bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibition as a Potential New Therapeutic Target in Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Jensterle Mojca , Kocjan Tomaz , Janez Andrej
Published: May 2014

Context:

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, including members of PDE4, have been investigated in the regulation of endocrine and reproductive functions of ovaries. In addition, selective inhibition of PDE4 enzyme has recently been implicated in the regulation of metabolism with positive effects on glucose homeostasis and weight reduction.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast affects body weight and hormonal and metabolic status in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design/Participants/Main Outcome Measures:

A 12-week prospective randomized open-label study was conducted with 36 obese women with PCOS diagnosed by the National Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria that had been pretreated with metformin (MET). They were randomized to MET 1000 mg twice a day or combined treatment (COM) with MET 1000 mg twice a day and roflumilast 500 μg every day. The primary outcome was change in anthropometric measures of obesity.

Results:

Thirty-one patients (aged 33.8 ± 7.4 y, twice a day 36.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2, mean ± SD) completed the study: 16 on MET and 15 on COM. Subjects treated with COM lost on average 4.2 ± 2.8 kg compared with a 0.9 ± 2.5 kg weight gain in the MET group (P = .025). Body mass index decreased for 1.6 ± 1.1 kg/m2 in COM arm compared with increase for 0.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2 in the MET arm (P = .046). Visceral adipose tissue area as assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry decreased from 136.7 ± 37.8 to 121.2 ± 36.2 cm2 in the COM arm compared with an increase from 155.3 ± 61.9 to 166.7 ± 67.2 cm2 in the MET arm (P = .02). From baseline to study end, both treatment interventions resulted in a significant reduction of androstenedione (P = .013), free T (P = .002), and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance score (P = .027) and a significant increase in SHBG (P = .024), although the between-treatment differences of the changes have not been statistically significant yet.

Conclusion:

Roflumilast added to metformin reduced body weight in obese women with PCOS, primarily due to a loss of fat mass.
Mature osteoblasts dedifferentiate in response to traumatic bone injury in the zebrafish fin and skull
Authors: Geurtzen Karina , Knopf Franziska , Wehner Daniel , Huitema Leonie F. A. , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Weidinger Gilbert
Published: May 2014

Zebrafish have an unlimited capacity to regenerate bone after fin amputation. In this process, mature osteoblasts dedifferentiate to osteogenic precursor cells and thus represent an important source of newly forming bone. By contrast, differentiated osteoblasts do not appear to contribute to repair of bone injuries in mammals; rather, osteoblasts form anew from mesenchymal stem cells. This raises the question whether osteoblast dedifferentiation is specific to appendage regeneration, a special feature of the lepidotrichia bone of the fish fin, or a process found more generally in fish bone. Here, we show that dedifferentiation of mature osteoblasts is not restricted to fin regeneration after amputation, but also occurs during repair of zebrafish fin fractures and skull injuries. In both models, mature osteoblasts surrounding the injury downregulate the expression of differentiation markers, upregulate markers of the pre-osteoblast state and become proliferative. Making use of photoconvertible Kaede protein as well as Cre-driven genetic fate mapping, we show that osteoblasts migrate to the site of injury to replace damaged tissue. Our findings suggest a fundamental role for osteoblast dedifferentiation in reparative bone formation in fish and indicate that adult fish osteoblasts display elevated cellular plasticity compared with mammalian bone-forming cells.
Electrochemical Recovery of Metals from Cadmium Wastewater
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Xu Wenjie , Zhuo Qiongfang , Xu Zhencheng , Guo Qingwei
Published: May 2014

Recovery of cadmium in wastewater was investigated by an electrochemical deposition approach in a multianode and multicathode cell in this study. The effects of initial concentration, initial pH, current density, and complexing agents on the recovery of cadmium were examined. Acidic media was found to improve the recovery efficiency. When the current density was 4.46 mA cm−2, the mass was almost increased to be maximum after electrochemical deposition for 90 min. With further increase in current density, little increase of recovery ratio was observed. Presence of aqueous ammonia increased the deposition rate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the deposits were composed of cadmium and cadmium hydroxide.
Interplay between Phase Transition of DPPC Bilayer and Photoisomerization of Doped Stilbene Molecules
Authors: Nakazawa Koyomi , Hishida Mafumi , Nagatomo Shigenori , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya
Published: May 2014

1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) bilayer with stilbene was investigated by using phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The results indicate that the temperature of the gel–liquid-crystalline phase transition of the DPPC bilayer with cis-stilbene is much lower than that with trans isomer. Photoirradiation to trans-stilbene in the DPPC bilayer suppresses the pretransition (Lβ′ to Pβ′), while the gel–liquid-crystalline phase transition (Pβ′ to Lα) changes little because of the poor photoisomerization rate in both gel and liquid-crystalline phases. It is shown that the photoisomerization of incorporated stilbene and the phase behavior of the lipid bilayer depend on each other.
Facile Liquid-phase Synthesis and Optical Properties of Small Silver Iodide Quantum Dots
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

