bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving perinatal Group B streptococcus screening with process indicators
Authors: Albouy‐Llaty Marion , Nadeau Cédric , Descombes Emmanuelle , Pierre Fabrice , Migeot Virginie 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRationale  Group B streptococcus (GBS) neonatal infection can be prevented by screening pregnant women for GBS colonization from the 34th to the 38th week of gestation, as has been recommended in France since 2001. We assessed guideline adherence among midwives and obstetricians.Methods  From 2006 to 2008, new and mandatory GBS data were added to the obstetric database. We merged the latter with a bacteriological database and a paediatric database and defined process indicators for pregnant women who delivered from the 37th week of gestation in the hospital of Poitiers and for neonates hospitalized for a GBS infection from 2006 to 2008.Results  We abstracted 5997 pregnant women (1942 in 2006, 1975 in 2007 and 2080 in 2008) and 84 neonates (17 in 2006, 32 in 2007 and 35 in 2008). GBS pregnancy colonization prevalence was 15%, 13% and 18% respectively. Availability of GBS screening status was stable (96%, P = 0.15). The rate of GBS screening during pregnancy increased significantly (86% to 90%, P = 0.002). Percentage of correct‐term screening increased significantly (89% to 96%, P < 0.001). Percentage of women who received intra‐partum antibiotic prophylaxis decreased significantly (84% to 70%, P = 0.001). Percentage of women who received correct intra‐partum antibiotic prophylaxis was stable (75%, P = 0.65). Percentage of neonates whose mother had been correctly screened but negative was 77%, 67% and 68% respectively (P = 0.61).Conclusion  Our mandatory database entailed guideline adherence over a short lapse of time and resulted in a significant increase of the screening rate at the correct term. However, circumstances where neonates are infected still remain. Screening test performance needs to be re‐evaluated.
Electronic health information system at an opioid treatment programme: roadblocks to implementation
Authors: Louie Ben , Kritz Steven , Brown Jr Lawrence S. , Chu Melissa , Madray Charles , Zavala Roberto 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRationale  Electronic health systems are commonly included in health care reform discussions. However, their embrace by the health care community has been slow.Methods  At Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation, a methadone maintenance programme that also provides primary medical care, HIV medical care and case management, substance abuse counselling and vocational services, we describe our experience in implementing an electronic health information system that encompasses all of these areas.Results  We describe the challenges and opportunities of this process in terms of change management, hierarchy of corporate objectives, process mastering, training issues, information technology governance, electronic security, and communication and collaboration.Conclusion  This description may provide practical insights to other institutions seeking to pursue this technology.
Pharmacists contribute to the improved efficiency of medical practices in the outpatient cancer chemotherapy clinic
Authors: Iihara Hirotoshi , Ishihara Masashi , Matsuura Katsuhiko , Kurahashi Sayoko , Takahashi Takao , Kawaguchi Yoshihiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Itoh Yoshinori 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Outpatient cancer chemotherapy is increasing with the development of anticancer agents, and roles of medical staff are becoming more and more important in cancer chemotherapy. We showed here roles of pharmacists with experience in oncology and evaluated outcomes of their activities in medical practices in cancer chemotherapy clinic.Methods  Two pharmacists were newly assigned to the outpatient cancer chemotherapy clinic, where they were in charge of verification of prescription orders, mixing of anticancer injections, monitoring adverse drug reactions, implementation of supportive care and provision of information about cancer chemotherapy to medical staff and patients. The number of patients, amounts of mixing of anticancer injections and hospital revenue were compared before and after assignment of pharmacists. Management of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients receiving the combination chemotherapy with anthracycline and cyclophosphamide were also compared.Results  Pharmacists spent 75 hours per month in patient education and adverse drug reactions monitoring, which led to the reduction of the workload of physicians. As a consequence, the number of outpatients and the resultant hospital revenue markedly increased. In addition, facilitation of proper use of anti‐emetic drugs led to the improved control of chemotherapy‐induced nausea with reducing the cost for anti‐emesis by 16%.Conclusions  Pharmacists contributed to the improved efficiency of medical practices.
