bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of Tributyltin in Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio): Physiological Responses, Hepatic Gene Expression, and Stress Protein Profiling
Authors: Li Zhi‐Hua , Zhong Li‐Qiao , Mu Wei‐Na , Wu Yan‐Hua 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effects of tributyltin (TBT) on biochemical parameters (antioxidant responses and Na+‐K+‐ATPase) in different tissues were investigated by using juvenile common carp (Cyprinus Carpio) as well as growth and ion regulation–related genes expression and stress‐related proteins profiling in fish liver. Oxidative stress indices and Na+‐K+‐ATPase showed tissues‐specific responses in fish exposed to different TBT concentrations. All tested genes related to GH/IGF‐I axis and ion‐regulation were significantly induced in the TBT group with lower concentrations (except for the igfbp3 in 10 μg/L) and were inhibited in 20 μg/L. In addition, the profiling of two proteins Hsp 70 and MT were increasing in a dose‐dependent manner under TBT stress. In short, TBT‐induced biochemical and molecular responses in different tissues were reflected in the measured parameters in the test. On the basis of TBT residue levels in the natural environment, more long‐term experiments at lower concentrations will be necessary in the future.
The Existence of Well‐Balanced Triple Systems
Authors: Wei Hengjia , Ge Gennian , Colbourn Charles J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractA triple system is a collection ofbblocks, each of size three, on a set ofvpoints. It isj‐balanced when every twoj‐sets of points appear in numbers of blocks that are as nearly equal as possible, and well balanced when it isj‐balanced for each. Well‐balanced systems arise in the minimization of variance in file availability in distributed file systems. It is shown that when a triple system that is 2‐balanced and 3‐balanced exists, so does one that is well balanced. Using known and new results on variants of group divisible designs, constructions for well‐balanced triple systems are developed. Using these, the spectrum of pairsfor which such a well‐balanced triple system exists is determined completely.
Striving for optimal care: Updates in quality, value, and patient experience
Authors: Moriates Christopher , Mourad Michelle 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDHospitalists are playing a growing role in quality improvement efforts, and they are increasingly spearheading programs to improve patient experience and healthcare value. We aimed to summarize and critique recent research related to quality, value, and patient experience in the clinical practice of hospital medicine.METHODSWe reviewed articles published between January 2014 and February 2015, identified through a hand search of leading journals, continuing medical education collaborative journal reviews, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Safety network, and PubMed. The authors collectively selected 9 articles based on their relevance to hospital practice. We review their findings, strengths, and limitations and make recommendations for practice. This is a summary of an update we presented at the 2015 Hospital Medicine national meeting.RESULTSKey findings include: a comprehensive hand‐off program was associated with improved patient safety; successful readmissions interventions were resource‐intensive, multifaceted and increased patient capacity to handle illness; patient activation was correlated with lower resource use post‐hospitalization; positive associations exist between patient experience and understanding of their hospitalization; hospitals and practitioners can adopt simple low‐cost strategies to reduce the trauma of hospitalization; hospitalists frequently order low‐value tests, most often to reassure themselves or their patients; broad‐spectrum antibiotics are grossly overused in hospitalized patients leading to preventable harms including clostridium difficile colitis, and programs that support “self‐stewardship” may help moderate this risk.CONCLUSIONSRecent research provides important insights into readmissions prevention, patient experience and low‐value test ordering, as well as introduces interventions that may mitigate the risks of handoffs and the overuse of broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:145–150. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
The role of informed consent in patient complaints: Reducing hidden health system costs and improving patient engagement through shared decision making
Authors: Posner Karen L. , Severson Julie , Domino Karen B. 
