bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allometric scaling of marbofloxacin pharmacokinetics: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Yohannes S. , Hossain Md. Akil , Kim J.Y. , Lee S.J. , Kwak D.M. , Suh J.W. , Park S.C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe association between physiologically dependent pharmacokinetic parameters (CLB, T1/2β, Vdss) of marbofloxacin and body weight was studied in eight animal species based on allometric equation Y = aWb, where ‘Y’ is the pharmacokinetic parameter, ‘W’ is body weight, ‘a’ is allometric coefficient (intercept) and ‘b’ is the exponent that describes relation between pharmacokinetic parameter and body weight. The body clearance of marbofloxacin has shown significant (P<0.0001) relation with size (Bwt) in various animal species. However, half-life and volume of distribution were not in association with body weight. Although half-life and volume of distribution were not in a good correlation with body weight, statistically significant association between the body clearance and body weight suggests validity of allometric scaling for predicting pharmacokinetic parameters of marbofloxacin in animal species that have not been studied yet. However further study considering large sample size and other parameters influencing pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin is recommended.
In vivo inhibitory effect of Aloe vera gel on the ability of mouse parental splenic lymphocytes to induce cutaneous angiogenesis in recipient F1 mice
Authors: Skopiński P. , Lewicki S. , Bałan B.J. , Kocik J. , Zdanowski R. , Skopińska-Różewska E. , Siwicki A.K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLymphocyte-induced angiogenesis test (LIA) is a model of local graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction, marker of the earliest events resulting from activation of donor lymphocytes after contact with host semi-allogeneic histocompatibility antigens. The effect of in vivo oral administration of Aloe vera gel for 21 days to maternal strain (Balb/c) donor mice on the ability of their splenic lymphocytes to induce cutaneous angiogenesis (LIA test) in F1 Balb/c x C3H recipients, was studied.Results: Neovascular reaction evaluated 72 hours after cells grafting was significantly lower in F1 mice grafted with lymphocytes collected from Aloe- fed donors, than in recipients of lymphocytes collected from respective controls. Conclusions: This observation opens the promise of safe and ethically acceptable possibility of use of Aloe vera gel in human donors in prevention of GVHD in recipients of bone marrow grafts.
Evaluation of reticulated platelets in dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia
Authors: Żmigrodzka M. , Guzera M. , Winnicka A. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of reticulated platelets in healthy dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia. Seventy two dogs, clinically healthy, were enrolled in the study. Blood was collected from the patients and anticoagulated with tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K3-EDTA) and sodium citrate. Platelet count was obtained by an impedance haematology analyser and platelet morphology was evaluated by examination of blood smears. Patients were allocated into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 dogs with normal platelet count, whereas group 2 was composed of 42 dogs with thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was present in both K3-EDTA and citrate blood samples. Patients with thrombocytopenia were divided into two subgroups: the first subgroup included dogs with platelet count in K3-EDTA anticoagulated blood from 100 to 200 x109/L, patients in the second subgroup had a platelet count of less than 100 x109/L.
The percentage of young reticulated platelets (RPs) labelled with thiazole orange, and the percentage of platelets coated with platelet surface-associated IgG, were determined in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) by a flow cytometer.
The mean percentage of RPs in K3-EDTA and citrate PRP was significantly higher in dogs with thrombocytopenia than in dogs with normal platelet count. The mean percentage of RPs was significantly higher in citrate PRP than in K3-EDTA PRP in all groups.
The results suggest that idiopathic, asymptomatic thrombocytopenia is not caused by platelet surface-associated IgG. Dogs with breed-related thrombocytopenia have a competent bone marrow.
