bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An individual‐based versus group‐based exercise and counselling intervention for improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors. A feasibility and efficacy study
Authors: Naumann Fiona , Munro Aime , Martin Eric , Magrani Paula , Buchan Jena , Smith Cathie , Piggott Ben , Philpott Martin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundCancer and its treatments produce lingering side‐effects that undermine the quality of life (QOL) of survivors. Exercise and psycho‐therapies increase QOL among survivors, however, research is needed to identify intervention characteristics most associated with such improvements.ObjectiveThis research aimed to assess the feasibility of a 9 week individual or group based exercise and counselling program, and to examine if a group based intervention is as effective at improving the QOL of breast cancer survivors as an individual‐based intervention.MethodsA three group design was implemented to compare the efficacy of a 9 week individual (IEC n = 12) and group based exercise and counselling (GEC n = 14) intervention to a usual care (UsC n = 10) group on QOL of thirty‐six breast cancer survivors.ResultsAcross all groups, 90% of participants completed the interventions, with no adverse effects documented. At the completion of the intervention, there was a significant difference between groups for change in global QOL across time (p < 0.023), with IEC improving significantly more (15.0 points) than the UsC group (1.8 points). The effect size was moderate (0.70). Although the GEC improved QOL by almost 10.0 points, this increase did not reach significance. Both increases were above the minimally important difference of 7–8 points.ConclusionThese preliminary results suggest a combined exercise and psychological counseling program is both a feasible and acceptable intervention for breast cancer survivors. Whilst both the individual and group interventions improved QOL above the clinically important difference, only the individual based intervention was significant when compared to UsC.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Fluorine Substitution of Aniline Ring on Pulsed Plasma Polymer Growth and Structure
Authors: Mérian Tiphaine , Debarnot Dominique , Poncin‐Epaillard Fabienne 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe pulsed plasma polymerization of 3‐fluoroaniline is investigated. The resulting polymer is characterized in terms of growth kinetics and chemical structure using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, profilometry and quartz crystal microgravimetry. The characteristics of plasma polyfluoroaniline are compared with those of plasma polyaniline. The doping mechanism of these two plasma polymers is also examined. The results showed that the substitution of the aniline ring in meta position by a fluorine atom results in obtaining a more linear polymer structure. However, the doping is more efficient for polyaniline than for polyfluoroaniline. Moreover, discharge power and on‐time are the major determinants of the growing and the structure of the polymer.magnified image
Investigating Head and Trunk Rotation in Sitting: A Pilot Study Comparing People after Stroke and Healthy Controls
Authors: Verheyden Geert , Ashburn Ann , Burnett Malcolm , Littlewood Janet , Kunkel Dorit ,   on behalf of The Stroke Association Rehabilitation Research Centre
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and PurposeHealthy individuals have a top‐down coordination pattern when turning while walking; they first rotate the head, then the shoulders, the pelvis and, finally, the feet. The aim of this study was to compare spatial and temporal characteristics of head and trunk rotation in sitting between people early after stroke and healthy participants, and investigate change over time.MethodsThis was a pilot, quantitative, longitudinal study. We recruited participants from stroke wards and local groups. People with stroke were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 weeks after stroke. Healthy participants were examined with the same weekly intervals. Participants were in a seated position and were asked verbally to rotate their head and look at a visual signal placed at 90° to the left and to the right of the subject. CODAmotion (Charnwood Dynamics Ltd, Rothley, UK) was used for 3‐D motion recording and analysis.ResultsHealthy participants (two women and four men; mean age 66 years) showed significant rotation of the head before rotation of the shoulders at all three time points; people with stroke (one woman and five men; mean age 71 years) did not show this top‐down pattern of movement. There was no significant difference between start times of head and shoulder rotation at 3 (p = 0.167), 6 (p = 0.084) and 12 weeks after stroke (p = 0.062). Conclusions. The results of our pilot study warrant further investigation into the recovery and pattern of axial coordination after stroke. Future studies could provide insight into the mechanisms behind impaired postural control in people after stroke. