bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-Related Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Patient-Reported Medication Errors in One Community Pharmacy
Authors: Sears Kim , Beigi Pooya , Niyyati Seyed Sajad , Egan Rylan
Published: July 2015

Background: Medication errors have been shown to occur 4 times more often in the community compared to the hospital setting. Therefore, identifying the patient-related factors within the community that contribute to an increased occurrence of medication errors is required. Objective: To assess patients’ knowledge and understanding of their medications in order to determine risk for medication errors. Methods: This quantitative descriptive study used a convenience sample of participants filling their prescriptions at one independent pharmacy in Canada. The study used descriptive statistics including frequencies and correlations. Further multiple regressions were conducted to explore the relationship between the patient factors and medication knowledge and use. Results: A total of 33.5% of respondents indicated that they know what medication they are currently taking, and that they know why they taking their current medications. Decreased knowledge of medication taken was significantly associated with likelihood of a medication error by 3.6 times ( P = .048). Increased age ( P = .01) and the death of a spouse ( P = .01) correspond to a decreased knowledge of medications. Those with less education appeared to have decreased understanding as to why they are taking their medications ( P = .01). The odds of experiencing a medication error increased with multiple medications. Also, changes in medication dose increased the probability of experiencing a medication error by 2.2 times. This study however had a small sample size. Conclusions: With identification and understanding of patient factors that influence the incidence of medication error, we can increase awareness and determine solutions to decrease risk of medication error in clinical practice.
Effects of precipitates on mechanical properties of P91 submerged arc welds
Authors: Zhang S. , Melfi T. , Narayanan B. K.
Published: July 2015

Modified 9Cr–1Mo, or P91, is a creep resistance steel grade for high temperature applications. Creep strength and ambient temperature impact toughness are required for welded joints, the latter of which is often a challenge especially for high deposition process such as submerged arc welding. In this study, three P91 welds with substantial differences in impact toughness and tensile properties are investigated. An extensive characterisation of precipitates in post-weld heat treated P91 welds was performed with electron microscopy (STEM), transmission kinetic diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and an electrolytic precipitate extraction technique. Among the three welds, significant difference is observed in the amount of fine MX precipitates, which is correlated to yield strength, tensile strength and impact toughness.
Characterisation of Mg–Li alloy processed by solution treatment and large strain rolling
Authors: Kang Z. X. , Lin K. , Zhang J. Y.
Published: July 2015

The effects of solution treatment and large strain rolling (LSR) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–10.73Li–4.49Al–0.52Y alloy were investigated. Results showed that after solution treatment, α-phase and AlLi phase were dissolved into β matrix, which led to the increase of strength. With the increased temperature of LSR, new phase MgLi2Al (θ-phase) and AlLi phase precipitated from the matrix in turns. The Mg–Li alloy rolled at 623 K with 75 reduction showed the ultimate tensile strength of 328 MPa, which was more superior to many other Mg–Li alloys. The excellent strength could be explained by the mechanisms of solution strengthening and fine grain strengthening.
Frontline rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone with bortezomib (VR-CAP) or vincristine (R-CHOP) for non-GCB DLBCL
Authors: Offner Fritz , Samoilova Olga , Osmanov Evgenii , Eom Hyeon-Seok , Topp Max S. , Raposo João , Pavlov Viacheslav , Ricci Deborah , Chaturvedi Shalini , Zhu Eugene , van de Velde Helgi , Enny Christopher , Rizo Aleksandra , Ferhanoglu Burhan
Published: July 2015

Key Points

This trial evaluated frontline VR-CAP and R-CHOP therapy for patients with centrally confirmed non-GCB DLBCL. There was no significant improvement in response rates or long-term outcomes with VR-CAP vs R-CHOP in previously untreated non-GCB DLBCL.
Mice expressing a mutant form of fibrinogen that cannot support fibrin formation exhibit compromised antimicrobial host defense
Authors: Prasad Joni M. , Gorkun Oleg V. , Raghu Harini , Thornton Sherry , Mullins Eric S. , Palumbo Joseph S. , Ko Ya-Ping , Höök Magnus , David Tovo , Coughlin Shaun R. , Degen Jay L. , Flick Matthew J.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Mutation of the fibrinogen Aα chain in mice to selectively eliminate thrombin cleavage prevents fibrin polymer formation in vivo. Fibrin polymer formation drives antimicrobial function and supports host survival following S aureus peritoneal infection.
Association of genetic loci for migraine susceptibility in the she people of China
Authors: Lin Qi-Fang , Fu Xian-Guo , Yao Long-Teng , Yang Jing , Cao Luo-Yuan , Xin Yong-Tong , Hou Jun-Xia , Ye Lin-Feng , Huang Gen-Bin
Published: July 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms rs4379368, rs10504861, rs10915437, rs12134493 and rs13208321 in She people of China with migraine headache susceptibility. The five alleles were previously identified as being associated with migraine in a Western population, but it was not known if this association would hold in a She population. rs4379368 is in the succinic HMG coenzyme A transferase (C7orf10) gene; rs10504861 is near the matrix metallopeptidase 16 (MMP16) gene; rs10915437 is near the adherens junctions associated protein 1 (AJAP1) gene; rs12134493 is upstream of the tetraspanin 2 (TSPAN2) gene; and rs13208321 is within the four and a half LIM domains protein 5 (FHL5) gene.