Serum paraoxonase-1 activity of dairy Holstein-Fresian cows in different lactation stages – preliminary study
Authors: Kulka M. , Bełtowski J. , Kluciński W. , Orłowska M. , Kołodziejska J. , Kleczkowski M. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in different lactation stages. The study was conducted on Holstein - Friesian dairy cows in 2nd and 3rd lactation. A significant decrease in paraoxonase activity was found in the postpartum period and during peak of lactation. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentration were also markedly reduced during postpartum period. The concentrations of uric acid in serum was 23% higher during lactation peak in comparison with dry and postpartum period. The results indicate that lower serum paraoxonase activity and higher concentration of uric acid are associated with oxidative character of transition period and lipid functional antioxidative protection during intensive milk production.
Is adenomyosis a problem in reproduction and fertility?
Authors: Korzekwa A. , Łupicka M. , Socha B. , Mannelli Ch. , Skarzynski D.J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAdenomyosis is defined as the presence of glandular foci beside the endometrium of uterus: in the myometrium and/or perimetrium depending on the progress of the disorder. So far, adenomyosis has been diagnosed in women and rodents, and studies conducted on cows have been rare. In this review we: (1) summarize the knowledge regarding adenomyosis, (2) compare the symptoms and aetiopathology between women and cows, (3) describe angiogenic uterine processes related to adenomyosis development and (4) outline the influence of adenomyosis on proper fertility processes in cattle (conception and fertility rates).
Determination of direct violet 51 dye in water based on its decolorisation by electrochemical treatment
Authors: Sürme Yavuz , Demirci Onur 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe decolorisation process of a synthetic textile dye, direct violet 51, was investigated in an aqueous solution using an electrochemical method in a batch electrochemical cell. Graphite electrodes were used as the anode and cathode for the decolorisation process. The parameters such as applied current, initial pH, solution conductivity, interfering ions, and effect of electrodes were optimised. It was found that the dye with an initial concentration of 20 mg L−1 could be removed after 50 min using a current of 100 mA with colour removal of up to 94 %. The UV-VIS spectra of the dye were analysed prior to and after treatment and these confirmed that the conjugated systems were decomposed at a current of 100 mA. The optimised method was successfully applied to real wastewater samples.
THE ROLE OF CORTICOSTEROIDS IN ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME CAUSED BY VIRIDANS GROUP STREPTOCOCCI BACTEREMIA IN NEUTROPENIC PATIENTS
Authors: Yacoub Abraham Tareq , Mojica Lysenia , Jones Lily , Knab Andrea , Alrabaa Sally , Greene John Norman 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionDuring the last decades, gram-positive bacteremia has increased dramatically. Gram-positive cocci are the most frequent cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections. Among Gram-positive cocci, Viridans streptococci are a common cause of bacteremia in cancer patients with neutropenia, causing serious complications such as pneumonia, septic shock, and ARDS [1-6]. We present a series of cases of VGS bacteremia complicated with ARDS; early initiation of corticosteroids resulted in complete recovery.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients with hematologic malignancy diagnosed with VGS bacteremia admitted to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida between 1/1/2001 and 4/1/2012 was completed. Data was collected about respiratory symptoms, diagnosis of adult respiratory syndrome, results of blood cultures, medications received and outcome.ResultsIn this study, 70 cases of VGS bacteremia in neutropenic patients were reviewed. The most common adverse event of VGS bacteremia in this group of patients is the development of serious pulmonary complications such as ARDS. In our study, 7 patients developed ARDS. The most common identifies streptococcal species was Streptococcus mitis, isolated in 4 of 7 patients. All 7 patients received corticosteroids early with the onset of respiratory failure. The most commonly prescribed regimen was methylprednisolone 60 mg intravenously every 12 hour for an average of 3 days. All patients received comparable supportive care, appropriate antibiotics, ventilation and hemodynamic support. All patients (100 %) recovered from respiratory failure after receiving corticosteroids. There were no significant adverse events attributable to steroids use.ConclusionStreptococcus mitis is the species most frequently isolated from the patients who have developed ARDS from Streptococcus viridans bacteremia. Our data suggest that the early administration of corticosteroids to neutropenic patients who develop early signs of respiratory failure with VGS bacteremia can prevent the progression of ARDS and improve mortality. Moderate doses of steroids with short duration of administration were not associated with significant adverse events in our case series. While the use of corticosteroids in this setting has been described in the literature since the early 1990s, there remains a scarcity of data and our study help shed some light on this area. Moreover there is little recognition among clinicians of the association between ARDS and VGS bacteremia (particularly mitis species in neutropenic cancer patients) and thus this treatment modality is used late in the course of illness which may reduce benefit. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and to further examine the utility of preemptive use of corticosteroids in cancer patients who develop VGS bacteremia, in regards to ARDS incidence reduction.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PEDIATRIC PULMONARY AND EXTRA-PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS: A WARNING SIGN FOR THE FUTURE