Contribution of the glycolytic flux and hypoxia adaptation to efficient biofilm formation by Candida albicans
Authors: Bonhomme Julie , Chauvel Murielle , Goyard Sophie , Roux Pascal , Rossignol Tristan , d'Enfert Christophe 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe fungal pathogen Candida albicans forms therapeutically challenging biofilms on biomedical implants. Using a transcript profiling approach genes whose expression is favoured upon biofilm growth compared with planktonic growth have been previously identified. Knock‐out mutants for 38 of these genes were constructed, six of which showed a specific defect in biofilm formation. Among these genes, TYE7 that encodes a transcriptional activator of glycolytic genes in planktonic and biofilm growth conditions was identified as being required for the cohesiveness of biofilms. Biofilms formed by the tye7Δ knock‐out mutant showed a hyperfilamentous morphology, and growth of this mutant on solid medium under hypoxia was also associated with the production of hyphae. Similar to TYE7 inactivation, inhibition of glycolysis or ATP synthesis using oxalate or an uncoupler, respectively, triggered morphogenesis when a wild‐type strain was grown under hypoxia. These treatments also induced the formation of weakly cohesive, hyper‐filamentous biofilms by a wild‐type strain. Our data indicate that a hypoxic environment is generated within C. albicans biofilms and that continued biofilm development requires a Tye7p‐dependent upregulation of glycolytic genes necessary to adapt to hypoxia and prevent uncontrolled hyphal formation. Thus, adaptation to hypoxia is an integral component of biofilm formation in C. albicans.
Deep electrical resistivity structure of the northern Gibraltar Arc (western Mediterranean): evidence of lithospheric slab break‐off
Authors: Rosell Oriol , Martí Anna , Marcuello Àlex , Ledo Juanjo , Queralt Pilar , Roca Eduard , Campanyà Joan 
Published: March 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 179–186, 2011AbstractUncertainties about the lithospheric structure of the Gibraltar Arc have led to the proposal of several contradictory models to explain its geodynamic setting. Herein, we present a novel 3‐D model of the lithospheric electrical resistivity distribution beneath the whole Betic Cordillera obtained by inverting both broad‐band and long‐period magnetotelluric data. The lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary under SW Iberia is shown to be deeper than under the Alboran Basin. In addition, the sensitivity tests confirm the presence of a N–S oriented low‐resistivity anomaly at lithospheric mantle depths east of the 4°W meridian. It coincides with an area of low velocities without earthquake hypocenters and is interpreted as asthenospheric material intruded by the lateral lithospheric tearing and breaking‐off of the E‐directed subducting Ligurian slab under the Alboran Domain. This scenario suggests that the opening of the Alboran Basin is related to the westward rollback of this E‐directed subducting slab.
Adiponectin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue is reduced in women with cellulite
Authors: Emanuele Enzo , Minoretti Piercarlo , Altabas Karmela , Gaeta Elio , Altabas Velimir 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Cellulite, which appears as orange peel‐type or cottage cheese‐like dimpling of the skin on the thighs and buttocks, is a complex, multifactorial, cosmetic disorder of the subcutaneous fat layer and the overlying superficial skin. Adiponectin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone mainly produced by subcutaneous fat that shows important protective anti‐inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. We hypothesized that adiponectin expressed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) might play a role in the pathogenesis of cellulite. We reasoned that a reduction in the expression of adiponectin – a humoral vasodilator – in the SAT of cellulite areas might contribute to the altered microcirculation frequently found in these regions.Methods  A total of 15 lean (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2) women with cellulite and 15 age‐ and BMI‐matched women without cellulite participated in this study. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to assess adiponectin gene expression. Plasma adiponectin levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit.Results  Adiponectin mRNA expression in the SAT of the gluteal region was significantly lower in areas with cellulite compared with those without (12.6 ± 3.1 AU versus 16.6 ± 4.1 AU; P = 0.006). However, plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between women with (20.3 ± 7.3 μg/ml) and without (19.3 ± 6.1 μg/ml) cellulite (P = 0.69).Conclusions  Adiponectin expression is significantly reduced in the SAT in areas affected by cellulite. Our findings provide novel insights into the nature of cellulite and may give clues to the treatment of this cosmetic issue.