We report a low-temperature liquid-phase synthesis method of small AgI quantum dots with a diameter of 3.0 nm. The synthesized AgI quantum dots were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction measurements. In the UV–visible spectrum, the AgI quantum dots had a large blue shift in the absorption band compared to bulk one because of the quantum size effect.
Geological Controls and Mechanism of Shale Gas and Shale Oil Accumulations in Liaohe Western Depression, China
Authors: Jing Tieya , Zhang Jinchuan , Mao Junli , Li Wanjun , Jiang Shengling
Published: May 2014

Recently, the accumulation of shale gas and shale oil in the rifted lacustrine basin of China has garnered increasing interest. In this paper, the shale located in the Shahejie Formation of the Liaohe western depression of the Bohai Bay Basin was selected as the focus of a comprehensive evaluation of the geological controls of shale gas and shale oil accumulation. (1) In a rifted lacustrine basin, the subsidence rate of the stratigraphy is rapid, which results in a massive sedimentation of organic-rich shale. The shale that developed in the deep and semi-deep lacustrine facies is characterized by a high concentration of organic matter, with an average total organic carbon (TOC) content over 2.0% being measured. The TOC consists primarily of type I-II1 kerogen, which contains abundant sapropelic materials and has relatively low thermal maturity, ranging from 0.4 to 0.9% Ro, due to the shallow burial depth and the young deposition epoch. (2) Various pore-fractures in the core samples and erosion occurring in the calcareous and dolomitic shales were observed, which provide storage space for oil-gas accumulations. Furthermore, the mechanisms of the accumulation of shale gas and shale oil in the study area were established according to analyses of the geochemistry characteristics and the sedimentary environment, as well as a thermal pressure simulation experiment. Overall, the accumulation model of shale oil-gas is characterized by “upper oil and lower gas”. In addition, oil-gas resources in siltstone, dolomite and limestone, which are adjacent to or interbedded with organic-rich shale, are also important targets in shale reservoirs.
Reservoir Characterization and Modeling of Lateral Heterogeneity Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Rotimi Oluwatosin J. , Ako Bankole D. , Wang Zhenli
Published: May 2014

Reservoir characterization deals with the description of the reservoir in detail for rock and fluid properties within a zone of interest. The scope of this study is to model lateral continuity of lithofacies and characterize reservoir rock properties using geostatistical approach on multiple data sets obtained from a structural depression in the bight of Bohai basin, China. Analytical methods used include basic log analysis with normalization. Alternating deflections observed on spontaneous potential (SP) log and resistivity log served as the basis for delineating reservoir sand units and later tied to seismic data. Computation of variogram was done on the generated petrophysical logs prior to adopting suitable simulation algorithms for the data types. Sequential indicator simulation (SIS) was used for facies modeling while sequential gaussian simulation (SGS) was adopted for the continuous logs. The geomodel built with faults and stratigraphical attitude gave unique result for the depositional environment studied. Heterogeneity was observed within the zone both in the faulted and unfaulted area. Reservoir rock properties observed follows the interfingering pattern of rock units and is either truncated by structural discontinuities or naturally pinches out. Petrophysical property models successfully accounted for lithofacies distribution. Porosity volume computed against SP volume resulted in Net to gross volume while Impedance volume results gave credibility to the earlier defined locations of lithofacies (sand and shale) characterized by porosity and permeability. Use of multiple variables in modeling lithofacies and characterizing reservoir units for rock properties has been revisited with success using hydrocarbon exploration data. An integrated approach to subsurface lithological units and hydrocarbon potential assessment has been given priority using stochastic means of laterally populating rock column with properties. This method finds application in production assessment and predicting rock properties with scale disparity during hydrocarbon exploration.
Origin and Filling Model of Natural Gas in Jiannan Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Liu Quanyou , Jin Zhijun , Wu Xiaoqi , Lin Juanhua , Gao Bo , Zhang Dianwei , Xu Meie
Published: May 2014

The chemical and stable isotopic compositions of natural gases from Jiannan Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, China, were investigated to elucidate the origin of the gas and to reconstruct the reservoir filling history. The natural gases in Jiannan Gas Field are dominated by CH4 with low amounts of non-hydrocarbon (e.g. CO2, H2S and N2) components. The stable carbon isotope compositions of methane and its homologues vary widely, with an isotope trend of δ13C1≥ δ13C2< δ13C3. Structural restoration and burial history reconstruction indicated contrasting gas-filling histories for the gas reservoirs. Natural gas in the Carboniferous reservoirs was sourced from oil and gas cracking and thermal decomposition of kerogen in the lower Silurian shale and sealed by Lower Permian shale. Natural gas in the Upper Permian reservoir was derived primarily from Upper Permian mudstone with a minor contribution from Lower Silurian shale. The sulfur-bearing gas was probably sourced from Permian marine source rocks and migrated into the Lower Triassic reservoirs along unconformities and faults. Long-distance vertial migration may have caused the loss of H2S.
Research on Gas Occurrence Regularity in Fengcheng Mining Area of Jiangxi Province
Authors: Zhao Zhigen , Yan Jiaping , Liu Xing
Published: May 2014

