bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling relationships: Hospital occupancy levels, discharge timing and emergency department access block
Authors: Khanna Sankalp , Boyle Justin , Good Norm , Lind James 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the effect of hospital occupancy levels on inpatient and ED patient flow parameters, and to simulate the impact of shifting discharge timing on occupancy levels.MethodsRetrospective analysis of hospital inpatient data and ED data from 23 reporting public hospitals in Queensland, Australia, across 30 months. Relationships between outcome measures were explored through the aggregation of the historic data into 21 912 hourly intervals. Main outcome measures included admission and discharge rates, occupancy levels, length of stay for admitted and emergency patients, and the occurrence of access block. The impact of shifting discharge timing on occupancy levels was quantified using observed and simulated data.ResultsThe study identified three stages of system performance decline, or choke points, as hospital occupancy increased. These choke points were found to be dependent on hospital size, and reflect a system change from ‘business‐as‐usual’ to ‘crisis’. Effecting early discharge of patients was also found to significantly (P < 0.001) impact overcrowding levels and improve patient flow.ConclusionsModern hospital systems have the ability to operate efficiently above an often‐prescribed 85% occupancy level, with optimal levels varying across hospitals of different size. Operating over these optimal levels leads to performance deterioration defined around occupancy choke points. Understanding these choke points and designing strategies around alleviating these flow bottlenecks would improve capacity management, reduce access block and improve patient outcomes. Effecting early discharge also helps alleviate overcrowding and related stress on the system.
Various infection status and molecular evidence for horizontal transmission and recombination of Wolbachia and Cardinium among rice planthoppers and related species
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Jun , Han Xiao , Hong Xiao‐Yue 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWolbachia and Cardinium are widely distributed and are considered important for their ability to disturb reproduction and affect other fitness‐related traits of their hosts. By using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing methods, we extensively surveyed Wolbachia and Cardinium infection status of four predominant rice planthoppers and one kind of leafhopper in different rice fields. The results demonstrated that Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) and Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén) were infected with the same Wolbachia strain (wStri), while Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and its closely related species Nilaparvata muiri China were infected with two phylogeneticlly distant strains, wLug and wMui, respectively. Three new Wolbachia strains (provisionally named wMfas1, wMfas2 and wMfas3) were detected in the leafhopper Macrosteles fascifrons (Stål). Only S. furcifera was co‐infected with Cardinium, which indicated that the distribution of Cardinium in these rice planthoppers was narrower than that of Wolbachia. Unambiguous intragenic recombination events among these Wolbachia strains and incongruent phylogenetic relationships show that the connections between different Wolbachia strains and hosts were more complex than we expected. These results suggest that horizontal transmission and host associated specialization are two factors affecting Wolbachia and Cardinium infections among planthoppers and their related species.
Effects of Tomato Powder on Color, Lipid Oxidation and Sensory Properties of Comminuted Meat Products
Authors: Modzelewska‐Kapituła Monika 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the effects of commercially available tomato powder (TP) (Altoma 9010, Diana Naturals, Antrain, France) on production yield, cooking loss, acidity, color, lipid oxidation and sensory properties of meatloaf, and to determine the optimal level of TP addition. Six batches of meatloaves were produced: with 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0% TP. The addition of TP did not affect the production yield and cooking loss of the products. The batters, in which higher amount than 0.4% of TP was used, had pH values significantly lower as compared to the control (
P < 0.05). The addition of TP did not affect lightness (L*) of products but it increased redness (a*), yellowness (b*), hue and saturation index. All meatloaves gained high scores (4 and above on the 1–5 scale) for all sensory attributes, which indicates their good sensory quality. The addition of TP did not retard lipid oxidation in meatloaves, but actually promoted it in the products containing 1.0% TP. Based on the factors that are most important to the meat processors (pH value, production yield, sensory quality), the recommended level of TP addition is 0.4–0.8%.Practical ApplicationsThis study will inform producers on the possibilities to manufacture comminuted meat products with the addition of tomato powder as a lycopene source. Moreover, it indicates a consumer preference for comminuted meat products containing tomato powder, as well as the influence of the additive on acidity, lipid oxidation and color of the products. As far as commercial tomato powders differ in terms of chemical composition, including lycopene concentration, their influence on product quality is also diverse. The results of the study will help producers to design their new meat products with tomato powder, which has the same or similar chemical characteristics as used in the study.
Mortality and Causes of Death in the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm Study
Authors: Sauerbeck Laura , Hornung Richard , Woo Daniel , Moomaw Charles J. , Anderson Craig , Connolly E. Sander , Rouleau Guy A. , Brown Robert D. , Broderick Joseph P. ,   the FIA Study Investigators
Published: August 2012

