bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land use change in a 200‐year period and its effect on blue and green water flow in two Slovenian Mediterranean catchments—lessons for the future
Authors: Glavan Matjaž , Pintar Marina , Volk Martin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe overexploitation and impairment of our freshwater resources require land management strategies that support the preservation of green and blue water flow and various ecosystem services. Historical landscape analysis and the influential driving factors of landscape development provide an essential basis for tackling current environmental questions in land and water management. Hence, this article investigates the influence of historical land use pattern on the hydrological processes and provision of blue and green water flow and storage for man and ecosystems under current climate conditions. Moreover, we discuss in how far these findings could be used to predict or optimise future land management options or as a reference for future land and water management. We used digitalized historical land use maps from 1787, 1827, 1940 and 1984 and a digital land use map of present situation from 2009 for our study areas, which are two small scale Slovenian catchments (Reka and Dragonja). The integrated river basin model soil and water assessment tool was used to simulate the land use change effects on blue and green water flow. The results showed for both catchments that the influence of land use change on total and green water quantity would be statistically insignificant but would have considerable effects on the seasonal flows. In the Reka catchment, historical situations indicate effects on spring and summer blue and green water flow due to a decreased percentage of forest and an increased percentage of grassland and vineyards in the past. Results for the Dragonja catchment indicate past shift from arable land use to forest as decrease in summer green water flow and increase in blue water flow. Possible effects are also increased levels of blue water flow and decreased levels of green water flow during the growing period of the year. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indacaterol: A Novel Long‐Acting β2‐Agonist
Authors: Ray Shaunta' M. , McMillen James C. , Treadway Sarah A. , Helmer Robert S. , Franks Andrea S. 
Published: September 2012

Bronchodilator drugs are the foundation for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The principal inhaled bronchodilator treatments used are β2‐agonists and anticholinergics, either alone or in combination. Currently available β2‐agonists are of either short duration and used multiple times/day, or of long duration, which requires twice‐daily administration. Indacaterol is considered an ultra–long‐acting β2‐agonist and was recently approved for use in the United States. Its duration of action is approximately 24 hours, allowing for once‐daily administration. Cough was the most commonly reported adverse effect with use of indacaterol. Cough usually occurred within 15 seconds of inhalation of the drug, lasted around 6 seconds, was not associated with bronchospasm, and did not cause discontinuation of the drug. Otherwise, the drug's safety profile was similar to that of other bronchodilators. Based on similar improvement in spirometric measurements compared with other bronchodilator drugs and the convenience of its once‐daily dosing, indacaterol may be beneficial in the management of mild‐to‐moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, either alone or in combination with anticholinergic drugs administered once/day.
Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing Regimens in Preterm and Term Neonates Using Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Mehrotra Nitin , Tang Lisa , Phelps Stephanie J. , Meibohm Bernd 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectiveTo compare four common dosing regimens for vancomycin in preterm and term neonates by assessing the probability that each regimen would achieve the widely used therapeutic target serum trough concentrations of 5–15 mg/L and the newly suggested target of 15–20 mg/L.DesignRetrospective population pharmacokinetic analysis using therapeutic drug monitoring data obtained from 1990–2007, with a subsequent simulation study performed on the pharmacokinetic model.SettingTertiary‐care children's hospital.PatientsOne hundred thirty‐four preterm (66%) and term (34%) neonates, with a postnatal age of 1–121 days and postmenstrual age of 24.6–44 weeks.Measurements and Main ResultsTherapeutic drug monitoring data for vancomycin were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model in the target population. Parameter estimates for the derived pharmacostatistical model were used to perform Monte Carlo simulations for four recommended dosing regimens: a standard dose for all neonates, postmenstrual age–based dosing, postmenstrual and postnatal age–based dosing, and serum creatinine–based dosing. Multivariate age‐weight distributions were established for term and preterm neonates using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts and intrauterine and postnatal growth charts from the literature, respectively. Each dosing regimen was treated as a separate scenario in which 200 replicates with 100 patients/replicate were simulated. The 5–15‐mg/L target trough serum concentration was achieved in 34% (90% confidence interval [CI] 20–53%), 42% (90% CI 31–55%), 52% (90% CI 43–60%), and 63% (90% CI 54–72%) of patients receiving the standard dose, postmenstrual age–based dose, postmenstrual and postnatal age–based dose, and serum creatinine–based dose, respectively. Serum creatinine–based dosing produced trough concentrations predominantly in the 5–15‐mg/L target range, with the smallest variability in both term and preterm neonates. As expected, when the target range was narrow and higher (15–20 mg/L), only 13–21% of patients were within the range across the four dosing regimens.ConclusionMonte Carlo simulations based on our population pharmacokinetic model suggest that vancomycin dosing guidelines based on serum creatinine concentration have a greater likelihood of achieving trough concentrations in the 5–15‐mg/L range compared with other evaluated dosing regimens. None of the four dosing regimens is suitable to produce target trough concentration of 15–20 mg/L in an acceptable number of patients.
