bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management Systems, Patient Quality Improvement, Resource Availability, and Substance Abuse Treatment Quality
Authors: Fields Dail , Roman Paul M. , Blum Terry C. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the relationships among general management systems, patient‐focused quality management/continuous process improvement (TQM/CPI) processes, resource availability, and multiple dimensions of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.Data Sources/Study SettingData are from a nationally representative sample of 221 SUD treatment centers through the National Treatment Center Study (NTCS).Study DesignThe design was a cross‐sectional field study using latent variable structural equation models. The key variables are management practices, TQM/continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices, resource availability, and treatment center performance.Data CollectionInterviews and questionnaires provided data from treatment center administrative directors and clinical directors in 2007–2008.Principal FindingsPatient‐focused TQM/CQI practices fully mediated the relationship between internal management practices and performance. The effects of TQM/CQI on performance are significantly larger for treatment centers with higher levels of staff per patient.ConclusionsInternal management practices may create a setting that supports implementation of specific patient‐focused practices and protocols inherent to TQM/CQI processes. However, the positive effects of internal management practices on treatment center performance occur through use of specific patient‐focused TQM/CPI practices and have more impact when greater amounts of supporting resources are present.
How Effective Is Internal Control Reporting under SOX 404? Determinants of the (Non‐)Disclosure of Existing Material Weaknesses
Authors: RICE SARAH C. , WEBER DAVID P. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT We study determinants of internal control reporting decisions under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX 404) using a sample of restating firms whose original misstatements are linked to underlying control weaknesses. We find that only a minority of these firms acknowledge their existing control weaknesses during their misstatement periods, and that this proportion has declined over time. Further, the probability of reporting existing weaknesses is negatively associated with external capital needs, firm size, non‐audit fees, and the presence of a large audit firm; it is positively associated with financial distress, auditor effort, previously reported control weaknesses and restatements, and recent auditor and management changes. These results provide evidence that detection and disclosure incentives play a role in whether existing material weaknesses are reported, which has implications for the effectiveness of SOX 404 in providing investors with advance warning of potential accounting problems.
The neuroregenerative mechanism mediated by the Hsp90‐binding immunophilin FKBP52 resembles the early steps of neuronal differentiation
Authors: Quintá HR , Galigniana MD 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The immunosuppressive macrolide FK506 (tacrolimus) shows neuroregenerative action by a mechanism that appears to involve the Hsp90‐binding immunophilin FKBP52. This study analyses some aspects of the early steps of neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Undifferentiated murine neuroblastoma cells and hippocampal neurones isolated from embryonic day‐17 rat embryos were induced to differentiate with FK506. Subcellular relocalization of FKBP52, Hsp90 and its co‐chaperone p23 was analysed by indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and by Western blots of axonal fractions isolated from cells grown on a porous transwell cell culture chamber. Neuroregeneration was evaluated using a scratch‐wound assay.KEY RESULTS In undifferentiated cells, FKBP52, Hsp90 and p23 are located in the cell nucleus, forming an annular structure that disassembles when the differentiation process is triggered by FK506. This was observed in the N2a cell line and in hippocampal neurones. More importantly, the annular structure of chaperones is reassembled after damaging the neurones, whereas FK506 prompts their rapid regeneration, a process linked to the subcellular redistribution of the heterocomplex.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There is a direct relationship between the disassembly of the chaperone complex and the progression of neuronal differentiation upon stimulation with the immunophilin ligand FK506. Both neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration appear to be mechanistically linked, so the elucidation of one mechanism may lead to unravel the properties of the other. This study also implies that the discovery of FK506 derivatives, devoid of immunosuppressive action, would be therapeutically significant for neurotrophic use.
An Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge of Botulism
Authors: Bork Christopher E. , Rega Paul P. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess nurses’ knowledge of botulism, a Centers for Disease Control Category A bioterrorism agent, one case of which constitutes an emergency.DesignThe study utilized survey research.SampleThe cluster sample included 1,414 registered nurses.MeasureThe survey gathered demographic data and nurses’ knowledge of the background, manifestation and management of botulism.ResultsThe mean percentage of correct answers for the sample was 25.95%, with a standard deviation (SD) of ±19.89%. Only 90 (6.3%) achieved 60% or more correct. Educational preparation, experience, specialty/area of practice and whether nurses had a class in disaster medicine were also examined and although differences were noted, none of these factors accounted for a score of 60% or above.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate the need for an assessment of the current education nurses receive about botulism.
Romiplostim efficacy in an acute myeloid leukemia patient with transfusion refractory thrombocytopenia
Authors: Berthelot‐Richer Maxime , Boilard Brigitte , Morin Annie , Bolduc Brigitte , Beauregard Patrice , Kotb Rami 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Refractoriness to platelet (PLT) transfusion is a feared, life‐threatening complication in hematology‐oncology patients. Despite increased PLT requirement and treatment costs, the clinical management is difficult and these patients had less favorable outcomes.CASE REPORT: We report on the efficacy of the thrombopoietic agent romiplostim in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia with chemotherapy‐induced transfusion‐refractory thrombocytopenia.CONCLUSION: Romiplostim could be very helpfull in the management of AML patients with transfusion refractory thrombocytopenia.
Impact of Dietary Folate Intake on Depressive Symptoms in Young Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Watanabe Hiroko , Ishida Sadayo , Konno Yoshie , Matsumoto Momoyo , Nomachi Shinobu , Masaki Kiyoko , Okayama Hisayo , Nagai Yasushi 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Folate deficiencies may be linked to depressive disorders among persons suffering from neurological and psychiatric problems. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of dietary folate intake on depressive symptoms in young Japanese women of reproductive age.Methods: The study was conducted in Japan in 2009 with 141 Japanese women aged 18 to 28 years. A Japanese version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms. Dietary intake was investigated by a diet history questionnaire. Nonfasting blood samples were collected from the women to measure folate and homocysteine levels.Results: The proportion of women with lower folate intake (< 240 μg/d) was significantly higher in the women with CES‐D scores greater than or equal to 19 when compared with the folate levels in those with CES‐D scores less than 19 (75.0% vs 43.6%, respectively; P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between CES‐D scores greater than or equal to 19, low folate intake, and low vitamin B6 intake when adjusted for age, living status, smoking, and body mass index. Adequate folate intake of more than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) level of 240 μg per day was independently related to a decreased risk of depression (adjusted odds ratio 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.11‐0.56; P < .001).Discussion: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a reduced incidence of depression in women whose intake of folate exceeded the RDA of 240 μg per day. This finding suggests that dietary folate intake may be causally related to depressive symptoms in women of reproductive age. If results of studies powered to determine causal relationships are similarly positive, folate supplementation could reduce the incidence of depression.
Skilled Birth Attendants in Mexico: How Does Care During Normal Birth by General Physicians, Obstetric Nurses, and Professional Midwives Compare With World Health Organization Evidence‐Based Practice Guidelines?
Authors: Walker Dilys , DeMaria Lisa M. , Suarez Leticia , Cragin Leslie ,   The Evaluating Alternative Models of Obstetric Care in Mexico Research Team
Published: November 2011

Introduction: We evaluated the quality of basic obstetric care provided by Mexican general physicians, obstetric nurses, and professional midwives compared with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for evidence‐based practices and national guidelines.Methods: Vaginal births were observed in 5 hospitals in 5 states from June 2006 until July 2007. We created 5 indices based on WHO guidelines and national standards for care during normal birth. These indices included 1) favorable practices at admission, 2) favorable practices during labor, birth, and immediately postpartum, 3) harmful or excessively used practices, 4) newborn practices, and 5) obstetric outcomes. We assessed each provider type's performance as high or low compared with the WHO standard and performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the association between indices, patient characteristics, and provider type, adjusting for standard errors for intragroup correlation.Results: We observed 876 independently managed vaginal births. Adjusted regression analyses compared with the general physicians standard revealed significant results for favorable care by obstetric nurses on admission (odds ratio [OR] 6.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08‐18.84); for care by professional midwives (OR 21.08; 95% CI, 4.24‐104.94) and obstetric nurses (OR 7.88; 95% CI, 2.76‐22.52) during labor, birth, and postpartum; and for newborn practices by obstetric nurses (OR 4.14; 95% CI, 1.08‐15.90). Professional midwives were least likely to perform harmful/excessively used practices during labor, birth, and the postpartum period (OR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.00‐0.35).Discussion: Professional midwives and obstetric nurses perform equally or better than general physicians when assessed by use or misuse of evidence‐based practices. Professional midwives are an underutilized resource in Mexico. If integrated into the mainstream Mexican health system, they may improve the quality of obstetric care.
