bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of perchlorate in ground water, surface water and bottled water in Kerala, India
Authors: Nadaraja Anupama Vijaya , Puthiyaveettil Prajeesh Gangadharan , Bhaskaran Krishnakumar 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Background
Perchlorate is an emerging water contaminant that disrupts normal functioning of human thyroid gland and poses serious threat to health, especially for pregnant women, fetus and children.

Results
High level of perchlorate contamination in fresh water sources at places nearby ammonium perchlorate (rocket fuel) handled in bulk is reported in this study. Of 160 ground water samples analyzed from 27 locations in the State Kerala, 58 % had perchlorate above detection limit (2 μg/L) and the highest concentration observed was 7270 μg/L at Ernakulam district, this value is ~480 times higher than USEPA drinking water equivalent level (15 μg/L). Perchlorate was detected in all surface water samples analyzed (n = 10) and the highest value observed was 355 μg/L in Periyar river (a major river in the State). The bottled drinking water (n = 5) tested were free of perchlorate.

Conclusions
The present study underlines the need for frequent screening of water sources for perchlorate contamination around places the chemical is handled in bulk. It will help to avoid human exposure to high levels of perchlorate.
National survey on endoscopy training in the UK
Authors: Jones RP , Stylianides NA , Robertson AG , Yip VSK , Chadwick G 
Published: July 2015

Introduction Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is an important skill for both gastroenterologists and general surgeons but concerns have been raised about the provision and delivery of training. This survey aimed to evaluate and compare the delivery of endoscopy training to gastroenterology and surgical trainees in the UK. Methods A nationwide electronic survey was carried out of UK gastroenterology and general surgery trainees. Results There were 216 responses (33% gastroenterologists, 67% surgeons). Gastroenterology trainees attended more non-training endoscopy lists (mean: 3.0 vs 1.2) and training lists than surgical trainees (mean: 0.9 vs 0.5). A significantly higher proportion of gastroenterologists had already achieved accreditation in gastroscopy (60.8% vs 28.9%), colonoscopy (66.7% vs 1.4%) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (33.3% vs 3.0%). More gastroenterology trainees aspired to achieve accreditation in gastroscopy (97.2% vs 79.2%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (91.7% vs 70.1%) and colonoscopy (88.8% vs 55.5%) by completion of training. By completion of training, surgeons were less likely than gastroenterologists to have completed the required number of procedures to gain accreditation in gastroscopy (60.3% vs 91.3%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (64.6% vs 68.6%) and colonoscopy (60.3% vs 70.3%). Conclusions This survey highlights marked disparities between surgical and gastroenterology trainees in both aiming for and achieving accreditation in endoscopy. Without changes to the delivery and provision of training as well as clarification of the role of endoscopy training in a surgical training programme, future surgeons will not be able to perform essential endoscopic assessment of patients as part of their management algorithm.
Clopidogrel: is a surgical delay necessary in fractured neck of femur?
Authors: Nwachuku Iheanyi C , Jones Morgan , Clough Timothy M 
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION This paper assesses the outcomes of patients after surgery for a proximal femur fracture while on clopidogrel. It describes a single-centre retrospective observational study over a two-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 31 surgical patients were included in this study. Of these, 28 were on clopidogrel and 3 on dipyridamole. Patients were split into subgroups based on when surgery took place and the type of hip fracture. The ‘early surgery’ (<48 hours from admission to theatre) group contained 16 patients (51.6%) and the ‘late surgery’ (>48 hours) group composed 15 patients (48.4%). Type of surgery performed and pre-and postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) levels were recorded. Furthermore, the number of units of blood transfused per patient as well as complications before and after surgery were noted. RESULTS A significantly larger mean Hb drop occurred in the early surgery group (3.2g/dl) compared with the late surgery group (2.3g/dl) (p=0.027). The mean length of inpatient stay was 21 days in the early and 23 days in the late group (p=0.456). A significantly larger Hb mean drop occurred in patients with extracapsular hip fractures (3.4g/dl; n=16) compared with patients with intracapsular fractures (2.3g/dl; n=15) (p=0.020). The extracapsular patients had longer stays in hospital: 24.5 days versus 19.8 days in the intracapsular group (p=0.521). There was no statistical difference in the 30-day mortality between the early surgery (3/16 deaths) and late surgery (2/15 deaths) groups (p=0.481). CONCLUSIONS Patients with extracapsular fractures, treated with early surgery, appear to be most at risk of complications after surgery.
The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid intra-articular injections in managing osteoarthritic knee pain
Authors: Trigkilidas D , Anand A 
Published: July 2015

Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and progressive joint disease. Treatment options for knee OA vary from simple analgesia in mild cases to knee replacement for advanced disease. Knee pain due to moderate OA can be targeted with intra-articular injections. Steroid injections have been used widely in managing acute flare-ups of the disease. In recent years, viscosupplementation has been used as a therapeutic modality for the management of knee OA. The principle of viscosupplementation is based on the physiological properties of the hyaluronic acid (HA) in the synovial joint. Despite a sound principle and promising in vitro studies, clinical studies have been less conclusive on the effectiveness of HA in managing osteoarthritic knee pain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of HA intra-articular injections in the management of osteoarthritic knee pain. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE®, Embase™ and CINAHL® (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). The databases were searched for randomised controlled trials available on the effectiveness of HA intra-articular injections in managing osteoarthritic knee pain. Results The search yielded 188 studies. Of these, 14 met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed in chronological order. Conclusions HA intra-articular injections have a modest effect on early to moderate knee OA. The effect peaks at around 6–8 weeks following administration, with a doubtful effect at 6 months.
Postoperative numbness of the knee following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Black R , Green C , Sochart D 
Published: July 2015

Introduction The infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve is often injured during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), leading to numbness in its distribution distal to the incision. This is illustrated in a patient who suffered full-thickness burns to the lateral aspect of the knee from a hot water bottle. However, the proportion of patients who are informed of this phenomenon (as well as the effect of informing the patient of numbness) has not previously been studied according to the authors’ knowledge. The aim of this study was to establish the proportion of patients with whom postoperative numbness was discussed during the consent procedure and whether this discussion was documented. Methods A total of 73 patients (103 TKAs) agreed to take part in this study between 16 May and 9 July 2011. Patients were asked about their recollection of numbness being mentioned prior to the procedure as well as whether they experienced postoperative numbness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS®. Results Subjective numbness was noted in 27% of the patients in this study. The prevalence of numbness decreased with time. Patients whose consent process included a discussion of numbness were 3.3 times more likely to report numbness after TKA (p=0.003). Conclusions Patient education regarding postoperative numbness increases the patient’s awareness of any insensate skin that may develop. Numbness after TKA does improve with time but does not resolve completely. It is therefore recommended by the authors that numbness is discussed preoperatively with the patient and that this discussion is documented.
Patient satisfaction with the use of an enhanced recovery programme for primary arthroplasty
Authors: Machin JT , Phillips S , Parker M , Carrannante J , Hearth MW 
Published: July 2015

Introduction Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) are increasingly being used for arthroplasty. One of the core aims of an ERP is to improve the quality of patient experience. However, there is currently no published evaluation of patient satisfaction in relation to this new programme of care within orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the ERP against the standard care programme (SCP) at one centre. Methods A satisfaction survey addressing patient opinions on the key objectives of the ERP was conducted by telephone, using a set script. Of the 226 patients contacted, 143 (63.3%) responded (69 from the ERP and 74 from the SCP). Of the respondents, 71 received a total hip arthroplasty and 72 a total knee arthroplasty. Patients were contacted at a mean time from operation to survey of 27.2 weeks. They were asked to rate satisfaction on a five-point scale and complete the EQ-5D™ health questionnaire (EuroQol, Rotterdam, Netherlands) to measure healthcare outcomes. Results The mean patient satisfaction score of 4.07 for speed of recovery in the ERP group was significantly higher than the SCP group’s score of 3.68 (p=0.037). Adjusting for the preoperative health score, the postoperative health score was higher for ERP patients at 74.1 compared with 64.7 for SCP patients (p=0.0029). Furthermore, the percentage of patients who had a better than expected recovery was significantly greater in the ERP group at 85.5% compared with 58.1% (p=0.0004) in the SCP group. Conclusions We believe that the previously established reduction in length of hospital stay delivered by ERPs is not achieved at the expense of the patient’s experience.
Admission inflammatory markers and isolation of a causative organism in patients with spontaneous spinal infection
Authors: Torrie PAG , Leonidou A , Harding IJ , Jones G Wynne , Hutchinson MJ , Nelson IW 
Published: July 2015

