bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statins utilisation pattern: a retrospective evaluation in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand
Authors: Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Asuphol Olarik , Dhippayom Teerapon , Poowaruttanawiwit Prayuth , Jeanpeerapong Napawan 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To determine statin usage pattern and evaluate whether new generation statins are actually needed by the patients receiving them.

Methods
This retrospective cohort included patients receiving first-time statins at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. Using electronic medical records from 2005, its indication was determined based on history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD-risk equivalents. The lipid profiles tested within 30 days prior to the first date of statins prescription were analysed. Each patient was assessed as to whether statin was needed based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction capacity and lipid goals.

Results
A total of 2479 first-time statin users was included. Ninety percent of the users received simvastatin, while 8% and 2% received atorvastatin and pravastatin respectively. More than half (58.0%) used statins for primary prevention, although all usage of atorvastatin was considered not needed. Considering the use of statin for secondary prevention to achieve the LDL-C goal of &lt;130 mg/dl (3.37 mmol/l), more than 80% of atorvastatin users could be switched to simvastatin. Only 8% of simvastatin usage would not be able to achieve this target. When the LDL-C goal was &lt;70 mg/dl (1.81 mmol/l), 40.2% simvastatin users was considered appropriate, while 58.6% needed atorvastatin to be prescribed.

Conclusion
A substantial proportion of patients did not need statins therapy, particularly for primary prevention. In addition, atorvastatin use is mostly not needed except in patients requiring statins for secondary prevention to achieve the LDL-C goal of &lt;70 mg/dl (1.81 mmol/l). The findings should prompt hospital policy makers to develop measures to ensure the proper use of statins in their clinical settings.
An evaluation of using multi-source feedback (MSF) among junior hospital pharmacists
Authors: Patel Jignesh P , Sharma Atisha , West David , Bates Ian P , Davies J Graham , Abdel-Tawab Rauja 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Objective
The mini Peer Assessment Tool (mini-PAT) for pharmacists was introduced in 2006 as a formative method of assessing junior hospital pharmacists in the workplace and is the first widespread application of multi-source feedback (MSF) specifically within a pharmacy setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and measurement characteristics of the assessment method, in order to guide its future application.

Methods
At the time of the study (September 2008) the assessment had been in place for 3 years. All assessment data from the first 3 years were analysed retrospectively.

Key findings
We evaluated 633 mini-PAT assessments. Over the study period, the assessor response rate remained relatively consistent at 77% and compared favourably with applications of MSF within medicine. Members of the pharmacy team (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) dominated the assessor nomination lists. It was encouraging to see completed assessment forms returned from nominated doctors and nurses with whom the junior pharmacist had been working. Differences were found between how different occupational groups rated the junior pharmacists against the 16 items on the assessment form (Kruskal–Wallis, df = 3, P &lt; 0.001). Pharmacist assessors rated the junior pharmacists lowest against all 16 items on the mini-PAT assessment form, whereas nominated doctors rated them the highest.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that an MSF assessment method can successfully be applied to a wide range of junior hospital pharmacists, and that the majority of junior hospital pharmacists assessed meet expectations.
Classic Selective Sweeps Were Rare in Recent Human Evolution
Authors: Hernandez Ryan D. , Kelley Joanna L. , Elyashiv Eyal , Melton S. Cord , Auton Adam , McVean Gilean ,   1000 Genomes Project, Sella Guy , Przeworski Molly 
Published: February 2011

