bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence of venous thromboembolism in cervical cancer: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Tsai Shiang-Jiun , Ruan Ying-Xu , Lee Ching-Chih , Lee Moon-Sing , Chiou Wen-Yen , Lin Hon-Yi , Hsu Feng-Chun , Su Yu-Chieh , Hung Shih-Kai 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening condition that occurs as a complication of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of VTE in cervical cancer patients during a 5-year follow-up.

Methods
The study analyzed data deposited between 2003 and 2008 in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), provided by the National Health Research Institutes in Taiwan. Totally, 1013 cervical cancer patients after treatment and 2026 appendectomy patients were eligible. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the VTE risk.

Results
The 5-year cumulative risk for VTE was significantly higher in the cervical cancer group than in the control group (3.3% vs 0.3%, p < 0.001). The hazard ratio for VTE was 10.14 times higher in the cervical cancer group than in the controls. The combined presence of more comorbidities was associated with a higher risk for VTE. Furthermore, cervical cancer patients without VTE had a significantly higher survival (75.3% vs 30.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The cumulative risk of VTE was significantly higher in cervical cancer patients, and these patients also had lower survival rates. Strategies to reduce these risks need to be examined.
Critical COPD respiratory illness is linked to increased transcriptomic activity of neutrophil proteases genes
Authors: Almansa Raquel , Socias Lorenzo , Sanchez-Garcia Monica , Martín-Loeches Ignacio , del Olmo Milagros , Andaluz-Ojeda David , Bobillo Felipe , Rico Lucia , Herrero Agueda , Roig Vicente , San-Jose C Alicia , Rosich Sara , Barbado Julia , Disdier Carlos , de Lejarazu Raúl Ortiz , Gallegos Maria C , Fernandez Victoria , Bermejo-Martin Jesus F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundGene expression profiling (GEP) in cells obtained from peripheral blood has shown that this is a very useful approach for biomarker discovery and for studying molecular pathogenesis of prevalent diseases. While there is limited literature available on gene expression markers associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the transcriptomic picture associated with critical respiratory illness in this disease is not known at the present moment.FindingsBy using Agilent microarray chips,we have profiled gene expression signatures in the whole blood of 28 COPD patients hospitalized with different degrees of respiratory compromise.12 of them needed of admission to the ICU, whilst 16 were admitted to the Respiratory Medicine Service. GeneSpring GX 11.0 software was used for performing statistical comparisons of transcript levels between ICU and non-ICU patients. Ingenuity pathway analysis 8.5 (IPA) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to select, annotate and visualize genes by function and pathway (gene ontology). T-test showed evidence of 1501 genes differentially expressed between ICU and non-ICU patients. IPA and KEGG analysis of the most representative biological functions revealed that ICU patients had increased levels of neutrophil gene transcripts, being [cathepsin G (CTSG)], [elastase, neutrophil expressed (ELANE)], [proteinase 3 (PRTN3)], [myeloperoxidase (MPO)], [cathepsin D (CTSD)], [defensin, alpha 3, neutrophil-specific (DEFA3)], azurocidin 1 (AZU1)], and [bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI)] the most representative ones. Proteins codified by these genes form part of the azurophilic granules of neutrophils and are involved in both antimicrobial defence and tissue damage. This “neutrophil signature” was paralleled by the necessity of advanced respiratory and vital support, and the presence of bacterial infection.ConclusionStudy of transcriptomic signatures in blood suggests an essential role of neutrophil proteases in COPD patients with critical respiratory illness. Measurement and modulation of the expression of these genes could present an option for clinical monitoring and treatment of severe COPD exacerbations.
Pathway control in the self-construction of complex precipitation forms in a Cu(II)-oxalate system
Authors: Toth Agota , Horvath Dezso , Kukovecz Akos , Maselko Maciej , Baker Anne , Ali Shareen , Maselko Jerzy 
Published: August 2012

Text Abstract

Background
Many biological systems contain complex precipitation patterns. These structures are considered to be the result of finely tuned and genetically encoded developmental pathways. The amount of encoded information needed to generate and manipulate these structures is poorly understood. Investigating the dynamics of spontaneous pattern formation in non-biological systems provides insights to the physio-chemical phenomena that biological systems must have harnessed for living systems and that modern scientists need to understand for complex nano-technological applications.

Results
Here we show that highly complex, precipitation patterns similar to those found in biological systems can be formed in simple Cu(II)-oxalate systems. In these Cu(II)-oxalate systems, structures are constructed by a hierarchy of multiple processes that are precisely self-organized in space and time to form interconnected causal networks that generate complex and diverse structures dependent on construction trajectories that can be controlled by minor variations of initial conditions.

