Quality of diabetes care and coronary heart disease absolute risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Australian general practice

Objective: To examine the quality of diabetes care and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Australian general practice patients with type 2 diabetes and to investigate its relationship with coronary heart disease absolute risk (CHDAR). Methods: A total of 3286 patient records were extracted from registers of patients with type 2 diabetes held by 16 divisions of general practice (250 practices) across Australia for the year 2002. CHDAR was estimated using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study algorithm with higher CHDAR set at a 10 year risk of >15%. Multivariate multilevel logistic regression investigated the association between CHDAR and diabetes care. Results: 47.9% of diabetic patient records had glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >7%, 87.6% had total cholesterol >= 4.0 mmol/l, and 73.8% had blood pressure (BP) >= 130/85 mm Hg. 57.6% of patients were at a higher CHDAR, 76.8% of whom were not on lipid modifying medication and 66.2% were not on antihypertensive medication. After adjusting for clustering at the general practice level and age, lipid modifying medication was negatively related to CHDAR (odds ratio (OR) 0.84) and total cholesterol. Antihypertensive medication was positively related to systolic BP but negatively related to CHDAR (OR 0.88). Referral to ophthalmologists/optometrists and attendance at other health professionals were not related to CHDAR. Conclusions: At the time of the study the diabetes and CVD preventive care in Australian general practice was suboptimal, even after a number of national initiatives. The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) guidelines need to be modified to improve CVD preventive care in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Treatment of Ocular Demodex folliculorum by Systemic Ivermectin

PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes of the treatment of ocular Demodex folliculorum with oral ivermectin. DESIGN: Noncomparative, interventional case series. METHODS: Setting. Institutional. Study Population. Twenty-four eyes of 12 patients (3 male and 9 female; mean age +/- standard deviation, 50.4 +/- 21.0 years) with refractory posterior blepharitis with the presence of D. folliculorum in lash samples were enrolled in this study. Intervention. Patients were instructed to take 1 dose of oral ivermectin (200 mu g/kg). All patients were instructed to repeat the treatment after 7 days. Main outcome measures. Tear meniscus height, Schirmer I test results, noninvasive tear film break-up time (BUT), quantification of the absolute number of D. folliculorum found in the lashes, and corneal fluorescein and rose bengal staining scores were obtained from all patients 1 day before and 28 days after treatment. RESULTS: Statistical improvement was observed in the absolute number of D. folliculorum found in the lashes after the treatment with oral ivermectin. Average values of Schirmer I test results and tear film break-up time improved statistically after the treatment of oral ivermectin. No statistical improvement was observed in average lacrimal meniscus height or value of corneal fluorescein and rose bengal staining after treatment with oral ivermectin. CONCLUSIONS: Ivermectin successfully reduced the number of D. folliculorum found in the lashes of patients with refractory blepharitis. Oral ivermectin may be very useful as a complement in the treatment of D. folliculorum infestation with ocular manifestation, especially in cases of unsuccessful treatment related to patient compliance. (Am J Ophthalmol 2011;151:1030-1034. (C) 2011 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Absolute and relative abundance estimates of Australian east cost humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The humpback whales that migrate along the east coast of Australia were hunted to near-extinction in the 1950s and early 1960s. Two independent series of land-based surveys conducted over the last 25 years during the whales’ northward migration along the Australian coastline have demonstrated a rapid increase in the size of the population. In 2004 we conducted a survey of the migratory population as a continuation of these series of surveys. Two methods of data analysis were used in line with the previous surveys, both for calculation of absolute and relative abundance. We consider the best estimates for 2004 to be 7,090 ± 660 (95% CI) whales with an annual rate of increase of 10.6 ± 0.5% (95% CI) for 1987 – 2004. The rate of increase agrees with those previously obtained for this population and demonstrates the continuation of a strong post-exploitation recovery. While there are still some uncertainties concerning the absolute abundance estimate and structure of this population, the rate of annual increase should be independent of these and highly robust.

Structure and absolute configuration of mycobactin J

Mycobactin J 1 is a commercially available siderophore isolated from Mycobacterium avium subsp, paratuberculosis. There are discrepancies between previous reports of its structure and none have addressed its absolute configuration. We report here the complete structure and stereochemistry of mycobactin J, along with methodology to enable the determination of the absolute configuration of other mycobactins on a small scale. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determining when the absolute state complexity of a Hermitian code achieves its DLP bound