Shoulder Dystocia and Postpartum Hemorrhage Simulations: Student Confidence in Managing These Complications
Authors: Andrighetti Tia P. , Knestrick Joyce M. , Marowitz Amy , Martin Cheryl , Engstrom Janet L. 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Simulation is an effective teaching strategy for educating health professionals. However, little is known about the effectiveness of simulations in midwifery education. The purpose of this project was to determine whether the use of high‐fidelity simulations for the obstetric emergencies of shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage increases student confidence in managing these complications.Methods: The participants were registered nurses enrolled in a graduate midwifery education program in the Southeastern United States. Student confidence in learning to manage shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage was studied in 2 groups of students. The control group (n = 10) received standard teaching methods consisting of discussion, watching a video, and low‐fidelity teaching methods. The intervention group (n = 18) received a high‐fidelity simulation learning experience. Student confidence was measured before and after each learning experience using a validated, 8‐item, Likert‐type scale.Results: In the control group, student confidence did not significantly increase after a classroom discussion or low‐fidelity simulation experience. Student confidence increased significantly (P < .01) after the high‐fidelity simulation learning experiences. When the differences between the pretest and posttest scores were compared for the control and intervention groups, there was a moderate effect size (0.54) for the intervention group for the shoulder dystocia simulations and a large effect size (1.68) for the postpartum hemorrhage simulations.Conclusion: High‐fidelity simulations for shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage significantly increased student confidence in managing these complications.
Abandoning Fish: The Vulnerability of Salmon as a Cultural Resource in a Post‐Soviet Commons
Authors: Gerkey Drew 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFollowing the dramatic transformations of Soviet collectivization and the ongoing transition to post‐Soviet markets, institutions, and regulatory regimes, salmon fisheries of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East have become a vulnerable natural and economic resource. Although government authorities and environmentalists working in Kamchatka recognize salmon as an important part of local indigenous people's lives and cultural identities, the formal system for managing salmon fisheries does not directly address the vulnerability of cultural resources tied to salmon. In the mixed economy of rural villages, salmon fishing not only produces food that meets economic needs, it also generates cultural value. I examine how cultural resources are created as people harvest salmon, circulate it within their communities, and construct common identities from this work. Focusing on the obshchina, an institution that has emerged in the post‐Soviet era to coordinate salmon fishing and other traditional economic activities, I explore dilemmas that arise as people strive to preserve the economic and cultural value of salmon while ensuring that their ways of life develop and remain viable in changing and challenging environments.