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of the inflammatory markers on admission in the isolation of a causative pathogen in patients with spinal infection. Spinal infection is treated frequently at spinal units and can encompass a broad range of clinical entities. Its diagnosis is often delayed because of the difficulty of identifying the responsible pathogen. Methods Patients with spinal infection treated in our institution over a period of eight years were identified and their notes studied retrospectively. Admission C-reactive protein (CRP), white cell count (WCC) as well as co-morbidities and mode of pathogen identification were recorded. Overall, 96 patients were included in the study. Results The CRP levels on admission were correlated significantly with the overall potential for isolation of a pathogen (p<0.0001) and positive biopsy cultures (p=0.0016). Admission WCC levels were associated significantly with the overall potential for isolation of a pathogen (p=0.0003) and positive biopsy cultures (p=0.0023). Both CRP and WCC levels were significantly negatively correlated with the duration of the preceding symptoms (p=0.0003 and p<0.0001 respectively). Delay in presentation was significantly negatively correlated with organism isolation (p=0.0001). Multivariate analyses identified the delay in presentation as the strongest independent variable for organism isolation (p=0.014) in cases of spontaneous spinal infection when compared with the admission CRP level (p=0.031) and WCC (p=0.056). Conclusions In spontaneous spinal infection, delay in presentation is the strongest independent variable for organism isolation. High inflammatory marker levels on admission are a useful prognostic marker for the overall potential of isolating a causative organism either by blood cultures or by biopsy in patients with negative blood cultures. Furthermore, the admission inflammatory marker levels allow for treating surgeons to counsel their patients of the likelihood of achieving a positive microbiological yield from biopsy.
Adapting Phonological Awareness Interventions for Children With Down Syndrome Based on the Behavioral Phenotype: A Promising Approach?
Authors: Lemons Christopher J. , King Seth A. , Davidson Kimberly A. , Puranik Cynthia S. , Fulmer Deborah , Mrachko Alicia A. , Partanen Jane , Otaiba Stephanie Al , Fidler Deborah J. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Many children with Down syndrome demonstrate deficits in phonological awareness, a prerequisite to learning to read in an alphabetic language. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adapting a commercially available phonological awareness program to better align with characteristics associated with the behavioral phenotype of Down syndrome would increase children's learning of phonological awareness, letter sounds, and words. Five children with Down syndrome, ages 6 to 8 years, participated in a multiple baseline across participants single case design experiment in which response to an adapted phonological awareness intervention was compared with response to the nonadapted program. Results indicate a functional relation between the adapted program and phonological awareness. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are provided.
Effects of Experimental Trypanosoma Congolense Infection on Sperm Morphology in Yankasa Rams
Authors: Okubanjo Oluyinka O. , Sekoni Victor O. , Ajanusi Ologunja J. , Adeyeye Adewale A. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of T. congolense on the sperm morphology of Yankasa rams (YKR). Nine YKR aged 24-30 months-old were assigned into two groups of 6 infected and 3 uninfected control and were monitored for 7 weeks. The infected group of YKR was each inoculated with 1 × 106 T. congolense through the jugular vein, while the control group remained uninfected. The entire infected group developed trypanosomosis post infection (pi) characterized by sperm morphological abnormalities in the semen. There were significant (P<0.001) increases in the mean percentage of acrosomal, head, middle piece and tail abnormalities. Proximal and distal droplets as well detached heads were also significantly (P<0.001) increased post infection (pi). Acrosomal abnormalities, distal droplet and tail abnormalities increased from week 1 pi till the end of the study, while head abnormalities and detached heads increased from week 2 pi. Middle piece abnormalities and proximal droplets increased from week 3 and 4 pi till the end of the study respectively. The high incidence of morphological defects caused by T. congolense is capable of causing infertility from the first week pi thereby making the rams unfit for breeding at the end of the study.
Medication review in inpatients at cardiology clinic / Prehodnotenie terapie u hospitalizovaných pacientov na kardiologickej klinike
Authors: Kováčová B. , Hasilla J. , Ďurišová A. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This study deals with effect of hospital pharmacist on solving drug-related problems (DRP) in inpatients. The study was carried out as a prospective 5-week study at the Cardiology Clinic, Teaching Hospital, Nitra. The study group included 73 inpatients. Pharmacotherapy of each patient was analysed for DRP within 24-48 h after admission. Information on patients was collected from electronic database, medical reports, communication with attending doctors and ward rounds. Patients’ age, medical history, diagnoses, medication prescribed during hospitalisation and laboratory test results were assessed for further pharmacotherapy rationalisation. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification scheme for DRP V6.2 was used to characterise DRP. There were 36 DRP identified in 37% inpatients (n = 27). The most frequent causes of DRP were dose-related (n = 13; 26%) and use
Prosperity of community pharmacy evaluated by gross and net profit and suggested corrective measures. 10 years study / Prosperita verejnej lekárne hodnotená prostredníctvom hrubého a čistého zisku a opatrenia vedúce k ich náprave. 10 ročná štúdia
