bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound simulation of peripheral nerves: development of a novel technology for training in regional anaesthesia
Authors: Breitkreutz Raoul , Schellhaas Sebastian , Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Kessler Paul , Walcher Felix 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Objective
Regarding education in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia, we aimed to develop three-dimensional ultrasound volumes (3D-UV) of peripheral nerves for ultrasound simulation. This study mainly addressed to estimate diagnostic feasibility as well as comparison of original ultrasound images with 3D-UV.

Methods
A free-hand recording system as part of an ultrasound simulation system (Ultrasound simulator Reslice, Schallware GmbH, Berlin, Germany) was coupled to a high-end ultrasound device (Vivid-i, GE healthcare Ultrasound). 3D-UV were recorded as transverse parallel planes from four healthy models and positioned with an electromagnetic tracking system into a mannequin on identical anatomical sites. Using developer software, single B-Mode 3D-UV were combined into 3D-multivolumes (MV). Original short and long axis B-Mode planes were compared with reconstructed planes (reslices).

Results
A total of 108 3D-UV including vessels of carotid region (n = 22), and peripheral nerves of interscalene (31), axillary (28), femoral groin (8) and distal sciatic (19) were recorded. Visual presentation of reconstructed volumes of vessels and peripheral nerves revealed almost comparable quality to the original B-Mode scans of the model examination. Ultrasonographic nerve structure appearance derived from high-resolution ultrasound recordings could be preserved in reslices of 3D-UV and also in part in the long axis.

Conclusions
Our data provide a new proof of concept for ultrasound simulation of peripheral nerves in 3D-ultrasound multivolumes based on high-resolution ultrasound technology. It has the ability to provide pathologic findings and may serve as a powerful method for training in regional anaesthesia and critical care ultrasound.
Continuous intra‐articular infusion of bupivacaine for post‐operative pain relief after total hip arthroplasty: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Chen Dave W. , Hsieh Pang‐Hsin , Huang Kuo‐Chin , Hu Chih‐Chien , Chang Yu‐Han , Lee Mel S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground: Instillation of local anesthetics into a surgical site has been gaining popularity in post‐operative pain management.Aim: To determine whether continuous intra‐articular infusion of bupivacaine via pain‐control infusion pumps (PCIP) enhances and sustains analgesia after total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods: Ninety‐two patients undergoing THA were randomized to receive continuous intra‐articular infusion of either 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.9% normal saline at a flow rate of 2 mL/h via a PCIP for 48 h. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores in the first 72 h. Other measures included time to first rescue dose of narcotics, amount of narcotic use, presence of adverse events, length of hospital stay, and hip function evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index.Results: Despite a longer time to first narcotic rescue (56 versus 21 min, p < 0.0001) in patients receiving bupivacaine, the two groups did not differ significantly in overall pain relief (p = 0.54). A lower VAS score was found only at time 0 and 2 h; no difference in VAS score was noted at any other time point. Additionally, no difference was found in terms of amount of narcotic use, incidence of adverse events, hospitalization days, and the WOMAC score.Conclusion: Continuous intra‐articular infusion of 0.5% bupivacaine at 2 mL/h via a PCIP does not provide sustained post‐operative pain relief in patients undergoing THA.
Ultrasound and chronic pain: Innovative approaches
Authors: Siegenthaler Andreas , Curatolo Michele , Eichenberger Urs 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUltrasound (US) is an increasingly used imaging technique in interventional pain management. It allows the identification of soft tissues, vessels and nerves, without exposing patients and personnel to radiation. Imaging can be performed continuously and the fluid injected is visualized in a real time fashion. Possible applications are nerve blocks of the cervical and lumbar zygapophysial joints, stellate ganglion block, intercostal and paravertebral nerve blocks, inguinal nerve blocks, occipital nerve blocks, blocks of painful stump neuromas, caudal epidural injections and injections of trigger/tender points. Due to direct nerve visualization, US has a potential application for destructive procedures, such as cryoanalgesia, radiofrequency lesions or chemical neurolysis. Limitations are the poor resolution of narrow‐gauge needles, the loss of resolution with increasing working depth and possible interference of echoes from overlying structures with the image of the target area. US opens new perspectives in interventional pain management. However, there is a need for more clinical trials investigating efficacy and safety of US‐guided pain procedures. Until these studies are completed, US cannot replace fluoroscopy or computed tomography in most interventional pain procedures and remains the domain of well‐trained and experienced physicians. The limited evidence supporting the clinical utility of nerve blocks remains a problem, irrespective of the imaging technique employed.