Authors: Devrim Ilker , Aktürk Hüseyin , Bayram Nuri , Apa Hurşit , Tulumoğlu Şener , Devrim Fatma , Erdem Ttulin , Gulfidan Gamze , Ayhan Yüce , Can Demet , Alper Hüdaver 
Published: September 2014

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem affecting millions of people annually. Tuberculosis in children has unique features different from adults which makes the diagnosis to be more difficult. The spectrum of the symptoms of TB in children could vary from non-specific symptoms to severe clinical presentations. In this study, we reviewed our experience at pediatric patients with active TB admitted in a tertiary hospital and aimed to compare the epide­miological, clinical and microbiological features of children with the extra-pulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB) and pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB).Material and methods: Patients under 14 years of age diagnosed with active TB in our unit between December 2008 and September 2013 were included in the study. Data including demographic characteristics, clinical history, microbiology, imaging studies, medications and outcomes of the patients were collected from medical records.Results: A total of 129 cases of active TB were identified. Ninety-two (78.6%) of the cases had Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 25 (21.4%) of the cases had Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The most common signs and symptoms on admission were fever in 40 cases (34.2%) and cough in 81 cases (69.2%). The number of patients without symptoms including fever, cough, malaise and weight loss were significantly higher in EXPTB (72.0%) group when compared with patients in PTB group (13.0%) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between children with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis by means of ratios of white blood cell count, c-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p> 0.05). The detection rate of source in PTB group (42.4%) was significantly higher than the rate in EPTB group (20.0%)( p=0.04). In the drug-resistant group, no source of infection could be established in 5 of 9 patients (55.5%).Conclusions: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis is more difficult than Pulmonary tuberculosis in children due to the various problems such as absence of associated pulmonary involvement, lack of constitutional symptoms and negative tuberculosis exposure history compared to Pulmonary Tuberculosis. New strategies are required for improving the diagnosis of Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in children
Novel free-hand T1 pedicle screw method: Review of 44 consecutive cases
Authors: Rivkin Mark A. , Okun Jessica F. , Yocom Steven S. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Summary of Background Data: Multilevel posterior cervical instrumented fusions are becoming more prevalent in current practice. Biomechanical characteristics of the cervicothoracic junction may necessitate extending the construct to upper thoracic segments. However, fixation in upper thoracic spine can be technically demanding owing to transitional anatomy while suboptimal placement facilitates vascular and neurologic complications. Thoracic instrumentation methods include free-hand, fluoroscopic guidance, and CT-based image guidance. However, fluoroscopy of upper thoracic spine is challenging secondary to vertebral geometry and patient positioning, while image-guided systems present substantial financial commitment and are not readily available at most centers. Additionally, imaging modalities increase radiation exposure to the patient and surgeon while potentially lengthening surgical time. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of 44 consecutive patients undergoing a cervicothoracic fusion by a single surgeon using the novel free-hand T1 pedicle screw technique between June 2009 and November 2012. A starting point medial and cephalad to classic entry as well as new trajectory were utilized. No imaging modalities were employed during screw insertion. Postoperative CT scans were obtained on day 1. Screw accuracy was independently evaluated according to the Heary classification. Results: In total, 87 pedicle screws placed were at T1. Grade 1 placement occurred in 72 (82.8%) screws, Grade 2 in 4 (4.6%) screws and Grade 3 in 9 (10.3%) screws. All Grade 2 and 3 breaches were <2 mm except one Grade 3 screw breaching 2-4 mm laterally. Only two screws (2.3%) were noted to be Grade 4, both breaching medially by less than 2 mm. No new neurological deficits or returns to operating room took place postoperatively. Conclusions: This modification of the traditional starting point and trajectory at T1 is safe and effective. It attenuates additional bone removal or imaging modalities while maintaining a high rate of successful screw placement compared to historical controls.