Measuring herpes zoster, zoster‐associated pain, post‐herpetic neuralgia‐associated loss of quality of life, and healthcare utilization and costs in Thailand
Authors: Aunhachoke Kobkul , Bussaratid Valai , Chirachanakul Pornchai , Chua‐Intra Boosbun , Dhitavat Jittima , Jaisathaporn Kanokporn , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Kampirapap Kowit , Khuhaprema Thiravud , Pairayayutakul Kulprapat , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Sindhvananda Jirot , Thaipisuttikul Yupin ,   for the Thai Herpes Zoster Study Group
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives  This study aimed to measure the herpes zoster‐associated burden of illness, healthcare utilization, and costs among Thai patients.Methods  This prospective cohort study of 180 patients aged ≥ 50 years and healthy, or ≥ 20 years and immunosuppressed, with zoster rash, was conducted in Bangkok and its environs, Thailand, during 2007–2008. Each patient was followed for six months for zoster‐associated rash, pain, quality of life (QoL), and healthcare utilization and costs.Results  A total of 180 subjects were enrolled in the study. Their mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 58.9 ± 13.8 years. Of the 180 patients enrolled, 138 (76.7%), 34 (18.9%) and eight (4.4%) patients were elderly, HIV‐infected, and receiving immunosuppressive agents, respectively; 35 (19.4%) had post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and 13 (7.2%) had zoster ophthalmicus. The severity of zoster pain was moderately highly correlated with activities of daily living (ADL), at 0.68 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.76. Most patients required only one or two outpatient visits. The mean ± SD total of direct healthcare costs was 3083.4 ± 5047.0 Thai baht or ∼ 1.1% of annual income per capita.Conclusions  Herpes zoster contributes a significant burden of illness to both patients and the wider community.
Contact hypersensitivity in patients with primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: Khamaysi Ziad , Weltfriend Sara , Khamaysi Khozayma , Bergman Reuven 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  One of the suggested causes of primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders is persistent antigenic stimulation.Objective  To study the prevalence of contact hypersensitivity in patients with primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders other than mycosis fungoides (MF).Materials and methods  Thirty consecutive patients with primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders other than MF were patch tested to a European Standard & partial metal series. The results were compared with those of 792 consecutive patients with other skin diseases referred to our clinic and a large published series of 9760 healthy individuals from North America.Results  Twenty‐two patients with primary cutaneous lymphoma other than MF and eight patients with pseudolymphomas were included in the study. Altogether there were 23 positive patch tests in 13 patients. Only the prevalence of positive patch tests to cobalt (5/30 patients = 17%) was found to be significantly higher in the studied group than in the two control groups (P < 0.01 and P = 0.05, respectively). The contact hypersensitivity to cobalt and the other allergens, however, could not be related causally to the pathogenesis of the lesions.Conclusions  The relative prevalence of contact hypersensitivity to cobalt only was found to be increased in a group of primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders, but a causal relationship to the lymphoproliferative disorders could not be established.
Recruiting underserved populations to dermatologic research: a systematic review
Authors: Spears Chaya R. , Nolan Bridgit V. , O’Neill Jenna L. , Arcury Thomas A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRecruitment of participants to dermatologic research studies can be challenging, particularly with historically underserved populations. Recruitment of these groups is essential to ethical, valid, and useful dermatologic research. This article discusses findings from a review of 78 studies that examined factors influencing participation in health research studies with an emphasis on underserved populations, particularly women and ethnic minorities. The most commonly encountered barriers to research participation are mistrust of research, lack of access to research programs, and culturally incompetent research design. Motives to participate in research include receipt of benefit from participation, perceived opportunities to help others, and culturally competent research design. Practical methods for addressing barriers and enhancing research participation include culturally competent research design, community‐based recruitment, and easily understandable informed consent. These factors should be considered when recruiting subjects for dermatologic research, especially when recruitment of underserved populations is desired. In addition, the literature demonstrates a paucity of research among rural residents, infants, and children, as well as within clinical dermatologic research.