Vaginal misoprostol for second‐trimester pregnancy termination after one previous cesarean delivery
Authors: Naguib Ahmad H. , Morsi Hassan M. , Borg Tamer F. , Fayed Salah T. , Hemeda Hosam M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the safety and efficacy of using misoprostol vaginally for second‐trimester abortion in women with a single previous cesarean delivery.MethodThis prospective observational study was carried out at a university hospital in Egypt with 50 pregnant women with 1 previous cesarean delivery; a gestation of at least 16 weeks but less than 20 weeks (group 1) or 20 or more weeks (group 2); and a need to terminate the pregnancy. The regimen was 4 doses of 200 μg of misoprostol applied vaginally every 4 hours daily, with a 12‐hour nightly rest from misoprostol applications, until contractions appeared but not for more than 72 hours. The primary outcome was the induction‐to‐abortion interval.ResultsThere were no cases of uterine rupture. Abortion within the study protocol occurred in 45 of the 50 women, for a 90% success rate. There was no significant difference in the induction‐to‐abortion interval between the 2 groups.ConclusionInducing abortion with lower misoprostol doses appear to be safe and effective throughout the second trimester in women with a single previous cesarean delivery. Larger randomized trials are needed to validate these results.
On the stability of shallow rivulets
Authors: BENILOV E. S. 
Published: September 2009

We examine the linear stability of a capillary rivulet under the assumption that it is shallow enough to be described by the lubrication approximation. It is shown that rivulets on a sloping plate are stable regardless of their parameters, whereas rivulets on the underside of a plate can be either stable or unstable, depending on their widths and the plate's slope. For the case of a horizontal plate, sufficiently narrow rivulets are shown to be stable and sufficiently wide ones unstable, with the threshold width being π/2(σ/gρ)1/2(ρ and σ are the liquid's density and surface tension, g is the acceleration due to gravity).It is also shown that, even though the plate's slope induces in a rivulet a sheared flow (which would normally be viewed as a source of instability) – in the present problem, it is a stabilizing factor. The corresponding stability criterion involving the rivulet's width and the plate's slope is computed, and it is demonstrated that, if the latter is sufficiently strong, all rivulets are stable regardless of their widths.
Host factors affecting abomasal parasites in Alpine Ibex
Authors: Ceccarelli Roberta , Valenti Valentina , Lanfranchi Paolo , Ferrari Nicola 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlpine ibex is characterized by strong sexual differences, both morphological and in population dynamics. Host sex has been shown to strongly affect parasite load with males usually more infected than females. Moreover ibex exhibit a peculiar pattern of survival with subadult males having a slow growing rate coupled with high survival which rapidly decline in old individual. This peculiar life history has been suggested to have been developed as adaptation to an harsh environment. In this way by investing fewer resources in growing the ibex can direct more energy in survival. At the same time the investment in immunodefence can change over the age. To verify the hypothesis that sex and age affect parasite infection, we analysed the abomasal parasite community of swiss ibexes shot during the 2007 hunting season. We analysed the parasite community of 31 abomasa coming from 17 males,12 females, ranging from 1 to 16 years old. The ibex analysed harboured a mean of 1472 helminth/individual. Seven parasites species have been identified with Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli covering the 90% of total parasite count. The mean abundance of total parasite count and of M. marshalli was different between sexes, with more parasites found in males. Age alone did not show any significant effect, but its interaction with sex evidenced different relationship such as T. circumcincta increased with age in males and decreased in females.While these data suggest the influence of sex and age on parasitic infection a comparison with other sampling areas, year and season is needed.
