bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adverse event reporting in adult intensive care units and the impact of a multifaceted intervention on drug-related adverse events
Authors: Pagnamenta Alberto , Rabito Giovanni , Arosio Alessandra , Perren Andreas , Malacrida Roberto , Barazzoni Fabrizio , Domenighetti Guido 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Adverse events (AEs) frequently occur in intensive care units (ICUs) and affect negatively patient outcomes. Targeted improvement strategies for patient safety are difficult to evaluate because of the intrinsic limitations of reporting crude AE rates. Single interventions influence positively the quality of care, but a multifaceted approach has been tested only in selected cases. The present study was designed to evaluate the rate, types, and contributing factors of emerging AEs and test the hypothesis that a multifaceted intervention on medication might reduce drug-related AEs.

Methods
This is a prospective, multicenter, before-and-after study of adult patients admitted to four ICUs during a 24-month period. Voluntary, anonymous, self-reporting of AEs was performed using a detailed, locally designed questionnaire. The temporal impact of a multifaceted implementation strategy to reduce drug-related AEs was evaluated using the risk-index scores methodology.

Results
A total of 2,047 AEs were reported (32 events per 100 ICU patient admissions and 117.4 events per 1,000 ICU patient days) from 6,404 patients, totaling 17,434 patient days. Nurses submitted the majority of questionnaires (n = 1,781, 87%). AEs were eye-witnessed in 49% (n = 1,003) of cases and occurred preferentially during an elective procedure (n = 1,597, 78%) and on morning shifts (n = 1,003, 49%), with a peak rate occurring around 10 a.m. Drug-related AEs were the most prevalent (n = 984, 48%), mainly as a consequence of incorrect prescriptions. Poor communication among caregivers (n = 776) and noncompliance with internal guidelines (n = 525) were the most prevalent contributing factors for AE occurrence. The majority of AEs (n = 1155, 56.4%) was associated with minimal, temporary harm. Risk-index scores for drug-related AEs decreased from 10.01 ± 2.7 to 8.72 ± 3.52 (absolute risk difference 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-1.7; p < 0.01) following the introduction of the intervention.

Conclusions
AEs occurred in the ICU with a typical diurnal frequency distribution. Medication-related AEs were the most prevalent. By applying the risk-index scores methodology, we were able to demonstrate that our multifaceted implementation strategy focused on medication-related adverse events allowed to decrease drug related incidents.
Excessive bone formation in a mouse model of ankylosing spondylitis is associated with decreases in Wnt pathway inhibitors
Authors: Haynes Katelin R , Pettit Allison R , Duan Ran , Tseng Hsu-Wen , Glant Tibor T , Brown Matthew A , Thomas Gethin P 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is unique in its pathology where inflammation commences at the entheses before progressing to an osteoproliferative phenotype generating excessive bone formation that can result in joint fusion. The underlying mechanisms of this progression are poorly understood. Recent work has suggested that changes in Wnt signalling, a key bone regulatory pathway, may contribute to joint ankylosis in AS. Using the proteoglycan-induced spondylitis (PGISp) mouse model which displays spondylitis and eventual joint fusion following an initial inflammatory stimulus, we have characterised the structural and molecular changes that underlie disease progression.

Methods
PGISp mice were characterised 12 weeks after initiation of inflammation using histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and expression profiling.

Results
Inflammation initiated at the periphery of the intervertebral discs progressing to disc destruction followed by massively excessive cartilage and bone matrix formation, as demonstrated by toluidine blue staining and IHC for collagen type I and osteocalcin, leading to syndesmophyte formation. Expression levels of DKK1 and SOST, Wnt signalling inhibitors highly expressed in joints, were reduced by 49% and 63% respectively in the spine PGISp compared with control mice (P < 0.05) with SOST inhibition confirmed by IHC. Microarray profiling showed genes involved in inflammation and immune-regulation were altered. Further, a number of genes specifically involved in bone regulation including other members of the Wnt pathway were also dysregulated.