Possible Correlation of Sirolimus Plasma Concentration with Sinusoidal Obstructive Syndrome of the Liver in Patients Undergoing Myeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kiel Patrick J. , Vargo Craig A. , Patel Gourang P. , Rosenbeck Lindsay L. , Srivastava Shivani 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectivesTo determine the frequency of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation who received graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with sirolimus and tacrolimus, and to assess whether the occurrence of SOS correlates with immunosuppressant levels.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingHematopoietic cell transplant unit at an academic medical center.PatientsFifty‐nine adults who received myeloablative preparative regimens for transplantation of any hematologic malignancy and received sirolimus and tacrolimus for GVHD prophylaxis between January 1, 2007, and May 1, 2009; all donors and transplant recipients were human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched for at least HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and ‐DRB1.Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcome was the occurrence of SOS after hematopoietic cell transplantation. Plasma concentrations of sirolimus and tacrolimus and the summative levels of sirolimus and tacrolimus were then compared in patients who developed SOS with those who did not develop SOS. Trough levels were measured from blood samples collected 30–60 minutes before the morning doses of sirolimus and tacrolimus on days 0–35, or until the development of SOS. Of the 59 patients, 12 (20%) developed SOS. The mean sirolimus level was significantly higher in patients who developed SOS relative to those who did not develop SOS (10.5 vs 8.7 ng/ml, p=0.003). The mean summative trough level of sirolimus and tacrolimus was also significantly higher in those who developed SOS compared with those who did not (19.7 vs 17.1 ng/ml, p=0.003). The mean ± SD time to the occurrence of SOS was 28 ± 8.7 days. The median time to death was 101 days for patients who developed SOS compared with 433 days for patients who did not develop SOS (p=0.002).ConclusionSirolimus plasma concentration may correlate with the development of delayed SOS; however, further research is needed to prospectively evaluate the role of sirolimus exposure in the pathogenesis of SOS.