Published: September 2015

IntroductionPatient complaints about physicians are strongly associated with malpractice risk. Physicians at high risk for lawsuits tend to have poor communication skills and are more commonly the subject of patient complaints about communication issues. If a malpractice action does not arise, patient complaints nonetheless represent significant prelitigation transaction costs for the healthcare system that have not been previously quantified. Informed consent complaints represent a unique constellation of clinical communication skills clearly tied to malpractice risk. The goal of this study was to measure institutional resource consumption allocated to informed consent (IC) complaints, which are both costly and preventable.MethodsWe compared IC complaints to other complaints about medical care in a single medical center in the United States, estimating the absolute and relative burden of IC deficiencies within this healthcare system.ResultsResource consumption for the resolution of IC complaints far exceeded their proportional representation of complaints, representing half of all complaints, while disproportionately absorbing two‐thirds of staff time devoted to complaint resolution.ConclusionsComplaint resolution represents an unrecognized remediable cost and an underappreciated opportunity for reducing waste in healthcare. We suggest that healthcare systems can reduce costs and elevate their patient‐centered care practices by improving patient‐provider communication during medical decision making via engagement strategies such as shared decision making.
Oily waste containing natural radionuclides: does it cause stimulation or inhibition of soil bacterial community?
Authors: Galitskaya Polina , Gumerova Raushaniya , Ratering Stefan , Schnell Sylvia , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Selivanovskaya Svetlana 
Published: September 2015

AbstractContamination with oily wastes containing natural radionuclides is a potential hazard for soil health and function. Our study aimed to reveal both structural and functional changes of the microbial community resistant to and able to decompose oily wastes in soil. To do this, we determined CO2 efflux, microbial biomass (by the extraction‐fumigation method), and community structure (by PCR‐SSCP) for 120 d after application of radioactive oily wastes to the soil at the ratio 1:4. The addition of the waste resulted in an increase of the activity concentration of 226Ra by 130 times (up to 643 Bq kg−1) and of 232Th by 29 times (up to 254 Bq kg−1). The calculated weighted dose for the radionuclide 226Ra was found to be below the values that are known to affect microorganisms. However, the cumulative effect of a repeated deposition of radioactive oily waste may result in an increase of the weighted dose up to an effective level. During the incubation, the hydrocarbon (HC) content of the waste‐treated soil decreased from 156 to 54 g kg−1 of soil indicating intensive decomposition of added organics by soil microorganisms. The waste application, however, led to an inhibition of soil microbial biomass compared with the control (by 26–47%). Microbial respiration was stimulated in the first month of incubation and then decreased until the end of the incubation period (by up to 74% compared to the control). The qCO2 was estimated to be 3‐fold higher than the control on day 1 of incubation and equal to the control on day 120 of incubation. The bacterial diversity decreased in the contaminated soil compared with the control soil. The bacterial community structure was altered by domination of new oil degrader species belonging to the genera Dyella, Pseudoxanthomonas, Sinobacter, and Parvibaculum. Thus, disposal of radioactive petroleum waste strongly altered the structure of the microbial community resulting in the selection of resistant species able to decompose pollutants and also affected the community function (inhibition of microbial biomass and stimulation of respiration) which tended to stabilize after long‐term incubation.
