bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrophysical outflows simulated by laser-driven plasma jets
Authors: Michaut C. , Gregory C. D. , Loupias B. , Falize E. , Ravasio A. , Dizière A. , Vinci T. , Koenig M. , Bouquet S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWithin the framework of laboratory astrophysics, we form a qualified multidisciplinary group in radiative hydrodynamics. Since 10 years, we have developed laboratory experiments as radiative shocks and plasma jets in connection to astrophysics. Such laboratory experiments provide a unique opportunity to validate models and numerical schemes introduced in radiative hydrodynamics codes. Here we summarize our experimental researches about plasma jets. Laboratory astrophysical experiments have been performed using LULI2000 (France), VULCAN (UK) and GEKKO XII (Japan) intense lasers. The goal of these experiments is to investigate some of the complex features of jets from Young Stellar Objects (YSO), and in particular its interaction with the interstellar medium (ISM).
Should health authorities offer risk-sharing contracts to pharmaceutical firms? A theoretical approach
Authors: Antonanzas Fernando , Juarez-Castello Carmelo , Rodriguez-Ibeas Roberto 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we characterise the risk-sharing contracts that health authorities can design when they face a regulatory decision on drug pricing and reimbursement in a context of uncertainty. We focus on two types of contracts. On the one hand, the health authority can reimburse the firm for each treated patient regardless of health outcomes (non risk-sharing). Alternatively, the health authority can pay for the drug only when the patient is cured (risk-sharing contract). The optimal contract depends on the trade-off between the monitoring costs, the marginal production cost and the utility derived from treatment. A non-risk-sharing agreement will be preferred by the health authority, if patients who should not be treated impose a relatively low cost to the health system. When this cost is high, the health authority would prefer a risk-sharing agreement for relatively low monitoring costs.
Involvement of the PLCε/PKCα pathway in human BIU‐87 bladder cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Ling Yan , Chunli Luo , Xiaohou Wu , Qiaoling Zhang 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPLCε (phospholipase Cε), one of effectors belonging to the small GTPase superfamily, has been suggested to play a crucial role in carcinogenesis. However, its bio‐function in bladder cancer has never been demonstrated. In our previous study, we found that PLCε mRNA was highly expressed in bladder cancer tissues. In the present study, we silenced the PLCε gene by shRNA (small‐hairpin RNA) in the bladder cancer cell line BIU‐87. The results showed that it significantly inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at G0/G1‐phase. The regulation of cell characteristics has been related to PKCα (protein kinase Cα) activity. Further study showed that knockdown of the PLCε gene down‐regulated oncogenes c‐fos and c‐jun. These results indicate that PLCε plays a crucial role in bladder cancer, and PLCε may be a key molecule regulating the signal pathway of bladder cancer proliferation.
Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and the influence of the professional’s support (or lack thereof)
Authors: Angel Sanne , Kirkevold Marit , Pedersen Birthe D 
Published: February 2011

Aim and objectives.  To investigate how spinal cord injured patients struggle with their rehabilitation and how they feel that the professionals influence this process.Background.  Rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury is a long and arduous process during which the patient needs much support. Some patients lack adequate support from the professionals. This makes it pertinent to investigate the processes patients go through to get on with their lives and the influence professionals have.Design.  A phenomenological‐hermeneutic study with a narrative approach using Ricoeur’s theory.Method.  A purposeful and consecutive sample of 12 newly injured, adult Danish‐speaking patients previously living a normal life were observed 7–12 times and interviewed six or seven times over two years.Results.  The patients regained meaning and got on with life through resolute fighting for a meaningful life. We found three patterns of fight; the patients fought with themselves together with the professionals (pattern I). If consensus about the goals and pathway broke down and was not re‐established, this fight could turn into a fight against the professionals (pattern II). This would, in turn, cause the patients to fight against themselves. A third pattern (III) was that the patients turned away, either going their own way or suppressing themselves by adapting to the professionals’ views. In either case, the patients would feel being left on their own.Conclusion.  When the patient and professionals agreed on the way forward, the patient experienced the professionals as supportive. However, if the patient’s goals were not consistent with the professionals’ views, the patient felt that the professionals withdrew their support.Relevance to clinical practice.  If the professional were able to maintain consensus with the patient, they contributed to the patient’s process of regaining meaning.
General practitioners are the future intermediaries
Authors: Boutellier Roman , Zoller Frank A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Technological changes will have a large influence on medical practice. This article discusses the influences of technology and innovation on the role of general practitioners.Methods This conceptual paper is based on a triangulation of expert discussions and literature studies.Results and conclusions The tasks of general practitioners as well as the role allocation between medical generalists and specialists may change profoundly. We predict that innovation will lead to a situation where general practitioners will increasingly have to face the challenge of acting as intermediaries. They will have to integrate various information sources for their patients. At the same time, they may increasingly contribute to biomedical research.
