bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of delirium in palliative care unit patients: A prospective descriptive study of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale administered by bedside nurses
Authors: Detroyer Elke , Clement Paul M , Baeten Nele , Pennemans Michèle , Decruyenaere Marleen , Vandenberghe Joris , Menten Johan , Joosten Etienne , Milisen Koen 
Published: June 2013

Background: The Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOS) is designed to detect delirium by nurses’ observations and has shown good psychometric properties. Its use in palliative care unit patients has not been studied. Aim: To determine diagnostic and concurrent validity, internal consistency, and user-friendliness of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale administered by bedside nurses in palliative care unit patients. Design: In this descriptive study, psychometric properties of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale were tested by comparing the performance on the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (bedside nurses) to the algorithm of the Confusion Assessment Method and the Delirium Index (DI) (researchers). Paired observations were collected on three time points. Afterward, the user-friendliness of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale was determined by bedside nurses using a questionnaire. Setting/participants: In total, 48 patients were recruited from one palliative care unit (PCU) of a university hospital. Of the 14 eligible bedside nurses of the palliative care unit, 10 participated in the study. Results: Delirium was present in 22.9% of patients. Diagnostic validity of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale was very good (area under the curve = 0.933), with 81.8% sensitivity, 96.1% specificity, 69.2% positive, and 98% negative predictive value. Concurrent validity of the Delirium Observation Screening Scale with the Delirium Index was moderate (rSpearman = 0.53, p = 0.001). The Cronbach’s alpha for all Delirium Observation Screening Scale shift scores was 0.772. Generally, bedside nurses experienced the Delirium Observation Screening Scale as user-friendly. However, most Delirium Observation Screening Scale items ( n = 11/13 items) need verbally active patients to perform the observations correctly. Conclusion: The Delirium Observation Screening Scale can be used for delirium screening in verbally active palliative care unit patients. The scale was rated as easy to use and relevant. Further validation studies in this population are required.
A Prospective Study of the Association Between Bone Contusion and Intra-articular Injuries Associated With Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear
Authors: Bisson Leslie J. , Kluczynski Melissa A. , Hagstrom Lindsey S. , Marzo John M. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Bone bruising, commonly found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, may be associated with intra-articular injuries, but little is known about this association. Purpose: To examine demographic factors and intra-articular injuries associated with bone bruising in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients with ACL injury who had an MRI within 6 weeks and arthroscopy within 3 months of injury were included in this prospective study (N = 171). Presence and severity of bone bruising were determined from preoperative MRIs for each anatomic site: lateral femoral condyle (LFC), lateral tibial plateau (LTP), medial femoral condyle (MFC), and medial tibial plateau (MTP). Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predictors of bruising and associations between bruising and intra-articular injuries found during arthroscopy. Outcomes included the presence of bruising and severity of lateral bruising (mild, moderate, severe vs none/minimal bruising). Results: Frequencies of bone bruising were as follows: 85% LTP, 77% LFC, 26% MTP, and 6% MFC. Patient age between 18 and 28 years (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09-0.82) and 29 years and older (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.61) predicted less LFC bruising compared with patients aged 17 years and younger. Age (18-28 years: OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.66; ≥29 years: OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.02-0.68) and contact injuries (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.78) predicted less moderate LFC bruising. Male sex predicted mild (OR, 6.16; 95% CI, 1.44-26.43), moderate (OR, 8.98; 95% CI, 1.96-41.19), and severe (OR, 15.66; 95% CI, 3.19-76.92) LFC bruising. Male sex also predicted mild LTP bruising (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.83), and contact injuries predicted severe LTP bruising (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.21-20.67). LFC bruising (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.04-6.32) and LTP bruising (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.06-9.23) were associated with lateral meniscal tears. Moderate (OR, 8.14; 95% CI, 1.93-34.27) and severe (OR, 15.30; 95% CI, 2.34-100.10) LTP bruising was associated with medial meniscal tears. MFC bruising and MTP bruising were not associated with any predictors or intra-articular injuries. Conclusion: Bone bruising is more common and severe in young men, and lateral bone bruising is associated with lateral meniscal tears. Medial meniscal tears are associated with increased severity of LTP bruising.
Body and the Arts: The Need for Somaesthetics
Authors: Shusterman Richard 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis essay examines how somaesthetics is related to the field of fine arts, though the scope of somaesthetics is indeed wider, extending into all practices of life in which we can enhance our perception and performance through improved somatic self-use and self-knowledge. I first explain the project of somaesthetics and why it is needed to counterbalance the strong tendencies in mod-ern aesthetics, beginning with its founder Alexander Baumgarten, to neglect or reject the body’s role in aesthetic experience. Because Hegel is a crucial figure in this anti-somatic tradition, I then critically examine his ranking of the arts in terms of their relation to material embodiment. Using his classificatory scheme heuristically to highlight the body’s wide-ranging role in the different arts, the essay demonstrates how somaesthetics can improve our understanding and performance of that role and thereby improve the arts and our aesthetic experience.
Policies to End the Gender Wage Gap in the United States
Authors: Kim Marlene 
Published: June 2013