Let g be the genus of the Hermitian function field H/F(q)2 and let C-L(D,mQ(infinity)) be a typical Hermitian code of length n. In [Des. Codes Cryptogr., to appear], we determined the dimension/length profile (DLP) lower bound on the state complexity of C-L(D,mQ(infinity)). Here we determine when this lower bound is tight and when it is not. For m less than or equal to n-2/2 or m greater than or equal to n-2/2 + 2g, the DLP lower bounds reach Wolf's upper bound on state complexity and thus are trivially tight. We begin by showing that for about half of the remaining values of m the DLP bounds cannot be tight. In these cases, we give a lower bound on the absolute state complexity of C-L(D,mQ(infinity)), which improves the DLP lower bound. Next we give a good coordinate order for C-L(D,mQ(infinity)). With this good order, the state complexity of C-L(D,mQ(infinity)) achieves its DLP bound (whenever this is possible). This coordinate order also provides an upper bound on the absolute state complexity of C-L(D,mQ(infinity)) (for those values of m for which the DLP bounds cannot be tight). Our bounds on absolute state complexity do not meet for some of these values of m, and this leaves open the question whether our coordinate order is best possible in these cases. A straightforward application of these results is that if C-L(D,mQ(infinity)) is self-dual, then its state complexity (with respect to the lexicographic coordinate order) achieves its DLP bound of n /2 - q(2)/4, and, in particular, so does its absolute state complexity.

Total synthesis and absolute stereochemistry of plakortone D

The first total synthesis of plakortone D is described and thereby establishes the structure and absolute stereochemistry of the most biologically active member of the marine-derived plakortone family. The sterically congested bicyclic lactone core results from a Pd(II)-induced hydroxycyclization−carbonylation−lactonization sequence on an enediol whose chirality was installed by AD-technology. Attachment of the side chain, also constructed using AD-methodology, was achieved by using a modified Julia coupling. The described approach enables acquisition of other plakortones and analogues, in the correct (natural) stereochemical series.

Prediction of absolute rate coefficients and product branching ratios for the C(P-3) plus allene reaction system

Complex chemical reactions in the gas phase can be decomposed into a network of elementary (e.g., unimolecular and bimolecular) steps which may involve multiple reactant channels, multiple intermediates, and multiple products. The modeling of such reactions involves describing the molecular species and their transformation by reaction at a detailed level. Here we focus on a detailed modeling of the C(P-3)+allene (C3H4) reaction, for which molecular beam experiments and theoretical calculations have previously been performed. In our previous calculations, product branching ratios for a nonrotating isomerizing unimolecular system were predicted. We extend the previous calculations to predict absolute unimolecular rate coefficients and branching ratios using microcanonical variational transition state theory (mu-VTST) with full energy and angular momentum resolution. Our calculation of the initial capture rate is facilitated by systematic ab initio potential energy surface calculations that describe the interaction potential between carbon and allene as a function of the angle of attack. Furthermore, the chemical kinetic scheme is enhanced to explicitly treat the entrance channels in terms of a predicted overall input flux and also to allow for the possibility of redissociation via the entrance channels. Thus, the computation of total bimolecular reaction rates and partial capture rates is now possible. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.

Evaluation of various pre-treatments for the dehydration of banana and selection of suitable drying models

The thin-layer drying behaviour of bananas in a beat pump dehumidifier dryer was examined. Four pre-treatments (blanching, chilling, freezing and combined blanching and freezing) were applied to the bananas, which were dried at 50 degreesC with an air velocity of 3.1 m s(-1) and with the relative humidity of the inlet air of 10-35%. Three drying models, the simple model, the two-term exponential model and the Page model were examined. All models were evaluated using three statistical measures, correlation coefficient, root means square error, and mean absolute percent error. Moisture diffusivity was calculated based on the diffusion equation for an infinite cylindrical shape using the slope method. The rate of drying was higher for the pre-treatments involving freezing. The sample which was blanched only did not show any improvement in drying rate. In fact, a longer drying time resulted due to water absorption during blanching. There was no change in the rate for the chilled sample compared with the control. While all models closely fitted the drying data, the simple model showed greatest deviation from the experimental results. The two-term exponential model was found to be the best model for describing the drying curves of bananas because its parameters represent better the physical characteristics of the drying process. Moisture diffusivities of bananas were in the range 4.3-13.2 x 10(-10) m(2)s(-1). (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Automatic assignment of absolute configuration from 1D NMR data

Opposite enantiomers exhibit different NMR properties in the presence of an external common chiral element, and a chiral molecule exhibits different NMR properties in the presence of external enantiomeric chiral elements. Automatic prediction of such differences, and comparison with experimental values, leads to the assignment of the absolute configuration. Here two cases are reported, one using a dataset of 80 chiral secondary alcohols esterified with (R)-MTPA and the corresponding 1H NMR chemical shifts and the other with 94 13C NMR chemical shifts of chiral secondary alcohols in two enantiomeric chiral solvents. For the first application, counterpropagation neural networks were trained to predict the sign of the difference between chemical shifts of opposite stereoisomers. The neural networks were trained to process the chirality code of the alcohol as the input, and to give the NMR property as the output. In the second application, similar neural networks were employed, but the property to predict was the difference of chemical shifts in the two enantiomeric solvents. For independent test sets of 20 objects, 100% correct predictions were obtained in both applications concerning the sign of the chemical shifts differences. Additionally, with the second dataset, the difference of chemical shifts in the two enantiomeric solvents was quantitatively predicted, yielding r2 0.936 for the test set between the predicted and experimental values.

