bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a structured intern education programme on clinical documentation in the emergency department
Authors: McLean Andrew , Lawlor Jenine , Mitchell Rob , Kault David , O'Kane Carl , Lees Michelle 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of More Learning for Interns in Emergency (MoLIE) on clinical documentation in the ED of a large regional hospital.MethodsMoLIE was implemented at The Townsville Hospital (TTH) in 2010, and has since provided ED interns with structured off‐floor teaching and a dedicated clinical supervisor. A pre‐ and post‐intervention study was conducted using retrospective medical record review methodology. Charts were selected by identifying all TTH ED patients seen by interns in the period 2008–2011. Two hundred pre‐intervention records (2008–2009) and 200 post‐intervention records (2010–2011) were reviewed. These were randomly selected following an initial screen by an ED staff specialist. The quality of clinical documentation for five common ED presentations (asthma, chest pain, lacerations, abdominal pain and upper limb fractures) was assessed. For each presentation, documentation quality was scored out of 10 using predefined criteria. An improvement of two or more was thought to be clinically significant. Mean scores for each group were compared using a Student's t‐test for independent samples.ResultsMean documentation scores (and 95% confidence intervals) were 5.55 (5.17–5.93) in 2008, 5.42 (4.98–5.86) in 2009, 6.37 (5.99–6.75) in 2010 and 6.08 (5.71–6.45) in 2011. There was a statistically but not clinically significant improvement in scores pre‐ and post‐intervention (P ≤ 0.001).ConclusionThe introduction of MoLIE was associated with a small but statistically significant improvement in documentation, despite an 80% increase in intern placements. These results suggest that structured training programmes have potential to improve intern performance while simultaneously enhancing training capacity. The impact on quality of care requires further evaluation.
Effect of Short Ageing on Lees on the Mannoprotein Content, Aromatic Profile, and Sensorial Character of White Wines
Authors: Juega Marta , Carrascosa Alfonso V. , Martinez‐Rodriguez Adolfo J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn Albariño white wines, aging of wines on lees is a technique not used or only used empirically by some producers to obtain a distinctive character in the final wine. This study analyzes the influence of a short aging on lees on the chemical and sensorial parameters of this young white wine. Albariño grape must was inoculated with a locally selected yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1) and the effect of a short aging on lees was studied during different times (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 d). Mannoprotein content and the aromatic profile were determined and a sensorial analysis of the wines was conducted. Results showed that aging time was correlated with the concentration of some key aroma compounds and mannoproteins in Albariño wines. The best sensorial character was obtained in wines aged 20 d on lees. Further aging times decreased the sensorial quality of Albariño wine and modified its volatile profile and mannoprotein concentration.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus open thoracotomy for pulmonary metastasectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Cheang Mun Yoong , Herle Pradyumna , Pradhan Neelprada , Antippa Phillip 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary metastasectomy has become a popular procedure for patients with pulmonary metastases. It can be achieved via the traditional open thoracotomy or the more recently developed video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, there has been much debate as to which approach is better in terms of detection of pulmonary metastases and, in turn, survival and recurrence outcomes. We aim to compare the two different approaches in terms of survival and recurrence outcomes.MethodsMedline and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant publications dated prior to May 2013. The bibliographies of the included articles were examined for additional relevant articles that were not included in the search. All publications reporting on overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were included. The articles were carefully examined and data were extracted. STATA 12L and RevMan5.2 software were used to combine the data using the random effects model.ResultsA total of 1960 studies were identified through the search. Thirty‐two articles had extractable data regarding overall survival and recurrence‐free survival. However, only eight articles were included in the end as the other 24 articles had incomplete data. From the included articles, we found that the VATS group had slightly higher odds of 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival with odds ratios of 1.53, 1.69 and 1.41, respectively, and also higher odds of 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival with odds ratios of 1.29, 1.54 and 1.54, respectively.ConclusionVATS offers a suitable alternative to open thoracotomy for the treatment of pulmonary metastases.