Phytogenic pigments in animal nutrition: potentials and risks
Authors: Faehnrich Bettina , Lukas Brigitte , Humer Elke , Zebeli Qendrim 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPhytogenic pigments are secondary plant compounds responsible for coloring effects in plant tissues. In particular, phenolic flavonoids and terpenoid carotenoids, but also rare compounds like curcumin and betalain, form this group of biochemical agents used in animal nutrition. From the perspective of ecological mutuality between plants and animals, these compounds are of crucial importance because they serve as visual attraction for herbivores but also signal nutritional and/or health‐promoting values. This review focuses on the properties of phytogenic pigments which are likely to impact feed intake and preferences of livestock. Also natural prophylactic and/or therapeutic properties and, in particular, the potential of pigments to enhance quality and health value of animal products for human consumption are important issues. Nevertheless, reasonable limits of use due to possible adverse indications have been suggested recently. Pathways of digestion, metabolism and excretion in animals play a crucial role not only in the evaluation of effectiveness but also in the prediction of potential risks for human consumption. The popularity of natural feed additives is growing; therefore, more research work is needed to better understand metabolic pathways in the animal's body and to better estimate the potentials and risks of pigmenting plant compounds used in animal nutrition. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
CD44 single nucleotide polymorphism and isoform switching may predict gastric cancer recurrence
Authors: Suenaga Masaya , Yamada Suguru , Fuchs Bryan C. , Fujii Tsutomu , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Fujiwara Michitaka , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe clinical implications of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD44 remain unclear. This study examined the relationships of CD44 SNPs with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in Japanese gastric cancer patients.MethodsThe CD44 SNPs were analyzed in 11 gastric cancer cell lines and 517 clinical specimens. The expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) and CD44 variant 9 isoform (CD44v9) transcripts were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe CD44 rs187116 A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes were present in 10.3%, 45.1%, and 44.7% of patients, respectively. The presence of CD44 rs187116 A/G or G/G genotypes was significantly associated with positive peritoneal washing cytology (P = 0.012). Disease‐free survival of patients with these genotypes was significantly worse than in those with the A/A genotype (P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed that the CD44 rs187116 was independently prognostic of disease‐free survival (P = 0.047). The CD44s/CD44v9 ratio was significantly lower in patients with the CD44 rs187116 A/A genotype than in those with the A/G (P = 0.046) and G/G (P = 0.047) genotypes.ConclusionsThe CD44 rs187116 genotype could predict disease recurrence in Japanese gastric cancer patients, and the SNP was associated with CD44 isoform switching. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:622–628. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improvements in the Child‐Rearing Attitudes of Latina Mothers Exposed to Interpersonal Trauma Predict Greater Maternal Sensitivity Toward Their 6‐Month‐Old Infants
Authors: Waters Sara F. , Hagan Melissa J. , Rivera Luisa , Lieberman Alicia F. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe current study investigated maternal sensitivity in a treatment‐seeking sample of predominately Latina, low‐income pregnant women with histories of interpersonal trauma exposure. Pregnant women (N = 52; M = 27.08 years, SD = 5.66) who enrolled in a study of a perinatal adaptation of child–parent psychotherapy reported on their posttraumatic stress symptoms and child‐rearing attitudes at baseline and again at 6‐months postpartum. Maternal sensitivity was measured via observational coding of a free‐play episode at 6‐months postpartum. Two thirds of mothers exhibited healthy levels of maternal sensitivity, M > 4.0 (range = 2.5–7.0). The results of multiple linear regression predicting maternal sensitivity, R2 = .26, indicated that greater improvements in child‐rearing attitudes over the course of treatment predicted higher levels of maternal sensitivity, β = .33, whereas improvements in posttraumatic stress symptoms over the course of treatment did not, β = −.10. Mothers’ attitudes regarding parenting during the perinatal period may be a mechanism by which intervention fosters healthy mother–infant relationship dynamics. Thus, parenting attitudes are a worthy target of intervention in vulnerable families.
Economic analyses of stress urinary incontinence surgical procedures in women
Authors: Rawlings Tanner , Zimmern Philippe E. 