Experimental Measurements and Correlation of the Solubility of Three Primary Amides in Supercritical CO2: Acetanilide, Propanamide, and Butanamide

Solubilities of three primary amides, namely, acetanilide, propanamide, and butanamide, in supercritical carbon dioxide were measured at T = (308.2, 313.2, and 323.2) K over the pressure range (9.0 to 40.0) MPa by a flow type apparatus. The solubility behavior of the three solids shows an analogous trend with a crossover region of the respective isotherms between (12 to 14) MPa. The solubility of each amide, at the same temperature and pressure, decreases from propanamide to acetanilide. Pure compound properties required for the modeling were estimated, and the solubilities of the amides were correlated by using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong cubic equation of state with an absolute average relative deviation (AARD) from (1.3 to 6.1) %.

Controlo da qualidade dosimétrico no serviço de radioterapia do Hospital CUF Descobertas (HCD): importância do controlo da qualidade do sector da física e resultados da auditoria ESTRO-EQUAL

A calibração e o controlo da qualidade de um acelerador linear são passos muito importantes num serviço de Radioterapia, para garantir a qualidade dos tratamentos prestados. O sector da Física da Unidade de Radioterapia do Hospital Cuf Descobertas implementou um rigoroso Programa de controlo de qualidade ao equipamento produtor de radiação e aos equipamentos medidores de radiação, de acordo com o Dec-Lei 180/2002 e com os protocolos internacionais. Para tal, foram implementados procedimentos, criadas folhas de cálculo, instruções de trabalho e impressos. Foram ainda implementados testes aos equipamentos com periodicidade definida: controlo de qualidade diário e controlo de qualidade após intervenções (manutenções preventivas e correctivas). No decorrer do ano de 2005, o sector da Física colaborou activamente com toda a equipa da Radioterapia na implementação da Norma ISO 9001:2000 no serviço, contribuindo com o seu know how na implementação desta, numa área tão importante como a da garantia da qualidade dos feixes de radiação e das respectivas calibrações em dose. Numa procura de melhoria contínua da qualidade dos serviços prestados aos pacientes, decorre ainda uma auditoria externa da EQUAL-ESTRO*, intercomparação postal com dosímetros termoluminescentes. A qualidade dos feixes de energias utilizados diariamente é analisada, tanto ao nível das calibrações absolutas de cada um dos feixes de fotões e de electrões, como ao nível dos cálculos de dose obtidos com o sistema de planimetria XiO da CMS. Os resultados das duas primeiras fases da intercomparação, relativa aos dois feixes de fotões de 6 MV e 15 MV e feixes de electrões de 4 MeV, 8 MeV e 12 MeV, foram considerados pela EQUAL-ESTRO num nível óptimo (desvio máximo na dose medida em relação à dose de referência |d| ≤ 3%).

A fluorescente bicyclic Calix[4] Arene-Oxacyclophane with planar chirality: Resolution, chiroptical, properties, and absolute configuration.

A new inherently chiral calix[4]arene ICC 1 has been disclosed. The dissymmetry of 1 is generated from a chirality plane in the quinol moiety of a 1,3-bridged bicyclic calix[4]arene. ICC 1 has been resolved by enantioselective HPLC, and the chiroptical properties of both isolated antipodes (pS)-1 and (pR)-1 confirm their enantiomeric nature. The absolute configuration of the (pS)-1/(pR)-1 enantiomeric pair was established through time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of electronic circular dichroism (CD) spectra. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Viscosity measurements of compressed liquid dipropyl and dibutyl adipates

The paper reports viscosity measurements of compressed liquid dipropyl (DPA) and dibutyl (DBA) adipates obtained with two vibrating wire sensors developed in our group. The vibrating wire instruments were operated in the forced oscillation, or steady-state mode. The viscosity measurements of DPA were carried out in a range of pressures up to 18. MPa and temperatures from (303 to 333). K, and DBA up to 65. MPa and temperature from (303 to 373). K, covering a total range of viscosities from (1.3 to 8.3). mPa. s. The required density data of the liquid samples were obtained in our laboratory using an Anton Paar vibrating tube densimeter and were reported in a previous paper. The viscosity results were correlated with density, using a modified hard-spheres scheme. The root mean square deviation of the data from the correlation is less than (0.21 and 0.32)% and the maximum absolute relative deviations are within (0.43 and 0.81)%, for DPA and DBA respectively. No data for the viscosity of both adipates could be found in the literature. Independent viscosity measurements were also performed, at atmospheric pressure, using an Ubbelohde capillary in order to compare with the vibrating wire results. The expanded uncertainty of these results is estimated as ±1.5% at a 95% confidence level. The two data sets agree within the uncertainty of both methods. © 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.