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) nanoemulsion—a potent larvicidal agent against Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Anjali CH , Sharma Yamini , Mukherjee Amitava , Chandrasekaran Natarajan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Nanoemulsion composed of neem oil and non‐ionic surfactant Tween 20, with a mean droplet size ranging from 31.03 to 251.43 nm, was formulated for various concentrations of the oil and surfactant. The larvicidal effect of the formulated neem oil nanoemulsion was checked against Culex quinquefasciatus.RESULTS: O/W emulsion was prepared using neem oil, Tween 20 and water. Nanoemulsion of 31.03 nm size was obtained at a 1:3 ratio of oil and surfactant, and it was found to be stable. The larger droplet size (251.43 nm) shifted to a smaller size of 31.03 nm with increase in the concentration of Tween 20. The viscosity of the nanoemulsion increased with increasing concentration of Tween 20. The lethal concentration (LC50) of the nanoemulsion against Cx. quinquefasciatus was checked for 1:0.30, 1:1.5 and 1:3 ratios of oil and surfactant respectively. The LC50 decreased with droplet size. The LC50 for the ratio 1:3 nanoemulsions was 11.75 mg L−1.CONCLUSION: The formulated nanoemulsion of 31.03 nm size was found to be an effective larvicidal agent. This is the first time that a neem oil nanoemulsion of this droplet size has been reported. It may be a good choice as a potent and selective larvicide for Cx. quinquefasciatus. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
An empirical evaluation of several test‐a‐few strategies for testing particular conditions
Authors: Chan Eric Ying Kwong , Chan W. K. , Poon Pak‐Lok , Yu Yuen Tak 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYExisting specification‐based testing techniques often generate comprehensive test suites to cover diverse combinations of test‐relevant aspects. Such a test suite can be prohibitively expensive to execute exhaustively because of its large size. A pragmatic strategy often adopted in practice, called test‐once strategy, is to identify certain particular conditions from the specification and to test each such condition once only. This strategy is implicitly based on the uniformity assumption that the implementation will process a particular condition uniformly, regardless of other parameters or inputs. As the decision of adopting the test‐once strategy is often based on the specification, whether the uniformity assumption actually holds in the implementation needs to be critically assessed, or else the risk of inadequate testing could be non‐negligible. As viable alternatives to reduce such a risk, a family of test‐a‐few strategies for the testing of particular conditions is proposed in this paper. Two rounds of experiments that evaluate the effectiveness of the test‐a‐few strategies as compared with the test‐once strategy are further reported. Our experiments do the following: (1) provide clear evidence that the uniformity assumption often, but not always, holds and that the assumption usually fails to hold when the implementation is faulty; (2) demonstrate that all our proposed test‐a‐few strategies are statistically more reliable than the test‐once strategy in revealing faulty programs; (3) show that random sampling is already substantially more effective than the test‐once strategy; and (4) indicate that, compared with other test‐a‐few strategies under study, choice coverage seems to achieve a better trade‐off between test effort and effectiveness. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
T‐Knoten mit Gurtstäben aus dreieckigen Hohlprofilen
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Herion Stefan , Ungermann Dieter , Brune Bettina , Dissel Peter , Fleischer Oliver 
Published: July 2011

AbstractZum einen bietet das “neu” entwickelte Hohlprofil aufgrund der hohen Knotensteifigkeit vorteilhafte Trageigenschaften von Knoten mit dreieckigen Gurtquerschnitten, zum anderen eröffnet dieses Profil interessante ästhetische Aspekte auch unter ökonomischen Gesichtspunkten. Aufgrund des vielversprechenden Erfolgs des Forschungsvorhabens ist eine Vertiefung und Erweiterung der Ergebnisse für die allgemeine Anwendung von Hohlprofilknotenkonstruktionen mit THS‐Querschnitten im Rahmen eines anschließenden Forschungsprojekts vorgesehen.T‐joints with chord members made of triangular hollow sections. On one hand the newly developed hollow section provides advantageous bearing‐properties of joints with triangular shaped chord sections due to high joint‐rigidity, on the other hand it offers interesting aspects in an aesthetic as well as in an economic point of view. Because of the promising success of this research project a more detailed insight and an enhancement of the results for the general application of constructions made of hollow sections with triangular hollow sections is intended within the scope of a subsequent research project.