Conclusions
This study implicates the Wnt pathway as a likely mediator of the mechanism by which inflammation induces bony ankylosis in spondyloarthritis, raising the potential that therapies targeting this pathway may be effective in preventing this process.
Enhanced erythropoiesis in mice exposed to low environmental temperature
Authors: Maekawa Shun , Iemura Hitomi , Kato Takashi 
Published: November 2012

Summary
Hematopoietic responses to environmental factors are not fully characterized. Polycythemia has been reported during exposure to low temperatures in ectothermic animals. The relationship between the causes of polycythemia and erythropoiesis during low-temperature exposure is not fully understood. In this study, we exposed C57BL/6 mice to 5°C and monitored the blood cell counts and erythropoiesis. The hematocrit level increased from 45.6% to 52.2% after 14 days. Likewise, the hemoglobin concentration, initially 15.1 gdL-1, rose to 16.0 gdL-1. The reticulocyte production index significantly increased from 4% to 8% after seven days. We examined the anatomy and cell composition of the spleens of the mice. On day 5, the spleens were approximately 6 mgg-1 of body weight, which was two-fold greater than the spleens on day 0. Flow cytometry showed four-fold more proerythroblasts on day 5, compared with day 0. Additionally, the number of late-stage mature erythroblasts increased on days 14. Erythropoietin mRNA levels increased in the kidneys, and hypoxia inducible genes were enhanced in the kidney. Our findings indicated that low ambient temperature is a novel erythropoietic stress, that induces polycythemia by enhanced erythropoiesis.
Sperm metabolism in pig: a role for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ
Authors: Santoro Marta , Guido Carmela , De Amicis Francesca , Sisci Diego , Vizza Donatella , Gervasi Serena , Carpino Amalia , Aquila Saveria 
Published: November 2012

SummaryPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear hormone receptor expressed predominantly in adipose tissue, and it is implicated in energy homeostasis. In this study, by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence techniques, we demonstrated for the first time that pig spermatozoa express the PPARγ. To investigate the functional role of PPARγ in pig sperm, we evaluated its action on different events that characterize the biology of sperm cell as motility, capacitation, viability and acrosome reaction, using 15-deoxy-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) PPARγ-agonist. Responses to PGJ2 treatments on motility, cholesterol efflux and tyrosine phosphorylation were increased and this broadens the roles of PPARγ in the literature, since it also acts to ameliorate sperm functionality. To deepen PPARγ significance in pig sperm we focused its effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. The evaluation of the triglycerides content, lipase and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase as well as G6PDH activities, suggests that PPARγ induces energy expenditure in pig spermatozoa. These data represent a meaningful advance in the field of sperm energy metabolism since this is an intriguing issue at the beginning of the knowledge. Taken together, our results demonstrated for the first time that PPARγ is expressed by pig sperm improving its functionalities such as motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, survival and metabolism. The use of PPARγ-agonists may be considered a strategy in the procedures of artificial insemination or other biotechnologies, including cryopreservation.
Recent Developments in the Reactivity of Stable Disilynes
Authors: Asay Matthew , Sekiguchi Akira 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Unsaturated main group 14 species have unique properties and reactivity compared with their organic analogues. The isolation of stable disilynes, one of the most recent and intriguing additions to the catalog of unsaturated main group species, has opened the way for further studies into the differences between organic molecules and their heavy analogues. Since the isolation of the first disilyne, the reactivity and properties of these species has been the subject of numerous studies. Herein, the recent developments and results pertaining to the reactivity of disilynes are discussed.
The impact of direction of great saphenous vein total stripping on saphenous nerve injury
Authors: Papakostas J C , Douitsis E , Sarmas I , Avgos S , Kyritsis A , Matsagkas M 
Published: November 2012