The hazard of coal and gas outburst and the utilization of coalbed methane, continuously promotes research on the characteristics of methane distribution. As an important coal production base in China, Fengcheng Mining Area not only is serious in coal and gas outburst but also is one of the most promising coalbed methane development zones, so it is of significance to research on gas occurrence regularity. Based on the analysis of gas data collected from geological exploration and coal mining, the research reveals that: the gas occurrence regularity vary significantly between north limb and south limb of Fengcheng syncline. In north limb, with the increase of the depth of coal seam, gas content of coal seam tend to increase, the relative gas emission rate and the absolute gas emission rate tend to increase, the intensity of coal and gas outbursts tend to increase. But in south limb, the gas contents of coal seam are very low, far below the gas contents in north limb under the same depth. The controlling factors to gas occurrence regularity are discussed in this paper. The features of coal quality, the overlying lithology of coal seam and coal body structure in Fengcheng Mining Area are all favorable to gas generation and gas preservation. Under these conditions, in north limb, with the increase of coal seam's depth and overlying pressure of coal seam, the risk of gas hazard increase, which cause the gas occurrence regularity in north limb of Fengcheng syncline. But in south limb, the Eocene strata of Paleocene is directly overlying above Longtan coal-bearing strata of the Permian, which means that the coal seams of south limb have ever been strongly uplifted and exposed to ground so as to be weathered and eroded for a long time, and a large amount of gas is released, thus the gas contents of B4 coal seam in south limb are very low.
In situ Underwater Measurements of Red Coral: Non-Intrusive Approach Based on Coded Targets and Photogrammetry
Authors: Drap Pierre , Merad Djamel , Mahiddine Amine , Seinturier Julien , Gerenton Pierrick , Peloso Daniela , Boï Jean-Marc , Bianchimani Olivier , Garrabou Joaquim
Published: May 2014

Since a decade, we develop a photogrammetry tool dedicated to monitoring red coral populations. This tool is used to collect, effectively, accurate data for the study of population dynamics of red coral. In this article, we present new developments that automate the steps of calculating scale and orientation of images. This automation is made possible through the use of coded targets. In measuring red coral by random quadrat sampling, scuba-divers use a set of photographs on which are visible colonies surrounded by a 20×20 cm quadrat. The analysis of the photographs provides reliable measurements on colony sizes (basal diameter and maximum height), occurrence of breakage of colonies and the occurrence of necrosis. To minimize the divers' tasks during the acquisition phase, we opted for multi-view photogrammetric acquisition using a single device to easily adapt the measurement procedure to the scene configuration. The material is quite light: one digital camera, two electronic strobes and a simple procedure with a few photographs taken for each site. To facilitate the measurement phase of colony sizes; the exploitation of photographs consists of four key steps: orientation, scaling, measurement of the characteristic points of coral colonies and result validation (checking measurement consistency to detect possible errors in measurement or interpretation). Since the context of the shooting can vary widely, dominant colors, contrast, etc. may often change. In order to have a stable and common reference in all photographs independently of the site, we decided to use the quadrat in the scene for orientation and scaling phases. The automation of orientation and the lack of constraints to adapt the analytical technique to the features of each site offer the possibility to multiply field surveys and to measure hundreds of quadrats from several different populations in a very efficient manner. The measurement results are exported into a spreadsheet application and integrated into the biologists' workflow. The results obtained from different red coral populations displaying contrasting characteristics (small versus large colony sizes) are presented and discussed at the end of this article.
Benefits of an Accurate 3D Documentation in Understanding the Status of the Bronze Age Heritage Cave “Les Fraux” (France)
Authors: Burens A. , Grussenmeyer P. , Carozza L. , Lévêque F. , Guillemin S. , Mathé V.
Published: May 2014