Much human genetic variation is likely due to purifying selection against deleterious mutations.
Molecular Phylogeny ofCoxsackievirus A16in Shenzhen, China, from 2005 to 2009
Authors: Zong Wenping , He Yaqing , Yu Shouyi , Yang Hong , Xian Huixia , Liao Yuxue , Hu Guifang 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTPhylogenetic analysis of aCoxsackievirus A16(CA16) sequence from Shenzhen, China, and other Chinese and international CA16 sequences revealed a pattern of endemic cocirculation of strains of clusters B2a and B2b within subtype B2 viruses. Amino acid evolution and nucleotide variation in the VP1 region were slight for 5 years.
Clinical Significance of Propionibacterium acnes Recovered from Blood Cultures: Analysis of 524 Episodes
Authors: Park Hyun Jung , Na Shin , Park Seong Yeon , Moon Song Mi , Cho Oh-Hyun , Park Ki-Ho , Chong Yong Pil , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Mi-Na , Choi Sang-Ho 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Of 522 patients with
Propionibacterium acnes
bacteremia (PAB), 18 (3.5%) had clinically significant PAB. Of these 18 patients, 10 (55.6%) had hospital-acquired bacteremia and 6 (33.3%) had undergone invasive procedures before development of PAB. One patient with a ventricular septal defect presented with infective endocarditis. After the exclusion of 1 patient whose outcome was not available, the overall mortality rate was 5.9% (1/17).
Structural Features of the Seneca Valley Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) Element: a Picornavirus with a Pestivirus-Like IRES
Authors: Willcocks Margaret M. , Locker Nicolas , Gomwalk Zarmwa , Royall Elizabeth , Bakhshesh Mehran , Belsham Graham J. , Idamakanti Neeraja , Burroughs Kevin D. , Reddy P. Seshidhar , Hallenbeck Paul L. , Roberts Lisa O. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe RNA genome of Seneca Valley virus (SVV), a recently identified picornavirus, contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element which has structural and functional similarity to that from classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and hepatitis C virus, members of theFlaviviridae. The SVV IRES has an absolute requirement for the presence of a short region of virus-coding sequence to allow it to function either in cells or in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The IRES activity does not require the translation initiation factor eIF4A or intact eIF4G. The predicted secondary structure indicates that the SVV IRES is more closely related to the CSFV IRES, including the presence of a bipartite IIId domain. Mutagenesis of the SVV IRES, coupled to functional assays, support the core elements of the IRES structure model, but surprisingly, deletion of the conserved IIId2domain had no effect on IRES activity, including 40S and eIF3 binding. This is the first example of a picornavirus IRES that is most closely related to the CSFV IRES and suggests the possibility of multiple, independent recombination events between the genomes of thePicornaviridaeandFlaviviridaeto give rise to similar IRES elements.
The C-Terminal nsP1a Protein of Human Astrovirus Is a Phosphoprotein That Interacts with the Viral Polymerase
Authors: Fuentes Cristina , Guix Susana , Bosch Albert , Pintó Rosa M. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT
Human astrovirus nonstructural C-terminal nsP1a protein (nsP1a/4) colocalizes with the endoplasmic reticulum and viral RNA. It has been suggested that nsP1a/4 protein is involved in the RNA replication process in endoplasmic reticulum-derived intracellular membranes. A hypervariable region (HVR) is contained in the nsP1a/4 protein, and different replicative patterns can be distinguished depending on its variability. In the present work, both the astrovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and four types (IV, V, VI, and XII) of nsP1a/4 proteins have been cloned and expressed in the baculovirus system to analyze their interactions. Different isoforms of each of the nsP1a/4 proteins exist: a nonphosphorylated isoform and different phosphorylated isoforms. While the polymerase accumulates as a monomer, the nsP1a/4 proteins accumulate as oligomers. The oligomerization domain of nsP1a/4-V is mapped between residues 176 and 209. For all studied genotypes, oligomers mainly contain the nonphosphorylated isoform. When RNA polymerase is coexpressed with nsP1a/4 proteins, they interact, likely forming heterodimers. The polymerase binding region has been mapped in the nsP1a/4-V protein between residues 88 and 176. Phosphorylated isoforms of nsP1a/4 type VI show a stronger interactive pattern with the polymerase than the nonphosphorylated isoform. This difference is not observed in genotypes IV and V, suggesting a role of the HVR in modulating the interaction of the nsP1a/4 protein with the polymerase through phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of some critical residues.
Upregulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 in Astrocytes of Transgenic Mice That Express Borna Disease Virus Phosphoprotein
Authors: Honda Tomoyuki , Fujino Kan , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ohtaki Naohiro , Matsumoto Yusuke , Horie Masayuki , Daito Takuji , Itoh Masayuki , Tomonaga Keizo 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT
In a previous study, we demonstrated that transgenic mice that express Borna disease virus (BDV) phosphoprotein (P) in astrocytes show striking neurobehavioral abnormalities resembling those in BDV-infected animals. To understand the molecular disturbances induced by the expression of P in astrocytes, we performed microarray analysis with cultured astroglial cells transiently expressing P. We showed that expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 mRNA increases not only in P-expressing cultured cells but also in astrocytes from the cerebella of P transgenic mice (P-Tg). Furthermore, we demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor signaling is disturbed in the P-Tg cerebellum, a factor that might be involved in the increased vulnerability of Purkinje cell neurons in the brain.
BONE-PRESERVING HIP ARTHROPLASTIES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CONVENTIONAL HIP REPLACEMENT FOR YOUNG PATIENTS — A REVIEW ARTICLE
Authors: Fenichel Itay , Velkes Steven 
Published: February 2011

Hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopedics' procedures in terms of restoring quality of life. In the past, indications for hip replacement were restricted to elderly people, but nowadays advances in bioengineering technology have driven development of hip implants with less wear and loosening and therefore with longer longevity. Early wear and loosening as well as stress shielding and bone preservation are considered as major issues especially when dealing with young patients. The main reason for this is the fact that younger patients might require one or more hip revision procedures during the course of their life due to their age and high activity level. Especially in young patients it could be an advantage to use primary implants that are more bone preserving and allow more physiological load transfer which cause no or minimal stress shielding at the proximal femur. The two options which exist today are hip resurfacing which preserves the femoral head and various short stem prostheses which transfer the forces in the femur more proximally and more physiologically. This review looks at the options which are available today in bone preserving hip arthroplasties.
VARIANCE BOUNDING MARKOV CHAINS, L2-UNIFORM MEAN ERGODICITY AND THE CLT
Authors: DERRIENNIC YVES , LIN MICHAEL 
Published: February 2011

We prove that variance bounding Markov chains, as defined by Roberts and Rosenthal [31], are uniformly mean ergodic in L2 of the invariant probability. For such chains, without any additional mixing, reversibility, or Harris recurrence assumptions, the central limit theorem and the invariance principle hold for every centered additive functional with finite variance. We also show that L2-geometric ergodicity is equivalent to L2-uniform geometric ergodicity. We then specialize the results to random walks on compact Abelian groups, and construct a probability on the unit circle such that the random walk it generates is L2-uniformly geometrically ergodic, but is not Harris recurrent.
Mixing in the Transition Layer during Two Storm Events
Authors: Dohan Kathleen , Davis Russ E. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Upper-ocean dynamics analyzed from mooring-array observations are contrasted between two storms of comparable magnitude. Particular emphasis is put on the role of the transition layer, the strongly stratified layer between the well-mixed upper layer, and the deeper more weakly stratified region. The midlatitude autumn storms occurred within 20 days of each other and were measured at five moorings. In the first storm, the mixed layer follows a classical slab-layer response, with a steady deepening during the course of the storm and little mixing of the thermocline beneath. In the second storm, rather than deepening, the mixed layer shoals while intense near-inertial waves are resonantly excited within the mixed layer. These create a large shear throughout the transition layer, generating turbulence that broadens the transition layer.
Details of the space–time structure of the frequencies in both short waves and near-inertial waves are presented. Small-scale waves are excited within the transition layer. Their frequencies change with time and there are no clear peaks at harmonics of inertial or tidal frequencies. Wavelet transforms of the inertial oscillations show the evolution as a spreading in frequency, a deepening of the core into the transition layer, and a shift off the inertial frequency. A second near-inertial energy core appears below the transition layer at all moorings coincident with a rapid decay of mixed layer currents.
An overall result is that direct wind-generated motions extend to the depth of the transition layer. The transition layer is a location of enhanced wave activity and enhanced shear-driven mixing.
Observations of the Cross-Lake Cloud and Snow Evolution in a Lake-Effect Snow Event