Methods

This was a case-controlled study conducted in She people of Fujian province in China. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing were performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of the different genotypes of each SNP with migraine.

Results

The rs4379368 T allele was not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and was more common than the C allele in subjects with migraine (58.7 %; P = 0.049), possibly suggesting a selection bias for T allele in this population. In support of this, the CT and TT genotypes were more frequent in the migraine compared with the control groups (54.0 % and 31.7 % vs. 48.0 % and 28.7 %, respectively; P = 0.019). These genotypes were also more common in females with migraines than females without migraines (53.8 % and 30.9 % vs. 46.7 % and 27.6 %; P = 0.026). Univariate and multivariate analyses found the CC genotype of rs4379368 and AA or AG genotype of rs13208321 were associated with a reduced risk of migraine (P values ≤0.039).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that rs4379368 and rs13208321 are potential genetic markers for migraine in this She population. The findings of this study and others indicate important differences between ethnic populations in regard to genetic markers of migraine susceptibility.
Suzuki type theorems in triangular and non-Archimedean fuzzy metric spaces with application
Authors: Hussain Nawab , Hezarjaribi Masoomeh , Salimi Peyman
Published: July 2015

In this paper, first we introduce certain new classes of Suzuki type contractions in triangular and non-Archimedean fuzzy metric spaces. Further we establish fixed point theorems for such kind of mappings in non-Archimedean and triangular fuzzy metric spaces. We also prove Suzuki type fixed point results in non-Archimedean and triangular ordered fuzzy metric spaces. The results presented here improve and generalize certain recent results from the literature. Two illustrative examples and an application to integral equations are given to support the usability of our results.
Thallium exists in opioid poisoned patients
Authors: Ghaderi Amir , Vahdati-Mashhadian Naser , Oghabian Zohreh , Moradi Valiallah , Afshari Reza , Mehrpour Omid
Published: July 2015

Background

Thallium (Tl) is a toxic heavy metal that exists in nature. Tl poisoning (thallotoxicosis) may occur in opioid addicts. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and level of urinary Tl in opioid abusers. In addition, clinical findings were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 150 subjects were examined. Cases with a history of at least 3 years of abuse were admitted in the Imam Reza Hospital as the case group; 50 non-opioid abusers from the target population were included as the control group. Twenty-four hour urinary qualitative and quantitative Tl analyses were performed on both groups.

Results

Out of the 150 subjects, 128 (85 %) were negative for qualitative urinary Tl, followed by 5 % (trace), 7 % (1+), 2 % (2+), and 1 % (3+). Mean (standard error (SE), Min–Max) quantitative urinary Tl level was 14 μg/L (3.5 μg/L, 0–346 μg/L). Mean urinary Tl level in the case group was 21 μg/L (5 μg/L, 0–346 μg/L) and that in the controls was 1 μg/L (0.14 μg/L, 0–26 μg/L), which were significantly different (P = 0.001). The most frequent clinical findings were ataxia (86 %), sweating (81 %), and constipation (54 %). In all cases (n = 150), the mean (SE) value for cases with positive qualitative urinary Tl was 26.8 μg/L (0.9 μg/L) and that in the negative cases was 2.3 μg/L (0.2 μg/L), which were significantly different (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

This study showed that long-term opioid abuse may lead to Tl exposure. In opioid abusers with the clinical manifestation of thallotoxicosis, urinary Tl should be determined.
Generation of stable ARE- driven reporter system for monitoring oxidative stress
Authors: Motahari Paria , Sadeghizadeh Majid , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Sabri Shaghayegh , Zolghadr Fatemeh
Published: July 2015

Background

NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is the major defensive mechanism against oxidative stress and is up regulated by specific antioxidants and oxidants to comprise the chemoptotective response. Detection of ARE-activating compounds helps to develop new drugs and identify/quantify the tension range of the oxidants.

Important reasons promoting this work are high throughput, rapid and inexpensive experiments relative to the in vitro studies for ARE-Nrf2 pathway monitoring of chemicals and environmental samples.

Methods

In this study hepatoma Huh7 reporter cell line was generated which contains a luciferase gene under the control of an ARE. This is the first example of ARE construct containing one copy of extended consensus response element. The cells were treated with hydroquinone (HQ) and p-benzoquinone (BQ) (oxidative stress inducers) and the antioxidant, curcumin.

Results

The luciferase activity was induced in a concentration-dependent manner in a concentration range of 1–2 μM for BQ and HQ. Curcumin was also validated as an ARE inducer in concentration above 10 μM. In addition, this reporter cell line provides a rapid detection as early as 4 h to respond to the ARE inducers.