Plerixafor as First‐ and Second‐Line Strategies for Autologous Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma or Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lor Kevin W. , Helmons Pieter J. , Belew Helen , Lane James R. , Ball Edward D. 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectiveTo describe the institutional experience of plerixafor plus filgrastim as the initial peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization (first‐line strategy) and as rescue therapy after failure with filgrastim plus cyclophosphamide (second‐line strategy).DesignRetrospective medical record review.SettingAcademic medical center.PatientsThirty‐three patients (median age 62 yrs) who received plerixafor between January 2008 and December 2009.Measurements and Main ResultsWe collected data on total CD34+ cell yield and number of apheresis sessions in both first‐line and second‐line plerixafor recipients. Mobilization with plerixafor plus filgrastim resulted in a median yield of 8.95 × 106 and 2.45 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg in patients with multiple myeloma or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, respectively. As rescue mobilization, plerixafor plus filgrastim successfully mobilized CD34+ cells in 16 (84%) of 19 patients. When comparing first‐line plerixafor plus filgrastim therapy with second‐line therapy, we found an increase in CD34+ yield and 1 less apheresis day in patients with multiple myeloma, but no difference in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.ConclusionA regimen of plerixafor plus filgrastim successfully mobilized CD34+ cells in a median of 1 apheresis day for patients with multiple myeloma and 2 apheresis days for patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, including patients who failed initial filgrastim plus cyclophosphamide mobilization. Plerixafor plus filgrastim could be a viable first‐line option in patients with multiple myeloma, as it improved CD34+ cell yield and decreased number of apheresis days compared with second‐line plerixafor plus filgrastim therapy, whereas it was comparable to second‐line therapy in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Relationship Between Potential Opioid‐Related Adverse Effects and Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Receiving Opioids After Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Pizzi Laura T. , Toner Richard , Foley Kathleen , Thomson Erin , Chow Wing , Kim Myoung , Couto Joseph , Royo Marc , Viscusi Eugene 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectiveTo determine whether there is an association between opioid‐related adverse effects and postoperative hospital length of stay (p‐LOS).DesignRetrospective medical record review.SettingLarge academic medical center.PatientsRandom sample of 402 patients (mean age 60.2 yrs, 50.3% female) who underwent orthopedic spine, hip, knee, or shoulder surgery during 2007 and received opioids during or after the procedure.Measurements and Main ResultsPotential opioid‐related adverse effects were identified by using established criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (generalized linear regression model, log transformed) were used to identify predictors of p‐LOS. The model also estimated the effect of specific types of adverse effects and adverse‐effect combinations on p‐LOS. Mean ± SD p‐LOS was 3.0 ± 2.1 days; median oral morphine equivalent postoperative dose was 60 mg/day. More than half of the patients (54.2%) experienced one or more adverse effects, 25.6% experienced two or more adverse effects, and 7.2% experienced three or more adverse effects. The composite of nausea and vomiting was experienced by 36.1% of study patients, and 12.6% had at least one emesis episode. Constipation and confusion were documented in 6.5% and 3.7% of patients, respectively. Constipation (p<0.0001), emesis (p<0.001), and confusion (p<0.01) were associated with increased p‐LOS after adjusting for other significant variables. Patients with constipation had an adjusted 49% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25–77%) longer p‐LOS (additional 1.4 days) compared with patients without constipation. Emesis and confusion significantly increased p‐LOS by 25% (95% CI 10–42%) and 38% (95% CI 11–72%), respectively. Incremental increases in p‐LOS for patients with two adverse effects (p=0.02), three adverse effects (p<0.001), and four adverse effects (p<0.001) versus patients with no adverse effects were 15%, 40%, and 82%, respectively.ConclusionConstipation, emesis, and confusion were associated with increased p‐LOS in patients receiving opioids after orthopedic surgery. In addition, there was a significant linear relationship between the number of adverse effects/patient and increased p‐LOS, and the strength of the association increased as the number of adverse effects increased. Although the opioid dosages and adverse‐effect rates were typical, these findings reinforce the need to balance pain management with risk of events.