Objectives To examine and compare the effects of downwards versus upwards total stripping of great saphenous vein (GSV) on saphenous nerve (SN) injury using clinical and electrophysiological studies. Methods Fifty patients with varicosities were equally and randomly assigned to undergo total, upwards stripping (group A) or downwards stripping (group B) of GSV during saphenectomy. SN function was measured with electroneurogram (ENG) before operation, two weeks and 12 weeks after, in order to record the incidence and type of SN injury. Clinical signs of SN injury were also recorded at the same time points. The results were statistically analysed. Results There were no statistical significant differences on the occurrence of SN injury between groups A and B at two and 12 weeks, respectively, as confirmed with ENG studies and clinical evaluation. There were no differences between the two techniques with regard to the type of SN injury. SN injury was significantly ameliorated from 34% to 6% during the first three months. Conclusion SN injury was equally observed after downwards or upwards total stripping of the GSV, as confirmed by ENG and clinical evaluation, with no differences in injury type. SN injury tends to be relieved through time in most patients.
Assessment of jugular endovascular malformations in chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: colour-Doppler scanning and catheter venography compared with intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Scalise F , Farina M , Manfredi M , Auguadro C , Novelli E 
Published: November 2012

Objectives Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a malformative condition characterized by several anomalies of the azygos and/or internal jugular veins (IJVs). Recommended diagnosis of CCSVI is performed with colour-Doppler (CD) sonography. Though catheter venography (CV) is considered as the gold standard for determining vascular anatomy, its uniplanar point of view does not allow an overall evaluation of endoluminal structures. This limit could be addressed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The aim of this report is to evaluate, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the accuracy of CD sonography and CV versus IVUS in estimating the diameter and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the IJVs and in detecting jugular endoluminal malformations (JEM). Method Forty-five MS patients with CCSVI, diagnosed by CD sonography, were submitted to CV during IJVs angioplasty. Twenty-five subjects were also examined with IVUS. The IJVs maximum diameter (MAXD) and CSA were estimated. CD and CV data were compared with IVUS data with the Bland-Altman method. Results The mean difference in IJV MAXD recorded by CD and IVUS was —0.5 mm. The mean difference in IJV MAXD recorded by CV and IVUS was 3.36 mm. The mean difference in IJV CSA recorded by CD and IVUS was —11.2 mm2. JEM recorded by IVUS were detected by CD sonography and CV with 88% and 32% accuracy, respectively. Conclusions CV was significantly inferior to CD sonography and IVUS in detecting JEM. Differences between IVUS and CD sonography in detecting JEM and in quantifying jugular diameters were not significant. The IJV CSA was underestimated by CD sonography compared with IVUS. CD sonography was proven to be important in the anatomical characterization of CCSVI, providing useful information for correct intravascular treatment.
Social Interaction Screen. Making Social Networking Services Accessible for Elderly People
Authors: Burkhard Martin , Koch Michael 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Social Networking Services could strengthen social ties between elderly people and families and friends. Due to the implications of aging and technical barriers existing user interfaces prove to be too complex and therefore not appropriate for most of the elderly. The goal of this paper is to present a holistic solution to enhance accessibility to Social Networks for elderly people. The solution combines an adapted (tablet) hardware, an adapted graphical user interface, and an adapted middleware for accessing the Social Networks.
Autonomously Driving Trains on Open Tracks — Concepts, System Architecture and Implementation Aspects
Authors: Gebauer Oliver , Pree Wolfgang , Stadlmann Burkhard 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This paper describes a cyber-physical system that we called autoBAHN as well as some economic and legal aspects for the realization of the vision of a driverless train operating on openly accessible existing railroads, particularly regional branch lines. Existing autonomous trains, e. g., in use on airports, do not need obstacle recognition because they operate on closed tracks that cannot be accessed by humans and have no intersections with roads. The vision is to economically offer a train frequency of about 10 min on regional branch lines. This requires more but smaller trains. As it would not be economically feasible to operate them with human drivers, they need to be autonomous. As it would again not be economically feasible to change the infrastructure (from open to closed tracks), the autonomous trains need to recognize potential obstacles on or near tracks analogous to autonomous cars. First we describe how train intervals of about 10 min can be achieved on single-track railroads. What kind and degree of changes in infrastructural equipment is necessary was validated with the help of a discrete event simulation. The focus of the paper is on the overall system architecture of the prototypical autonomous train that we have implemented and in particular on obstacle recognition. Finally, the current legislation in German speaking countries is surveyed for the assessment of whether an autonomously operating railway system can become reality in the future.