Developing an application ontology for annotation of experimental variables – Experimental Factor Ontology
Authors: Malone James , Adamusiak Tomasz , Holloway Ele , Parkinson Helen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe Experimental Factor Ontology ("www.ebi.ac.uk/efo":http://www.ebi.ac.uk/efo) is an application focused ontology modelling the experimental factors in ArrayExpress. The ontology has been developed to increase the richness of the annotations that are currently made in the ArrayExpress repository, to promote consistent annotation, to facilitate automatic annotation and to integrate external data. The methodology employed in the development of EFO involves construction of mappings to multiple existing domain specific ontologies, such as the Disease Ontology and Cell Type Ontology.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections in Adults in the United States, 2003
Authors: AL-Rawajfah Omar M. , Stetzer Frank , Hewitt Jeanne Beauchamp 
Published: September 2009

Background.Although many studies have examined nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI), US national estimates of incidence and case-fatality rates have seldom been reported.Objective.The purposes of this study were to generate US national estimates of the incidence and severity of nosocomial BSI and to identify risk factors for nosocomial BSI among adults hospitalized in the United States on the basis of a national probability sample.Methods.This cross-sectional study used the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the year 2003 to estimate the incidence and case-fatality rate associated with nosocomial BSI in the total US population. Cases of nosocomial BSI were defined by using 1 or moreInternational Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modificationcodes in the secondary field(s) that corresponded to BSIs that occurred at least 48 hours after admission. The comparison group consisted of all patients without BSI codes in their NIS records. Weighted data were used to generate US national estimates of nosocomial BSIs. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for nosocomial BSI.Results.The US national estimated incidence of nosocomial BSI was 21.6 cases per 1,000 admissions, while the estimated case-fatality rate was 20.6%. Seven of the 10 leading causes of hospital admissions associated with nosocomial BSI were infection related. We estimate that 541,081 patients would have acquired a nosocomial BSI in 2003, and of these, 111,427 would have died. The final multivariate model consisted of the following risk factors: central venous catheter use (odds ratio [OR], 4.76), other infections (OR, 4.61), receipt of mechanical ventilation (OR, 4.97), trauma (OR, 1.98), hemodialysis (OR, 4.83), and malnutrition (OR, 2.50). The total maximum rescaledR2was 0.22.Conclusions.The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was useful for estimating national incidence and case-fatality rates, as well as examining independent predictors of nosocomial BSI.
Cross‐biome transplants of plant litter show decomposition models extend to a broader climatic range but lose predictability at the decadal time scale
Authors: CURRIE W. S. , HARMON M. E. , BURKE I. C. , HART S. C. , PARTON W. J. , SILVER W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe analyzed results from 10‐year long field incubations of foliar and fine root litter from the Long‐term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team (LIDET) study. We tested whether a variety of climate and litter quality variables could be used to develop regression models of decomposition parameters across wide ranges in litter quality and climate and whether these models changed over short to long time periods. Six genera of foliar and three genera of root litters were studied with a 10‐fold range in the ratio of acid unhydrolyzable fraction (AUF, or ‘lignin’) to N. Litter was incubated at 27 field sites across numerous terrestrial biomes including arctic and alpine tundra, temperate and tropical forests, grasslands and warm deserts. We used three separate mathematical models of first‐order (exponential) decomposition, emphasizing either the first year or the entire decade. One model included the proportion of relatively stable material as an asymptote. For short‐term (first‐year) decomposition, nonlinear regressions of exponential or power function form were obtained with r2 values of 0.82 and 0.64 for foliar and fine‐root litter, respectively, across all biomes included. AUF and AUF : N ratio were the most explanative litter quality variables, while the combined temperature‐moisture terms AET (actual evapotranspiration) and CDI (climatic decomposition index) were best for climatic effects. Regressions contained some systematic bias for grasslands and arctic and boreal sites, but not for humid tropical forests or temperate deciduous and coniferous forests. The ability of the regression approach to fit climate‐driven decomposition models of the 10‐year field results was dramatically reduced from the ability to capture drivers of short‐term decomposition. Future work will require conceptual and methodological improvements to investigate processes controlling decadal‐scale litter decomposition, including the formation of a relatively stable fraction and its subsequent decomposition.
Indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback with application to Holocene North Africa climate1
Authors: LIU Z. , NOTARO M. , GALLIMORE R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUsing a fully coupled climate–terrestrial ecosystem model, we demonstrate explicitly that an initial perturbation on vegetation induces not only a direct positive vegetation feedback, but also a significant indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback. The indirect feedback is generated through either fractional cover change or soil moisture depletion. Both indirect feedback mechanisms are triggered by a vegetation perturbation, but involve subsequent effects of soil moisture and evaporation, indirectly. An increase in vegetation tends to reduce bare‐ground evaporation through either the area reduction in bare ground or the depletion of soil moisture; the reduced evaporation may then counter the initial plant transpiration, favoring a negative net vegetation feedback. Furthermore, grasses are more effective in inducing the indirect vegetation–soil feedbacks, because of their limited plant evapotranspiration and shallower roots that tend to change surface soil moisture, and, in turn, evaporation, effectively. In comparison, trees favor a direct positive vegetation feedback due to their strong plant transpiration on subsurface soil moisture as well as a lower albedo.
Blue light induced changes in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate in Cuscuta campestris seedlings
Authors: HAIDAR M A , BOSS W F 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPrevious studies revealed that blue light stimulates and red light inhibits prehaustoria development in young seedlings of the parasitic weed Cuscuta campestris (field dodder). This study showed a positive correlation between blue light induced increases in inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) and blue light‐mediation of prehaustoria development, prior to host attachment. Blue light induced a significant increase in the level of IP3, with a peak at about 30 min. Thereafter, the level of IP3 declined to the resting value after 2 h of blue light. Irradiation with 10 min red light pulse applied directly at the end of each 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.3, 1, 2 and 4 h blue light significantly reduced IP3, while high levels of IP3 were observed after 10 min far‐red pulse. The G‐protein inhibitor pertussis toxin inhibited prehaustoria developed under blue light, suggesting that receptor‐coupled G‐proteins are likely to be involved in prehaustoria development. These results are the first in vivo demonstration of a possible role for IP3 as a second messenger in the blue light signal transduction process in prehaustoria development in Cuscuta.
Cross‐resistance of Bidens subalternans to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in Brazil
Authors: LAMEGO F P , VIDAL R A , BURGOS N R , FEDERIZZI L C 
Published: September 2009

SummaryWeeds resistant (R) to herbicides are widespread worldwide. Bidens subalternans is one of the most troublesome weeds in conventional soyabean fields in Brazil, and in a crop rotation system of cotton/soyabean and maize/soyabean some populations had evolved resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides. Bidens subalternans plants suspected of resistance were observed in soyabean fields where the main ALS‐inhibiting herbicide sprayed is chlorimuron‐ethyl. To confirm and characterise the resistance of B. subalternans to ALS inhibitors, whole‐plant bioassays were conducted in 2006 and 2008. ALS in vivo enzyme bioassays were also conducted in 2007. In both bioassays, the R biotype showed cross‐resistance to four chemical families of ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. According to whole‐plant level tests the R biotype showed 498‐, 797‐, 726‐ and >877‐fold resistance to chlorimuron‐ethyl, imazethapyr, cloransulam‐methyl and pyrithiobac‐sodium herbicides respectively. The R biotype was also 17‐, 166‐, 436‐ and 516‐fold R to chlorimuron‐ethyl, imazethapyr, cloransulam‐methyl and pyrithiobac‐sodium herbicides, respectively, based on the enzyme assay. Therefore, the herbicide‐R B. subalternans can no longer be controlled by any ALS‐inhibitor herbicides. Integrated control methods involving alternative herbicide with different modes of action are needed, to avoid yield losses in conventional soyabean fields in Brazil that are infested by ALS‐R B. subalternans populations.