Cloning, Expression, and Localization of Two Types of Fast Skeletal Myosin Heavy Chain Genes From Black Tiger and Pacific White Shrimps
Authors: Koyama Hiroki , Akolkar Dadasaheb B. , Piyapattanakorn Sanit , Watabe Shugo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe physiology and biochemistry of skeletal muscles in shrimps have been poorly understood compared with those from vertebrates. The present study was conducted focusing on myosin, the major protein in skeletal muscle, from adult specimens of black tiger Penaeus monodon and Pacific white Penaeus vannamei shrimps. Two genes encoding myosin heavy chain (MHC), a large subunit of the myosin molecule, were cloned from abdominal fast skeletal muscle and defined as MHCa and MHCb according to our previous study on kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. Random cloning demonstrated that the MHCb gene (MHCb) was expressed more abundantly than MHCa. The full‐length cDNA clones of MHCa and MHCb from black tiger shrimp consisted of 5,926 and 5,914 bp, respectively, which encoded 1,914 and 1,909 amino acids, respectively, whereas those from Pacific white shrimp consisted of 5,923 and 5,908 bp, respectively, which encoded 1,913 and 1,909 amino acids, respectively. Both MHCa and MHCb were considered to be fast muscle type due to their strict localization in fast muscle. The amino acid identities between MHCa and MHCb of black tiger shrimp were 77%, 60%, and 73% in the regions of subfragment‐1 (S1), subfragment‐2 (S2) and light meromyosin (LMM), respectively, with 71% in total, whereas those of Pacific white shrimp were 78%, 60%, and 73% in the regions of S1, S2, and LMM, respectively, with 72% in total. In situ hybridization and northern blot analysis using different regions from abdominal muscle demonstrated different localizations of MHCa and MHCb transcripts in this muscle, suggesting their distinct physiological functions. J. Exp. Zool. 317A:608–621, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patient level decision making in recurrent acute rhinosinusitis: A cost‐benefit threshold for surgery
Authors: Leung Randy , Almassian Stella , Kern Robert , Conley David , Tan Bruce , Chandra Rakesh 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:A previous effort to identify the threshold for surgery in recurrent acute rhinosinsutis (RARS) was made based on workforce productivity. While this macroeconomic approach is useful for population‐level decision making, patient‐level decision making is variable and driven by personal and financial implications. This microeconomic study seeks to identify threshold levels of infection where surgery becomes worthwhile to patients based on costs, lost income, and quality of life.Study Design:Cost‐Benefit Breakeven Analysis.Methods:A breakeven analysis was constructed from literature reported medical and surgical response rates, change in quality of life as a result of intervention, and costs to patients.Results:A breakeven threshold occurs when patients suffer from 1.3–2.8 episodes per year under the conservative assumption that the effects of surgery do not extend beyond 19 months — the longest outcomes reported.Discussion:Due to possible confusion with URTIs, we have adopted an approach similar to that advocated by the Rhinosinusitis Task Force. Given the average number of URTIs suffered by adults annually is 1.4–2.3. We suggest adding this to the threshold number of episodes calculated in the present model. Under the most conservative assumptions, this suggests that patients should consider surgery when suffering from five or more episodes per year. Laryngoscope, 2013
Total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation and free flap reconstruction: Objective functional outcomes and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Dziegielewski Peter T. , Ho Michael L. , Rieger Jana , Singh Prabhjyot , Langille Morgan , Harris Jeffrey R. , Seikaly Hadi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective:Advanced tongue cancer is a devastating diagnosis with potential for significant morbidity after treatment. This is especially true for patients undergoing total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP), free flap reconstruction and adjuvant radiotherapy. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine long‐term objective functional and quality of life outcomes, 2) investigate the influence of rehabilitation on functional recovery and 3) determine swallowing ability in patients with TGLP.Study Design:Prospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature.Methods:Functional outcomes data were collected from 2000–2010. Outcomes were measured pre‐ and 12 months post‐surgery and included: gastrostomy‐tube (G‐Tube) rates, swallowing transit times on video fluoroscopic swallowing studies, speech intelligibility and EORTC‐H&N 35 quality of life scores. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine comprehensive long term G‐Tube rates.Results:Twelve patients were included and eight were still living at 12 months post‐surgery. Fifty percent of patients in this study and 24% with systematic review used G‐Tubes at 1 year post‐surgery. Patients who could swallow did not aspirate, but more than doubled swallowing transit times. Spoken sentence intelligibility averaged 66% and mean quality of life scores improved 8.9 points 12 months post‐surgery. Patients who attended >80% of swallowing and speech rehabilitation sessions demonstrated superior swallowing and speech functional outcomes.Conclusions:Although a potentially morbid treatment, TGLP and free flap reconstruction can provide good swallowing and speech outcomes as well as meaningful long‐term quality of life. Regular attendance of rehabilitation sessions is imperative to optimize functional outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2013