A cohort effect on serum testosterone levels in Finnish men
Authors: Perheentupa A , Mäkinen J , Laatikainen T , Vierula M , Skakkebaek N E , Andersson A-M , Toppari J 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate whether a population-level decline in serum testosterone exists in Finnish men. In comparison with other European populations, Finnish men have compared well in the studies of reproductive health (i.e. semen quality, incidence of cryptorchidism and testicular cancer); thus, we expected no significant cohort-dependent decrease in serum testosterone.MethodsWe analysed serum levels of testosterone, gonadotrophin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 3271 men representing different ages (25–74 years) and birth cohorts within three large Finnish population surveys conducted in 1972, 1977 and 2002.ResultsSerum testosterone levels decreased (from 25.3 nmol/l in 25- to 29-year-old men gradually to 16.9 nmol/l in 70- to 74-year-old men), whereas SHBG and gonadotrophin levels increased with increasing age. In addition, a significant secular trend in testosterone (total and free), SHBG and gonadotrophin levels was observed with lower levels in more recently born age-matched men. Serum testosterone level decreased in men aged 60–69 years from 21.9 nmol/l (men born 1913–1922) to 13.8 nmol/l (men born 1942–1951). These decreases remained significant following adjustment for BMI. An age-independent birth cohort effect existed on reproductive hormones measured in the Finnish men. In concert with the lower free testosterone levels, we observed lower gonadotrophin levels, suggesting that while there may be detrimental changes at the gonad level, the hypothalamus–pituitary–axis is not responding appropriately to this change.ConclusionsThe more recently born Finnish men have lower testosterone levels than their earlier born peers. This study offers no explanation for this substantial recent adverse development.
The Carathéodory topology for multiply connected domains I
Authors: Comerford Mark 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We consider the convergence of pointed multiply connected domains in the Carathéodory topology. Behaviour in the limit is largely determined by the properties of the simple closed hyperbolic geodesics which separate components of the complement. Of particular importance are those whose hyperbolic length is as short as possible which we call meridians of the domain. We prove continuity results on convergence of such geodesics for sequences of pointed hyperbolic domains which converge in the Carathéodory topology to another pointed hyperbolic domain. Using these we describe an equivalent condition to Carathéodory convergence which is formulated in terms of Riemann mappings to standard slit domains.
Embedding of dendriform algebras into Rota-Baxter algebras
Authors: Gubarev Vsevolod , Kolesnikov Pavel 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Following a recent work [Bai C., Bellier O., Guo L., Ni X., Splitting of operations, Manin products, and Rota-Baxter operators, Int. Math. Res. Not. IMRN (in press), DOI: 10.1093/imrn/rnr266] we define what is a dendriform dior trialgebra corresponding to an arbitrary variety Var of binary algebras (associative, commutative, Poisson, etc.). We call such algebras di- or tri-Var-dendriform algebras, respectively. We prove in general that the operad governing the variety of di- or tri-Var-dendriform algebras is Koszul dual to the operad governing di- or trialgebras corresponding to Var!. We also prove that every di-Var-dendriform algebra can be embedded into a Rota-Baxter algebra of weight zero in the variety Var, and every tri-Var-dendriform algebra can be embedded into a Rota-Baxter algebra of nonzero weight in Var.
A rapid microtitre plate Folin-Ciocalteu method for the assessment of polyphenols
Authors: Attard Everaldo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSeveral methods have been described for the determination of phenolic compounds in animal and plant products using the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) assay. Most of these methods describe the use of this reagent and sodium carbonate in spectrophotometric methods. The macro FC assay was compared with two micro FC assays carried out on a microplate reader. Excellent correlation was obtained among the three assays with a molar extinction coefficient of 5.228±0.187x103 M−1 cm−1. The micro assay may serve as a high throughput method for the rapid determination of polyphenols in various samples.