An interdisciplinary team of archaeologists, surveyors, environmentalists and archaeometrists has jointly carried out the study of the Bronze Age “Les Fraux” (Saint-Martin-de-Fressengeas, Dordogne, France) since 2007. This archaeological decorated cave, registered as a French Historical Monument, forms a wide network of galleries, characterized by the exceptional richness of its archaeological remains such as ceramic and metal deposits, parietal representation and domestic fireplaces. This cave is the only protohistorical site in Europe wherein testimonies of domestic, spiritual and artistic activities are gathered. This project has been labelled by the Institute of Ecology and Environment of the French Research Council (CNRS), who wants to promote new methodologies and experimental studies in Global Ecology. Accurate 3D models of the cave constitute the common framework for the different partners. We present in this paper an overview of methods of data recording based on contact-free measurement techniques in order to acquire a full 3D-documentation of the site. Different techniques based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Digital Photogrammetry and Spatial Imaging have been used in order to generate geometric and photorealistic 3D models from the combination of point clouds and photogrammetric images, for both visualization and accurate documentation purposes. Various scales of acquiring and diverse resolutions have been applied according to the subject, e.g. global volume of the cave, parietal representations, and deposits. Measurements from an original method of 3D indoor magnetic field recording are combined with the 3D models in order to locate magnetic anomalies in the cave. All the surveys are conducted in compliance with the integrity of the site.
3D Technologies for the Digital Documentation of an Ancient Wooden Structure
Authors: Balletti Caterina , Berto Matteo , Gottardi Caterina , Guerra Francesco
Published: May 2014

In this paper we would like to present an operational procedure for surveys of complex structures, such as the wooden dome of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. The aim of this work was to analyse the shape and the geometry of this very articulated constructive technique: because of its complexity, a laser scanning survey, with the support of more traditional methods, such as direct and topographic survey, seemed to be the best way to analyse this structure: from the data elaboration it was possible to create a 3D model of each element as in reality, without any simplification. In line with the growing demand of digital documentation in the field of Cultural Heritage, the 3D technology applied to this research allowed an immediate reading of the whole architectural system. This paper analyses the difficulties encountered during the survey and illustrates the solutions chosen to overcome them.
An Image-Based Inspection System for Canal Tunnel Heritage
Authors: Charbonnier P. , Foucher P. , Chavant P. , Muzet V. , Prybyla D. , Perrin T. , Albert J.-L. , Grussenmeyer P. , Guillemin S. , Koehl M.
Published: May 2014

Nowadays, 33 canal tunnels, mainly bored during the 19th and 20th centuries, are still used in France for commercial navigation and boating. The preservation of this heritage is not only essential for cultural and historical reasons but also for economical necessities and security issues. A French partnership proposes to develop a prototype dedicated to the image-based inspection of canal tunnels. In this paper, we address the problems of image quality and location accuracy, which is particularly challenging since no conventional global referencing system is available in tunnels. We introduce the dynamic imaging system that has been tested during recording campaigns in Niderviller tunnel. Several solutions to locate the inspection barge have been also investigated. The experimental evaluation on the accuracy of the referencing methods is presented and analyzed.
3′-Biotin-tagged microRNA-27 does not associate with Argonaute proteins in cells
Authors: Guo Yang Eric , Steitz Joan A.
Published: May 2014

Synthetic 3′-biotin-tagged microRNAs (miRNAs) have often been used to select interacting messenger RNA (mRNA) and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) targets. Here, we examined the extent of association of 3′-end biotinylated miR-27 with Argonaute (Ago) proteins in transfected human cells using a coimmunoprecipitation assay followed by Northern blot analysis. We report that biotinylated miR-27 does not efficiently associate with Ago compared to unmodified miR-27. These results suggest that 3′-end biotin-modified miRNAs are questionable monitors of miRNA function in cells.
Słownictwo podhalańskie w Etymologicznym słowniku języka polskiego Andrzeja Bańkowskiego
Authors: Rak Maciej
Published: May 2014

Podhalan vocabulary in A. Bańkowski’s Etymologiczny słownik języka polskiego ‘Polish etymological dictionary’

The paper discusses Podhalan vocabulary contained in Andrzej Bańkowski’s Etymologiczny słownik języka polskiego (SEBań) ‘Polish etymological dictionary’. It scrutinizes the information on the origin of words, and also their dating and other parts of Bańkowski’s commentary. By contrasting data from dialectal atlases and dialectal and etymological dictionaries, this author shows that the material found in SEBań is in a large part inaccurate or even erroneous. In the latter case (e.g. oscypek) own explanations have been proposed.
L’apport des études sur les parlers bilingues dans l’enseignement/ apprentissage du polonais en milieu francophone
Authors: Masiewicz Anna
Published: May 2014

The contribution of research on bilingual speech to the teaching/learning of Polish in a French-speaking environment