Background Higher mortality for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage has been reported. Aims In families with intracranial aneurysms, we sought to determine whether mortality among subjects with intracranial aneurysm (affected) was higher and related to rupture, compared with unaffected family members. Methods Subjects enrolled in the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm protocol were contacted yearly and their status was obtained. If reported to be deceased, the cause of death was verified by available records. A Cox proportional hazards model was utilized to compare mortality rates. Results Of the 2794 subjects, 1073 were affected and 1721 were unaffected. There were 8525 person-years of follow-up (mean 3·05 ± 1·73 years) and 85 deaths. Age at study entry for the affected (58·4 ±11·9 years) was significantly older ( P < 0·0001) than for the unaffected (52·2 ± 16·1). After adjusting for age, the overall mortality rate for the affected subjects was not significantly different from that for the unaffected (Rate Ratio [RR] 1·26, 95% confidence interval 0·82–1·93, P = 0·292). There was a strong effect modification due to age. The mortality rate ratio of the affected to the unaffected who were ≤60 years of age was RR = 3·48 (95% confidence interval: 1·59–7·63, P = 0·002), the rate for the affected subjects who were ≥60 was less than the rate for the unaffected (RR = 0·69, 95% confidence interval: 0·404–1·19, P = 0·178). The affected who had ruptures had 2·62 times the mortality rate as those without ruptures (95% confidence interval 1·43–4·80, P = 0·002). Conclusion The overall mortality was similar for the affected and unaffected subjects in this cohort. Among the affected only, those with ruptured intracranial aneurysm had a higher mortality rate than those without ruptured.
Comparison of Quantitative Estimation of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Infarct Volumes after Thromboembolism in an Embolic Stroke Model
Authors: Eriksen Nina , Rasmussen Rune S. , Overgaard Karsten , Johansen Flemming F. , Pakkenberg Bente 
Published: August 2012

Background Strokes have both ischemic and hemorrhagic components, but most studies of experimental stroke only address the ischemic component. This is likely because investigations of hemorrhagic transformation are hindered by the lack of methods based on unbiased principles for volume estimation. Aims We evaluated different methods for estimating the volume of infarcts, hemorrhages, after embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion with or without thrombolysis. Methods An experimental thromboembolytic rat model was used in this study. The rats underwent surgery and were placed in two groups. Group 1 was treated with saline, and group 2 was treated with 20 mg/kg recombinant tissue plasminogen activator to promote intracerebral hemorrhages. Stereology, semiautomated computer estimation, and manual erythrocyte counting were used to test the precision and efficiency of determining the size of the infarct and intracerebral hemorrhage. Results No differences were observed in the infarct volume or amount of bleeding when comparing the three methods of volume estimation. Although semiautomated computer estimation and manual erythrocyte counting provided similar results as the stereological measurements, the stereological method was the most efficient and advantageous. Conclusions We found that stereology was the superior method for quantification of hemorrhagic volume, especially for rodent petechial bleeding, which is otherwise difficult to measure. Our results suggest the possibility of measuring both the ischemic and the hemorrhagic components of stroke, two parameters that may be differentially regulated when therapeutic regimens are tested.
Prediction of Vascular Risk after Stroke — Protocol and Pilot Data of the Prospective Cohort with Incident Stroke (PROSCIS)
Authors: Liman Thomas G. , Zietemann Vera , Wiedmann Silke , Jungehuelsing Gerhard J. , Endres Matthias , Wollenweber Frank A. , Wellwood Ian , Dichgans Martin , Heuschmann Peter U. 
Published: August 2012

Rationale Long-term risk of vascular disease is substantially increased after stroke with several models proposed to predict subsequent stroke and other vascular events after an index event. However, recent validation studies demonstrate limited predictive properties of available prognostic models. Aims We aim to determine prediction models of different complexity for the combined vascular end-point of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death at three-years after first-ever stroke. An independent external validation of the developed models will be performed. Design Prospective observational hospital-based cohort study of patients after first-ever stroke. Methods The new predictive models will be developed using the following steps: ( 1 ) Development of a basic score based on clinical history data (e.g. hypertension, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation); ( 2 ) Development of an advanced score including additional factors such as blood-based biomarkers and results of vascular imaging; ( 3 ) Comparing the models fit using different methods (discrimination, calibration); ( 4 ) Assessment of clinical utility of an advanced score using methods based on reclassification tables (e.g. net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, decision curve analysis); and ( 5 ) Investigation of external validity. Outcomes Primary outcome is a combined vascular end-point composed of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death at three-years after stroke. Furthermore, each component of the composite end-point will be investigated individually and the patterns and time points of risk transitions between vascular end-points and stroke sub-types will be determined.
Validation of the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) Score for Outcome Prediction in Endovascular Stroke Treatment
Authors: Flint Alexander C. , Kamel Hooman , Rao Vivek A. , Cullen Sean P. , Faigeles Bonnie S. , Smith Wade S. 
Published: August 2012

