bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electronic Prescribing and Prescription Design in Ophthalmic Practice
Authors: Connor Alan J. , Hutton Paul , Severn Philip , Masri Ibrahim 
Published: January 2011

Purpose Prescription and drug errors are common causes of adverse clinical events, posing a significant risk to safe patient care. Although there has been a movement to increase the use of electronic prescribing, concerns over feasibility suggest that improving the design of written prescriptions to minimize missing information may still be worthwhile. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined the effect on prescription completeness of electronic prescriptions and adding information prompts to written prescriptions. We hypothesized that electronic prescription would be superior to written prescriptions on prescription completeness and the inclusion of information prompts in written prescriptions would result in increased recording of the prompted information. Methods Chi-square analysis was used to examine differences among 50 consecutive electronic discharge prescriptions, 100 consecutive outpatient prescriptions (with prompts for medicine duration but not form, frequency, or laterality), and 100 consecutive day surgery prescriptions (with prompts for form, frequency, and laterality) in the provision of 10 key pieces of information. Results Electronic prescriptions resulted in 100% complete information across all domains and more complete information on medicine duration than day surgery prescriptions. Written outpatient prescriptions (with duration prompts but not laterality prompts) were superior in recording duration and inferior in recording laterality than day surgery prescriptions (without duration prompts but with laterality prompts). Conclusions Our results support the use of electronic prescribing. Where written prescribing must be used, our study highlights the importance of including information prompts to minimize missing information and improve patient safety.
Axillary-Axillary Loop Graft for Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Mohamed Ismail H. , Bagul Atul , Doughman Tahir , Nicholson Michael L. 
Published: January 2011

Background Vascular access in hemodialysis patients can be challenging especially in those with failed primary, secondary and/or tertiary procedures. We present a technique which utilizes the axillary artery and vein to fashion a synthetic loop graft. Method A synthetic arteriovenous loop graft is formed using the axillary artery and vein under general anesthesia following pre-operative contrast venograms. Discussion This method allows the use of the upper arm vessels, thereby preserving vessels in the legs; it also facilitates immediate access for dialysis. Conclusion The axillary-axillary loop graft is a valuable salvage option in patients with complex vascular access.
An Innovative Technology for Safe Needle Disconnection after Hemodialysis
Authors: Lentini Paolo , De Cal Massimo , Chronopoulos Alexandra , Cruz Dinna , Nalesso Federico , Garzotto Francesco , Brendolan Alessandra , D'Angelo Angela , Ronco Claudio 
Published: January 2011

Purpose Vascular access care is a key topic for hemodialysis patients. The most cost-effective and lasting vascular access for chronic hemodialysis is the native arteriovenous fistula (AVF); however, bleeding after dialysis session from puncture site is a relevant problem. Achieving hemostasis is necessary and requires hand compression by the nurse or the patient if he or she is capable and cooperative. Methods We assessed a new vascular closure device, VITACLIP® (Serumwerk Bernburg Vertriebs GmbH) that is an adhesive silicone seal device, which can be set onto the skin and punctured by dialysis needle. After withdrawal of the needle, VITACLIP® prevents bleeding from the punctured vessels, making hand compression unnecessary. Results We used this device in 5 chronic hemodialysis patients with native lateral-terminal AVFs. The patients' hemodialysis prescription and anticoagulants dose were not changed. This device allowed puncture of vascular access without complications such as bleeding at the end of hemodialysis; we did not observe any mechanical complications due to needle dislocation or any dermatological lesions at skin puncture site. However, the cannulation proved to be more difficult for the nurses with this device because the silicone hampers identification of the vessel for puncture for deeper AVFs. Conclusions This device helps patient management and improves patient safety by reducing the risk of AVF bleeding at the end of dialysis, decreasing the risk of staff contact with patients' blood, and theoretically eliminating the risk of massive bleeding in the case of an inadvertent needle dislodgement going unnoticed during treatment.