Women continue to earn less than men in the United States. This article surveys the debate about why this occurs and synthesizes the policy remedies. Unionizing women, comparable worth, pay secrecy legislation, affirmative action, stronger non-discrimination legislation, and family-friendly policies can improve the gender wage gap. But doing so means that instead of attempting to pass federal legislation, advocates should target states to pass legislation and undertake pro-active remedies that can improve women’s pay. JEL Classification: J7, J31, J38
Oxidative stress and DNA damage in utero and embryo implantation of mice exposed to carbon disulfide at peri-implantation
Authors: Yang L , Zhang B , Yuan Y , Li C , Wang Z 
Published: June 2013

Carbon disulfide (CS2) has reproductive toxicity but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oxidative stress and DNA damage on embryo implantation of mice exposed to CS2 at peri-implantation. CS2 exposure was on gestational day 3 (GD3), GD4, GD5 and GD6, separately, and the number of embryonic day 9 (E9) mouse embryos was obtained. DNA damage of endometrial cells, oxidative stress and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) level in uterus tissues were tested with time series at different end points after exposure. The number of E9 mouse embryos significantly decreased in all CS2 exposure groups, especially on GD4 exposure. The rates of embryo implantation decreased by 43.05%, 63.74%, 60.45% and 47.26% for CS2 exposure on GD3, GD4, GD5 and GD6, respectively. Oxidative stress significantly increased within 24 h and reached the top level at 18 h after exposure. The same time-dependent trend was observed no matter when the exposure happened at peri-implantation. 8-OH-dG significantly increased at 18 h and 24 h after exposure by 893.8% and 647.4%, respectively, when compared with the control. The indexes of DNA damage significantly increased at 6 h after exposure, which appeared earlier than the changes of oxidative stress and 8-OH-dG. Besides, both oxidative stress and DNA damage showed a strong negative correlation with the number of E9 mouse embryos. The present study illustrated that CS2 directly induced DNA damage in endometrial cells and enhanced the action through oxidative stress, both of which were responsible for CS2-induced embryo loss.
Pilot randomised controlled trial comparing C-Trac splints with Beta Wrist Braces for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Storey Philip , Armstrong Daniel , Dear Helen , Bradley Mary , Burke Frank 
Published: June 2013

Introduction The C-Trac splint has been designed to mechanically stretch the transverse carpal ligament and is advertised as an alternative to surgical Carpal Tunnel Decompression. The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of the C-Trac splint with standard splinting in mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods This is a pilot parallel randomised controlled trial. Forty-nine patients with clinically and neurophysiologically proven carpal tunnel syndrome were randomised into the two treatment groups, C-Trac and Beta Wrist Brace, and reassessed clinically for one year. Results Patients were generally satisfied with both splints, but two out of the 24 C-Trac patients developed problematic side effects possibly due to using the splint: De Quervains tenosynovitis and basal joint arthritic pain. There was no clinically relevant or statistically significant difference in the success and failure rates of the two splints by eight weeks, six months or at one year. Three of the 25 C-Trac splints (costing £130 each) used during the one-year study required replacement, compared with eight of the Beta Wrist Braces (costing approximately £10 each). Conclusions These results suggest that C-Trac splint is not dissimilar in efficacy to a resting Beta Wrist Brace. The reported side effects raise questions as to the wisdom of its unregulated use.
A Pharmacy-Only Refill Program at a Large HIV Clinic in Uganda
Authors: Nakiwogga-Muwanga Alice , Katabira Elly , Sempa Joseph , Kambugu Andrew , Nakibuuka-Lubwama Esther , Lamorde Mohammed , Mawejje Joseph , Colebunders Robert 
Published: June 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess patients’ experience and satisfaction with pharmacy-only refill program (PRP) and to compare those who were removed from the PRP with those still in the program. Methods: A sample of 446 patients was selected from 1503 patients on antiretroviral therapy that had been enrolled in the PRP for at least 24 months. The study used interviewer-administered questionnaires to assess patients’ experience and satisfaction with PRP. Results: Of the 446 patients, 133 (29.8%) were removed from the PRP. By multivariate analysis, it was found that wanting to see a clinician before their scheduled clinic visit, Christian religion, and not understanding why they were enrolled in PRP were associated with having been removed from the PRP. Patients felt that the greatest benefit from the program was the time that they saved to do other activities. Patients preferred to collect their medication every 3 months instead of every month. Conclusion: All patients interviewed scored the program high, and all recommended that the PRP should continue. Stable patients prefer to see clinicians less frequently and visit clinic less often.
The Potentials of Fas Receptors and Ligands in Monitoring HIV-1 Disease in Children in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Ikomey G. , Assoumou M.-C. Okomo , Atashili J. , Mesembe M. , Mukwele B. , Lyonga E. , Eyoh A. , Kafando A. , Ndumbe P. M. 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Difficulties in systematically monitoring HIV viral load in resource-limited settings prompt the search for alternate approaches. The authors aimed at assessing the correlation between the plasma levels of soluble forms of Fas receptors (Fas) and Fas ligands (FasL) with standard indicators of HIV disease progression in children. Methods: Twenty-two HIV-1-positive children were enrolled in Yaounde. CD4 counts, CD4% counts, plasma levels of Fas, FasL, and HIV-1 RNA levels were assayed. Results: The correlation coefficients ( P values) between FasL levels and each of HIV-1 viral load, CD4 counts, and CD4% were, respectively, .56 (.01), −.29 (.18), and .30 (.18). On the other hand, the respective correlation coefficients ( P values) with Fas levels were .12 (.60), −.30 (.18), and −.29 (.19). Conclusion: The significant correlation between levels of HIV-1 viral load and FasL suggests that the latter needs to be further studied as a potential biomarker to monitor HIV-1 disease progression in children in resource-limited setting.
Benchmarking short sequence mapping tools
Authors: Hatem Ayat , Bozdağ Doruk , Toland Amanda E , Çatalyürek Ümit V 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The development of next-generation sequencing instruments has led to the generation of millions of short sequences in a single run. The process of aligning these reads to a reference genome is time consuming and demands the development of fast and accurate alignment tools. However, the current proposed tools make different compromises between the accuracy and the speed of mapping. Moreover, many important aspects are overlooked while comparing the performance of a newly developed tool to the state of the art. Therefore, there is a need for an objective evaluation method that covers all the aspects. In this work, we introduce a benchmarking suite to extensively analyze sequencing tools with respect to various aspects and provide an objective comparison.