Application of a Handheld Portable Mid‐Infrared Sensor for Monitoring Oil Oxidative Stability
Authors: Allendorf Meghan , Subramanian Anand , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study evaluated the capabilities of a handheld mid‐infrared (MIR) spectrometer combined with multivariate analysis to characterize oils, monitor chemical processes occurring during oxidation, and to determine fatty acid composition. Vegetable oils (corn, peanut, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, and canola) were stored at 65 °C for 30 days to accelerate oxidation reactions. Aliquots were drawn at 5 day intervals and analyzed by benchtop and portable handheld mid‐infrared devices (4,000–700 cm−1) and reference methods (IUPAC 2301 [1], 2302 [1]; AOCS Cd 8‐58 [2]; and Shipe 1979 [3]). PLSR and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) models were developed for oil classification and estimation of oil stability parameters. Models developed from MIR spectra obtained with a benchtop spectrometer equipped with a 3‐bounce ATR device resulted in superior discriminative performances for classifying oils as compared to those obtained from handheld spectra (single‐bounce ATR). Models developed from reference tests and handheld spectra showed prediction errors (SECV) of 1 meq/kg for peroxide value, 0.09% for acid value and 2% for determination of unsaturated fatty acids in different oils. Spectral regions ~3,012–2,850 cm−1 (C–H stretching bands/shoulders of fatty acids), ~1,740 cm−1 (C=O stretching of esters), and ~1,114 cm−1 (–C–O stretching) were found to be important for prediction. Handheld‐FTIR instruments combined with multivariate‐analysis showed promise for determination of oil quality parameters. Portability and ease‐of‐use makes the handheld device a great alternative to traditional methods.
Dysplasia of the hip in adolescent patients successfully treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Modaressi K. , Erschbamer M. , Exner G. U. 
Published: July 2011

Background The purpose of this study was to analyze whether hips treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) during infancy, which were clinically and radiologically fully normalized by walking age, may become dysplastic again during later growth. Materials and methods A total of 150 patients were randomly selected out of a collective of 386 patients treated for DDH at the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Zurich between 1993 and 2004. Treatment was started at birth and continued for 6 months. All patients had clinically and radiographically normal hips by walking age. The patients did not suffer from other diseases, in particular, neurological or neuromuscular diseases. Results We detected four female subjects among the 150 patients who had been successfully treated for DDH, who had developed dysplastic hips in early adolescence, necessitating acetabular surgery. Conclusion The successful treatment of DDH in infancy does not ensure normal hip development; therefore, follow up into maturity may be recommended. Level of evidence Level IV.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of various types of oocyte aging
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Igarashi Hideki , Amita Mitsuyoshi , Hara Shuichiro , Kurachi Hirohisa 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIt is well established that age‐related decline of a womanˈs fertility is related to the poor developmental potential of her gametes. The age‐associated decline in female fertility is largely attributable to the oocyte aging caused by ovarian aging. Age‐associated oocyte aging results in a decrease in oocyte quality. In contrast to ovarian aging, there is a concept of postovulatory oocyte aging. Postovulatory aging of oocytes, not being fertilized for a prolonged time after ovulation, is known to significantly affect the development of oocytes. Both categories of oocyte aging have similar phenotypes of reproductive failure. However, the mechanisms of the decline in oocyte quality are not necessarily equivalent. An age‐dependent increase in aneuploidy is a key determinant of oocyte quality. The reduced expression of molecules regulating cell cycle control during meiosis might be involved in the age‐dependent increase in aneuploidy. The mechanism of age‐associated oocyte aging might be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, whose etiologies are still unknown. Alternatively, the mechanism of postovulatory oocyte aging might be involved in reactive oxygen species‐induced mitochondrial injury pathways followed by abnormal intracellular Ca2+ regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum. We suggest that future research into the mechanism of oocyte aging will be necessary to develop a method to rescue the poor developmental potential of aged oocytes.