Conclusion

It is a powerful tool for the sensitive and selective screening of chemicals, drugs and environmental samples for their antioxidant and oxidant activities.
The chemical-physical knowledge before the restoration: the case of “The Plague in Lucca”, a masterpiece of Lorenzo Viani (1882–1936)
Authors: Grifoni E , Briganti L , Marras L , Orsini S , Colombini M P , Legnaioli S , Lezzerini M , Lorenzetti G , Pagnotta S , Palleschi V
Published: July 2015

Background

“The Plague in Lucca”, a masterpiece of the
contemporary painter Lorenzo Viani, was studied by multi-analytical techniques (Multiband, IR and UV fluorescence imaging, micro-Raman spectroscopy, direct exposure–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) in view of its restoration at the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMC) of Palazzo delle Muse in Viareggio (Lucca, Italy). The analysis allowed to obtain a better understanding of the artistic technique of the painter and to underline critical conservation aspects.

Results

At first, non-invasive techniques, such as the Multiband Imaging, Infrared Reflectometry, UV Fluorescence and X-ray Fluorescence, have been applied in order to characterize the conservation state of the painting surface and determining the more representative zones of the painting for the taking of micro-samples to be analysed in the laboratory. The destructive chemical analysis of these micro-samples, performed using mass (DEMS and GC/MS) and infrared spectroscopy (micro-Raman), permitted to reveal the nature of the organic and inorganic materials present in the painting.

Conclusions

The use of different physical and chemical diagnostic techniques allowed us to obtain precious information about the palette and the technique used by Lorenzo Viani for the realization of “La Peste a Lucca”. Furthermore, this approach permit to characterize paintings, to understand the nature and origin of materials used by the artist and to develop the appropriate restoration procedure.
Effect of anaesthesia on the perioperative outcomes of pelvi-acetabular fracture surgeries in the apex trauma centre of a developing country–a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yadav Naveen , Ahmad Suma Rabab , Saini Nisha , Gupta Babita , Sawhney Chhavi , Garg Rakesh , Sharma Vijay , Trikha Vivek
Published: July 2015

Background

Regional anaesthesia has been proposed to reduce intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay and in-hospital complications with improved postoperative pain control. General anaesthesia is advantageous for prolonged surgeries. We hypothesized that combined regional and general anaesthesia would offer advantages of both in pelvi-acetabular fracture surgeries.

Methods

We identified 71 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of pelvi-acetabular fractures from May 2012 to 2013 in our trauma centre. We excluded patients with incomplete records (n = 4) and other injuries operated along (n = 8). Hence, 59 patients were divided into three groups: G group (general anaesthesia), R group (regional anaesthesia) and GR group (combined regional and general anaesthesia).

Main outcome measurements studied were intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, duration of surgery and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

No differences were obtained in between the groups in terms of age, gender, Injury Severity Score, number of comorbidities, or duration from injury to surgery. No significant differences were found between the three groups for intraoperative blood loss, days of hospital stay and duration of surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also comparable between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

There is no specific significant advantage of the technique of anaesthesia on the observed perioperative complications in pelvi-acetabular fracture surgeries.
Editorial: Neutrophil elastase and the lung: is it degradation, repair, emphysema, or fibrosis? What tilts it left or right?
Authors: Sallenave Jean-Michel
Published: July 2015

Discussion on neutrophils’ involvement in first-line defenses, and their role in the termination of proinflammatory responses.
Reverse time migration of internal multiples for subsalt imaging
Authors: Liu Yike , Hu Hao , Xie Xiao-Bi , Zheng Yingcai , Li Peng
Published: July 2015

Internal multiple reflections have different propagation paths than primary reflections and surface-related multiples; thus, they can complement illumination where other waves are unavailable. Consequently, migration of internal multiples may provide vital images in the shadow zone of primary reflections. We have developed an approach to image structures with internal multiples. With this method, internal multiples can be separated and used as data for reverse time migration. Instead of applying the imaging condition directly to the source and receiver wavefields, we decomposed the extrapolated source and receiver waves into up- and downgoing waves. Then we applied the imaging condition to upgoing source and receiver waves to form an up-up (UU) image and also to downgoing source and receiver waves to form a down-down (DD) image. The image of the true reflector and the artifacts behave differently in the DD and UU images. A similarity analysis is conducted to the UU and DD images to separate true images from artifacts. Numerical examples with simple velocity models are used to demonstrate how to construct UU and DD imaging conditions and eliminate migration artifacts. Finally, we test the 2D SMAART JV model with salt structures for migration using internal multiples.
Adaptive local frequency
Authors: Huo Shoudong
Published: July 2015