Published: September 2015

IntroductionTo evaluate the quality of economic analysis (EA) of surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.MethodsA MEDLINE search on EA for SUI surgical procedures for the years 2000–2014 included the MeSH terms “tension‐free vaginal tape,” “TVT,” “trans‐obturator tape,” “TOT,” “Burch colposuspension” (BC), “stress urinary incontinence,” “economic analysis,” and “cost‐effectiveness analysis.” Important criteria for evaluating articles were selected from panels that set out criteria to evaluate EA [Scales CD, Jr., Christopher SS, American Urological Association 32:121–128, 2013], [Hsieh MH, Maxwell MV, J Urol 178 1867–1874, 2007], [Wu JM, Catherine CM, Conover MM, et al., Obstet Gynecol 123 1201–1206, 2014].ResultsThirteen articles were identified: TVT compared to BC (6), to other surgical procedures for SUI (1), to TOT (3) and to the mini‐sling (1); open BC compared to laparoscopic BC (1), and analysis of various slings and meshes for various types of incontinence (1). Articles originated from: United States (3), Europe (4), United Kingdom (4), and Canada (2). Eight described cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA), two cost‐utility analysis, and three cost comparison. Follow‐up time for patients ranged from 6 to 24 months in eight articles, with four having a minimum of 24 months follow‐up. Studies mostly adhered to the criteria, however indirect costs, sensitivity analysis, and efficacy parameters varied. Long‐term synthetic sling‐related complications were not included.ConclusionAlthough CEA for SUI surgery is a burgeoning field, study comparisons remain difficult due to some variability, including health care delivery systems. As women live longer, long‐term data will become critical as complications and reoperations can affect the real cost of SUI corrective procedures. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:1040–1045, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Left‐colon antegrade enema (LACE): Long‐term experience with the Macedo‐Malone approach
Authors: Anselmo Christophe B. , do Amaral Rafael D.R. , Oliveira Diego E.G. , da Cruz Marcela Leal , Liguori Riberto , Garrone Gilmar , Leslie Bruno , Ottoni Sérgio L. , Ortiz Valdemar , Macedo Jr Antonio 
Published: September 2015

AimsWe evaluated the long‐term results with a left antegrade continence enema (LACE) approach: “Macedo–Malone (MM) procedure” to define parameters such as clinical durability of the technique and patients' compliance with the method.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of all patients that underwent the MM procedure in our institution since 2001 and conducted a telephonic interview to investigate the use of the enema and satisfaction with the procedure.ResultsThirty‐five MM procedures were performed, but eight patients lost to follow‐up were excluded. Fifteen patients (55%) were female. Myelomeningocele was the clinical diagnoses in 25 (93%). Mean age at surgery was 9 years (3–27 years) and mean follow‐up was 75 months (median: 56 months). The indication for LACE was clinically intractable constipation with fecal leakage. Most patients still used the stoma regularly to do the enema (74%). Mean washout time was 27 min (2–90 min). The revision rate due to stenosis was 22.2% (6/27) and all underwent suprafascial revision. We performed one classical MACE by infrafascial approach as a salvage procedure. Overall reoperation rate was 25.8% and fecal continence was 89%. There were no reports of leakage through the stoma. Among patients who still used the stoma, 74% were satisfied with surgery and would strongly recommend the procedure to another patient.ConclusionsThe MM procedure is a straightforward procedure, which can be performed in 15–20 min, avoids additional entero–entero anastomosis, precludes the use of the appendix, and has shown comparable results to either “classical” MACE or other LACE variants. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:111–115, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of hybrid graphene oxide/nano‐silica nanofillers and their application in poly(vinyl alcohol) composites
Authors: Xu Xian‐Ling , Wang Xiong‐Fei , Li Jia‐Le , Yang Jing‐Hui , Wang Yong , Zhou Zuo‐Wan 
Published: September 2015