Mock Circulation Loop to Investigate Hemolysis in a Pulsatile Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Gräf Felix , Finocchiaro Thomas , Laumen Marco , Mager Ilona , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHemocompatibility of blood pumps is a crucial parameter that has to be ensured prior to in vivo testing. In contrast to rotary blood pumps, a standard for testing a pulsatile total artificial heart (TAH) has not yet been established. Therefore, a new mock circulation loop was designed to investigate hemolysis in the left ventricle of the ReinHeart TAH. Its main features are a high hemocompatibility, physiological conditions, a low priming volume, and the conduction of blood through a closed tubing system. The mock circulation loop consists of a noninvasive pressure chamber, an aortic compliance chamber, and an atrium directly connected to the ventricle. As a control pump, the clinically approved Medos‐HIA ventricular assist device (VAD) was used. The pumps were operated at 120 beats per minute with an aortic pressure of 120 to 80 mm Hg and a mean atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg, generating an output flow of about 5 L/min. Heparinized porcine blood was used. A series of six identical tests were performed. A test method was established that is comparable to ASTM F 1841, which is standard practice for the assessment of hemolysis in continuous‐flow blood pumps. The average normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) values of the VAD and the ReinHeart TAH were 0.018 g/100 L and 0.03 g/100 L, respectively. The standard deviation of the NIH was 0.0033 for the VAD and 0.0034 for the TAH. Furthermore, a single test with a BPX‐80 Bio‐Pump was performed to verify that the hemolysis induced by the mock circulation loop was negligible. The performed tests showed a good reproducibility and statistical significance. The mock circulation loop and test protocol developed in this study are valid methods to investigate the hemolysis induced by a pulsatile blood pump.
Hippocampal Neuroprotection by Minocycline and Epigallo‐Catechin‐3‐Gallate Against Cardiopulmonary Bypass‐Associated Injury
Authors: Salameh Aida , Einenkel Anne , Kühne Lydia , Grassl Maria , von Salisch Sandy , Kiefer Phillip , Vollroth Marcel , Dähnert Ingo , Dhein Stefan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSurgical correction of congenital cardiac malformations mostly implies the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, a possible negative impact of CPB on cerebral structures like the hippocampus cannot be neglected. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CPB on hippocampus CA1 and CA3 regions without or with the addition of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) or minocycline. We studied 42 piglets and divided them into six experimental groups: control without or with EGCG or minocycline, CPB without or with EGCG or minocycline. The piglets underwent 90 minutes CPB and subsequently, a 120‐minute recovery and reperfusion phase. Thereafter, histology of the hippocampus was performed and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was measured. Histologic evaluation revealed that CPB produced a significant peri‐cellular edema in both CA regions. Moreover, we found an increased number of cells stained with markers for hypoxia, apoptosis and nitrosative stress. Most of these alterations were significantly reduced to or near to control levels by application of EGCG or minocycline. ATP content was significantly reduced within the hippocampus after CPB. This reduction could not be antagonized by EGCG or minocycline. In conclusion, CPB had a significant negative impact on the integrity of hippocampal neural cells. This cellular damage could be significantly attenuated by addition of EGCG or minocycline.