The frequency characteristics of seismic data play an important role in seismic data processing and interpretation. Many methods have been used to extract a dominant frequency profile. Among these, the instantaneous frequency has been widely used due to its fast calculation and superior vertical resolution. Its incapability of handling noisy data has been rectified by the weighted average method or the generalized Hilbert transform. Several other robust algorithms involve relatively complicated computations, such as sine fitting, wavelet- or spectrum-based filtering, and empirical mode decomposition. Compared to these methods, the local frequency algorithm has the advantage because it handles noisy data or even partially missing data in an elegant and systematic manner. Even though, in cases in which the seismic data energy varies greatly and true amplitude processing is required, the local frequency approach may lose the vertical resolution in weak regions due to the globally controlled smoothing scheme. I have extended the local frequency algorithm with a localized data-adaptive shaping scalar. This data adaptive scheme adds flexibility while preserving all the advantages of the local frequency algorithm. It is capable of removing unrealistic spiky and negative frequencies while keeping the high resolution of the frequency profile. Therefore, it is suitable for records with large energy variations such as true amplitude poststack volumes or prestack shot gathers.
President's Page
Authors: Slob Evert
Published: July 2015

Editor has been an officer position in the governing body of SEG since 1931, the year after the Society was founded. Establishment of the position preceded launch of the journal Geophysics by five years yet was established with such publication activity in mind. Thus, for most of the Society's history, the editor position on the Executive Committee was combined with the position of Editor in Chief (EIC) of Geophysics. Still today, the editor position is the channel through which publications are represented on the SEG Board of Directors. However, SEG publications have increased tremendously and have become widely diverse. Is the current model still the most effective model given these changes?
Constraining geomechanical models by using microseismic-derived fractures from source mechanisms
Authors: Baig Adam , Viegas Gisela , Gallagher Jonathan , Urbancic Ted , von Lunen Eric
Published: July 2015

Geomechanical modeling of hydraulic stimulations requires data to build and calibrate models to predict decline curves and other aspects of long-term reservoir performance. Initialization of these models requires knowledge of the preexisting fractures and geologic properties of the media. Orientations of different fracture sets, their intensities, and spacing, along with characterization of their size scales, critically impact geomechanical predictions of the stimulations in terms of proppant and fluid placement and the decline of reservoir productivity. With sufficient sampling of azimuths around the stimulation, the mechanisms and associated fracture planes and stress/strain conditions can be reconstructed through seismic-moment tensor inversion (SMTI) of recorded microseismic-event waveforms. At smaller scale lengths, signal-to-noise ratios can be low, and events might not be observed at high enough quality to permit SMTI. To extend the characterization of these fractures to smaller scales, a stochastic optimization algorithm is used, designed to search for optimally placed fractures in the reservoir that intersect with event locations while constraining their orientations from the same distribution observed at larger (SMTI-resolvable) length scales. Effectively, this technique allows for extension of the power law governing fracture distribution to smaller scales by invoking observed trends in self-similar behavior. In turn, characterization of the wider band of fractures in the reservoir provides necessary inputs into geomechanical models to predict fluid and proppant distributions from the full band of generated microseismicity and long-term behavior of the reservoir through decline-curve estimation.
Future of tape in seismic
Authors: Hagelund Rune , Aatland Nils , Kibsgaard Sivert , Lewis Jill
Published: July 2015

Is tape still the best choice for storage? What are the options and what are the advantages and disadvantages? For years, the industry has opted for high-end enterprise tape drives such as the IBM TS11XX series and has avoided midrange drives such as LTO because of higher-reliability drives and media and high-cost and high-value data. The current standard tape drive used in the seismic industry, the IBM TS1120 (often incorrectly referred to as 3592), which uses the 500-GB JA tape, dates from 2005 and is no longer available for purchase. (The JA tape was released in 2003.) There are various reasons why more modern drives and tapes have not become standard, and this has led to increased cost and confusion.
User-friendliness on the Web: A moving target
Authors: Posey Chris
Published: July 2015

Over the years, SEG's Web site has evolved several times. Some changes have impacted the entire site in dramatic ways. Others have been minor, behind the scenes, or both and were probably imperceivable to most people. Regardless of its overall impact, the goal in making any change to the SEG Web site, large or small, is to meet the needs of you, the users of our Web site.
Igfbp2 Deletion in Ovariectomized Mice Enhances Energy Expenditure but Accelerates Bone Loss
Authors: DeMambro Victoria E. , Le Phuong T. , Guntur Anyonya R. , Maridas David E. , Canalis Ernesto , Nagano Kenichi , Baron Roland , Clemmons David R. , Rosen Clifford J.
Published: July 2015