The paper attempts to show aspects of bilingualism as investigated in the new light of such phenomena as code switching, interference, and errors. A bilingual is no longer seen as a sum of two monolinguals, but rather as a person with a varied linguistic and cultural repertoire which he or she can use, depending on the situation. Researchers such as Swiss linguist Bernard Py have shown the relationship between a language learner and a stabilized bilingual. The example of acquisition of Polish outside Poland – in France, in Switzerland, in an institution as L2, or within a Polish family – very accurately confirms the general processes that recur in different time periods and in the contact of Polish with different languages. The richness of Polish research attests to this. In the area of language pedagogy, the notion of error and the status of error evaluation have changed dramatically: error is now considered an integral part of the acquisition of a foreign language, and error evaluation requires a multifaceted analysis.
Dwujęzyczność polsko-obca w Polsce i poza jej granicami. Rozwój i perspektywy badań
Authors: Miodunka Władysław T.
Published: May 2014

Polish-foreign bilingualism in Poland and outside of it. Research development and perspectives

The paper summarizes research on Polish-foreign bilingualism in Poland and outside of its borders. It takes various works into account, regardless of whether their authors place bilingualism in the centre of their research interests, or only mention it in the background of considerations on the use of Polish in the given national or ethnic minority. Apart from works on modern Polish-foreign bilingualism, the author discusses research into bi- and multilingualism in Polish linguistic history. Particular attention is given to the Polish-French bilingualism of Polish romantic authors of the 19th century. The final part of the paper reviews the methodology of research into bilingualism, especially those methods that extend beyond the analysis of linguistic contacts, and combine research into bilingualism with cultural, anthropological and humanistic linguistics. The paper closes with remarks on the perspectives of research on bi- and multilingualism in Poland.
O naturalnej dwujęzyczności i przekazywaniu języka dzieciom w sytuacji imigracji
Authors: Wróblewska-Pawlak Krystyna
Published: May 2014

On natural bilingualism and transmission of language to children in the situation of immigration

The paper presents two perspectives on the question of transmission of cultural heritage, including the language of the country of origin, in the situation of immigration: the sociolinguistic (bilingual education and the role of the strategy chosen by the parents), and the sociological (linguistic transmission using the example of selected research on Polish emigrants).
Przekład filmu wielojęzycznego
Authors: Bednarczyk Anna
Published: May 2014

Translation of a multilingual film

The paper deals with the audiovisual translation in the context of a multilingual and multicultural film. The analysis is based on a Russian film about the Polish singer Anna German (Anna German. Mystery of the White Angel) and concerns the use of Russian, Polish, Italian and English languages. The author presents the Russian text as both the source and the target plane of the film, and – goes on to discuss the possibilities, potential methods and strategies of translation.
Audiodeskryptor i tłumacz – analogie i rozbieżności
Authors: Karaszewska Karolina
Published: May 2014

Audio describer vs. translator – analogies and discrepancies

A translator is, first of all, a person who translates texts from one language into another. However, a language as such is a much wider notion. We have body language, i.e. non‑verbal stimuli which we receive, interpret and process, and all kinds of other aural and visual stimuli. A blind person, like a translation recipient, needs an audio describer, i.e., a „go‑between” who will decode visual elements for him or her and transform them in an understandable way. It is impossible not to notice a similarity between audio describers and translators. That is why we need to pay attention to specific features audio‑describers should have that are not absolutely necessary for translators, as well as some features useful for both groups.
Kultureller Kontext im Historienfilm – eine Herausforderung für den Übersetzer (Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage)
Authors: Majkiewicz Anna
Published: May 2014

The cultural context in history‑films as translation challenge (Sophie Scholl – The Final Days)

The author of this article analyzes the cultural elements relevant for the understanding of the films meaning and the way of their translation at the polish subtitles. The remarks are based on the film Sophie Scholl – The Final Days (German: Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage, 2005) by director Marc Rothemund and writer Fred Breinersdorfer. It is about the last days in the life of Sophie Scholl, a 21‑year‑old member of the anti‑Nazi non‑violent student resistance group the White Rose, part of the German Resistance movement. The author comes to the conclusion that the need to foreignise results from the necessity to confront the final recipients with the (historical) cultural difference.
Nonmonotonic Status Effects in New Product Adoption
Authors: Hu Yansong , Van den Bulte Christophe
Published: May 2014

We investigate how the tendency to adopt a new product independently of social influence, the recipients' susceptibility to such influence, and the sources' strength of influence vary with social status. Leveraging insights from social psychology and sociology about middle-status anxiety and conformity, we propose that for products that potential adopters expect to boost their status, both the tendency to adopt independently from others and the susceptibility to contagion is higher for middle-status than for low- and high-status customers. Applying a nested case-control design to the adoption of commercial kits used in genetic engineering, we find evidence that status affects (i) how early or late one adopts regardless of social influence, (ii) how susceptible one is to such influence operating through social ties, and (iii) how influential one's own behavior is in triggering adoption by others. The inverse-U patterns in (i) and (ii) are consistent with middle-status anxiety and conformity. The findings have implications for how to use status to better understand adoption and contagion mechanisms, and for targeting customers when launching new products.
Mislabeling Event with Batched Drugs: Unintended Consequences of Practice Change; Morse Code Imprint; Multiple Barcodes Cause Confusion
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: May 2014

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone: HIV-Related Lipodystrophy
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: May 2014

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Establishing a Quality Control Program: Ensuring Safety from Contamination for Recycled Metered-Dose Inhalers
Authors: Liou Jenny , Clyne Kurt , Knapp Donnet , Snyder Jay
Published: May 2014

Background

Recycling metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) is an effective method to conserve medications resulting in significant cost savings to the hospital. A noted limitation in some reports is the potential for cross-contamination.