Background We recently developed the Totaled Health Risks In Vascular Events (THRIVE) score to predict outcomes after endovascular stroke treatment. The THRIVE score, which incorporates age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and three medical comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation), was developed using data from the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI trials. Aims We set out to perform external validation of the THRIVE score using data from the largest registry of endovascular stroke treatment performed to date, the Merci Registry. Methods We compared the performance of the THRIVE score in two different data sets: the development cohort (the MERCI and Multi MERCI trials, n = 305) and a validation cohort (the Merci Registry, a prospective multicenter registry of patients undergoing endovascular stroke treatment, n = 1000). We examined the predictive utility of the THRIVE score across the range of clinical outcomes and used receiver–operator characteristics curve analysis to compare score performance in the two data sets. Results The THRIVE score predicted good outcome, death, and the full range of the modified Rankin Scale in a similar fashion between the MERCI trials and the Merci Registry. Receiver–operator characteristics curve comparisons showed no statistically significant difference in the performance of the THRIVE score between the two data sets: for good outcome, the receiver–operator characteristics area under the curve was 0.293 for the MERCI trials and 0.266 for the Merci Registry ( P = 0.47) and for death, the receiver–operator characteristics area under the curve was 0.692 for the MERCI trials and 0.717 for the Merci Registry ( P = 0.48). The THRIVE score and vessel recanalization were also found to be independent and unrelated predictors of clinical outcome. Conclusions The THRIVE score reliably predicts outcomes after endovascular stroke treatment and may be useful as a clinical prognostic tool and to perform severity adjustments in stroke clinical research.
Adaptation of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) curve number (CN) model in estimating direct run‐off from humid tropical forest catchments
Authors: Mware Mugo , Mwasi Benjamin , Mburu Francis , Sirma Peter , Koech Eric 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSuitability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) curve number (CN) model of run‐off prediction was evaluated on three humid tropical forested catchments in Kimakia, Kenya. The catchments were dominated by Pinus patula (catchment A), Arundinaria alpina (catchment C) and Pennisetum clandestinum (catchment M). The study used discharge and rainfall data collected between 1958 and 1986. Seventy‐three (73) isolated storms were graphically separated into baseflow, interflow and surface run‐off. Forest cover types significantly improved catchments characteristics that influence baseflow and interflow generation in catchment C but not those that influence surface run‐off production. In its original form, the NRCS CN model resulted in direct run‐off estimates that deviated from observed ones by between 43.8% and 55.3%. These discrepancies were minimized through modification of the β and CN parameters. CN generated empirically using storm rainfall predicted the direct run‐off satisfactorily. Therefore, the modified NRCS CN model adequately estimates direct run‐off from humid tropical forested catchments.
Detection of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in groundwater in the Yaoundé region (Cameroon, Central Africa)
Authors: Nola Moïse , Nougang Mireille E. , Noah Ewoti Olive V. , Moungang Luciane M. , Krier François , Chihib Nour‐Eddine 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains, relative to the total count of E. coli, faecal coliforms and other heterotrophic mesophilic aerobic bacteria (HMAB) isolated in groundwater in the equatorial region of Cameroon (Central Africa). Bacteria were isolated using standard methods. Pathogenic E. coli strains were then identified using haemagglutination and antisera tests. The maximum abundance of HMAB, faecal coliforms and E. coli strains were 4.9 × 106, 5.6 × 103 and 1 × 103 colony‐forming units (CFU)/100 mL, respectively. The count of pathogenic E. coli strains reached 3 CFU/100 mL. The counts of commensal and pathogenic E. coli strains underwent temporal and spatial fluctuations. In 21% of sampling sites, the abundance of faecal coliforms was significantly correlated to that of E. coli (P < 0.05). However, the isolated bacterial count was not significantly correlated to that of the pathogenic E. coli strains (P > 0.05). The bacteria abundance dynamics may be impacted by many interacting factors.
Anti-inflammatory effect of (E)-4-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienylamino)phenol, a new derivative of 4-nerolidylcatechol
Authors: Lino Roberta Campos , Martins Fabiula Ines , Florentino Iziara Ferreira , Nascimento Marcus Vinicius Mariano , Galdino Pablinny Moreira , Andrade Carolina H , Rezende Kênnia Rocha , Menegatti Ricardo , Costa Elson Alves 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Objectives
We have investigated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of (E)-4-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienylamino)phenol (LQFM-015), which was designed through molecular simplification strategy from 4-nerolidylcatechol.