Previously, we reported sexually dimorphic bone mass and body composition phenotypes in Igfbp2−/− mice (−/−), where male mice exhibited decreased bone and increased fat mass, whereas female mice displayed increased bone but no changes in fat mass. To investigate the interaction between IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and estrogen, we subjected Igfbp2 −/− and +/+ female mice to ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery at 8 weeks of age. At 20 weeks of age, mice underwent metabolic cage analysis and insulin tolerance tests before killing. At harvest, femurs were collected for microcomputed tomography, serum for protein levels, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT) adipose depots for histology, gene expression, and mitochondrial respiration analysis of whole tissue. In +/+ mice, serum IGFBP-2 dropped 30% with OVX. In the absence of IGFBP-2, OVX had no effect on preformed BAT; however, there was significant “browning” of the IWAT depot coinciding with less weight gain, increased insulin sensitivity, lower intraabdominal fat, and increased bone loss due to higher resorption and lower formation. Likewise, after OVX, energy expenditure, physical activity and BAT mitochondrial respiration were decreased less in the OVX−/− compared with OVX+/+. Mitochondrial respiration of IWAT was reduced in OVX+/+ yet remained unchanged in OVX−/− mice. These changes were associated with significant increases in Fgf21 and Foxc2 expression, 2 proteins known for their insulin sensitizing and browning of WAT effects. We conclude that estrogen deficiency has a profound effect on body and bone composition in the absence of IGFBP-2 and may be related to changes in fibroblast growth factor 21.
Helical Conformation Stability of Poly[3,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)phenylacetylene]s Depending on the Length of Their Rigid and Linear π-Conjugated Side Groups
Authors: Shi Zhichun , Teraguchi Masahiro , Aoki Toshiki , Kaneko Takashi
Published: July 2015

We synthesized new 3,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)phenylacetylene (HPA) monomers connected with a rigid and linear π-conjugated oligomer. The monomers were successfully polymerized with a rhodium catalyst [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 in the presence of chiral PEA to give the corresponding polymers. Helix-sense-selective polymerization proceeded for DBHPA. CD, UV, and WAXS spectroscopic studies revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the polymers contributed to the stabilization of their helical conformation but the stability depended on the length of the rigid and linear π-conjugated side group.
Sex-difference affects disease progression in the MRMT-1 model of cancer-induced bone pain
Authors: Falk Sarah , Al-Dihaissy Tamara , Mezzanotte Laura , Heegaard Anne-Marie
Published: July 2015

An overwhelming amount of evidence demonstrates sex-induced variation in pain processing, and has thus increased the focus on sex as an essential parameter for optimization of in vivo models in pain research. Mammary cancer cells are often used to model metastatic bone pain in vivo, and are commonly used in both males and females. Here we demonstrate that compared to males, females have an increased capacity for recovery following inoculation of MRMT-1 mammary cells, thus potentially causing a sex-dependent bias of the progression of the pain state.
Service Failure Recovery and Prevention: Managing Stockouts in Distribution Channels
Authors: Dong Yan , Xu Kefeng , Cui Tony Haitao , Yao Yuliang
Published: July 2015

In managing service failures such as stockouts, most research has emphasized preventive mechanisms, whereas stockout recovery mechanisms have been largely ignored. We propose and examine a failure-recovery mechanism (i.e., contractual stockout recovery) in the presence of demand uncertainty and compare it with failure-prevention mechanisms in a dyadic distribution channel.

We find that stockout recovery mechanisms can improve channel profitability under certain conditions. More importantly, we find that stockout recovery may outperform stockout prevention mechanisms such as return policy and vendor managed inventory in improving manufacturer and channel profitability. This is because stockout recovery reduces channel-wide stockout risks and allows benefits from the reduced risks to be shared between the manufacturer and the retailer, helping alleviate double marginalization. Although return policy also reduces stockout risks, it does so by increasing inventory risks in the channel without reducing channel exposure to demand uncertainty. Thus, our research suggests that stockout recovery can be an effective alternative in managing stockouts to those common methods of stockout prevention mechanisms.
Study of Nano-Graphene Oxide Effects on the Number of Kupffer Cells and Megakaryocytes in Liver of NMRI Strain Mouse Embryo in Vivo
Authors: Afzali Mahsa , Parivar Kazem , Roodbari Nasim , Badiei Alireza
Published: July 2015

To investigate the effects of nano-graphene oxide on the number of kupffer cells and megakaryocytes, in vivo method was applied. In this study, four groups of livers including control, sham, experimental group 1 (using a dose of 17 mg/kg), experimental group 2 (using a dose of 5.5 mg/kg), were investigated. On day 9 of gestation, control group without the effect of graphene oxide, sham group with injection of water as graphene oxide solvent and experimental groups with injection of graphene oxide (1.2 nm particles) with doses of 17 and 5.5 mg/kg mouse weight were examined. Then, on day 15 of gestation, embryos were removed from the mother`s body and their livers were amputated. The statistical results obtained by counting the number of kupffer cells and megakaryocytes in experimental groups that received nano graphene oxide, showed significant changes as compared with the sham and control groups. In the dose of 17 mg/kg there was a significant increase (P<0.001) in the number of kupffer cells and significant increase in the dose of 5.5 mg/kg (P<0.05) in the number of megakaryocytes. These findings showed the destructive effect of nano-graphene oxide on the development of liver in the condition of in vivo.
Constitutive Model for Concrete: An Overview
Authors: Shekarbeigi Mehdi , Sharafi Hasan
Published: July 2015