Authors: Malovecká I. , Papargyris K. , Mináriková D. , Foltán V. , Jankovská A. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Monitoring, calculation and assessment of community pharmacy prosperity with the help of financial analysis indicators for years 2003-2012, using financial statements was conducted, with respect to profitability parameters such as gross and net profit ratios. These ratios reflect various changes that hold between years 2003 and 2012. Under the time of financial crisis, recession and serious socioeconomic changes the profitability parameter gross profit ranged from x2003-2011=14.3-22.8% (average=19.2%, mean=19.8%, σ=2.4), but in 2012 decreased on 14.3%. Net profit ranged x2003-2011 = 2.3-18.3% (average=14.6%, mean =16.6%, σ = 4.9), while in 2012 reached only 2.3%. All changes that have taken place in the society had impact on community pharmacy finance by worsening its profitability. Therefore, the stability of community pharmacy may be threatened and may affect its future performance.
Research in Adaptronic Automatic Control System and Biosensor System Modelling
Authors: Skopis Vladimir , Uteshevs Igors 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper describes the research on adaptronic systems made by the author and offers to use biosensors that can be later inserted into the adaptronic systems. Adaptronic systems are based, on the one hand, on the adaptronic approach when the system is designed not to always meet the worst condition, but to change the structure of the system according to the external conditions. On the other hand, it is an extension of common automatic control ad adaptive systems. So, in the introduction firstly the adaptronic approach and biosensor as a term is explained. Adaptive systems, upon which adaptronic ones are based, are also mentioned. Then the construction of biosensor is described, as well as some information is given about the classification of biosensors and their main groups. Also it is suggested to use lichen indicators in industry to control concentration of chemical substances in the air. After that mathematical models and computer experiments for adaptronic system and biosensor analysis are given.
Measurement Instruments and Software Used in Biotribology Research Laboratory
Authors: Tyurin Andrei , Ganus German , Stepanov Mikhail , Ismailov Gafurzhan 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Precision measurements of friction processes have a key role in a variety of industrial processes. The emergence of fine electronic circuit techniques greatly expands capabilities of control. There are some difficulties for their full implementation today, especially when it regards the accuracy and frequency of measurements. The motion-measuring method in real-time system is considered in this article, paying special attention to increased accuracy. This method is based on rapid analog digital converter (ADC), transmission program and digital signal processor (DSP) algorithms. Description of laboratory devices is included: Tribal-T and universal friction machine (MTU-01) designed for “Pin on disc” tests. Great emphasis is placed on the usability of accelerometers. The present study examined the collected data via laboratory system for data acquisition and control, and processing it in the laboratory of Biotribology. Laboratory supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) algorithms is described below. Task of regulation is not considered. This paper describes only methods of automatic control theory to analyze the frictional quality.
Doubly Robust Estimation with the R Package drgee
Authors: Zetterqvist Johan , Sjölander Arvid 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA common goal of epidemiologic research is to study the association between a certain exposure and a certain outcome, while controlling for important covariates. This is often done by fitting a restricted mean model for the outcome, as in generalized linear models (GLMs) and in generalized estimating equations (GEEs). If the covariates are high-dimensional, then it may be difficult to well specify the model. This is an important concern, since model misspecification may lead to biased estimates. Doubly robust estimation is an estimation technique that offers some protection against model misspecification. It utilizes two models, one for the outcome and one for the exposure, and produces unbiased estimates of the exposure-outcome association if either model is correct, not necessarily both. Despite its obvious appeal, doubly robust estimation is not used on a regular basis in applied epidemiologic research. One reason for this could be the lack of up-to-date software. In this paper we describe a new
Efficient and convenient synthesis of pyrido [2,1-b]benzothiazole, pyrimidopyrido[2,1-b]benzothiazole and benzothiazolo[3,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine derivatives
Authors: Refat Hala M. , Mohamed Khaled S. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
New 3-aryl-pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole derivatives 2a–e were synthesized in excellent yields via the reaction of benzothiazoleacetonitrile (1) with different aromatic aldehydes. The treatment of 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyridin-4-yl)acrylonitrile (6) with malononitrile afforded 1-amino-3-(pyridin-4-yl)-3H-pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-2,4-dicarbonitrile (7), which was allowed to react with a variety of reagents to provide pyrimido[5′,4′:5,6]pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole 8, 9 and [1,3]benzothiazolo[3,2-a][1,8]naphthyridine 10, 15 derivatives. All synthesized products were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectral data.
One-pot synthesis of 5-[1-substituted 4-acetyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)]-8-hydroxyquinolines using DABCO as green catalyst
Authors: Abdelmohsen Shawkat Ahmed , El-Ossaily Yasser Abou-bakr 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
A green and simple method for the synthesis of the title compounds 4 by the reaction of 5-chloroacetyl-8-hydroxyquinoline (1), pentane-2,4-dione (2), and amines 3 in the presence of a catalytic amount of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane at 60°C is described. The procedure is amenable for the synthesis of other substituted pyrroles. Short reaction time, environmentally friendly procedure, and excellent yields are the main advantages. The structures of products 4a–n were characterized by 1H NMR, IR, and MS spectra.