Conclusions
Highly complex precipitation patterns similar to those found in biological systems can be generated without a correspondingly complex set of instructions. Our result has implications for understanding early biotic systems that existed prior to the evolution of sophisticated genetic machinery. From an applications perspective, processes and structures that occur spontaneously are the building blocks for novel system chemistry based technologies where products are self-constructed. We also provide a simple model of chemical system that generates biomimetic structures for the study of fundamental processes involved in chemical self-construction.
Degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch films in soil environment by phylloplane fungi isolated from gramineous plants
Authors: Koitabashi Motoo , Noguchi Masako T , Sameshima-Yamashita Yuka , Hiradate Syuntaro , Suzuki Ken , Yoshida Shigenobu , Watanabe Takashi , Shinozaki Yukiko , Tsushima Seiya , Kitamoto Hiroko K 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
To improve the biodegradation of biodegradable plastic (BP) mulch films, 1227 fungal strains were isolated from plant surface (phylloplane) and evaluated for BP-degrading ability. Among them, B47-9 a strain isolated from the leaf surface of barley showed the strongest ability to degrade poly-(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) and poly-(butylene succinate) (PBS) films. The strain grew on the surface of soil-mounted BP films, produced breaks along the direction of hyphal growth indicated that it secreted a BP-degrading enzyme, and has directly contributing to accelerating the degradation of film. Treatment with the culture filtrate decomposed 91.2 wt%, 23.7 wt%, and 14.6 wt% of PBSA, PBS, and commercially available BP polymer blended mulch film, respectively, on unsterlized soil within 6 days. The PCR-DGGE analysis of the transition of soil microbial community during film degradation revealed that the process was accompanied with drastic changes in the population of soil fungi and Acantamoeba spp., as well as the growth of inoculated strain B47-9. It has a potential for application in the development of an effective method for accelerating degradation of used plastics under actual field conditions.
Psychometric properties of the Iranian version of Diabetes Empowerment Scale (IR-DES-28)
Authors: Mahjouri Mohammad Yoosef , Arzaghi Seyed Masoud , Heshmat Ramin , Khashayar Patricia , Esfahani Ensieh Nasli , Larijani Bagher 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
This study was designed to determine the primary psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (IR-DES-28).

Methods
After translating the questionnaire into Persian, re-translating it into English and obtaining the confirmation of the diabetes specialists regarding the accuracy of the translated questionnaire, 100 patients with type 2 diabetes selected using a systematic random sampling method completed the Iranian-DES-28. The validity of IR-DES-28 was evaluated by construct, concurrent and criterion validity, whereas its reliability was assessed by test re-test, internal consistency and splitting method.

Results
Psychometric analysis confirmed the reliability and validity of the IR-DES-28 in three subscales: Self-awareness and managing psychological aspects of diabetes (α=0.80), goal achievement ability (α=0.50), the ability of setting goals (α=0.79). Test-retest reliability, evaluated through Pearson coefficient correlation, was equal to 0.74 (P <0.01). The total score of IR-DES-28 and that of the extracted subscales were correlated with HbA1c levels (metabolic control) (P <0.01). The findings also supported the concurrent validity of the questionnaire.

Conclusion
The validity and reliability of the Iranian-DES scale is acceptable. Thus, the scale could be an appropriate instrument in evaluating the empowerment-based education programs.
Improved neurologically intact survival with the use of an automated, load-distributing band chest compression device for cardiac arrest presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Hock Ong Marcus Eng , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Annathurai Annitha , Ang Shiang Hu , Tiah Ling , Yong Kok Leong , Koh Zhi Xiong , Yap Susan , Sultana Papia 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
It has been unclear if mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a viable alternative to manual CPR. We aimed to compare resuscitation outcomes before and after switching from manual CPR to load-distributing band (LDB) CPR in a multi-center emergency department (ED) trial.

Methods
We conducted a phased, prospective cohort evaluation with intention-to-treat analysis of adults with non-traumatic cardiac arrest. At these two urban EDs, systems were changed from manual CPR to LDB-CPR. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, with secondary outcome measures of return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital admission and neurological outcome at discharge.