In the last three decades, the constitutive modelling of concrete evolved considerably. This paper describes various developments in this field based on different approaches such anelasticity, plasticity, continuum damage mechanics, plastic fracturing, endochronic theory, microplane models, etc. In this article the material is assumed to undergo small deformations. Only time independent constitutive models and the issues related to their implementation are discussed
Therapeutic freedoms
Authors: Sabine Alex
Published: July 2015

The various forms of creative therapy (art, play, sandplay, drama) offer children and adults the chance to freely explore materials without fear of interruption or judgement, when carrying out observations.
Finding joy in learning
Authors: Brown Paula
Published: July 2015

Play as a concept has been studied for decades. However, defining it as a concept, and the extent to which playfulness permeates other non-play activities, has seemed elusive and often controversial.
The space to be quiet
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: July 2015

Following on from last month's introduction, this article will ask one specific question, ‘does your setting cater for introverted children and staff’? It will provide ways and means to help you do so.
The need for early intervention
Authors: Grist Mandy
Published: July 2015

Too many children are starting school without the communication and language skills they need to thrive. Practitioners who are skilled in delivering interventions can make a difference to these children.
The wonder of rubbish
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: July 2015

This series of articles will explore modelling in the early years setting, using practical ideas to enrich your children's learning across the foundation stage – this month, we model using junk materials.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: July 2015

Mark Greener rounds up key research published recently in healthcare journals
Caring for a patient who has experienced early pregnancy loss
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: July 2015

Early pregnancy loss occurs in up to half of pregnancies in the UK, writes Suneeta Kochhar
The raw deal: clarifying the nutritional and public health issues regarding raw meat-based diets
Authors: Lumbis Rachel , Chan Daniel L
Published: July 2015

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the feeding of unconventional diets such as raw, vegetarian and home prepared diets to companion animals. BARF diets, often referred to as ‘Biologically Appropriate Raw Food’ or ‘Bones And Raw Food,’ were popularised by Billinghurst in 1993. Such diets typically consist of 60–80% raw meaty bones and 20–40% a wide variety of foods including fruit and vegetables, offal, meat, eggs, or dairy foods.

Prior to domestication, the diet of dogs and cats consisted largely of raw food. Once cohabiting with humans, raw food remained the staple diet for cats whereas dogs survived on by-products of human consumption, i.e. table scraps. The nutritional inadequacy of these diets is cited as being responsible for the shortened life span and nutritionally-related digestive, musculoskeletal problems encountered at that time. Yet, current justification for the feeding of this diet stems from the belief that these species are healthier when fed as if still in the wild.

This article explores the nutritional adequacy and food safety issues related to feeding raw meat-based diets to companion animals and considers approaches for communicating with pet owners about the concerns regarding these unconventional diets.
Motivation and job satisfaction in veterinary nursing
Authors: Coates Catherine R
Published: July 2015

Sustaining continued employee motivation at work is one of the biggest challenges facing employers today, particularly in the present economic climate, which significantly limits their ability to meet repeated employee demands for increased pay. This article discusses what motivates veterinary nurses with reference to key motivation theories and relevant findings of the 2014 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' (RCVS') Survey of the Veterinary Nurse Profession ( Institute for Employment Studies (IES), 2014 ). While a great deal has been learned to date about what motivates people at work, there is still much to discover. Research specific to the motivation of veterinary nurses, for example, is non-existent at the present time. For this article, therefore, selected theories and models from academic enquiries conducted by researchers in other work settings have been used where these are considered relevant. Key findings from the RCVS Survey are individually discussed in relation to their impact on veterinary nurse motivation and job satisfaction. The article concludes with a number of recommendations for practice owners and managers who are in a position to influence the motivation of veterinary nurses.
Reversal Strategies for Intracranial Hemorrhages in Patients Taking Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors
Authors: Karli Betsy , Bartel Billie , Pavelko Rachel
Published: July 2015

Factor Xa (fXa) inhibitors are becoming more common in clinical practice due to a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, limited data are currently available on the safe and efficacious reversal of these agents. This series presents 3 patient cases of intracranial hemorrhage and illustrates the observed effect of different methodologies undertaken in an attempt to reverse the fXa inhibitors implicated. Additionally, a brief review of the current available literature in reversal strategies is provided. The appropriate reversal for fXa inhibitors at this time is unknown. The cases described indicate that the administration of fresh frozen plasma and 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate may provide minimal benefit in reversing the coagulation abnormalities caused by fXa inhibitors. However, in a life-threatening situation, the addition of these agents should be considered to prevent further progression of the bleed.
Before and after Study of Pharmacists' and Students' Knowledge of Two Novel Antidotes: High-Dose Insulin Euglycemia and Intravenous Fatty Acid Emulsion 20%
Authors: Jellinek-Cohen Samantha P. , Tolento Amanda , Howland Mary Ann
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To assess pharmacists' and students' knowledge of high-dose insulin euglycemia (HIE) and intravenous fatty acid emulsion 20% (IFE) and to see whether it improved after an educational intervention.