Authors: Barthold Faye E. , Kristovich David A. R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWhile the total snowfall produced in lake-effect storms can be considerable, little is known about how clouds and snow evolve within lake-effect boundary layers. Data collected over Lake Michigan on 10 January 1998 during the Lake-Induced Convection Experiment (Lake-ICE) are analyzed to better understand and quantify the evolution of clouds and snow. On this date, relatively cold air flowed from west to east across Lake Michigan, creating a quasi-steady-state boundary layer that increased from ≈675 to ≈910 m in depth over a distance of 80 km. Once a cloud deck formed 14–18 km from the upwind shoreline, maximum cloud particle concentrations and liquid water content increased from west to east across the lake. Correspondingly, maximum ice water contents, snowfall rates, and maximum snow particle diameters also increased across the lake. Maximum particle concentrations were found below the mean top of the boundary layer and above the cloud base for both cloud and snow particles.Surprisingly, snow particles were observed 3–7 km upwind of the upwind edge of the lake-effect cloud deck. These snow particles were observed to be rather spatially uniform throughout the boundary layer. Based on available observations, it is hypothesized that of the mechanisms that could produce this snow, the majority of it originated from transient clouds located near the upwind shore. In addition, maximum snow particle concentrations peaked near the middle of the lake before decreasing toward the downwind shore, indicating the location after which aggregation became an important snow growth mechanism. These results show that the evolution of clouds and snow within lake-effect boundary layers may not occur in the uniform manner often depicted in conceptual models.
Identification and functional characterization of small non-coding RNAs in Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae
Authors: Liang Hong , Zhao Ying-Tao , Zhang Jie-Qiong , Wang Xiu-Jie , Fang Rong-Xiang , Jia Yan-Tao 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are regarded as important regulators in prokaryotes and play essential roles in diverse cellular processes. Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae (Xoo) is an important plant pathogenic bacterium which causes serious bacterial blight of rice. However, little is known about the number, genomic distribution and biological functions of sRNAs in Xoo.

Results
Here, we performed a systematic screen to identify sRNAs in the Xoo strain PXO99. A total of 850 putative non-coding RNA sequences originated from intergenic and gene antisense regions were identified by cloning, of which 63 were also identified as sRNA candidates by computational prediction, thus were considered as Xoo sRNA candidates. Northern blot hybridization confirmed the size and expression of 6 sRNA candidates and other 2 cloned small RNA sequences, which were then added to the sRNA candidate list. We further examined the expression profiles of the eight sRNAs in an hfq deletion mutant and found that two of them showed drastically decreased expression levels, and another exhibited an Hfq-dependent transcript processing pattern. Deletion mutants were obtained for seven of the Northern confirmed sRNAs, but none of them exhibited obvious phenotypes. Comparison of the proteomic differences between three of the ΔsRNA mutants and the wild-type strain by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis showed that these sRNAs are involved in multiple physiological and biochemical processes.

Conclusions
We experimentally verified eight sRNAs in a genome-wide screen and uncovered three Hfq-dependent sRNAs in Xoo. Proteomics analysis revealed Xoo sRNAs may take part in various metabolic processes. Taken together, this work represents the first comprehensive screen and functional analysis of sRNAs in rice pathogenic bacteria and facilitates future studies on sRNA-mediated regulatory networks in this important phytopathogen.
In vivo imaging of pancreatic tumours and liver metastases using 7 Tesla MRI in a murine orthotopic pancreatic cancer model and a liver metastases model
Authors: Partecke Ivo L , Kaeding André , Sendler Matthias , Albers Nele , Kühn Jens-P , Speerforck Sven , Roese Sebastian , Seubert Florian , Diedrich Stephan , Kuehn Sandra , Weiss Ulrich F , Mayerle Julia , Lerch Markus M , Hadlich Stefan , Hosten Norbert , Heidecke Claus-D , Puls Ralf , von Bernstorff Wolfram 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of tumour death in the western world. However, appropriate tumour models are scarce. Here we present a syngeneic murine pancreatic cancer model using 7 Tesla MRI and evaluate its clinical relevance and applicability.