Effect of grapefruit juice on bioavailability of montelukast
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Toros Sema Zer , Gürbüz Melek Kezban , Ince Iskender , Cakli Hamdi , Erdogmus Nagehan , Karasulu Ercument , Kaya Ercan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to investigate possible interactions between grapefruit juice and montelukast for up to 4 hours.Study Design:A prospective, crossover study with 23 healthy volunteers was performed in two sessions.Methods:In the first session, volunteers were treated with oral montelukast 10 mg once daily with 250 ml water. After a 10‐day washout period, the same volunteers were treated with 10 mg montelukast with 250 ml grapefruit juice. Blood samples were collected 2, 3, and 4 hours after drug administration and kept at −80°C after both applications. Plasma samples were analyzed for montelukast concentration.Results:The mean plasma concentration of montelukast across all time intervals was significantly greater (P = 0.0001) for those given grapefruit juice (517, 484, and 440) versus those treated with water (366, 356, and 292). Moreover, with respect to the time the sample was collected, there was no significant difference (P = 0.13) in the mean total plasma concentration up to 4 hours after montelukast ingestion for either group. There was a significant difference between the groups according to the area under curve with regard to marginal and cumulative values for all different time intervals (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Plasma concentration of montelukast was higher when administered with grapefruit juice, as compared to with water. This may have been due to the effect of grapefruit on liver metabolism of montelukast and the cytochrome P450 system.
Malnutrition and obesity in pediatric oncology patients: Causes, consequences, and interventions
Authors: Co‐Reyes Erica , Li Rhea , Huh Winston , Chandra Joya 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn children with cancer, suboptimal nutrition states are common consequences of the disease and its treatment. These nutrition states have been attributed to a number of etiologies dependent on the patient's tumor type and treatment, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interventions vary from psychosocial to pharmacological and surgical management. Further research is necessary to understand the epidemiology and etiology of these nutrition states. Of great importance is the development and implementation of effective interventions to optimize nutritional status among children with cancer during and after therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1160–1167. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Prescription Drug Costs in the United States and the United Kingdom, Part 1: Statins
Authors: Jick Hershel , Wilson Andrew , Wiggins Peter , Chamberlin Douglas P. 
Published: September 2012

Study ObjectiveTo compare the annual cost of statins in the United States and in the United Kingdom.DesignMatched‐cohort cost analysis.Data SourcesU.K. General Practice Research Database (GPRD), and MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database, a large, U.S. self‐insured medical claims database.Study PopulationWe initially identified 1.6 million people in the GPRD who were younger than 65 years of age in 2005. These people were then matched by year of birth and sex with 1.6 million people in the U.S. database. From this matched pool, we estimated that 280,000 people aged 55–64 years from each country in 2005 were prescribed at least one drug. Of these, 91,474 (33%) in the U.S. were prescribed a statin compared with 68,217 (24%) in the U.K. After excluding those who did not receive statins continuously or who switched statins during the year, there remained 61,470 in the U.S. and 45,788 in the U.K. who were prescribed a single statin preparation continuously during 2005 (annual statin users). We estimated and compared drug costs (presented in 2005 U.S. dollars) separately in the two countries.Measurements and Main ResultsEstimated drug costs were determined by random sampling. Estimated annual costs/patient in the U.S. ranged from $313 for generic lovastatin to $1428 for nongeneric simvastatin. In the U.K., annual costs/patient ranged from $164 for generic simvastatin to $509 for nongeneric atorvastatin. The total annual cost of the continuous receipt of statins in the U.S. was $64.9 million compared with $15.7 million in the U.K. In June 2006, after our study results were analyzed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved generic simvastatin. We thus derived cost estimates for simvastatin use during 2006 and found that more than 60% of simvastatin users switched to the generic product, which reduced the cost/pill by more than 50%.ConclusionThe cost paid for statins in the U.S. for people younger than 65 years, who were insured by private companies, was approximately 400% higher than comparable costs paid by the government in the U.K. Available generic statins were substantially less expensive than those that were still under patent in both countries.