Methods

A survey to assess the knowledge about the use of HIE and IFE as antidotes was e-mailed to practicing pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and students prior to and following an educational intervention. Fact sheets on the antidotes were developed in conjunction with the New York City Poison Control Center and were used as the educational intervention in this study. The impact of exposure to the intervention was measured by comparing the number of correct responses per question on the pre- and posttests and the mean pre- and posttest scores using chi-square and t tests, respectively.

Results

Most respondents felt either not at all or only somewhat comfortable with managing a toxicologic emergency. There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores on the pretest and posttest (2.9 vs 5.45; P = .001) and for the number of participants giving correct responses for each question before and after education: 52.4% of respondents answered “I don't know” to the questions prior to education versus 21.2% after education ( P < .001). Fewer respondents felt not at all comfortable managing a toxicologic emergency after the educational intervention (42.4 vs 50.3%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Pharmacists and students reported little comfort in managing toxicological emergencies in general and have limited baseline knowledge about these agents. Educational interventions can significantly improve knowledge. Prior familiarity with these newer antidotes should reduce delays in their administration in an emergency.
Implementation of Advanced Inventory Management Functionality in Automated Dispensing Cabinets
Authors: Findlay Russell , Webb Aaron , Lund Jim
Published: July 2015

Background

Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are an integral component of distribution models in pharmacy departments across the country. There are significant challenges to optimizing ADC inventory management while minimizing use of labor and capital resources. The role of enhanced inventory control functionality is not fully defined.

Objective

The aim of this project is to improve ADC inventory management by leveraging dynamic inventory standards and a low inventory alert platform.

Methods

Two interventional groups and 1 historical control were included in the study. Each intervention group consisted of 6 ADCs that tested enhanced inventory management functionality. Interventions included dynamic inventory standards and a low inventory alert messaging system. Following separate implementation of each platform, dynamic inventory and low inventory alert systems were applied concurrently to all 12 ADCs. Outcome measures included number and duration of daily stockouts, ADC inventory turns, and number of phone calls related to stockouts received by pharmacy staff.

Results

Low inventory alerts reduced both the number and duration of stockouts. Dynamic inventory standards reduced the number of daily stockouts without changing the inventory turns and duration of stockouts. No change was observed in number of calls related to stockouts made to pharmacy staff.

Conclusions

Low inventory alerts and dynamic inventory standards are feasible mechanisms to help optimize ADC inventory management while minimizing labor and capital resources.
Stability of Reconstituted Telavancin Drug Product in Frozen Intravenous Bags
Authors: Gu Zhengtian , Wong Anissa , Raquinio Elvira , Nguyen Alice
Published: July 2015

Background and Objective

Intravenous (IV) infusions of telavancin for injection are generally administered in-hospital, but in some circumstances they may be administered in an outpatient environment. In that setting, antibiotics may be premixed and frozen. This study determined the chemical stability of nonpreserved telavancin in various commonly used reconstitution diluents stored in IV bags (polyvinyl chloride [PVC] and PVC-free) at −20°C (-4°F) without light.

Methods

Telavancin (750 mg/vial) was reconstituted with 5% dextrose injection USP (D5W) or 0.9% sodium chloride injection USP (NS) to obtain drug solutions at approximately 15 mg/mL. Infusion solutions of telavancin at diluted concentrations of 0.6 mg/mL and 8.0 mg/mL covering the range utilized in clinical practice were prepared in both PVC and PVC-free IV bags using D5W or NS solutions. The infusion solutions were stored under frozen conditions (-20°C ± 5°C [-4°F ± 41°F]) and the chemical stability was evaluated for up to 32 days. Telavancin concentration, purity, and degradant levels were determined using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

Results

Telavancin IV infusion solutions in D5W or NS at 0.6 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL and stored at −20°C (-4°F) met the chemical stability criteria when tested on days 0, 7, 14, and 32. The assayed telavancin concentration at each time point was within 97% to 103% of the initial mean assay value. The total degradants quantified by the HPLC stability-indicating method did not show any significant change over the 32-day study period.

Conclusion

Telavancin IV infusion solutions (in D5W or NS) in both PVC and PVC-free IV bags were stable for at least 32 days when stored at −20°C (-4°F) without light. These results provide prolonged frozen stability data further to that previously established for 7 days under refrigerated conditions (2°C-8°C [36°F −46°F]), and for 12 hours at room temperature when diluted into IV bags containing D5W, NS, or lactated Ringer's solution.
Ventricular Tachycardia Precipitated by the Use of the Diet Supplement Hydroxycut Gummies
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Thano Estela , Bohnenberger Kristin A. , McAllister Matthew W. , Wannenburg Thomas , Hsu Steve , Gurley Bill J. , Kim Robert
Published: July 2015

Background

Dietary supplements have a long history of causing adverse effects. Ventricular arrhythmias have not been described with Hydroxy cut Gummies.