Methods
6606PDA murine pancreatic cancer cells were orthotopically injected into the pancreatic head. Liver metastases were induced through splenic injection. Animals were analyzed by MRI three and five weeks following injection. Tumours were detected using T2-weighted high resolution sequences. Tumour volumes were determined by callipers and MRI. Liver metastases were analyzed using gadolinium-EOB-DTPA and T1-weighted 3D-Flash sequences. Tumour blood flow was measured using low molecular gadobutrol and high molecular gadolinium-DTPA.

Results
MRI handling and applicability was similar to human systems, resolution as low as 0.1 mm. After 5 weeks tumour volumes differed significantly (p < 0.01) when comparing calliper measurments (n = 5, mean 1065 mm3+/-243 mm3) with MRI (mean 918 mm3+/-193 mm3) with MRI being more precise. Histology (n = 5) confirmed MRI tumour measurements (mean size MRI 38.5 mm2+/-22.8 mm2 versus 32.6 mm2+/-22.6 mm2 (histology), p < 0,0004) with differences due to fixation and processing of specimens. After splenic injection all mice developed liver metastases with a mean of 8 metastases and a mean volume of 173.8 mm3+/-56.7 mm3 after 5 weeks. Lymphnodes were also easily identified. Tumour accumulation of gadobutrol was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than gadolinium-DTPA. All imaging experiments could be done repeatedly to comply with the 3R-principle thus reducing the number of experimental animals.

Conclusions
This model permits monitoring of tumour growth and metastasis formation in longitudinal non-invasive high-resolution MR studies including using contrast agents comparable to human pancreatic cancer. This multidisciplinary environment enables radiologists, surgeons and physicians to further improve translational research and therapies of pancreatic cancer.
Effects on quality of life of weekly docetaxel-based chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: results of a single-centre randomized phase 3 trial
Authors: Nuzzo Francesco , Morabito Alessandro , Gravina Adriano , Di Rella Francesca , Landi Gabriella , Pacilio Carmen , Labonia Vincenzo , Rossi Emanuela , De Maio Ermelinda , Piccirillo Maria Carmela , D'Aiuto Giuseppe , Thomas Renato , Rinaldo Massimo , Botti Gerardo , Di Bonito Maurizio , Di Maio Massimo , Gallo Ciro , Perrone Francesco , de Matteis Andrea 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
To evaluate whether weekly schedules of docetaxel-based chemotherapy were superior to 3-weekly ones in terms of quality of life in locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Methods
Patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, aged ≤ 70 years, performance status 0-2, chemotherapy-naive for metastatic disease, were eligible. They were randomized to weekly or 3-weekly combination of docetaxel and epirubicin, if they were not treated with adjuvant anthracyclines, or docetaxel and capecitabine, if treated with adjuvant anthracyclines. Primary end-point was global quality of life change at 6-weeks, measured by EORTC QLQ-C30. With two-sided alpha 0.05 and 80% power for 35% effect size, 130 patients per arm were needed.

Results
From February 2004 to March 2008, 139 patients were randomized, 70 to weekly and 69 to 3-weekly arm; 129 and 89 patients filled baseline and 6-week questionnaires, respectively. Global quality of life was better in the 3-weekly arm (p = 0.03); patients treated with weekly schedules presented a significantly worsening in role functioning and financial scores (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001). Neutropenia and stomatitis were worse in the 3-weekly arm, where two toxic deaths were observed. Overall response rate was 39.1% and 33.3% in 3-weekly and weekly arms; hazard ratio of progression was 1.29 (95% CI: 0.84-1.97) and hazard ratio of death was 1.38 (95% CI: 0.82-2.30) in the weekly arm.

Conclusions
In this trial, the weekly schedules of docetaxel-based chemotherapy appear to be inferior to the 3-weekly one in terms of quality of life in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00540800.