Endonucleases
Authors: Nichols Nicole M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractReaction conditions for a variety of endonucleases are detailed in this unit along with discussions of potential applications. Enzymes covered include BAL 31 nuclease, S1 nuclease, mung bean nuclease, micrococcal nuclease, and DNase I. A general discussion regarding the use of endonucleases to generate nonspecific breaks in dsDNA is also provided. For a detailed discussion of the endonucleases more typically associated with DNA damage repair (e.g., Endo III, IV, V and VIII of E. coli and human APE1), see UNIT 3.9. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:3.12.1‐3.12.7. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitation of DNA and RNA with Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Gallagher Sean R. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractQuantitation of nucleic acids is a fundamental tool in molecular biology that requires accuracy, reliability, and the use of increasingly smaller sample volumes. This unit describes the traditional absorbance measurement at 260 nm and three more sensitive fluorescence techniques employing Hoechst 33258, ethidium bromide, and PicoGreen. The range of the assays covers 25 pg/ml to 50 µg/ml. Absorbance at 260 nm has an effective range from 1 to 50 µg/ml; Hoechst 33258 from 0.01 to 15 µg/ml; ethidium bromide from 0.1 to 10 µg/ml; and PicoGreen from 25 to 1000 pg/ml. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:A.3D.1‐A.3D.14. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microvolume Quantitation of Nucleic Acids
Authors: R. Desjardins Philippe , Conklin Deborah S. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractQuantitation of DNA and RNA by absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy has been a powerful tool in life sciences for decades. Classic methods of nucleic acid quantitation require the filling of devices, such as cuvettes and capillaries, with sample (traditional methodologies are described in APPENDIX 3D). Analysis of microvolume samples has become of paramount importance as more molecular biology techniques yield progressively smaller amounts of isolated sample and require accurate quantitation of nucleic acids with minimal consumption of sample. Advances in photonic technologies have resulted in a pioneering microvolume system that combines fiber optic technology with the inherent physical properties of the sample to dramatically reduce measurement volumes, removing the need for cuvettes and capillaries. Since the introduction of the first microvolume instrument, several new designs are now available, providing opportunities to measure nucleic acids using much smaller amounts of material. Altogether, these systems not only reduce measurement volume (as little as 0.5 to 2 µl), but also tend to be more efficient time‐wise than traditional methods, making them useful even when sample is plentiful. The protocols in this unit are based on the most widely accepted microvolume systems and are intended as practical alternatives to traditional nucleic acid quantitation methodology. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 93:A.3J.1‐A.3J.16. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rheumatic diseases and sexuality: Disease impact and self‐management strategies
Authors: Helland Ylva , Kjeken Ingvild , Steen Eldri , Kvien Tore K. , Hauge Mona‐Iren , Dagfinrud Hanne 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo explore how intimate relationships and sexuality are influenced by rheumatic diseases and to describe self‐management strategies used to manage disease consequences.MethodsTo ensure that data were grounded in patients' language and experiences, individual and focus group interviews were conducted. Purposeful sampling was used to ensure variation in age, sex, disease duration, diagnosis, and marital status among the informants. Participants were men and women ages 18 years or older, were diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatic disease by a rheumatologist, and had a disease duration of ≥2 years.ResultsThe mean age of the 23 participants was 44 years, the mean disease duration was 13.6 years, and the mean ± SD modified Health Assessment Questionnaire score was 1.58 ± 0.46. Four key themes summarized the main issues described by the informants: between disease and normality, relational aspects, disease‐related sexual challenges, and self‐management strategies. The results reveal that the disease constituted a disruption in life, requiring a new orientation of sexual identity and relationship. Participants' experiences of sexuality went beyond specific sexual activity, including aspects such as body image and relational issues, illustrating a multidimensional perception of sexuality. A large inter‐ and intrapersonal variety of impact and a wide range of management strategies were reported.ConclusionThis study shows that sexuality is a vital area of life for people living with arthritis. It is a source of physical pleasure and intimacy with their partner, but may cause anxiety and distress when affected by rheumatic disease. However, various self‐management strategies are applied to enhance intimate relationships and sexual activity. Knowledge and openness concerning sexual issues need to be emphasized as part of the competence of health professionals and researchers.