Sedimentary and thermal evolution of the Eocene‐Oligocene mudrocks from the southwestern Thrace Basin (NE Greece)
Authors: Perri F. , Caracciolo L. , Cavalcante F. , Corrado S. , Critelli S. , Muto F. , Dominici R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPaleothermal indicators based on clay mineral and organic matter analyses, were integrated with mudrock geochemistry and stratigraphic data to define the sedimentary evolution of the southwestern Thrace Basin during the Eocene to Oligocene. This multi‐method approach allowed us to reconstruct the burial evolution of the basin in Eocene and Oligocene times and to study the mudrock composition and relate this to their provenance and source area weathering. The studied mudrocks show similar chemical variations. The distribution of some major and trace elements for the studied samples reflect heterogeneous source areas containing both felsic to mafic rocks. In particular, the Light Rare Earth Elements/Transition elements (LREEs/TEs) ratios are very high for the Avdira and Organi samples (on the average between 1.5 and 2.2 for (La + Ce)/Cr and 3.5–8 for (La + Ce)/Ni), suggesting a felsic source(s), and very low for the Samothraki, Limnos, Paterma and Iasmos samples (on the average between 0.4 and 0.6 for (La + Ce)/Cr and 0.6–1 for (La + Ce)/Ni), suggesting a mainly basic source(s). The mineralogical composition coupled with the A‐CN‐K and A‐N‐K plots suggest a complex evolution. The clay mineral data (illite percentage in I/S and the stacking order R and the Kübler Index) coupled to vitrinite reflectance analysis indicate a high to intermediate diagenetic grade for the Middle to Upper Eocene samples (from Iasmos, Gratini, Organi, Paterma, Esimi and Samotraki sections) and a low diagenetic grade for the Upper Eocene to Oligocene samples (from Limnos and Avdira sections). These data helped in interpreting the geodynamic evolution of the studied basins where the magmatic activity plays an important role. In particular, Middle to Upper Eocene sediments show high to intermediate diagenetic grade since they are located in a portion of the basin dominated by Eocene to Oligocene magmatic activity and intrusion of granitoids, whereas, the Upper Eocene to Oligocene sediments are not involved in important magmatic activity and intrusion of granitoids and, thus, show low diagenetic grade. Furthermore, Middle to Upper Eocene sediments experienced deeper burial processes caused by lithostatic load, rather than the uppermost Eocene and Oligocene sediments, in relation of their position along the stratigraphic succession. These data suggest a burial depth of at least 3–4 km with a tectonic exhumation mainly related to the extensional phases of the Miocene age.
Low serum tryptophan predicts higher mortality in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Murr Christian , Grammer Tanja B. , Kleber Marcus E. , Meinitzer Andreas , März Winfried , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe essential amino acid tryptophan is required for protein synthesis and formation of the neurotransmitter serotonin and may exert immunoregulatory functions. An accelerated tryptophan breakdown rate is associated with inflammation and immune activation.Materials and methodsSerum concentrations of free tryptophan, neopterin and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured in 1196 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) derived from the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study.ResultsTryptophan concentrations did not differ between patients with (mean ± SD: 40·1 ± 9·8 μM) or without (42·3 ± 23·9 μM; not significant, Welch's test) angiographic CAD, but patients with CAD had higher neopterin (9·1 ± 8·2 nM) and hsCRP (9·3 ± 18·5 mg/L) concentrations compared to patients without (neopterin: 7·6 ± 4·7 nM, hsCRP: 5·8 ± 7·6 mg/L; both P < 0·0001). There existed an inverse correlation between serum tryptophan and neopterin (Spearman's rank correlation: rs = −0·273) and hsCRP (rs = −0·163; both P < 0·0001) concentrations. Median observation time was 10·5 years, and 385 patients had died, including 244 patients due to cardiovascular and 132 due to noncardiovascular causes. After adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors and other possible confounders, the hazard ratio (with 95% CI) in the first tryptophan quartile of the study population was 1·51 (1·19–1·90; P = 0·0006) for total mortality, 1·41 (1·05–1·89; P = 0·0224) for cardiovascular and 1·79 (1·20–2·67; P = 0·0042) for noncardiovascular mortalities, respectively, thus indicating a significantly higher risk of death in patients with tryptophan concentrations < 34 μM.ConclusionsLow serum tryptophan in patients with CAD is associated with immune activation and indicates reduced life expectancy.