Quality of life and health of opioid-dependent subjects in India
Authors: Giri Om Prakash , Srivastava Mona , Shankar Ravi 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTBackground and Objectives: The quality of life (QoL) of substance abusers is known to be severely impaired. This study was carried out to assess the impact of opioid dependence on the QoL of subjects and compared it with the normal subjects. Materials and Methods: Based on specified inclusion criteria a total of 47 subjects were recruited from a tertiary care center from India. The WHOQoL-BREF scale domain scores obtained at baseline were compared to that of normal subjects. An assessment of dysfunction and reasons for continuing and other parameters were assessed. Results: WHOQoL-BREF domains (Physical, Psychological, Social relationships and Environment) showed significantly lower scores and the difference was statistically significant. Interpretation and Conclusions: The results showed that QoL is an important parameter in assessment of substance abusers and can be used for long-term prognosis of these individuals.
Over-the-counter self-medication leading to intracranial hypertension in a young lady
Authors: Ramana Reddy A. M. , Prashanth L. K. , Sharat Kumar G. G. , Chandana G. , Jadav Rakesh 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIntracranial hypertension (idiopathic-IIH and secondary) is a potentially treatable condition. Although various factors such as female gender and obesity, certain drugs have been implicated as risk factors for IIH, there remains a lack of clarity in the exact causal-effect relationship. In India, self-medication by obtaining drugs over the counter due to lack of adequate drug regulation and ignorance of the public is a very common practice with a potential for severe adverse effects. We present a case of a young lady who has developed intracranial hypertension possibly due to self-medication with steroids and cyproheptadine, obtained over the counter.
Lightning strike-induced brachial plexopathy
Authors: Bhargava Amita N. , Kasundra Gaurav M. , Khichar Subhakaran , Bhushan Bharat S. K. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWe describe a patient who presented with a history of lightning strike injury. Following the injury, he sustained acute right upper limb weakness with pain. Clinically, the lesion was located to the upper and middle trunk of the right brachial plexus, and the same confirmed with electrophysiological studies. Nerve damage due to lightning injuries is considered very rare, and a plexus damage has been described infrequently, if ever. Thus, the proposed hypothesis that lightning rarely causes neuropathy, as against high-voltage electric current, due to its shorter duration of exposure not causing severe burns which lead to nerve damage, needs to be reconsidered.
Giant cell arteritis or tension-type headache?: A differential diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Rana Abdul Qayyum , Saeed Usman , Khan Osama A. , Qureshi Abdul Rehman M. , Paul Dion 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTGiant cell arteritis (GCA) or Temporal arteritis (TA) is an autoimmune disease and the most common type of vasculitis in the elderly. It causes inflammation of the medium and large arteries in the upper part of the body. GCA is an under-recognized cause of head aches in the elderly, especially when it presents itself with atypical features, resulting in delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Since GCA is a treatable condition, an accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent the most serious complication of CGA, permanent vision loss. The diagnosis can be further complicated as GCA may present with features of other painful neurological conditions. The present case is an 81-year-old woman diagnosed with GCA, who initially presented with features similar to tension-type headache. Due to overlapping features of these conditions, the diagnosis of GCA was delayed, resulting in irreversible vision loss. Although previous research highlights diagnostic dilemmas featuring GCA and other disease states, this case is exclusive in describing a unique dilemma where tension-type headache mimics GCA.