We described the preparation of the hybrid graphene oxide (GO)/nano‐silica (SiO2) nanofillers through the simple solution mixing method and their potential application in preparing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites. SiO2 nanoparticles were absorbed on the surface of GO sheets, which resulted in the exfoliation and dispersion of GO on one hand. On the other hand, well‐dispersed SiO2 particles were also achieved. The hybrid GO@SiO2 nanofillers modified PVA composite was prepared by dissolving the hybrid nanofillers into water followed by mixing with PVA. It was found that the hybrid GO@SiO2 nanofillers exhibited much better dispersion in PVA matrix compared with neat SiO2 and neat GO nanofillers. The hybrid GO@SiO2 nanofillers exhibited good interaction with PVA matrix, which resulted in the apparent change of the glass transition of PVA matrix. With the addition of only 1 wt% GO@SiO2 nanofillers, the PVA/GO@SiO2 composite exhibited apparently enhanced tensile strength and fracture energy, which demonstrated the simultaneous strengthening and toughening effects of the hybrid GO@SiO2 nanofillers. This work provided an alternative method to strengthen and toughen polymers simultaneously at very low content of hybrid nanofillers. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E89–E97, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lectin‐induced agglutination method of urinary exosomes isolation followed by mi‐RNA analysis: Application for prostate cancer diagnostic
Authors: Samsonov Roman , Shtam Tatiana , Burdakov Vladimir , Glotov Andrey , Tsyrlina Evgenia , Berstein Lev , Nosov Alexander , Evtushenko Vladimir , Filatov Michael , Malek Anastasia 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDProstate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostate‐specific antigen has, however, insufficient diagnostic specificity. Novel complementary diagnostic approaches are greatly needed. MiRNAs are small regulatory RNAs which play an important role in tumorogenesis and are being investigated as a cancer biomarker. In addition to their intracellular regulatory functions, miRNAs are secreted into the extracellular space and can be found in various body fluids, including urine. The stability of extracellular miRNAs is defined by association with proteins, lipoprotein particles, and membrane vesicles. Among the known forms of miRNA packaging, tumour‐derived exosome‐enclosed miRNAs is thought to reflect the vital activity of cancer cells. The assessment of the exosomal fraction of urinary miRNA may present a new and highly specific method for prostate cancer diagnostics; however, this is challenged by the absence of reliable and inexpensive methods for isolation of exosomes.METHODSProstate cancer (PC) cell lines and urine samples collected from 35 PC patients and 35 healthy donors were used in the study. Lectins, phytohemagglutinin, and concanavalin A were used to induce agglutination of exosomes. The efficiency of isolation process was evaluated by AFM and DLS assays. The protein content of isolated exosomes was analysed by western blotting. Exosomal RNA was assayed by automated electrophoresis and expression level of selected miRNAs was evaluated by RT‐qPCR. The diagnostic potency of the urinary exosomal miRNA assessment was estimated by the ROC method.RESULTSThe formation of multi‐vesicular agglutinates in urine can be induced by incubation with lectin at a final concentration of 2 mg/ml. These agglutinates contain urinary exosomes and may be pelleted by centrifugation with a relatively low G‐force. The analysis of PC–related miRNA in urinary exosomes revealed significant up‐regulation of miR‐574‐3p, miR‐141‐5p, and miR‐21‐5p associated with PC.CONCLUSIONSLectin‐induced aggregation is a low‐cost and easily performed method for isolation of exosomes from urine. Isolated exosomes can be further analysed in terms of miRNA content. The miRNA profile of urinary exosomes reflects development of prostate cancer and may present a promising diagnostic tool. Prostate 76:68–79, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An MRI‐conditional motion phantom for the evaluation of high‐intensity focused ultrasound protocols
Authors: Sagias George , Yiallouras Christos , Ioannides Kleanthis , Damianou Christakis 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe respiratory motion of abdominal organs is a serious obstacle in high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. In this study, a two‐dimensional (2D) MRI‐conditional motion phantom device was developed in order to evaluate HIFU protocols in synchronized and non‐synchronized ablation of moving targets.Materials and methodsThe 2D phantom device simulates the respiratory motion of moving organs in both the left–right and craniocaudal directions. The device consists of MR‐conditional materials which have been produced by a three‐dimensional (3D) printer.ResultsThe MRI compatibility of the motion phantom was tested successfully in an MRI scanner. In vitro experiments were carried out to evaluate HIFU ablation protocols that are minimally affected by target motion.ConclusionIt was shown that only in synchronized mode does HIFU produce thermal lesions, as tested on a gel phantom mimicking the moving target. The MRI‐conditional phantom device was shown to be functional for its purpose and can be used as an evaluation tool for testing HIFU protocols for moving targets in an MRI environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.