Objective

To implement a quality control program to monitor and validate the safety of recycled MDIs for institutional reuse.

Methods

A quality control program was conducted from December 2012 to May 2013. At a 257-bed acute care facility, MDIs are administered to a single patient using a patient-specific valved holding chamber and then returned to the pharmacy for cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol prior to re-dispensing to a new patient. Ten percent of MDIs from 3 categories were categorized: prior to pharmacy cleaning, after pharmacy cleaning, and new/unused control group each month. The mouthpiece and canister spray tip from each MDI were tested. Any bacterial growth was documented. A secondary test was conducted to ensure that artificially contaminated MDIs could be cleaned with current cleaning procedures. Cost savings measures were also quantified.

Results

There was no bacterial growth on the 17 recycled MDIs cultured prior to the cleaning process. Bacteria did not grow on any of the 33 recycled MDIs cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Likewise, in the control group of 33 new/unused control MDIs, there was no bacterial growth. No bacteria growth was found after cleaning each artificially contaminated MDI. Total drug cost savings during the study period was approximately $130,000.

Conclusions

Establishing a strict quality control program is paramount to validating a safe and effective recycled MDI procedure.
Association between Prescription Drug Benefit and Hospital Readmission Rates
Authors: Challen Laura , Kelso Christine , Gandhi Bhumi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To determine whether primary care medicine clinic (PCMC) patients with a prescription drug benefit were associated with a lower rate of hospital readmissions.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of PCMC patients who had at least 1 hospital readmission in 2011. Eligible patients were divided into 2 groups: patients without prescription drug benefits and patients with prescription drug benefits.

Results

Three hundred fifty-two patients met our inclusion criteria. The number of hospital readmissions for patients with a prescription drug benefit was higher than those with no prescription drug benefit (2.453 ± 2.49 vs 1.88 ± 1.91; P = .052). The length of index admission and the length of hospital readmission in days were higher in patients with no prescription drug benefits (index admission, 5.29 ± 6.38 vs 4.59 ± 4.50; P = .428) (readmission, 5.31 ± 5.90 vs 4.48 ± 4.33, P = .166). The number of days to readmission was higher in those with drug benefits (58.12 ± 63.54 vs 53.39 ± 53.47; P = .316). When patient data were separated by CCI scores, it was noted that patients with pharmacy benefits had significantly more hospital readmissions in each CCI score category except for patients with a CCI of 6.

Conclusion

Although not statistically significant, patients with prescription drug benefits had more hospital readmissions but shorter hospital lengths of stay. Significant data linking hospital readmissions and prescription insurance benefits, if found in future studies, would provide helpful guidance to health care systems.
Evaluation of Phenylephrine Stability in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags
Authors: Jansen Josiah J. , Oldland Alan R. , Kiser Tyree H.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Phenylephrine hydrochloride (HCl) is commonly used to maintain adequate blood pressure during shock and shocklike states. Phenylephrine is prepared in concentrated stock vials that require further dilution prior to administration. This study evaluated the physical and chemical stability of phenylephrine in extemporaneously prepared polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags.

Methods

Phenylephrine HCl 10 mg/mL solution was diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride for injection to final concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL and stored at room temperature (23°C-25°C) exposed to fluorescent light. Stability of phenylephrine HCl was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, and 60.

Results

Phenylephrine HCl 200 and 400 µg/mL solutions in PVC bags were physically stable during the entire 60-day study period. Phenylephrine HCl retained > 95% of the original concentration.

Conclusion

Phenylephrine HCl diluted to 200 or 400 µg/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride for injection is both physically and chemically stable for a period of 60 days with ≤5% degradation when stored at room temperature and exposed to fluorescent lighting.
Impact of Computerized Provider Order Entry on Pharmacist Productivity
Authors: Hatfield Mark D. , Cox Rodney , Mhatre Shivani K. , Flowers W. Perry , Sansgiry Sujit S.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To examine the impact of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) implementation on average time spent on medication order entry and the number of order actions processed.