Objective

To report a case of ventricular arrhythmia after prolonged use of a popular dietary supplement, Hydroxy cut Gummies.

Case Report

An 18-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia following about 10 days of use of Hydroxycut Gummies, a legal dietary supplement previously unreported to cause this complication. The patient received external cardioversion due to progressive decline in mental status and persistent hypotension and was initiated on intravenous procainamide at an outside hospital. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 45% to 50%, and cardiac MRI showed no definite finding of infarct, myocarditis, or fibrosis. Beta-blocker therapy was initiated, and there was a progressive reduction in ventricular arrhythmia burden with an improvement of symptoms over the next few days. Two and a half months after the initial hospitalization, follow-up Holter monitor revealed occasional accelerated idioventricular rhythm events and a significant reduction in, but still occasional, long monomorphic ventricular tachycardia events. None of the ingredients listed in this product have been associated with cardiac dysrhythmias in the literature. One phytochemical potentially in the product is alpha-quinidine, which could be the cause of the adverse event. However, there was no other identifiable etiology for the ventricular tachycardia, which resolved after the discontinuation of supplement and the addition of beta-blocker therapy.

Conclusion

Hydroxycut Gummies should be considered a probable cause of this patient's arrhythmia given the lack of another etiology and a Naranjo Scale score of 6.
Social Media as a Leadership Tool for Pharmacists
Authors: Toney Blake , Goff Debra A. , Weber Robert J.
Published: July 2015

The profession of pharmacy is currently experiencing transformational change in health system practice models with pharmacists' provider status. Gaining buy-in and support of stakeholders in medicine, nursing, and other advocates for patient care is critical. To this end, building momentum to advance the profession will require experimentation with and utilization of more efficient ways to disseminate relevant information. Traditional methods to communicate can be inefficient and painstakingly slow. Health care providers are turning to social media to network, connect, engage, educate, and learn. Pharmacy leaders can use social media as an additional tool in the leadership toolkit. This article of the Director's Forum shows how social media can assist pharmacy leaders in further developing patient-centered pharmacy services.
IT Maximization for Population Health Management
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: July 2015

Those of you who have been in the health-system setting for several decades have seen many changes. Some of the changes originate within the care setting, whereas many others are brought on by external circumstances. Even those who have been in health systems for only 5 years can recall a recent change in the organization that greatly impacted pharmacy. More change is coming. In this installment, we explore critical technology-related changes of which you should be aware.
Israeli Kibbutz: A Successful Example of Collective Economy
Authors: Enfu Cheng  , Yexia Sun
Published: July 2015

Kibbutz is a social organization established on the principle of equality, public ownership, and voluntariness. Based on the principle of state ownership of land, collective ownership of means of production, and democratic management, such social organization implements the system of from each according to his ability, to each according to his need and distribution based on one's performance. Kibbutz is a socialist economic organization based on collective ownership, in which all members are totally equal. It has been more than 100 years since such organization was first established, in which some reforms were implemented. Kibbutz is a successful socialist economic organization based on collective ownership, and its experiences worth attention from intellectual circles and learning by various countries around the world.
Globalization of Financial Capitalism and its Impact on Financial Sovereignty
Authors: Guoping Li  , Hong Zhou
Published: July 2015

Under the influence of neo-liberalism, financial liberalization initiated by developed countries has transformed industrial capitalism into financial capitalism and subsequently brought about the globalization of financial capitalism. Despite the respite after the financial crisis of 2008, the resurgence of globalization of financial capitalism will be unavoidable. Globalization of financial capitalism, an economic phenomenon as well as a social, political, and legal phenomenon, may have a significant impact on the financial sovereignty of countries around the world. In an era of globalization of financial capitalism, how to safeguard the financial sovereignty has become a serious challenge for all countries, especially developing countries.
Confucian Economics: The World at Work
Authors: Kazimierz Z. Poznanski
Published: July 2015

Chinese have their school of economics. Not recognized as a discipline, it can be extracted from Confucian doctrine. Called here “Confucian economics,” it is a form of ethics. Its seven consecutive principles are identified for the first time. They differ from and overlap with the corresponding principles of liberal economics. People are assumed to seek posterity rather than care for “instant gratification.” Physical resources they need are not viewed as scarce but as abundant. To survive under abundance, people rely on their work effort rather than try to take resources away from others. “Work ethics” and not a “profit margin” is a key motive. People work not for themselves but for others, basically families. As a source of moral rules, family is viewed as the main “work unit” and not the individual. Equality of income is paramount for retaining social peace, which precedes economic efficiency. Built on Confucian principles, economic system is basically a market system. However, it is animated not by individuals but by families. This design is called here “Confucian system.” Rather than to build based on liberal economics “capitalist system,” recent China is rebuilding “Confucian system.” Drawn from ancient teachings, “Confucian economics” is China's modernity.