Results
We applied our benchmarking tests on 9 well known mapping tools, namely, Bowtie, Bowtie2, BWA, SOAP2, MAQ, RMAP, GSNAP, Novoalign, and mrsFAST (mrFAST) using synthetic data and real RNA-Seq data. MAQ and RMAP are based on building hash tables for the reads, whereas the remaining tools are based on indexing the reference genome. The benchmarking tests reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. The results show that no single tool outperforms all others in all metrics. However, Bowtie maintained the best throughput for most of the tests while BWA performed better for longer read lengths. The benchmarking tests are not restricted to the mentioned tools and can be further applied to others.

Conclusion
The mapping process is still a hard problem that is affected by many factors. In this work, we provided a benchmarking suite that reveals and evaluates the different factors affecting the mapping process. Still, there is no tool that outperforms all of the others in all the tests. Therefore, the end user should clearly specify his needs in order to choose the tool that provides the best results.
Late-onset secondary pigmentary glaucoma following foldable intraocular lenses implantation in the ciliary sulcus: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Chang Shirley HL , Wu Wei-Chi , Wu Shiu-Chen 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
To review the long-term outcomes of eyes with secondary pigmentary glaucoma associated with the implantation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOL) in the ciliary sulcus.

Methods
The study retrospectively reviewed a series of cases who developed secondary pigmentary glaucoma after cataract operations. Data were collected from cases that were referred between 2002 and 2011.

Results
Ten eyes of 10 patients who developed secondary pigmentary glaucoma after foldable IOLs implantation in the sulcus were included in this study.
Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation was present in 2 eyes (20%) within the first 2 weeks following the initial cataract operation. The onset of glaucoma was delayed in the other 8 eyes (80%); the average onset time in these eyes was 21.9 ± 17.1 months after the initial cataract operation. Six eyes (60%) received surgical treatment because of large fluctuations and poor control of IOPs. Only 3 eyes (30%) achieved final visual acuities better than 20/40.

Conclusion
Secondary pigmentary glaucoma accompanying the implantation of a foldable IOL in the ciliary sulcus may present as acute IOP elevation during the early postoperative period or, more commonly, late onset of IOP elevation accompanied by advanced glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Despite treatment, the visual prognosis for these patients can be poor. Placing a foldable IOL in the ciliary sulcus could pose a threat to the vision of the patients and long-term follow-up of IOP in these patients is necessary.
The effectiveness of critical time intervention for abused women and homeless people leaving Dutch shelters: study protocol of two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lako Danielle AM , de Vet Renée , Beijersbergen Mariëlle D , Herman Daniel B , van Hemert Albert M , Wolf Judith RLM 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
One of the main priorities of Dutch organisations providing shelter services is to develop evidence-based interventions in the care for abused women and homeless people. To date, most of these organisations have not used specific intervention models and the interventions which have been implemented rarely have an empirical and theoretical foundation. The present studies aim to examine the effectiveness of critical time intervention (CTI) for abused women and homeless people.