Role of subchondral bone remodelling in collapse of the articular surface ofThoroughbred racehorses with palmar osteochondral disease
Authors: Bani Hassan E. , Mirams M. , Ghasem‐Zadeh A. , Mackie E. J. , Whitton R. C. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyTo gain a better understanding of the aetiology of articular surface collapse in horses with palmar osteochondral disease.ObjectivesTo determine whether acceleration of focal bone resorption associated with reduced physical activity contributes to articular surface collapse in racehorses with palmar osteochondral disease.Study designCross‐sectional study comparing metacarpal bones from horses at varying stages of race training.MethodsMetacarpal bones from 36 racingThoroughbred horses were examined with high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography to determine the proportion of the articular surface that had collapsed and with backscattered scanning electron microscopy to quantify porosity and eroded bone surface. Racing and training histories were obtained for comparison with imaging data.ResultsIn 21 cases, inward collapse of the calcified cartilage layer was observed on backscattered scanning electron microscopy. An increased extent of articular surface collapse was associated with greater numbers of microfractures in the calcified cartilage and superficial subchondral bone (Spearman's correlation [rs] = 0.62, P<0.001). In the deeper bone (6–10 mm), porosity was lower with a greater extent of articular surface collapse (rs= ‐0.38, P = 0.023), whereas in the superficial bone (0–4 mm) there was no association between articular surface collapse and porosity (rs= 0.19, P = 0.26). Both porosity (median 14, range 3.8–26 vs. 3.8, 1.6–17%, P = 0.008) and eroded surface (1.1, 0.74–4.5 vs. 0.64, 0.11–4.7 mm−1, P = 0.016) of the superficial subchondral bone were higher in resting than in training horses, and in some resting horses subchondral bone voids were highly concentrated, resulting in an apparent loss of support for the overlying calcified cartilage layer.ConclusionsArticular surface collapse is common in cases of palmar osteochondral disease and is likely to be a sequel to fatigue injury of subchondral bone. Focal subchondral bone resorption appears to contribute to collapse of the calcified cartilage and is potentiated by a reduced‐intensity exercise regimen.
Leprosy: diagnosis and management in a developed setting
Authors: Turner D. , McGuinness S. , Leder K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLeprosy remains an important global health concern, but little has been published about its diagnosis and management in developed settings. It has been postulated that delay in diagnosis is common in developed settings. We reviewed all the cases of leprosy seen at a major tertiary referral centre between 1999 and 2013 and demonstrated that delay in diagnosis is common, especially when patients present with symptoms of leprosy reactions rather than classical symptoms, such as hypo‐pigmented hypo‐aesthetic skin lesions and neuropathy.
Natural products as photoprotection
Authors: Saewan Nisakorn , Jimtaisong Ampa 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe rise in solar ultraviolet radiation on the earth's surface has led to a depletion of stratospheric ozone over recent decades, thus accelerating the need to protect human skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation such as erythema, edema, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and skin cancer. There are many different ways to protect skin against UV radiation's harmful effects. The most popular way to reduce the amount of UV radiation penetrating the skin is topical application of sunscreen products that contain UV absorbing or reflecting active molecules. Based on their protection mechanism, the active molecules in sunscreens are broadly divided into inorganic and organic agents. Inorganic sunscreens reflect and scatter UV and visible radiation, while organic sunscreens absorb UV radiation and then re‐emit energy as heat or light. These synthetic molecules have limited concentration according to regulation concern. Several natural compounds with UV absorption property have been used to substitute for or to reduce the quantity of synthetic sunscreen agents. In addition to UV absorption property, most natural compounds were found to act as antioxidants, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory agents, which provide further protection against the damaging effects of UV radiation exposure. Compounds derived from natural sources have gained considerable attention for use in sunscreen products and have bolstered the market trend toward natural cosmetics. This adds to the importance of there being a wide selection of active molecules in sunscreen formulations. This paper summarizes a number of natural products derived from propolis, plants, algae, and lichens that have shown potential photoprotection properties against UV radiation exposure‐induced skin damage.