Improvement of maternal health services through the use of mobile phones
Authors: Noordam A. Camielle , Kuepper Barbara M. , Stekelenburg Jelle , Milen Anneli 
Published: February 2011

SummaryObjective  To analyse, on the basis of the literature, the potential of mobile phones to improve maternal health services in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC).Methods  Wide search for scientific and grey literature using various terms linked to: maternal health, mobile telecommunication and LMIC. Applications requiring an internet connection were excluded as this is not widely available in LMIC yet.Results  Few projects exist in this field and little evidence is available as yet on the impact of mobile phones on the quality of maternal health services. Projects focus mainly on the delay in receiving care – that is in recognizing the need and making the decision to seek care – and the delay in arriving at the health facility. This is achieved by connecting lesser trained health workers to specialists and coordination of referrals. Ongoing projects focus on empowering women to seek health care.Discussion  There is broad agreement that access to communication is one of several essential components to improve maternal health services and hence the use of mobile phones has much potential. However, there is a need for robust evidence on constraints and impacts, especially when financial and human resources will be invested. Concurrently, other ways in which mobile phones can be used to benefit maternal health services need to be further explored, taking into consideration privacy and confidentiality.
Infectious risks associated with the use of propofol
Authors: Bach A. , Motsch J. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Investigations of the Centers for Disease Control into postoperative infections have implicated extrinsically contaminated propofol.Methods: To evaluate the infectious risk associated with intravenous anaesthetic agents, we surveyed the literature from 1971 to 1995 using the Medline database. Papers covering infections related to intravenous anaesthetic agents were included.Results: The review of the literature on infections associated with propofol and other intravenous anaesthetics shows that this infectious risk is minimal and often caused by breakdowns in aseptic techniques.Conclusions: We conclude that, if standard hygienic precautions are taken, the risk of in‐use contamination of intravenous anaesthetics is low. If strict hygienic guidelines are followed in handling propofol, this agent can be safely administered to patients.
Intra‐articular tenoxicam relieves post‐arthroscopy pain
Authors: Elhakim M. , Fathy A. , Elkott M. , Said M. M. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have been documented to be effective in the treatment of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of local intra‐articular injection of tenoxicam compared with intravenous injection on postoperative pain after arthroscopy.Methods: After day‐case arthroscopy, 60 patients were randomized to receive either tenoxicam 20 mg in 20 ml of normal saline intra‐articularly and 2 ml of normal saline i.v., or 20 ml of normal saline intra‐articularly and 2 ml tenoxicam 20 mg i.v. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale and measuring analgesic requirements.Results: Pain scores were significantly lower in the intra‐articular group at rest and during active flexion of the knee at 1,2 and 4 hours postoperatively and during walking at 6 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the intravenous group required supplemental opioid analgesia within the first 4 hours postoperatively (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Intra‐articular tenoxicam 20 mg provided better analgesia and decreased the requirements for postoperative analgesic compared with i.v. tenoxicam 20 mg.
Fluid therapy with Ringer's solution versus Haemaccel following coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Wahba A. , Sendtner E. , Strotzer M. , Wild K. , Birnbaum D. E. 
Published: February 2011

Background: Crystalloid and colloid infusion can be used in volume therapy following heart surgery. In this prospective, randomised study we compared Ringer's solution (group R) to Haemaccel (group H) following coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods: A stringent protocol for adjusting the infusion rate was used. Haemodynamic parameters and pulmonary function were evaluated as well as chest tube drainage. The double ‐indicator dilution method was used to measure total blood volume index (TBVI), intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI).Results: Haemodynamic stability was achieved in both groups throughout the study period, as judged from mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and cardiac index. However, the total volume infused was significantly higher in group R. TBVI and ITBV were higher in group H, although only significant at 8 h for TBVI. Pulmonary function was similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in EVLWI, pulmonary shunt fraction, and time on mechanical ventilation. Likewise, chest tube drainage was not significantly different in both groups.Conclusion: We conclude that volume therapy with Haemaccel following heart surgery requires less volume and achieves better filling of the circulation compared to Ringer's solution.