Clinical efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix in augmenting keratinized mucosa around implants: a randomized controlled prospective clinical trial
Authors: Lorenzo Ramón , García Virginia , Orsini Marco , Martin Conchita , Sanz Mariano 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAimThe aim of this controlled randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) to augment the keratinized tissue around implants supporting prosthetic restorations at 6 months when compared with the standard treatment, the connective tissue autograft, CTG).Materials and methodsThis randomized longitudinal parallel controlled clinical trial studied 24 patients with at least one location with minimal keratinized tissue (≤1 mm).Main outcome measureThe 6‐month width of keratinized tissue. As secondary outcomes the esthetic outlook, the maintenance of peri‐implant mucosal health and the patient morbidity were assessed pre‐operatively and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐operatively.ResultsAt 6 months, Group CTG attained a mean width of keratinized tissue of 2.75 (1.5) mm, while the corresponding figure in Group CM was 2.8 (0.4) mm, the inter‐group differences not being statistically significant. The surgical procedure in both groups did not alter significantly the mucosal health in the affected abutments. There was a similar esthetic result and significant increase in the vestibular depth in both groups as a result of the surgery. In the CM group it changed from 2.2 (3.3) to 5.1 (2.5) mm at 6 months. The patients treated with the CM referred less pain, needed less pain medication, and the surgical time was shorter, although these differences were not statistically significant when compared with the CTG group.ConclusionsThese results prove that this new CM was as effective and predictable as the CTG for attaining a band of keratinized tissue.
Relaxant effect of a novel calcium‐activated potassium channel modulator on human myometrial spontaneous contractility in vitro
Authors: Rosenbaum S. T. , Larsen T. , Joergensen J. C. , Bouchelouche P. N. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate the effect of 4,5‐dichloro‐1,3‐diethyl‐1,3‐dihydro‐benzoimidazol‐2‐one (NS4591), a novel SK/IK channels positive modulator, on human myometrial activity.Methods:  Organ bath studies were performed on myometrial preparations obtained from women undergoing elective caesarean section at term (N = 11) or hysterectomy (N = 11). NS4591 was added cumulatively in the concentration range of 0.3–30 μm. In separate experiments, the effects of pre‐incubation of muscle preparation with the SK or IK channel blockers apamin (1 μm) and TRAM34 (10 μm) on the outcomes of NS4591 were evaluated. Simultaneous vehicle controls were performed for all experiments. The effects of drugs were studied on spontaneous contractions.Results:  NS4591 exerted an inhibitory effect on myometrial contractions in muscle strips from non‐pregnant and pregnant women. The contractility in non‐pregnant and pregnant myometrium was reduced to the following values respectively: amplitude 20.65 ± 7.38% (P < 0.001) and 42.85 ± 11.04% (P < 0.05) and area under the curve 11.72 ± 7.39% (P < 0.001) and 34.84 ± 10.50% (P < 0.001) and are reflective of 30 μm NS4591 compared to vehicle control. In non‐pregnant tissue, apamin partially reduced the inhibitory effects of NS4591, but we observed relaxation mediated by NS4591 despite pre‐incubation with TRAM34. In contrast, in pregnant tissue, neither apamin nor TRAM34 could reverse the relaxatory effects of NS4591.Conclusion:  Our findings imply that SK/IK channels are present and functional in myometrium from pregnant and non‐pregnant women. The SK/IK channel‐positive modulator NS4591 exerts relaxation of human myometrium in vitro, and this may have implications for the clinical management of preterm labour.
Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract activates the insulin-signalling cascade and reduces hyperglycaemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Soares de Moura Roberto , da Costa Giselle França , Moreira Annie Seixas Bello , Queiroz Emerson Ferreira , Moreira Daniele Dal Col , Garcia-Souza Erica Patrícia , Resende Ângela Castro , Moura Aníbal Sanchez , Teixeira Michelle Teixeira 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the effect of Vitis vinifera grape skin extract (ACH09) on hyperglycaemia and the insulin-signalling cascade in alloxan-treated mice.

Methods
Glycaemia, serum insulin and Western blot analysis of insulin cascade proteins were evaluated in the gastrocnemius muscles of four groups of adult mice: control, ACH09 (200 mg/kg per day, p.o.), alloxan (300 mg/kg, i.p.) and alloxan + ACH09. Insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets was also studied.

Key findings
Glycaemia values in the alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09 groups were significantly lower than in the alloxan-treated and control groups, respectively. Increased insulin resistance (HOMA index) was observed in the alloxan-treated group but not in the alloxan + ACH09 group. Insulin receptor content and Akt phosphorylation were significantly greater in the alloxan + ACH09 group compared with the alloxan-treated group. The glucose transporter (GLUT-4) content was reduced in alloxan-treated mice compared with the control group, while alloxan + ACH09 and ACH09-treated mice showed a significant increase in GLUT-4 content. ACH09 treatment did not change glucose-induced insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets.