Systematic review of design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Kjeken Ingvild , Smedslund Geir , Moe Rikke H. , Slatkowsky‐Christensen Barbara , Uhlig Till , Hagen Kåre Birger 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and evaluate the design and effects of splints and exercise programs in hand osteoarthritis.MethodsControlled trials identified through systematic literature reviews were included. Design of splints and exercise programs were evaluated according to existing recommendations and classification systems. The risk of bias was assessed by 2 independent reviewers and effects were summarized descriptively or by meta‐analyses.ResultsTwelve trials were included in the review: 7 assessed the effect of splints, 3 the effect of exercises, and 2 a combination of splints and exercises. The results revealed a great variety in the design of splint and exercise programs. A meta‐analysis of the 2 randomized trials with low risk of bias demonstrated that splints significantly reduced hand pain at short‐term (<3 months) and long‐term (≥3 months) followup, with a standardized mean difference of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.03, 0.71) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.45, 1.15), respectively. Further, results from single trials indicated that hand exercises may reduce pain and increase range of motion and strength, while a combination of splints and daily exercises may reduce pain and stiffness and improve function.ConclusionThere is consistent evidence that splints reduce hand pain, but limited evidence for the effects of hand exercises and a combination of hand exercises and splints in hand osteoarthritis.
Orthopedic communication about osteoarthritis treatment: Does patient race matter?
Authors: Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Hanusa Barbara H. , Kresevic Denise M. , Zickmund Susan , Ling Bruce S. , Gordon Howard S. , Kwoh C. Kent , Mor Maria K. , Hannon Michael J. , Cohen Peter Z. , Grant Richard , Ibrahim Said A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo understand racial disparities in the use of total joint replacement, we examined whether there were racial differences in patient‐provider communication about treatment of chronic knee and hip osteoarthritis in a sample of African American and white patients referred to Veterans Affairs orthopedic clinics.MethodsAudio recorded visits between patients and orthopedic surgeons were coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System and the Informed Decision‐Making model. Racial differences in communication outcomes were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for study design, patient characteristics, and clustering by provider.ResultsThe sample (n = 402) included 296 white and 106 African American patients. Most patients were men (95%) and ages 50–64 years (68%). Almost half (41%) reported an income <$20,000. African American patients were younger and reported lower incomes than white patients. Visits with African American patients contained less discussion of biomedical topics (β = −9.14; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −16.73, −1.54) and more rapport‐building statements (β = 7.84; 95% CI 1.85, 13.82) than visits with white patients. However, no racial differences were observed with regard to length of visit, overall amount of dialogue, discussion of psychosocial issues, patient activation/engagement statements, physician verbal dominance, display of positive affect by patients or providers, or discussion related to informed decision making.ConclusionIn this sample, communication between orthopedic surgeons and patients regarding the management of chronic knee and hip osteoarthritis did not, for the most part, vary by patient race. These findings diminish the potential role of communication in Veterans Affairs orthopedic settings as an explanation for well‐documented racial disparities in the use of total joint replacement.