Results
A total of 1,011 patients were included in the study, with 459 in the manual CPR phase (January 01, 2004, to August 24, 2007) and 552 patients in the LDB-CPR phase (August 16, 2007, to December 31, 2009). In the LDB phase, the LDB device was applied in 454 patients (82.3%). Patients in the manual CPR and LDB-CPR phases were comparable for mean age, gender and ethnicity. The mean duration from collapse to arrival at ED (min) for manual CPR and LDB-CPR phases was 34:03 (SD16:59) and 33:18 (SD14:57) respectively. The rate of survival to hospital discharge tended to be higher in the LDB-CPR phase (LDB 3.3% vs Manual 1.3%; adjusted OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.47, 4.29). There were more survivors in LDB group with cerebral performance category 1 (good) (Manual 1 vs LDB 12, P = 0.01). Overall performance category 1 (good) was Manual 1 vs LDB 10, P = 0.06.

Conclusions
A resuscitation strategy using LDB-CPR in an ED environment was associated with improved neurologically intact survival on discharge in adults with prolonged, non-traumatic cardiac arrest.
Sarcophytonins F and G, New Dihydrofuranocembranoids from a Dongsha Atoll Soft Coral Sarcophyton sp.
Authors: Chen Shin-Pin , Chen Bo-Wei , Dai Chang-Feng , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wu Yang-Chang , Sheu Jyh-Horng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Two new dihydrofuranocembranoids 1 and 2 with three known sarcophytonin A (3), sarcophytonin C (4), and sarcophytoxide (5) have been isolated from a Dongsha Atoll soft coral Sarcophyton sp. The structures of metabolites were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and cytotoxic activity of 1–5 against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines was measured.
Bile aspiration and hydrodissection to prevent complications in hepatic RFA close to the gallbladder
Authors: Levit Elena , Bruners Philipp , Günther Rolf W , Mahnken Andreas H 
Published: August 2012

Background Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors is a mainstay of interventional oncology. Its application, however, is limited by tumor size and location with lesions located within 1 cm to the gallbladder being at increased risk for complications. Purpose To evaluate the safety of hepatic RFA after bile aspiration with or without additional hydrodissection for lesions adjacent to the gallbladder. Material and Methods Six patients undergoing RFA of tumors with a distance of less than 1 cm to the gallbladder were retrospectively identified from a computer database. All patients underwent RFA combined with percutaneous bile aspiration from the gallbladder. In four patients additional hydrodissection was performed. Technical success and post-interventional complications were assessed by reviewing images and patient charts. Results Ablations were successfully completed in 5/6 patients. In one patient with incomplete ablation re-ablation was performed 2 months after the initial procedure. Minor complications occurred in three patients, including right-sided pleural effusion, hematoma in the gallbladder fossa, and intralesional hemorrhage in one patient each. There were no cases with cholecystitis or damage to the gallbladder during follow-up. Conclusion Bile aspiration with or without additional hydrodissection permits safe RFA of tumors located close to the gallbladder.
Drug Stability and Compatibility: Proper Use of Single-Dose Vials: What Drugs Are Present on Nursing Units?: Arixtra—Not a Hemostat: Pradaxa–Plavix Mix-up
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: August 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Community Hospital: Results of a Three-Year Analysis
Authors: Michaels Karen , Mahdavi Mehran , Krug Allison , Kuper Kristi 
Published: August 2012

Background In July 2007, the Pharmacy Department at Suburban Hospital implemented an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) using existing clinical pharmacy resources that did not include an on-site infectious diseases (ID) pharmacist. Medical staff personnel were supportive of the ASP, but there were no ID physician resources actively dedicated to the program. Remote access to an ID pharmacist was available. Objectives This program evaluated the impact of a pharmacy-driven ASP on cost, antimicrobial utilization, and quality indicators in a community hospital with limited ID professional resources. Methods The tenets of the program were adopted from recommendations in the most current Infectious Diseases Society of America/Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America antimicrobial stewardship guidelines. Antimicrobial utilization, cost, prospective medication use data, and interventions were tracked using customized spreadsheets. Three years of utilization and cost data were captured to provide a baseline and post implementation comparison. Results Antimicrobial utilization decreased 5.2% compared to baseline ( P < .001) as measured by the defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000 patient days. The associated cost reduction during the period was 24% compared to baseline ( P < .001), resulting in estimated savings of approximately $290,000. Quality of care indicators improved, and physicians were responsive to daily clinical pharmacist review and pharmacy interventions. Conclusions An ASP can be implemented in a community hospital setting with existing clinical pharmacy resources that do not include an ID specialist dedicated full time to the program. Prospective monitoring of antimicrobial usage resulted in decreased antimicrobial cost and utilization and improvements on key quality of care indicators. Based on this evidence of success, the program continues.
Nicardipine versus Sodium Nitroprusside for Postcardiac Surgery Hypertension: An Evaluation of Effectiveness and Postoperative Costs
Authors: Barnes Brian J. , Howard Patricia A. , Lai Sue-Min , Grauer Dennis W. , Kramer Jeffrey B. , Daon Emmanuel , Zorn George L. , Dawn Buddhadeb , Muehlebach Greg F. 
Published: August 2012