Enalaprilat in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure in critical care
Authors: Tohmo H. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Neurosurgical patients are particularly vulnerable to uncontrolled hypertension. If the patient has an unclipped cerebral arterial aneurysm, sudden increases in arterial pressure, as may be induced by laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, may lead to rupture or rebleeding. During the immediate postoperative period after cerebrovascular surgery and intracranial neurosurgery, blood pressure elevation may lead to postoperative hemorrhage and cerebral edema.Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is common in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After open heart surgery, LV dysfunction may follow a perioperative AMI or mobilization of peripheral edema. Preceding ischemic cardiomyopathy and a stunned or hibernating myocardium may predispose to postoperative heart failure. In severe forms of heart failure, conventional therapy with inotropes, nitrates and diuretics may prove inadequate, and there is a need to further reduce raised preload and afterload.The present series of studies was carried out in order to assess the effects of pharmacological inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) on the hemodynamics, systemic oxygenation and hormonal regulation of the blood circulation in patients subjected to anesthesia due to neurosurgery or intensive care due to neurosurgery or heart failure complicating AMI or open heart surgery. Oral enalapril premedication or intravenous (i.v.) enalaprilat was either compared to inert placebo or used in five before‐after designed studies with a total of 40 neurosurgical patients and 26 heart failure patients.Oral enalapril premedication (0.1 mg/kg) was effective in preventing a blood pressure increase in response to tracheal intubation in patients subjected to cerebrovascular surgery. At a dose of 0.015 mg/kg, i.v. enalaprilat effectively controlled the postoperative hypertension of patients subjected to intracranial surgery. In patients with heart failure complicating AMI or open heart surgery, the addition of i.v. enalaprilat to conventional therapy (median doses 0.3 mg, 0.9 mg, and 2.0 mg in the three studies) relieved left ventricular filling pressure while maintaining cardiac function and systemic oxygenation. Further, enalaprilat had potentially beneficial hormonal effects in patients with severe heart failure, e.g. by lowering plasma levels of endothelin.Thus, ACE inhibition may expand our armamentarium of drugs to treat hypertension and heart failure in the intensive care unit and to prevent hypertension associated with tracheal intubation.
In‐situ stress at a site close proximity to the Gofukuji Fault, central Japan, measured using drilling cores
Authors: YABE YASUO , OMURA KENTARO 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe stress state near the Gofukuji Fault, central Japan, was estimated by simultaneously applying deformation rate analysis (DRA), the acoustic emission (AE) method, and AE rate analysis (AERA) to drilling core samples recovered from depths of 327 and 333 m at a site close to the fault. The obtained stress state was for a strike‐slip fault. It is predicted from the estimated stresses that a tensile stress of 6.4 ± 1.1 MPa acted on the borehole wall at 333 m depth during drilling. This is comparable to the typical tensile strength of granodiorite. The tensile stress estimated at 327 m depth is less than the tensile strength. This is consistent with observations of drilling‐induced tensile fracture (DITF) at depths between 329 and 334 m. Ratios of the shear stress to normal stress (normalized shear stress) acting on the fault are calculated to be 0.4–1.0, which are comparable to friction coefficients of rocks measured in laboratories. The large normalized shear stress may represent strength recovery of the Gofukuji Fault. The impendency of earthquake occurrence on this fault is evaluated to be high from the recurrence interval of earthquakes on the fault.
Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor preserves podocytes and attenuates albuminuria in experimental diabetic nephropathy
Authors: ADVANI ANDREW , WIGGINS KATHRYN J , COX ALISON J , ZHANG YUAN , GILBERT RICHARD E , KELLY DARREN J 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Early renal enlargement may predict the future development of nephropathy in patients with diabetes. The epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐EGF receptor (EGFR) system plays a pivotal role in mediating renal hypertrophy, where it may act to regulate cell growth and proliferation and also to mediate the actions of angiotensin II through transactivation of the EGFR. In the present study we sought to investigate the effects of long‐term inhibition of the EGFR tyrosine kinase in an experimental model of diabetes that is characterized by angiotensin II dependent hypertension.Methods:  Female heterozygous streptozotocin‐diabetic TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats were treated with the EGFR inhibitor PKI 166 by daily oral dosing for 16 weeks.Results:  Treatment of TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats with PKI 166 attenuated the increase in kidney size, glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria that occurred with diabetes. The reduction in albuminuria, with EGFR inhibition in diabetic TGR(mRen‐2)27 rats, was associated with preservation of the number of glomerular cells staining positively for the podocyte nuclear marker, WT1. Immunostaining for WT1 inversely correlated with glomerular volume in diabetic rats. In contrast to agents that block the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), EGFR inhibition had no effect on either the quantity of mesangial matrix or the magnitude of tubular injury in diabetic animals.Conclusion:  These observations indicate that inhibition of the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR attenuates kidney and glomerular enlargement in association with podocyte preservation and reduction in albuminuria in diabetes. Accordingly, targeting the EGF‐EGFR pathway may represent a therapeutic strategy for patients who continue to progress despite RAS‐blockade.