Family initiated discussions about organ donation at the time of death
Authors: Rodrigue James R. , Cornell Danielle L. , Krouse Jennifer , Howard Richard J. 
Published: September 2009

Rodrigue JR, Cornell DL, Krouse J, Howard RJ. Family initiated discussions about organ donation at the time of death. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 493–499. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Some family members initiate organ donation discussions before being approached by donor coordinators or healthcare providers. We examined differences between families that did vs. did not initiate organ donation discussions and factors predicting donation consent among those families that self‐initiated the discussion. Next‐of‐kin of donor‐eligible individuals (147 donors, 138 non‐donors) from one organ procurement organization completed a telephone interview. Seventy‐three families (25.6%) first mentioned organ donation, and 54 (74%) of them consented to donation. Several characteristics of the deceased and next‐of‐kin were associated with whether family members initiated the donation discussion with donation coordinators or healthcare providers. Moreover, family mention of donation was more likely to yield consent when the deceased was younger (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.92–0.99), next‐of‐kin was a registered donor (OR = 3.86, CI = 2.84–6.76), and when family was more satisfied with the healthcare team (OR = 1.20, CI = 1.04–1.39). Knowing the deceased’s donation intentions and being exposed to positive organ donation messages are more likely to trigger families to raise donation with providers. Organ procurement organizations (OPOs) and healthcare providers should work collaboratively to develop strategies for how best to respond to families who initiate this conversation.
Physical training effects in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Romano G. , Simonella R. , Falleti E. , Bortolotti N. , Deiuri E. , Antonutto G. , De Vita S. , Ferraccioli G.F. , Montanaro D. 
Published: September 2009

Romano G, Simonella R, Falleti E, Bortolotti N, Deiuri E, Antonutto G, De Vita S, Ferraccioli GF, Montanaro D. Physical training effects in renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 510–514. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Introduction:  Several studies demonstrated the benefits of rehabilitation in uraemic patients. This study evaluates physical and psychosocial effects of exercise on renal transplant recipients (RTRs).Patients and methods:  Eight RTRs were evaluated before and after an exercise training consisting of thirty 40‐minute sessions, three times a week, performed with the interval training technique.Results:  Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) significantly decreased (p < 0.04 and <0.008, respectively). Quality of life mean scores (SF‐36 test) significantly increased (p < 0.000). No differences were recorded for muscle and fat mass, maximal explosive power of the lower limbs, alkaline and acid phosphatase, parathormone (PTH), myoglobin, lipoprotein‐A, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), at rest heart rate, and cardiac troponin. IL‐6 decreased from 2.8 ± 0.6 to 1.7 ± 0.5 pg/mL (p < 0.01). Resting MAP fell from 112 ± 4 to 99 ± 3 mmHg (p < 0.02). The metabolic threshold rose from 33 ± 4 to 43 ± 5% (p < 0.033). The blood lactate level at peak exercise increased from 5.2 ± 0.9 to 6.2 ± 0.7 mmol/L (p < 0.012). The maximum oxygen uptake increased from 1200 ± 210 to 1359 ± 202 mL/min (p < 0.05), iso‐load oxygen uptake decreased from 1110 ± 190 to 1007 ± 187 mL/min (p < 0.034). The maximum working capacity increased from 90 ± 14 to 115 ± 15 watts (p < 0.000).Conclusion:  This study suggests that an appropriate dose of physical training is a useful, safe and non‐pharmacologic contribution to RTR treatment.