Current distribution and spreading of Euphorbia davidii (E. dentata agg.) in Europe
Authors: Barina Zoltán , Shevera Myroslav , Sîrbu Culiţă , Pinke Gyula 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOf the Euphorbia dentata aggregate, both E. dentata and E. davidii have been reported from Europe. A revision of herbarium and published materials, however, indicates that only E. davidii can be confirmed in Europe. Although known in Europe since 1968, most records are from the 1990s. There are 46 known populations scattered throughout the continent, in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and France. Most populations are small and restricted to railway areas; however, the species can also invade agricultural fields. Due to its wide distribution, the growing number of recently established populations, and its invasive ability, special attention should be paid to changes in distribution and population sizes in Europe.
Experimental investigation of bubble and drop formation at submerged orifices
Authors: Dietrich Nicolas , Mayoufi Nadia , Poncin Souhil , Li Huai-Zhi 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate bubble/drop formation at a single submerged orifice in stagnant Newtonian fluids and to gain qualitative understanding of the formation mechanism. The effects of various governing parameters were studied. Formation behavior of bubbles and drops in Newtonian aqueous solutions were investigated experimentally under different operating conditions with various orifices. The results show that the volume of the detached dispersed phase (bubble or drop) increases with the viscosity of the continuous phase (or dispersion medium), surface tension, orifice diameter, and dispersed phase flow rate. A PIV system was employed to measure the velocity flow field quantitatively during the bubble/drop formation, giving interesting information useful for the elucidation of the fundamental formation process at the orifice. It was revealed that the orifice shape strongly influences the size of the bubble formed. Furthermore, based on a simple mass balance, a general correlation successfully predicting both bubble and drop sizes has been proposed.
Comparison of polymeric and ceramic membranes performance in the process of micellar enhanced ultrafiltration of cadmium(II) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Staszak Katarzyna , Karaś Zofia , Jaworska Karolina 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA comparison of polymeric and ceramic membranes in the ultrafiltration process was studied and presented. This study was conducted on the separation of cadmium(II) ions, with particular reference to parameters such as hydrodynamic permeability coefficient, membrane fouling, amount of surfactant in the permeate, efficiency, and effectiveness of the process. The effect of ionic (SDS) and non-ionic (Rofam 10) surfactants or their mixture was investigated. The hydrodynamic permeability coefficient of the ceramic membrane was found to be much lower in comparison to those of the polymeric ones (1.69 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1, 5.66 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1, and 9.26 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1 for ceramic, CA, and PVDF, respectively). However, filtration of the surfactants solutions did not cause permanent blocking of pores and the surface of the ceramic membrane in contrast to the polymeric ones. No significant differences in surfactants permeation through the membranes tested were observed. Concentration of the surfactant in the permeate was lower than 1 CMC for the Rofam 10 solution and exceeded the CMC by about 40 % for the SDS solution. Better separation properties of polymer membranes for the separation of cadmium(II) ions from micellar systems were identified.
Effects of enzymes and hydrocolloids on physical, sensory, and shelf-life properties of wheat bread
Authors: Mikuš Ľubomír , Kováčová Mária , Dodok Ladislav , Medveďová Alžbeta , Mikušová Lucia , Šturdík Ernest 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study compares two types of enzymes: maltogenic amylase (Novamyl 10000 BG) and lipase (Lipopan F BG, Lipopan Xtra BG), both separately and in combination, and seven hydrocolloids (guar gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, β-glucan, carob gum, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)) on the physical and sensory properties of a bakery product (white wheat bread). Their effect was observed on the baking characteristics of volume, specific volume, shape, mass, shelf-life (penetration and water activity test), and overall taste. The best results in shelf-life extension from the hydrocolloids were shown by β-glucan, a combination of xanthan gum + carrageenan and guar gum. From the enzymes, the best results were achieved with Lipopan Xtra BG and Novamyl 10000 BG + Lipopan F BG combination. The sensory properties (e.g. taste, colour, shape, aroma, elasticity, hardness) were evaluated by ten trained panellists, holding certification in sensory analysis. β-Glucan and Novamyl 10000 BG + Lipopan F BG combination increased the bread volume significantly and also were deemed to afford the most favourable taste.