Occurrence of the predatory mite Haemogamasus pontiger (Berlese) (Acari: Laelapidae) in Australia, with a review of its biology
Authors: Halliday Bruce 
Published: February 2011

Abstract Haemogamasus pontiger (Acari: Laelapidae) is shown to be widespread in straw and stored grain in south‐eastern Australia. It sometimes invades houses and other structures, and has been suspected of biting humans and causing dermatitis. However, behavioural and morphological evidence has shown that it is a predator. There is no convincing evidence that this species is a parasite of mammals, or that it has any medical significance.
Two new Dasineura species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from coastal tea tree, Leptospermum laevigatum (Myrtaceae) in Australia
Authors: Dorchin Netta , Adair Robin J 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTwo new species of gall midges, Dasineura strobila Dorchin n.sp. and D. tomentosa Dorchin n.sp., are described from galls in vegetative and reproductive buds of coastal tea tree, Leptospermum laevigatum from Australia and South Africa. Galls cause abortion of buds and, when induced in reproductive tissues, prevent fruit set and seed formation. Despite their assumed relatedness, the two species exhibit clear morphological differences in larvae, pupae and adults of both sexes as well as in the morphology of their galls. These are the first Dasineura species to be described from plants of the Myrtaceae outside the Neotropical and Nearctic regions and the first ones recorded from the chiefly Australian subfamily Leptospermoideae. Given the effect of galls on growth and reproduction of the plant, the gall midges are considered as possible biological control agents of coastal tea tree in areas of Australia and South Africa where the plant is an invasive weed.
The Consequences of Kadi: Where the Divergence of Opinion between EU and International Lawyers Lies?
Authors: Vara Juan Santos 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe divergence of opinion between EU and international lawyers as to the consequences of the Kadi/Al Barakaat judgment is likely to remain for the foreseeable future. While international lawyers focus their analysis on the constitutional role of the UN Charter in international law, EU lawyers seek to assert the autonomy and primacy of the EU treaties. The aim of this article is to analyse where the divergence between the two perspectives can be found. The judgment of the European Court of Justice cannot be interpreted as questioning the authority of the Security Council in discharging its duties for the maintenance of international peace and security. The consequences of the General Court's case‐law as regards the EU autonomous list of terrorists should be borne in mind when faced with the implications of Kadi/Al Barakaat. It is not justified that the level of protection to the individuals or entities affected by targeted sanctions should depend on the legal framework in which the restrictive measures have been adopted (UN or EU), or on the margin of discretion left to the EU Member States by the Security Council.
Bringing European Democracy Back In—Or How to Read the German Constitutional Court's Lisbon Treaty Ruling
Authors: Eriksen Erik Oddvar , Fossum John Erik 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article critically examines the democratic theory that informs the German Federal Constitutional Court's Lisbon Treaty ruling. This is needed because the ruling is ambiguous with regard to which type of democracy applies to which type of Union. In order to analyse the ruling we establish three models of what European democracy possibly can amount to: audit democracy based on the EU as a derivative of the Member States; a multinational federal state; or a regional cosmopolitan polity? The court's depiction of the EU does not fit as well as we would expect when labeled as a derivative entity due to the important legislative role of the European Parliament. The EU's legal supranationalism points in the direction of a federation, but the court's argumentation does not lend support to this notion. The court models democracy on a rather specific set of institutional presuppositions that are derived from the parliamentary model of democracy associated with the sovereign nation state. At the same time, the court operates with a conception of a changing state sovereignty that unfolds more in line with cosmopolitan rather than with classical Westphalian statist principles.
Vancomycin Dosing in Patients on Intermittent Hemodialysis
Authors: Vandecasteele Stefaan J. , De Vriese An S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractVancomycin has been a cornerstone antibiotic for the treatment of severe gram‐positive infections in dialysis patients for decades. Whereas subtherapeutic vancomycin levels convey a risk of treatment failure and the further emergence of resistance in staphylococci, supratherapeutic vancomycin levels are associated with a dose‐related incremental risk for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Consequently, a narrow therapeutic range with a trough‐level target between 15 and 20 μg/ml is recommended. Vancomycin dosing in hemodialysis patients is mainly influenced by the timing of administration (during or after dialysis), the type of filter used, and the duration of dialysis. Actual body weight, the interdialytic interval, and residual renal function are also considerations. As in patients with normal kidney function, a weight‐based loading dose of 20–25 mg/kg should be used in dialysis patients. While most fixed‐dose maintenance regimens fail to reach target levels in the majority of hemodialysis patients, straightforward evidence on optimal maintenance dosing is lacking.