High frequency of the TARDBP p.Ala382Thr mutation in Sardinian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Orrù S , Manolakos E , Orrù N , Kokotas H , Mascia V , Carcassi C , Petersen MB 
Published: March 2011

Orrù S, Manolakos E, Orrù N, Kokotas H, Mascia V, Carcassi C, Petersen MB. High frequency of the TARDBP p.Ala382Thr mutation in Sardinian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Recently, rare mutations in the TARDBP gene have been identified in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The purpose of this study was to characterize the genetic variability of the TARDBP gene in a cohort of Sardinian ALS patients. The coding region of the gene was analyzed in 97 unrelated patients previously tested negative for superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutations. The p.Ala382Thr (c.1144G>A) mutation was found in 30 patients (30.9%). The mutation was predominant in familial ALS patients (FALS) as it was represented in 24 of 30 FALS cases (80%) (p < 0.0003). Six cases were apparently sporadic (9% of sporadic ALS patients). No further mutation of TARDBP was found in our cohort of ALS patients. Patients carrying the mutation showed spinal site of onset in 24 cases (80%), an average age at onset of 54.7 ± 11.1 years, not significantly different from patients not harboring TARDBP mutations (56.7 ± 9.6) and a female:male gender ratio of 1:1.1. The haplotype analysis carried out using eight microsatellite markers flanking the gene showed a founder effect for this mutation. Finally, we estimated the age‐specific penetrance of the TARDBP p.Ala382Thr mutation in an additional sample of 47 carriers (20 affected and 27 unaffected). The average penetrance to 70 years was 60% (95% confidence interval 41–79%). A trend toward a higher penetrance in males was observed. Even in the presence of a causal mutation, most of the ALS clinical heterogeneity, however, draws upon from a multifactorial context.
An association of ABO non‐identical platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusions with altered red cell transfusion needs in surgical patients
Authors: Refaai Majed A. , Fialkow Lawrence B. , Heal Joanna M. , Henrichs Kelly F. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Phipps Richard P. , Masel Edward , Smith Brian H. , Corsetti James P. , Francis Charles W. , Bankey Paul E. , Blumberg Neil 
Published: March 2011

Background  Transfusion of ABO non‐identical plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate is routine practice even though adverse effects can occur.Methods and Materials  Our hospital changed transfusion practice in 2005 and adopted a policy of providing ABO‐identical blood components to all patients when feasible. We retrospectively compared the transfusion requirements, length of stay and in‐hospital mortality in relation to ABO blood group in surgical patients who received platelet transfusions before and after this change to determine whether it resulted in any benefit.Results  Prior to the change in practice, both group B and AB patients received more ABO non‐identical platelet transfusion (P = 0·0004), required significantly greater numbers of red cell transfusions (P = 0·04) and had 50% longer hospital stays (P = 0·039) than group O and A patients. Following the policy change, there was a trend for fewer red cell transfusions (P = 0·17) and length of stay in group B and AB patients than group O or A patients. Overall, the mortality rate per red cell transfusion decreased from 15·2 per 1000 to 11·0 per 1000 (P = 0·013).Conclusions  These results, in the context of previous findings, suggest that providing ABO‐identical platelets and cryoprecipitate might be associated with reduction in transfusion requirements and improve outcomes in surgical patients.
In vitro storage characteristics of platelet concentrates suspended in 70% SSP+TM additive solution versus plasma over a 14‐day storage period
Authors: Saunders C. , Rowe G. , Wilkins K. , Holme S. , Collins P. 