AORN Ergonomic Tool 5: Tissue Retraction in the Perioperative Setting
Authors: Spera Patrice , Lloyd John D. , Hernandez Edward , Hughes Nancy , Petersen Carol , Nelson Audrey , Spratt Deborah G. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractManual retraction, a task performed to expose the surgical site, poses a high risk for musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, and back. In recent years, minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures have led to the development of multifunctional instruments and retractors capable of performing these functions that, in many cases, has eliminated the need for manual retraction. During surgical procedures that are not performed endoscopically, the use of self‐retaining retractors enables the assistant to handle tissue and use exposure techniques that do not require prolonged manual retraction. Ergonomic Tool #5: Tissue Retraction in the Perioperative Setting provides an algorithm for perioperative care providers to determine when and under what circumstances manual retraction of tissue is safe and when the use of a self‐retaining retractor should be considered.
Factors Associated with Multidrug‐Resistant Acinetobacter Transmission: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Moultrie Denise , Hawker Jeremy , Cole Shannon 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMultidrug‐resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter infections are occurring at alarming rates in traumatic war injuries. Causative factors have not been specifically identified. We used an integrative review of the literature guided by the Identifying, Organizing, and Synthesizing strategy to identify factors related to MDR Acinetobacter transmission. We identified five major themes of commonality relating to transmission—wound types, risk factors, contributing factors, modes of transmission, and prevention strategies—and we identified studies that should be replicated in military populations. We identified sources of transmission (ie, environment to wound, health care worker to wound) and interventions to reduce or eliminate health care‐associated or surgical site MDR Acinetobacter infections (ie, using strict infection control guidelines, appropriate use of antibiotics, notification of infected patients).
Safe Positioning for Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
Authors: Chitlik Amanda 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRobotic‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure performed to eradicate prostate cancer. Use of robotic assistance technology allows smaller incisions than the traditional laparoscopic approach and results in better patient outcomes, such as less blood loss, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and better postoperative potency and continence rates. This surgical approach creates unique challenges in patient positioning for the perioperative team because the patient is placed in the lithotomy with steep Trendelenburg position. Incorrect positioning can lead to nerve damage, pressure ulcers, and other complications. Using a special beanbag positioning device made specifically for use with this severe position helps prevent these complications.
Clinical Issues—July 2011
Authors: Burlingame Byron 
Published: July 2011

This MonthAbdominal‐perineal surgical prepsKey words: surgical skin preparation, skin antisepsis, abdominal prep, perineal prep, vaginal prep, dual prep.Perineal preps and urinary catheter insertionKey words: skin prep, urinary catheter insertion.Endoscopy room requirementsKey words: endoscopy room, endoscopy, environmental conditions for endoscopy.Use and decontamination of case cartsKey words: case carts, sterile supplies, washing case carts, cleaning, decontamination.Storage of sterile and unsterile suppliesKey words: sterile storage, storage rules, OR storage, wire racks.
Effect of combined spinal–epidural analgesia versus epidural analgesia on labor and delivery duration
Authors: Pascual‐Ramirez Javier , Haya Javier , Pérez‐López Faustino R. , Gil‐Trujillo Silvia , Garrido‐Esteban Rosa A. , Bernal Ginés 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether combined spinal–epidural analgesia (CSEA) can decrease the known epidural effect of lengthening delivery.MethodsBetween April and May 2010, 144 women undergoing childbirth in hospital with epidural pain relief were randomized to receive either low‐dose epidural analgesia (LEA) or CSEA. The spinal component included 2.5 mg of bupivacaine, 25 μg of fentanyl, and 200 μg of morphine. The epidural component of the CSEA procedure was started once pain returned. The primary outcome was total labor duration measured from the time of initiation of labor analgesia to delivery.ResultsThe difference in duration between LEA (n = 72) and CSEA (n = 72) was 5 minutes for labor (P = 0.82), 2 minutes for delivery (P = 0.60), and 7 minutes for total labor duration (P = 0.75). The combined group used less levobupivacaine (P < 0.001) and had lower sensory blockade at the dermatomal level (P = 0.037). Women in the CSEA group had a higher incidence of pruritus (P = 0.002) and lightheadedness (P = 0.02) during labor; and a higher incidence of pruritus (P = 0.002), nausea–vomiting (P = 0.026), and drowsiness (P = 0.003) in the postpartum period.ConclusionAs compared with LEA, CSEA did not shorten the duration of labor length; however, it did reduce levobupivacaine consumption and motor weakness.