Impulse control disorders in parkinson disease: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Voon Valerie , Sohr Mandy , Lang Anthony E. , Potenza Marc N. , Siderowf Andrew D. , Whetteckey Jacqueline , Weintraub Daniel , Wunderlich Glen R. , Stacy Mark 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjective:To assess factors associated with impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson disease (PD) using a multicenter case–control design.Methods:Patients enrolled in the DOMINION study, a multicenter study assessing the cross‐sectional frequency of ICDs in PD, were eligible to participate in the case–control study. PD patients with and without an ICD (n = 282 each) (compulsive gambling, buying, sexual behavior, and eating) were matched individually on age, gender, and dopamine agonist treatment. Subjects were assessed with a comprehensive neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive assessment battery.Results:ICD patients reported more functional impairment (p < 0.001); greater depressive (p < 0.0001), state (p < 0.0001), and trait (p < 0.0001) anxiety; greater obsessive–compulsive symptoms (p < 0.0001); higher novelty‐seeking (p < 0.001) and impulsivity (p < 0.001); and differences in reward preference reflecting greater choice impulsivity (p < 0.05). Patients with multiple ICDs had greater dyskinesia scores compared to those with single ICDs.Interpretation:ICDs in PD are associated with multiple psychiatric and cognitive impairments, including affective and anxiety symptoms, as well as elevated obsessionality, novelty seeking, and impulsivity. These results highlight the importance of assessing multiple mental health domains in individuals with PD and ICDs, and suggest possible pathophysiological mechanisms and risk indicators for these disorders. ANN NEUROL 2011
Methodology for the solutions of some reduced Fokker‐Planck equations in high dimensions
Authors: Er G.K. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn this paper, a new methodology is formulated for solving the reduced Fokker‐Planck (FP) equations in high dimensions based on the idea that the state space of large‐scale nonlinear stochastic dynamic system is split into two subspaces. The FP equation relevant to the nonlinear stochastic dynamic system is then integrated over one of the subspaces. The FP equation for the joint probability density function of the state variables in another subspace is formulated with some techniques. Therefore, the FP equation in high‐dimensional state space is reduced to some FP equations in low‐dimensional state spaces, which are solvable with exponential polynomial closure method. Numerical results are presented and compared with the results from Monte Carlo simulation and those from equivalent linearization to show the effectiveness of the presented solution procedure. It attempts to provide an analytical tool for the probabilistic solutions of the nonlinear stochastic dynamics systems arising from statistical mechanics and other areas of science and engineering.
Nanopartikel in biologischen Systemen
Authors: Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDas Verhalten von Nanopartikeln in biologischen Systemen dient als Grundlage zur Erforschung neuer medizinischer Behandlungsmethoden und ermöglicht die Entwicklung “sicherer” Nanotechnologie. Dieser Aufsatz diskutiert Moleküle und kleinste Partikel im Kontakt mit einzelnen Zellen oder ganzen Organismen mit Fokus auf anorganischen Materialien. Dabei treffen wir auf unerwartete, nicht‐klassische Verhaltensweisen solcher Partikel: veränderte Verteilungsmuster, chemisch aktive Grenzflächen und Festkörper mit dynamischem Verhalten. Die extern gesteuerte Platzierung von Medikamenten mithilfe von funktionalisierten Nanomagneten bringt Aspekte der Mechanik in die Arzneimittelforschung ein. In weiteren Abschnitten wird auf Persistenz und Bioakkumulation von Nanopartikeln mit Hinblick auf Langzeiteffekte eingegangen.
Measuring of coalescence in polymer melt blends flowing through converging channels
Authors: Miroshnikov Yuri P. , Egorov Alexey K. , Egorova Mariya V. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDroplets of polymer blends flowing through convergent channels undergo collisions and coalescence because of the appropriate wineglass‐shaped flow paths with essential flow constriction at the entrance zone. Therefore, an attempt has been undertaken to use capillary flow for studying coalescence phenomena in polymer blends. When the initial drop diameters in a barrel (before extrusion), db, and in the extrudate, de, are measured, coalescence efficiency can be easily calculated as Ec = d/d, provided that no breakup of elongated domains occurs. Compared with methods employing simple shear flow, it has several advantages. For example, the convergent flow pattern combining both shear and extensional flows is directly related to industrial processing operations like extrusion, injection molding, blowing, etc. The method imposes minor limitations on processing parameters and materials used. Applicability of the technique proposed was verified by systematic studies of coalescence in PMMA/PS binary melts blends during capillary extrusion and by comparing these results to theoretical predictions and experimental data from literature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Biocidal polymers: Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and possible toxicity of poly (hydroxystyrene‐co‐methylmethacrylate) derivatives
