245 research outputs found

    Origin of line tension for a Lennard-Jones nanodroplet

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    The existence and origin of line tension has remained controversial in literature. To address this issue we compute the shape of Lennard-Jones nanodrops using molecular dynamics and compare them to density functional theory in the approximation of the sharp kink interface. We show that the deviation from Young's law is very small and would correspond to a typical line tension length scale (defined as line tension divided by surface tension) similar to the molecular size and decreasing with Young's angle. We propose an alternative interpretation based on the geometry of the interface at the molecular scale

    Plasmablastic lymphoma mimicking orbital cellulitis

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    Introduction Orbital cellulitis is an uncommon, potentially devastating condition that, when not promptly and adequately treated, can lead to serious sequelae. The presenting clinical signs are proptosis, swelling, ophthalmoplegia, pain and redness of the peri-orbital tissues. A number of case

    Effect of nutritional interventions on nutritional status, quality of life and mortality in patients with head and neck cancer receiving (chemo)radiotherapy: a systematic review q

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    Head and neck cancer Radiotherapy s u m m a r y Background and aims: We performed a systematic review to examine the effect of nutritional interventions on nutritional status, quality of life (QoL) and mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Methods: We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Cinahl from inception through January 3rd, 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from a broad range of nutritional interventions in patients with HNSCC during (chemo)radiotherapy. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. Results: Of 1141 titles identified, 12 study reports were finally included, describing 10 different studies with 11 interventions. Four out of 10 studies examined the effects of individualized dietary counseling, and showed significant benefits on nutritional status and QOL compared to no counseling or general nutritional advice by a nurse (p < 0.05). Three studies on oral nutritional supplements (ONS) were inconsistent about the effect on nutritional status compared with no supplementation. One study showed that nasogastric tube feeding had beneficial effects on nutritional status compared to ONS, but not in all patient groups (p < 0.04). One study showed benefits of percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG) feeding on nutritional status shortly after RT compared with nasogastric feeding (p ¼ 0.001). Two studies showed that prophylactic PEG feeding was not superior over tube feeding if required. Conclusions: This review shows beneficial effects of individualized dietary counseling on nutritional status and QoL, compared to no counseling or standard nutritional advice. Effects of ONS and tube feeding were inconsistent

    Sedentary behaviour and brain health in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review

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    Sedentary behaviour may increase the risk of dementia. Studying physiological effects of sedentary behaviour on cerebral health may provide new insights into the nature of this association. Accordingly, we reviewed if and how acute and habitual sedentary behaviour relate to brain health factors in middle-aged and older adults (≥45 years). Four databases were searched. Twenty-nine studies were included, with mainly cross-sectional designs. Nine studies examined neurotrophic factors and six studied functional brain measures, with the majority of these studies finding no associations with sedentary behaviour. The results from studies on sedentary behaviour and cerebrovascular measures were inconclusive. There was a tentative association between habitual sedentary behaviour and structural white matter health. An explanatory pathway for this effect might relate to the immediate vascular effects of sitting, such as elevation of blood pressure. Nevertheless, due to the foremost cross-sectional nature of the available evidence, reverse causality could also be a possible explanation. More prospective studies are needed to understand the potential of sedentary behaviour as a target for brain health

    Surface nanobubbles as a function of gas type

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    We experimentally investigate the nucleation of surface nanobubbles on PFDTS-coated silicon as a function of the specific gas dissolved in the water. In each case we restrict ourselves to equilibrium conditions (c=100c=100%, Tliquid=TsubstrateT_{liquid} = T_{substrate}). Not only is nanobubble nucleation a strong function of gas type, but there also exists an optimal system temperature of 3540oC\sim 35-40\mathrm{^oC} where nucleation is maximized, which is weakly dependent on gas type. We also find that contact angle is a function of nanobubble radius of curvature for all gas types investigated. Fitting this data allows us to describe a line tension which is dependent on the type of gas, indicating that the nanobubbles are sat on top of adsorbed gas molecules. The average line tension was τ0.8nN\tau \sim -0.8 \mathrm{nN}

    Go4it; study design of a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a multidisciplinary group intervention for obese adolescents for prevention of diabetes mellitus type 2

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the Netherlands, the first adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 2 as a result of obesity have recently been diagnosed. Therefore, it is very important that programs aiming at the prevention of type 2 diabetes of obese adolescents are developed and evaluated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Go4it is a multidisciplinary group treatment that focuses on: 1) increasing awareness of the current dietary and physical activity behaviour (i.e. energy balance behaviour), 2) improving diet, 3) decreasing sedentary behaviour, 4) increasing levels of physical activity, and 5) coping with difficult situations. Go4it consists of 7 sessions with an interval of 2–3 weeks.</p> <p>The effectiveness of the multidisciplinary group treatment compared with usual care (i.e. referral to a dietician) was evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. We examined effects on BMI(sds), body composition, energy expenditure, glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (primary outcome measure), as well as dietary and physical activity behaviour and quality of life. An economic evaluation from a societal perspective was conducted alongside the randomised trial to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the multidisciplinary treatment program vs. usual care.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>In this paper we described a multidisciplinary treatment program (Go4it) for obese adolescents and the design of a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Netherlands Trial Register (ISRCTN27626398).</p
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