Conclusions
The results suggest that ACH09 has hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects that are independent of an increase in insulin release but are probably dependent on an increase in insulin sensitivity resulting from an activation of the insulin-signalling cascade in skeletal muscle.
Effects of isoflurane on learning and memory functions of wild-type and glutamate transporter type 3 knockout mice
Authors: Lee Sunam , Park Sang-Hon , Zuo Zhiyi 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Objectives
General anesthetics may contribute to the post-operative cognitive dysfunction. This study was designed to determine the effects of isoflurane on the learning and memory of healthy animals or animals with a decreased brain antioxidative capacity.

Methods
Seven- to nine-week-old female CD-1 wild-type mice or glutamate transporter type 3 (EAAT3) knockout mice whose brains have a decreased glutathione level were exposed to or were not exposed to 1.3% isoflurane for 2 h. They were subjected to fear conditioning or Barnes maze tests 1 week later.

Key findings
The EAAT3 knockout mice had less freezing behaviour than the wild-type mice in tone-related fear. Isoflurane did not affect the freezing behaviour of the wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice. The time for the wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice to identify the target hole in the training sessions and memory test with the Barnes maze was not affected by isoflurane. However, the EAAT3 knockout mice took longer to identify the target hole than the wild-type mice in these tests.

Conclusions
These results suggest that EAAT3 knockout mice have significant cognitive impairment. Isoflurane may not significantly affect the cognition of wild-type and EAAT3 knockout mice in a delayed phase after isoflurane exposure.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Liposomal Amphotericin B and Caspofungin in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Recipients
Authors: Würthwein Gudrun , Young Charlotte , Lanvers-Kaminsky Claudia , Hempel Georg , Trame Mirjam N. , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Ostermann Helmut , Heinz Werner J. , Cornely Oliver A. , Kolve Hedwig , Boos Joachim , Silling Gerda , Groll Andreas H. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) and caspofungin (CAS) are important antifungal agents in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) recipients. Little is known, however, about the pharmacokinetics (PK) of both agents and their combination in this population. The PK of LAMB and CAS and the potential for PK interactions between both agents were investigated within a risk-stratified, randomized phase II clinical trial in 53 adult aHSCT recipients with granulocytopenia and refractory fever. Patients received either LAMB (
n
= 17; 3 mg/kg once a day [QD]), CAS (
n
= 19; 50 mg QD; day 1, 70 mg), or the combination of both (CAS-LAMB;
n
= 17) for a median duration of 10 to 13 days (range, 4 to 28 days) until defervescence and granulocyte recovery. PK sampling was performed on days 1 and 4. Drug concentrations in plasma (LAMB, 405 samples; CAS, 458 samples) were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography and were analyzed using population pharmacokinetic modeling. CAS concentration data best fitted a two-compartment model with a proportional error model and interindividual variability (IIV) for clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (
V
1
) (CL, 0.462 liter/h ± 25%;
V
1
, 8.33 liters ± 29%; intercompartmental clearance [
Q
], 1.25 liters/h; peripheral volume of distribution [
V
2
], 3.59 liters). Concentration data for LAMB best fitted a two-compartment model with a proportional error model and IIV for all parameters (CL, 1.22 liters/h ± 64%;
V
1
, 19.2 liters ± 38%;
Q
, 2.18 liters/h ± 47%;
V
2
, 52.8 liters ± 84%). Internal model validation showed predictability and robustness of both models. None of the covariates tested (LAMB or CAS comedication, gender, body weight, age, body surface area, serum bilirubin, and creatinine clearance) further improved the models. In summary, the disposition of LAMB and CAS was best described by two-compartment models. Drug exposures in aHSCT patients were comparable to those in other populations, and no PK interactions were observed between the two compounds.