Authors: Kenawy El‐Refaie , El‐Shanshoury Abd El‐Raheem R. , Omar Shaker Nihal , El‐Sadek Baheya Mohamed , Khattab Abeer H. B. , Ismail Badr Badr 
Published: January 2011

AbstractFunctionalized polymers have gained much interest in the last decades. This is due to their functional group and their polymer nature that give them unique properties and more advantages than the corresponding small molecules. In this trend, polyhydroxystyrene‐co‐MMA was modified to introduce amino group in the side chain of the polymer. The amine modified polymer was reacted with two classes of active compounds. The first class is aldehydes such as vanilline, p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, p‐chlorobenzaldehyde, and anisaldehyde. The second class is phenolic esters such as p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate, 2,4‐dihydroxymethyl benzoate, and methyl salicylate. The antimicrobial activities of the polymer and modified polymer with these two classes were explored with Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilus), fugus like yeast (Candida albicans SC5314), and pathogenic molds (Aspergillus flavus, Trycophyton rubrum, and F. oxysporium). In vitro studies indicated that the start polymer did not affect on the test microorganisms, in contrary to its derivatives. The diameter of inhibition zone varied according to the active group in the modified polymer, polymer microstructure, and the test microorganism. Derivatives I, II, and III were selected among the most effective antimicrobial compounds. Their inhibitory effects on the ratio of surviving cell number (M/C) increased by increasing derivatives concentrations. Derivatives I and II were inhibitorier to C. albicans and molds than to bacteria while derivative III was only antibacterial. These derivatives seemed toxic to Brine shrimp by increasing their concentrations above 10 ppm, with derivative III being the less toxic, compared to others. To clarify this toxic effect and to decrease the toxicity of these derivatives, more detailed studies are necessary, and this will be focused in the nearest future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterizations of organic fluorine–silicon and polytetrafluoroethylene modified polyester
Authors: Jin Jian , Wang Xue , Xiao Chang‐fa 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHydrophobically modified polyester was synthesized via copolymerization between hydroxy‐fluorosilicone polymer (FGX) and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), which was named as CMPET. The relations between surface properties of CMPET and FGX viscosity and dosage were studied by contact angle measurements. An optimized synthesis route was determined. b‐CMPET with better hydrophobic property was obtained by adding polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into CMPET. A full characterization were given to both CMPET and b‐CMPET, including 1H‐NMR, ESCA, mechanical properties, water absorption, contact angle and surface energy analysis. It was found that chemical bondings were formed between FGX and BHET in c‐CMPET via copolymerization. The addition of 12% FGX with viscosity of 2000CP after the system pressure reached the low pressure for 20 min is an optimum condition. The modified polyester (CMPET‐12) shows the best hydrophobic effect. Blending a certain amount of PTFE powder with low‐surface energy can further enhance the hydrophobic properties of CMPET, due to a strong tendency of PTFE migrate to the sample surface together with organic fluorine–silicon segments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of high molecular weight poly(L‐lactic acid) via melt/solid polycondensation: Intensification of dehydration and oligomerization during melt polycondensation
Authors: Song Fangchao , Wu Linbo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractMelt/solid state polycondensation (MP/SSP) is a cost‐effective route for synthesis of high molecular weight poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA). However, the reaction rates in its four stages need to be enhanced greatly and the reaction times to be shortened largely before the MP/SSP technology can be industrialized. In this study, a new catalyst addition policy, i.e., adding TSA at the dehydration stage and SnCl2·2H2O at the MP stage, and more appropriate temperature and pressure programs were presented and applied in the MP process of LLA. The presence of TSA from dehydration appeared very effective for speeding up the dehydration and oligomerization stages as well as depressing racemization in the whole MP process. The polymerization degree (Xn) of oligomer was clearly increased, and the reaction time was shortened to a great extent. Direct using reduced pressure was also very helpful for intensifying the dehydration stage, only leading to LLA loss as little as 2%. A PLLA with Mw of 44,000 and optical purity of 96.8% suitable for subsequent SSP was produced after dehydration for 2 h, oligomerization for 2 h and MP for 4 h under appropriate conditions. And an interesting strong dependence of the Mw of final PLLA product on the Xn of the oligomer was observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011