Methods

An observational time and motion study was conducted from March 1 to March 17, 2011. Two similar community hospital pharmacies were compared: one without CPOE implementation and the other with CPOE implementation. Pharmacists in the central pharmacy department of both hospitals were observed in blocks of 1 hour, with 24 hours of observation in each facility. Time spent by pharmacists on distributive, administrative, clinical, and miscellaneous activities associated with order entry were recorded using time and motion instrument documentation. Information on medication order actions and order entry/verifications was obtained using the pharmacy network system.

Results

The mean ± SD time spent by pharmacists per hour in the CPOE pharmacy was significantly less than the non-CPOE pharmacy for distributive activities (43.37 ± 7.75 vs 48.07 ± 8.61) and significantly greater than the non-CPOE pharmacy for administrative (8.58 ± 5.59 vs 5.72 ± 6.99) and clinical (7.38 ± 4.27 vs 4.22 ± 3.26) activities. The CPOE pharmacy was associated with a significantly higher number of order actions per hour (191.00 ± 82.52 vs 111.63 ± 25.66) and significantly less time spent (in minutes per hour) on order entry and order verification combined (28.30 ± 9.25 vs 36.56 ± 9.14) than the non-CPOE pharmacy.

Conclusion

The implementation of CPOE facilitated pharmacists to allocate more time to clinical and administrative functions and increased the number of order actions processed per hour, thus enhancing workflow efficiency and productivity of the pharmacy department.
Molecular Profiling of Appendiceal Epithelial Tumors Using Massively Parallel Sequencing to Identify Somatic Mutations
Authors: Liu Xiaoying , Mody Kabir , de Abreu Francine B , Pipas J Marc , Peterson Jason D , Gallagher Torrey L , Suriawinata Arief A , Ripple Gregory H , Hourdequin Kathryn C , Smith Kerrington D , Barth Richard J , Colacchio Thomas A , Tsapakos Michael J , Zaki Bassem I , Gardner Timothy B , Gordon Stuart R , Amos Christopher I , Wells Wendy A , Tsongalis Gregory J
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Some epithelial neoplasms of the appendix, including low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and adenocarcinoma, can result in pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Little is known about the mutational spectra of these tumor types and whether mutations may be of clinical significance with respect to therapeutic selection. In this study, we identified somatic mutations using the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2.

METHODS

Specimens consisted of 3 nonneoplastic retention cysts/mucocele, 15 low-grade mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs), 8 low-grade/well-differentiated mucinous adenocarcinomas with pseudomyxoma peritonei, and 12 adenocarcinomas with/without goblet cell/signet ring cell features. Barcoded libraries were prepared from up to 10 ng of extracted DNA and multiplexed on single 318 chips for sequencing. Data analysis was performed using Golden Helix SVS. Variants that remained after the analysis pipeline were individually interrogated using the Integrative Genomics Viewer.

RESULTS

A single Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) mutation was detected in the mucocele group. Eight mutations were identified in the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and GNAS complex locus (GNAS) genes among LAMN samples. Additional gene mutations were identified in the AKT1 (v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1), APC (adenomatous polyposis coli), JAK3, MET (met proto-oncogene), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PIK3CA), RB1 (retinoblastoma 1), STK11 (serine/threonine kinase 11), and tumor protein p53 (TP53) genes. Among the PMPs, 6 mutations were detected in the KRAS gene and also in the GNAS, TP53, and RB1 genes. Appendiceal cancers showed mutations in the APC, ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated), KRAS, IDH1 [isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+)], NRAS [neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog], PIK3CA, SMAD4 (SMAD family member 4), and TP53 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest molecular heterogeneity among epithelial tumors of the appendix. Next generation sequencing efforts have identified mutational spectra in several subtypes of these tumors that may suggest a phenotypic heterogeneity showing mutations that are relevant for targeted therapies.
Diversity of contexts, unity of purposes: Preparing for successful school achievement by those children and youngsters in Europe from migrant backgrounds
Authors: Essomba Miquel Àngel
Published: May 2014

The EU needs to address specific measures on children and youngsters with a migrant background in order to achieve the EU 2020 strategy goals on education. These pupils still perform worse than their native peers at school, and their underachievement represents an important obstacle to reach the global challenges. To do so, it is crucial to focus strategic action based on policy implementation and reframe the current status of educational systems into a community, systemic and inclusive approach.
The abstract citizen – Minority youths qualifying for citizenship
Authors: Grannäs Jan
Published: May 2014