Melatonin influences somatostatin secretion from human pancreatic δ‐cells via MT1 and MT2 receptors
Authors: Zibolka Juliane , Mühlbauer Eckhard , Peschke Elmar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMelatonin is an effector of the diurnal clock on pancreatic islets. The membrane receptor‐transmitted inhibitory influence of melatonin on insulin secretion is well established and contrasts with the reported stimulation of glucagon release from α‐cells. Virtually, nothing is known concerning the melatonin‐mediated effects on islet δ‐cells. Analysis of a human pancreatic δ‐cell model, the cell line QGP‐1, and the use of a somatostatin‐specific radioimmunoassay showed that melatonin primarily has an inhibitory effect on somatostatin secretion in the physiological concentration range. In the pharmacological range, melatonin elicited slightly increased somatostatin release from δ‐cells. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is the major second messenger dose‐dependently stimulating somatostatin secretion, in experiments employing the membrane‐permeable 8‐Br‐cAMP. 8‐Br‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate proved to be of only minor relevance to somatostatin release. As the inhibitory effect of 1 nm melatonin was reversed after incubation of QGP‐1 cells with the nonselective melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole, but not with the MT2‐selective antagonist 4‐P‐PDOT (4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetraline), an involvement of the MT1 receptor can be assumed. Somatostatin release from the δ‐cells at low glucose concentrations was significantly inhibited during co‐incubation with 1 nm melatonin, an effect which was less pronounced at higher glucose levels. Transient expression experiments, overexpressing MT1, MT2, or a deletion variant as a control, indicated that the MT1 and not the MT2 receptor was the major transmitter of the inhibitory melatonin effect. These data point to a significant influence of melatonin on pancreatic δ‐cells and on somatostatin release.
Pan‐African phylogeography of a model organism, the African clawed frog ‘Xenopus laevis’
Authors: Furman Benjamin L. S. , Bewick Adam J. , Harrison Tia L. , Greenbaum Eli , Gvoždík Václav , Kusamba Chifundera , Evans Ben J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe African clawed frogXenopus laevishas a large native distribution over much of sub‐Saharan Africa and is a model organism for research, a proposed disease vector, and an invasive species. Despite its prominent role in research and abundance in nature, surprisingly little is known about the phylogeography and evolutionary history of this group. Here, we report an analysis of molecular variation of this clade based on 17 loci (one mitochondrial, 16 nuclear) in up to 159 individuals sampled throughout its native distribution. Phylogenetic relationships among mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were incongruent with those among alleles of the putatively female‐specific sex‐determining geneDM‐W, in contrast to the expectation of strict matrilineal inheritance of both loci. Population structure and evolutionarily diverged lineages were evidenced by analyses of molecular variation in these data. These results further contextualize the chronology, and evolutionary relationships within this group, support the recognition ofX. laevis sensu stricto, X. petersii,X. victorianusand herein revalidatedX. powerias separate species. We also propose that portions of the currently recognized distributions ofX. laevis(north of the Congo Basin) andX. petersii(south of the Congo Basin) be reassigned toX. poweri.
Nurses' communication with families in the intensive care unit – a literature review
Authors: Adams AMN , Mannix T , Harrington A 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTAims and objectivesThis review examined the literature across 12 years that explored nurses' perceptions of their role when communicating with families in adult intensive care units (ICUs). The objectives were: (1) to describe how ICU nurses facilitated communication with families; (2) the perceived barriers to that communication; (3) strategies to improve their skills.BackgroundEvidence demonstrates that effective communication by health care providers can improve families' understanding of their situation and decrease their psychological burden. The continuous presence of ICU nurses, combined with the use of effective empathic communication skills, can impact on families' ICU experience in a positive way. Nevertheless, research continues to demonstrate that communication with families in ICU is inadequate and of poor quality.Search strategies and designEight databases were systematically searched to identify peer reviewed studies published in English between 2002 and 2014. The results are presented via a thematic literature review.FindingsFour major themes emerged from a synthesis of the review findings: ‘Nurses as information and communication facilitators’, ‘Nurses as family support providers’, ‘Nurses’ non‐supportive behaviours' and ‘Improving nurses’ communication skills'.ConclusionsMost ICU nurses considered communicating with families a vital part of their role, and described supportive behaviours. However, they perceived significant barriers to effective communication; some as a result of active decisions on their part, and some beyond their control. These barriers often resulted in nurses believing that families received suboptimal information and support. Peer support and formal training were identified as key strategies to overcome inadequacies.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review summarizes nurses' perceptions of the means and barriers for communicating with families in ICUs. Intensive care nurses need skills and knowledge in how to communicate effectively with families. This skill can be learnt formally, or acquired from role modelling of more experienced peers.