Methods
In two multi-centre randomised controlled trials we investigate whether CTI, a time-limited (nine month) outreach intervention, is more effective than care-as-usual for abused women and homeless people making the transition from shelter facilities to supported or independent housing. Participants were recruited in 19 women’s shelter facilities and 22 homeless shelter facilities across The Netherlands and randomly allocated to the intervention group (CTI) or the control group (care-as-usual). They were interviewed four times in nine months: once before leaving the shelter, and then at three, six and nine months after leaving the shelter. Quality of life (primary outcome for abused women) and recurrent loss of housing (primary outcome for homeless people) as well as secondary outcomes (e.g. care needs, self-esteem, loneliness, social support, substance use, psychological distress and service use) were assessed during the interviews. In addition, the model integrity of CTI was investigated during the data collection period.

Discussion
Based on international research CTI is expected to be an appropriate intervention for clients making the transition from institutional to community living. If CTI proves to be effective for abused women and homeless people, shelter services could include this case management model in their professional standards and improve the (quality of) services for clients.

Trial registration

NTR3463 and NTR3425
Toxicological evaluation of Terminalia paniculata bark extract and its protective effect against CCl4-induced liver injury in rodents
Authors: Talwar Sahil , Jagani Hitesh V , Nayak Pawan G , Kumar Nitesh , Kishore Anoop , Bansal Punit , Shenoy Rekha R , Nandakumar Krishnadas 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Based on the reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Terminalia paniculata, the bark aqueous extract (TPW) was investigated against liver damage.

Methods
Intrinsic cytotoxicity was tested on normal human liver (Chang) cell lines, followed by acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies in mice. TPW was then evaluated against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and antioxidant markers were assessed. The effect of TPW on isolated hepatic cells, post-CCl4 administration, was assessed by isolated mitochondrial membrane staining. The actions of TPW on apoptotic pathway in CCl4-treated Chang cells were also elucidated.

Results
TPW was found to be safe at all doses tested in both in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies. TPW (400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (*p <0.05) improved liver enzyme activity as compared to CCl4. Also, it improved antioxidant status (GSH, GST, MDA and total thiol) and preserved hepatic cell architecture. TPW pre-treatment significantly attenuated the levels of phospho-p53, p53, cleaved caspase-3, phospho-Bad, Bad and cleaved PARP in CCl4-treated Chang cells, improving the viability considerably.

Conclusion
The findings support a protective role for Terminalia paniculata in pathologies involving oxidative stress.
Homofermentative production of optically pure L-lactic acid from xylose by genetically engineered Escherichia coli B
Authors: Zhao Jinfang , Xu Liyuan , Wang Yongze , Zhao Xiao , Wang Jinhua , Garza Erin , Manow Ryan , Zhou Shengde 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, has the potential to replace (at least partially) traditional petroleum-based plastics, minimizing “white pollution”. However, cost-effective production of optically pure L-lactic acid is needed to achieve the full potential of PLA. Currently, starch-based glucose is used for L-lactic acid fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. Due to its competition with food resources, an alternative non-food substrate such as cellulosic biomass is needed for L-lactic acid fermentation. Nevertheless, the substrate (sugar stream) derived from cellulosic biomass contains significant amounts of xylose, which is unfermentable by most lactic acid bacteria. However, the microorganisms that do ferment xylose usually carry out heterolactic acid fermentation. As a result, an alternative strain should be developed for homofermentative production of optically pure L-lactic acid using cellulosic biomass.

Results
In this study, an ethanologenic Escherichia coli strain, SZ470 (ΔfrdBC ΔldhA ΔackA ΔpflB ΔpdhR ::pflBp6-acEF-lpd ΔmgsA), was reengineered for homofermentative production of L-lactic acid from xylose (1.2 mole xylose = > 2 mole L-lactic acid), by deleting the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (adhE) and integrating the L-lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhL) of Pediococcus acidilactici. The resulting strain, WL203, was metabolically evolved further through serial transfers in screw-cap tubes containing xylose, resulting in the strain WL204 with improved anaerobic cell growth. When tested in 70 g L-1 xylose fermentation (complex medium), WL204 produced 62 g L-1 L-lactic acid, with a maximum production rate of 1.631 g L-1 h-1 and a yield of 97% based on xylose metabolized. HPLC analysis using a chiral column showed that an L-lactic acid optical purity of 99.5% was achieved by WL204.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated that WL204 has the potential for homofermentative production of L-lactic acid using cellulosic biomass derived substrates, which contain a significant amount of xylose.