The Effect of Balance Confidence and Context on Functional Reach Ability in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Norris Beth S. , Medley Ann 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo assess functional reach (FR) ability in 4 contexts in older adults (≥ 60 years) with high balance confidence (HBC) and low balance confidence (LBC).DesignA repeated‐measures design was used to compare 2 groups in 4 reaching contexts.SettingCommunity setting.SubjectsTwenty‐four healthy older adults with HBC and 27 healthy older adults with LBC.MethodsFR distance was assessed in 4 contexts presented in random order: (1) traditional FR (TFR); (2) functional reach on foam (FRF); (3) object present functional reach (OPFR); and (4) object present functional reach on foam (OPFRF). For TFR and FRF, 3 trials were performed for each task, and the average reach distance across 3 trials was calculated. During the OPFR and OPFRF contexts, the object was moved toward or away from the participant in 1.3‐cm increments until maximal reach distance to the object was obtained.Main Outcome MeasureMaximal reach distance in each of the 4 FR contexts.ResultsParticipants in the HBC group scored significantly higher than did participants in the LBC group regardless of reaching contexts (P =.004). For both balance confidence groups, reaching distance increased significantly from FRF to TFR to OPFRF to OPFR (P < .001).ConclusionThe results of this study highlight the beneficial effect of an external target on balance performance, even with the added challenge of an unstable surface. These findings suggest that although balance performance is greater for persons with HBC, the same pattern of reaching ability in differing FR contexts is found regardless of whether balance confidence is high or low. The clinical utility of these findings pertain to the importance of the use of task objects during FR balance assessment to determine an individual's balance capacity. Future research is needed to assess the effectiveness of context‐oriented reaching tasks in balance training programs.
Therapeutic effect of antisecretory factor-rich egg yolk on the late phases of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid colitis in mice
Authors: Mañé Josep , Lorén Violeta , Pedrosa Elisabet , Ojanguren Isabel , Domènech Eugeni , Gassull Miquel A. , Cabré Eduard 
Published: July 2011

Antisecretory factor (AF) is expressed in all tissues of mammals, inhibits intestinal hypersecretion and has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Endogenous AF synthesis may be stimulated by feeding hydrothermally processed cereals. Alternatively, freeze-dried egg yolk can be used as a source of exogenous AF. Several reports have suggested that AF from freeze-dried egg yolk may be useful in inflammatory bowel disease. We assessed the effect of freeze-dried, AF-rich egg yolk intake on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis. Balb/c mice were randomised to receive (1) AF in sterile drinking-water (4 g/l,n38) and (2) sterile drinking-water alone (vehicle,n38) from TNBS or saline administration onwards. Different subsets of mice were killed at weeks 1–3 after TNBS or saline administration. Macroscopic and microscopic damage was assessed in colonic specimens. Eicosanoid and cytokine production was evaluated in supernatants of 24 h-incubated colonic explants. Myeloperoxidase activity was measured in frozen colonic samples, while apoptosis was assessed in paraffined samples by thein situoligoligation method. AF-treated mice showed a milder colonic damage compared with the vehicle group, which became statistically significant at week 3. This was accompanied by decreased IL-2, IL-1 and leukotriene B4production at weeks 2 and 3, as well as increased interferon-γ at week 1, in AF-treated mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. AF-treated mice had significantly increased counts of apoptotic cells in the lamina propria at weeks 1 and 2 post-TNBS. In conclusion, the administration of AF-rich egg yolk has a therapeutic effect in the late phases of TNBS colitis in Balb/c mice.