Methods
The possible anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects were assayed on carrageenan-induced paw oedema and pleurisy, acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin tests in mice.

Key findings
LQFM-015 reduced the activity of PLA2 enzyme in vitro by 18%. Docking studies into the catalytic site of PLA2 were used to identify the binding mode of the LQFM-015. LQFM-015 showed a moderate antinociceptive effect, since this compound reduced the number of writhings by approximately up to 40% in the acetic acid-induced pain model; this antinociceptive activity also emerged in the second phase of the formalin-induced pain model (58% of inhibition). The anti-inflammatory action of LQFM-015 was confirmed in acute inflammation models, in which it reduced the formation of oedema to 52.78 ± 8.6 and 46.64 ± 5.2 at the second and third hour of carrageenan-induced paw oedema, respectively. Also in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy model, LQFM-015 reduced the migration of leucocytes by 26.0% and decrease myeloperoxidase activity by 50%. LQFM-015 showed different concentrations to inhibit 50% of isoenzyme cyclooxygenase activity (IC50); COX-1 IC50 = 36 μm) and COX-2 IC50 = 28 μm.

Conclusions
LQFM-015 demonstrated inhibition of both PLA2 and COX enzymes; thus, the moderate antinociceptive effect of this compound could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Enhanced evaluation of selective androgen receptor modulators in vivo
Authors: Otto‐Duessel M. , He M. , Adamson T. W. , Jones J. O. 
Published: August 2012

SummarySelective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a class of drugs that control the activity of the androgen receptor (AR), which mediates the response to androgens, in a tissue‐selective fashion. They are specifically designed to reduce the possible complications that result from the systemic inhibition or activation of AR in patients with diseases that involve androgen signalling. However, there are no ideal in vivo models for evaluating candidate SARMs. Therefore, we created a panel of androgen‐responsive genes in clinically relevant AR expressing tissues including prostate, skin, bone, fat, muscle, brain and kidney. We used select genes from this panel to compare transcriptional changes in response to the full agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the SARM bolandiol at 16 h and 6 weeks. We identified several genes in each tissue whose expression at each of these time points correlates with the known tissue‐specific effects of these compounds. For example, in the prostate we found four genes whose expression was much lower in animals treated with bolandiol compared with animals treated with DHT for 6 weeks, which correlated well with differences in prostate weight. We demonstrate that adding molecular measurements (androgen‐regulated gene expression) to the traditional physiological measurements (tissue weights, etc.) makes the evaluation of potential SARMs more accurate, thorough and perhaps more rapid by allowing measurement of selectivity after only 16 h of drug treatment.
Acute Termination of Human Atrial Fibrillation by Identification and Catheter Ablation of Localized Rotors and Sources: First Multicenter Experience of Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM) Ablation
Authors: SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , HUMMEL JOHN D. , MILLER JOHN M. , STEINBERG JONATHAN S. 
Published: August 2012

FIRM Ablation of Human AF Rotors. Introduction: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) currently relies on eliminating triggers, and no reliable method exists to map the arrhythmia itself to identify ablation targets. The aim of this multicenter study was to define the use of Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM) for identifying ablation targets.
Methods:
We prospectively enrolled the first (n = 14, 11 males) consecutive patients undergoing FIRM‐guided ablation for persistent (n = 11) and paroxysmal AF at 5 centers. A 64‐pole basket catheter was used for panoramic right and left atrial mapping during AF. AF electrograms were analyzed using a novel system to identify sustained rotors (spiral waves), or focal beats (centrifugal activation to surrounding atrium). Ablation was performed first at identified sources. The primary endpoints were acute AF termination or organization (>10% cycle length prolongation). Conventional ablation was performed only after FIRM‐guided ablation.
Results:
Twelve out of 14 cases were mapped. AF sources were demonstrated in all patients (average of 1.9 ± 0.8 per patient). Sources were left atrial in 18 cases, and right atrial in 5 cases, and 21/23 were rotors. FIRM‐guided ablation achieved the acute endpoint in all patients, consisting of AF termination in n = 8 (4.9 ± 3.9 minutes at the primary source), and organization in n = 4. Total FIRM time for all patients was 12.3 ± 8.6 minutes.
Conclusions:
FIRM‐guided ablation revealed localized AF rotors/focal sources in patients with paroxysmal, persistent and longstanding persistent AF. Brief targeted FIRM‐guided ablation at a priori identified sites terminated or substantially organized AF in all cases prior to any other ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1277‐1285, December 2012)