Background Postoperative hypertension after cardiac surgery is associated with substantial morbidity. Both sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicardipine (NIC) are effective in its management. Outcomes data for NIC and SNP in persons undergoing cardiac surgery are limited, and there are no data characterizing the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs. Objective Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of NIC versus SNP in the management of hypertension after cardiac surgery and evaluate the influence of drug choice on postoperative costs. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cohort study using our hospital's financial and electronic medical records. Adults admitted to a cardiothoracic surgical intensive care unit after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery who developed hypertension requiring ≥30 minutes of NIC or SNP were included. We evaluated drug effectiveness by assessing infusion rate stability, blood pressure and heart rate, and concomitant antihypertensive agent use. Activity-based postoperative costs were compared between study groups. Results One hundred twelve subjects were included (NIC = 72, SNP = 40). Hypertension-related demographics were balanced between the groups. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability that required fewer dose changes per hour (1.2 ± 1.6) versus SNP (1.7 ± 1.8) ( P = .004). Heart rates and blood pressures did not differ significantly. The number of antihypertensive medications used before and during the NIC or SNP infusions was the same. However, persons who were prescribed SNP required significantly more medications to manage blood pressure after infusions were discontinued ( P = .001). NIC use did not significantly increase postoperative cost. NIC use may be associated with cost increases in isolated CABG but with cost savings in isolated valve or combined CABG/valve surgeries; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions Blood pressure was equally controlled using NIC or SNP. NIC was associated with improved infusion rate stability. Despite a higher acquisition cost, NIC did not significantly influence postoperative costs. Larger, prospective cost-effective analyses in surgical subgroups are needed.
Patterns of Pharmacist Continuing Education and Concordance with Practice Areas in an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Walsh Kelly A. , Smith Kelly M. , Armitstead John A. 
Published: August 2012

Background In the absence of recertification tests, pharmacist employers must ensure the competency of their staff for the purpose of patient safety and external accreditation. Objective An audit was conducted to determine whether pharmacists accrue professional education credit in a manner supportive of sustained proficiency in their area of practice. Methods Continuing pharmacy education (CPE) records of pharmacists practicing in an academic medical center during a single year were collected. Three researchers independently evaluated the content of each CPE course based on the course title and assigned a practice relevance score (PRS) ranging from 0 (no relation) to 2 (directly related to area of practice). The mean PRS of all CPE courses for each pharmacist was analyzed to evaluate trends. Results A total of 71 pharmacists accrued 1,279 hours of CPE during the study period; 63.6% of CPE was directly related to their area of practice, 24.9% was indirectly related, and 11.5% had no apparent relation. Residents had the highest PRS (1.88 ± 0.1), followed by clinical pharmacy specialists (1.68 ± 0.2), “other” pharmacists (1.34 ± 0.5), and clinical staff pharmacists (1.20 ± 0.5). Live CPE received significantly higher PRS than online CPE (1.74 ± 0.5 vs 1.31 ± 1.1; P < .01), and CPE that was taken at the end of the pharmacy licensure cycle was significantly less relevant (1.08 vs 1.60; P < .01). Conclusions The evaluation of CPE patterns by employers can serve as a useful tool for identifying areas for improving staff development, particularly within the context of continuing professional development.
Exenatide Extended-Release Injection
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E. 
Published: August 2012

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The August 2012 monograph topics are on pertuzumab, bosutinib, pomalidomide, defibrotide, and aflibercept. The DUE/MUE is on iron parenteral.
Piezoresistive Dehnungsmesselemente für adaptronische Systeme
Authors: Rausch Jacqueline , Werthschützky Roland , Salun Larisa , Griesheimer Stefan 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Es werden zwei Sensortechnologien für den Einsatz zur Dehnungsmessung in adaptronischen Systemen vorgestellt. Inhomogen dotierte, piezoresistive Siliziumelemente und gedruckte Sensorschichten werden hinsichtlich ihrer Sensoreigenschaften verglichen. Die zum Verständnis nötigen Grundlagen beider Sensortechnologien werden erläutert. Neben dem statischen Übertragungsverhalten wird auch das Rauschen der Sensoren untersucht.