This article focuses on the Swedish school’s democratic mission to foster active democratic citizens in relation to fundamental human rights, the National Education Act and the National Curriculum for the compulsory school system. This is done by showing the tension contained in policy documents and giving examples of how this is played out in the everyday practices of schooling. The overall democratic mission for the Swedish school system – to prepare the younger generation for Swedish citizenship – takes place within the nation state and therefore carries with it historical and cultural norms, values and laws that in certain ways become relevant to various minority groups in the country. In this article, the notion of the abstract citizen is used to elaborate on the imaginary of the nation and its ideal citizens. The empirical material consists of two case studies, both of which are situated in the same Swedish town and have been chosen in order to achieve socio-economic variation. A mixed-method approach has been applied to the study. The results show the complexities that result from the tension that exists in the policy documents with respect to the school’s responsibility to prepare the younger generation for an active, democratic citizenship characterized by virtues such as democratic, pluralistic and tolerant. An important feature is the school staff’s professional judgement, i.e. an awareness of the grounds on which students are treated and which opportunities exist for individuals to differ from the majority of the population. Such situations of response and processes of socializing and disciplining create practices of inclusion and exclusion. In democratic terms, the notion of the abstract citizen must be constantly negotiated and renegotiated in the policy implementation and enactment in the everyday practice of schooling.
Book Reviews
Authors: Davies Ian , Bickmore Kathy , Gill Judith , Leighton Ralph
Published: May 2014

Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson (2012) London: Profile Books, 320 pp., ISBN: 9781846684296, h/bk, £25

Gendered Citizenships Transnational Perspectives on Knowledge Production, Political Activism, and Culture, Kia L. Caldwell, Kathleen Coll, Tracy Fisher, Reyna K. Ramirez and LokSiu (eds) (2009) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 225 pp., ISBN: 9780230619852, h/bk, $95.00

Challenges and Inequalities in Lifelong Learning and Social Justice, Susan Jackson (ed.) (2013) Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 138 pp., ISBN: 9780415837712, h/bk, $145.00

Using Critical Research for Educational and Social Change, Tricia M. Kress (ed.) (2013) Abingdon and New York: Routledge, 257 pp., ISBN: 9780415839792, h/bk, $145.00
What do we mean by school dropout? Early School Leaving and the shifting of paradigms in school dropout measurement
Authors: Estêvão Pedro , Álvares Maria
Published: May 2014

The audit, evaluation and regulation of education systems is becoming the rule in Europe, strongly increasing demand for data production and even considered by some as a major policy-development in itself. Data production and its use produce changes in the governing of the education and training systems throughout Europe, contributing to the Europeanization of the national educational systems and to the empowerment of some international organizations, like the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In the moment that European and global goals around quantified goals related to education are being drawn, there are some warnings regarding excessive focus on measurable results and thus the risk of losing sight of what is truly important in education and promotion of educational success. Early School Leaving (ESL) is the indicator used by Eurostat to measure school dropout and by the European Union to establish targets for education policies. It is an indicator that holds as reference the schooling-level certification and, as such, a measure of school achievement based on a comprehensive perspective of educational/training activities, including informal and non-formal learning.
Sensory Evaluation of grape yogurt with added calcium and zinc
Authors: De Carvalho Ivani , De Souza Marinês , Porcu Ornella Maria
Published: May 2014

Yogurt is a product widely recommended due to its sensory, nutritional and probiotic characteristics. It is made of milk containing high solids, lactic acid culture and sugar and can also be enriched. The objectives were to develop a grape yogurt with added calcium and zinc, and evaluate its microbiological and sensory characteristics and verify the consumer’s acceptance and intent to purchase this product. A formulation of yoghurt enriched with calcium and zinc was elaborated. The microbiological analysis (most probable number (MPN) of coliforms at 35 ºC and 45 ºC (thermotolerant) Total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., yeasts and molds) indicated that the product was in agreement with existing national legislation for the identity and quality standards. The overall acceptance was conducted with 100 untrained panelists using a 9-point Hedonic Scale (1 - dislike extremely, 9 - like extremely), averaging more than 70.00 % to the questions of taste, flavor, color, sweetness, consistency and overall assessment. As to purchase intention, it was found that 77.00 % of consumers would buy grape yogurt with added calcium and zinc indicating that the formulation is feasible and acceptable for human consumption.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v1i2.28
An Examination of Social Influence on Shopper Behavior Using Video Tracking Data
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Li Shibo , Burke Raymond R. , Leykin Alex
Published: May 2014

This research investigates how the social elements of a retail store visit affect shoppers’ product interaction and purchase likelihood. The research uses a bivariate model of the shopping process, implemented in a hierarchical Bayes framework, which models the customer and contextual factors driving product touch and purchase simultaneously. A unique video tracking database captures each shopper's path and activities during the store visit. The findings reveal that interactive social influences (e.g., salesperson contact, shopper conversations) tend to slow the shopper down, encourage a longer store visit, and increase product interaction and purchase. When shoppers are part of a larger group, they are influenced more by discussions with companions and less by third parties. Stores with customers present encourage product interaction up to a point, beyond which the density of shoppers interferes with the shopping process. The effects of social influence vary by the salesperson's demographic similarity to the shopper and the type of product category being shopped. Several behavioral cues signal when shoppers are in a potentially high need state and may be good sales prospects.