990s is explored, against a potential policy framework for the Early Years, identifying the challenges and pressing issues for change.
Mannose‐binding lectin and MBL‐associated serine protease‐2 gene polymorphisms in a Brazilian population from Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ferraroni N. R. , Segat L. , Guimarães R. L. , Brandão L. A. C. , Crovella S. , Constantino‐Silva R. N. , Loja C. , da Silva Duarte A. J. , Grumach A. S. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a protein able to bind to carbohydrate patterns on pathogen membranes; upon MBL binding, its’ associated serine protease MBL‐associated serine protease type 2 (MASP2) is autoactivated, promoting the activation of complement via the lectin pathway. For both MBL2 and MASP2 genes, the frequencies of polymorphisms are extremely variable between different ethnicities, and this aspect has to be carefully considered when performing genetic studies. While polymorphisms in the MBL‐encoding gene (MBL2) have been associated, depending upon ethnicity, with several diseases in different populations, little is known about the distribution of MASP2 gene polymorphisms in human populations. The aim of our study was thus to determine the frequencies of MBL2 (exon 1 and promoter) and MASP2 (p.D371Y) polymorphisms in a Brazilian population from Rio de Janeiro. A total of 294 blood donor samples were genotyped for 27 polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene by direct sequencing of a region spanning from the promoter polymorphism H/L rs11003125 to the rs1800451 polymorphism (at codon 57 in the first exon of the gene). Genotyping for MASP2 p.D371Y was carried out using fluorogenic probes. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the prevalence of the MASP2 p.D371Y polymorphism in a Brazilian population. The C allele frequency 39% is something intermediate between the reported 14% in Europeans and 90% in Sub‐Saharan Africans. MBL2 polymorphisms frequencies were quite comparable to those previously reported for admixed Brazilians. Both MBL2 and MASP2 polymorphisms frequencies reported in our study for the admixed Brazilian population are somehow intermediate between those reported in Europeans and Africans, reflecting the ethnic composition of the southern Brazilian population, estimated to derive from an admixture of Caucasian (31%), African (34%) and Native American (33%) populations. In conclusion, our population genetic study describes the frequencies of MBL2 and MASP2 functional SNPs in a population from Rio de Janeiro, with the aim of adding new information concerning the distribution of these SNPs in a previously unanalysed Brazilian population, thus providing a new genetic tool for the evaluation of the association of MBL2 and MASP2 functional SNPs with diseases in Brazil, with particular emphasis on the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Allele frequencies of human leukocyte antigen‐G in a Korean population
Authors: Park Y. , Park Y. , Kim Y. S. , Kwon O. J. , Kim H.‐S. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule with relatively limited polymorphism. The differences in allele frequency according to ethnicity and country have not been studied enough, so far. Therefore, fundamental data including allele frequencies and polymorphism are needed for studies on immunological function of HLA‐G in each population. We investigated allele frequencies and 14‐bp polymorphism of the HLA‐G in Koreans. HLA‐G alleles and 14‐bp polymorphisms were determined by sequence‐based typing analysis of exons 2–4 and polymerase chain reaction of exon 8 in 200 unrelated individuals. Genotyping analysis identified eight different HLA‐G alleles, which indicates that the Korean population presents limited HLA‐G allelic polymorphism. HLA‐G*01:01:01:01 and G*01:04:01 were frequent alleles (42.5% and 34.0%), and allelic frequencies were similar to those of other Asian populations. The 14‐bp deletion alleles are higher (78%) in Koreans, although the frequencies of the 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism have been known to be nearly equal in many Caucasian populations. HLA‐G*01:01:08 was reported strong linkage disequilibrium with the 14‐bp deletion in a previous report; the same allele was accompanied with 14‐bp insertion in our study. There are a few studies investigating allele frequencies, and most of them were studied before high‐resolution method era. This is the first study regarding HLA‐G genotypes in Korean, which were identified by high‐resolution method. From this study, we identified HLA‐G frequencies of a Korean population and expect this study could help further investigations for immunological and clinical implications of HLA‐G.
Evidence for crust cooling in the transiently accreting 11-Hz X-ray pulsar in the globular cluster Terzan 5
Authors: Degenaar N. , Brown E. F. , Wijnands R. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
The temporal heating and subsequent cooling of the crusts of transiently accreting neutron stars carries unique information about their structure and a variety of nuclear reaction processes. We report on a new Chandra Director’s Discretionary Time observation of the globular cluster Terzan 5, aimed to monitor the transiently accreting 11-Hz X-ray pulsar IGR J17480−2446 after the cessation of its recent 10-week long accretion outburst. During the observation, which was performed ≃125 d into quiescence, the source displays a thermal spectrum that fits to a neutron star atmosphere model with a temperature for an observer at infinity of kT∞≃ 92 eV. This is ≃10 per cent lower than that found ≃75 d earlier, yet ≃20 per cent higher than the quiescent base level measured prior to the recent outburst. This can be interpreted as cooling of the accretion-heated neutron star crust, and implies that crust cooling is observable after short accretion episodes. Comparison with neutron star thermal evolution simulations indicates that substantial heat must be released at shallow depth inside the neutron star, which is not accounted for in current nuclear heating models.