Extensive long-segment cervicothoracic traumatic spinal epidural hematoma with avulsion of C7, C8, and T1 nerve roots
Authors: Garg Kanwaljeet , Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Singla Raghav , Sharma Bhawani Shankar 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTTraumatic spinal epidural hematoma (TSEH) is of rare clinical occurrence. We report a case of a young man with posttraumatic long-segment spinal epidural hematoma. Evacuation of the hematoma led to complete neurologic recovery in our patient. Our case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention for the evacuation of hematoma in preservation or maximum recovery of neurologic function. Imaging findings, management options, and the relevant literature are reviewed.
Drug interaction alert override rates in the Meaningful Use era
Authors: Bryant A.D. , Fletcher G.S. , Payne T.H. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackground: Interruptive drug interaction alerts may reduce adverse drug events and are required for Stage I Meaningful Use attestation. For the last decade override rates have been very high. Despite their widespread use in commercial EHR systems, previously described interventions to improve alert frequency and acceptance have not been well studied.Objectives: (1) To measure override rates of inpatient medication alerts within a commercial clinical decision support system, and assess the impact of local customization efforts. (2) To compare override rates between drug-drug interaction and drug-allergy interaction alerts, between attending and resident physicians, and between public and academic hospitals. (3) To measure the correlation between physicians’ individual alert quantities and override rates as an indicator of potential alert fatigue.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed physician responses to drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction alerts, as generated by a common decision support product in a large teaching hospital system.Results: (1) Over four days, 461 different physicians entered 18,354 medication orders, resulting in 2,455 visible alerts; 2,280 alerts (93%) were overridden. (2) The drug-drug alert override rate was 95.1%, statistically higher than the rate for drug-allergy alerts (90.9%) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in override rates between attendings and residents, or between hospitals. (3) Physicians saw a mean of 1.3 alerts per day, and the number of alerts per physician was not significantly correlated with override rate (R2 = 0.03, p = 0.41).Conclusions: Despite intensive efforts to improve a commercial drug interaction alert system and to reduce alerting, override rates remain as high as reported over a decade ago. Alert fatigue does not seem to contribute. The results suggest the need to fundamentally question the premises of drug interaction alert systems.Citation: Bryant AD, Fletcher GS, Payne TH. Drug interaction alert override rates in the Meaningful Use era: No evidence of progress. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 802–813http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-12-RA-0103
‘The Sweet Uses of London’: The Careers ‘Abroad’ of Louise Mack (1870-1935) and Arthur Maquarie (1874–1955)
Authors: Tasker Meg Mary 
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the careers of two Australian writers who left Sydney for London at the end of the nineteenth century to explore questions of cultural, as well as literary, identity and affiliation.

Louise Mack, as a poet, novelist, writer of romances, journalist and war correspondent, combined a fluid sense of national identity with a flexibility in writing across genres and readerships that makes her hard to categorise. Arthur Maquarie’s career as an Australian poet aspiring to fit into an essentially ‘English’ cultural niche provides a model of Anglo-Australianness that appears to fit a conservative model, called somewhat imprecisely from an Australian perspective, expatration - but which nonetheless retains layers of identity and experience which made complete assimilation virtually impossible.

At a time when there was no clear or inevitable choice between being British or Australian, it is apparent that these writers never fully renounced (indeed, could not completely lose) either their British heritage or their colonial identity, whether working in commercial or literary milieux. Living and working in London, they were not simply expatriates or exiles, but carriers of complex and often shifting roles and identities that insisted on hybridity. Despite this theoretical hybridity being inevitable to some extent, it is still possible to distinguish between them. The colonial transnational writer’s position is differently inflected from the expatriate’s, as it entails the carrying of several layers of identity without an ideologically driven impulse to assert, renounce or choose between them.
By comparison with Maquarie, Louise Mack appears to be far less troubled by notions of cultural identity, whether political or more broadly literary. Her greater mobility between genres, and her lack of any fixed status or position in social or institutional settings of the kind that Maquarie adhered to, correspond to a greater flexibility in her cultural affiliations, and produced a more fluid form of ‘colonial transnational’ identity.