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives  The non‐paired two‐arm study compared the in vitro storage characteristics of platelets suspended as concentrates in either 100% plasma or a mixture of additive solution (SSP+™, MacoPharma, Mouveaux, France) and autologous plasma in a 70:30 ratio over a 14‐day storage period.Materials and Methods  The buffy coat‐derived pooled platelet concentrates were sampled on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 14 and tests performed to determine platelet morphology, function, metabolism, activation and apoptosis‐like activity.Results  Swirling remained strong (score = 3) in SSP+™, whilst scores of 1 and 0 were noted for plasma units by end of storage. In contrast to units in plasma, pH levels remained above seven in SSP+™ units, increasing after day 10. Percent positive expression of CD62P was similar in both groups on day 1 (median of 54% and 56% for plasma (n = 13) and SSP+™ (n = 12), respectively), with SSP+™ units showing a more moderate increase in activation after day 10. A progressive decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential was evident in both groups from day 1, whilst annexin V binding was relatively stable from days 1 to 3, with median values remaining below 6%. Subsequent to this, the percentage of platelets binding annexin V increased to approximately 30% by day 14.Conclusion  Platelets suspended in a medium of 70:30 SSP+™ to plasma ratio performed at least as well as platelets in 100% autologous plasma for up to 10 days of storage. Further, results are suggestive of an apoptosis‐like process being involved in the platelet storage lesion.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging study on the effects of acute single administration of paroxetine on motivation‐related brain activity
Authors: Marutani Toshiyuki , Yahata Noriaki , Ikeda Yumiko , Ito Takehito , Yamamoto Manami , Matsuura Masato , Matsushima Eisuke , Okubo Yoshiro , Suzuki Hidenori , Matsuda Tetsuya 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute paroxetine administration on brain activity related to motivation.Methods:  Sixteen healthy subjects participated in a randomized, single‐blind, no‐drug/placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. After administration of no drug, placebo or paroxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 20 mg), subjects underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a monetary incentive delay task. We analyzed the differences in brain activities of the reward anticipation/motor preparation period that are subject to motivational modulation. For this purpose, we subdivided the incentive trials on the basis of whether the reaction times (RT) were slower or faster than the subject's mean RT (slow RT and fast RT trials).Results:  No drug and placebo showed robust activation differences in the globus pallidus and putamen for the fast RT trials compared to the slow RT trials, whereas paroxetine showed none. Paroxetine showed significantly lower activations in the globus pallidus, insula, putamen and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared to no drug in the fast RT trials.Conclusions:  Paroxetine single acute administration diminished brain activity induced by motivation in healthy subjects. This may partially explain the increased lack of motivation seen in patients with relatively mild symptoms after taking a dose of paroxetine for the first time.
Cerebral oximetry for pediatric anesthesia: why do intelligent clinicians disagree?
Authors: Kasman Nicholette , Brady Ken 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReflectance near‐infrared spectroscopy has been used to measure cortical tissue oximetry for more than 30 years. In that time, many centers have adopted the routine use of the cerebral oximeter for children having repair of congenital heart lesions, while some prominent academic centers have resisted routine use of these monitors citing lack of definitive evidence for outcome benefit. In this review, we provide an overview of the method used to measure cerebral oximetry, as well as validation and clinical outcome data that have accrued from the use of cerebral oximeters. We discuss the peculiarities of evidentiary review for monitoring devices, and the confounding errors that occur when a monitor is evaluated as a therapeutic intervention. We outline the physiologic basis of cerebral desaturation and the shifts in practice that have occurred with implementation of NIRS monitoring.
Transition from pediatric to adult health services: the perioperative care perspective
Authors: Brennan Liam J. , Rolfe Paul M. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryIncreasing numbers of children with congenital and chronic diseases are surviving beyond adolescence. Consequently, arrangements must be put in place to ensure that these groups of patients continue to receive high‐quality care into adulthood. Although some medical disciplines have reacted positively to this growing challenge, perioperative care has lagged behind. This review explores some of the difficulties in delivering optimal perioperative care in the transitional period. Key issues, including the paucity of experience in the management of pediatric diseases among adult‐trained clinicians and unfamiliarity with child/family focused care, are discussed. We provide some suggestions for the development of transitional healthcare policies.