bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacists' Preferences for Providing Patient-Centered Services: A Discrete Choice Experiment to Guide Health Policy
Authors: Grindrod Kelly A , Marra Carlo A , Colley Lindsey , Tsuyuki Ross T , Lynd Larry D 
Published: September 2010

Background: In Canada, most pharmacists are not paid to provide patient-centered services. In other areas of the world these services have suffered from poor adoption by pharmacists. Objective: To determine pharmacists' preferences for providing patient-centered services. Methods: Senior pharmacy students and pharmacists in British Columbia and Alberta were recruited to complete a discrete choice experiment. In 18 different choice-sets, respondents were asked to choose 1 of 3 options that included 2 different hypothetical patient-centered services and a status quo option. For each hypothetical service, we described the following attributes: service type and setting, personal income and job satisfaction, professional fee, and educational requirements. Multinomial logit and latent class regression models determined respondents' relative preference weights for each attribute. Results: Of 539 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 49% were dispensary pharmacists or managers, 12% were dispensary owners or regional managers, 21% were clinical pharmacists, and 16% were students. When choosing new services, respondents were very averse to having their personal income or job satisfaction decrease. They also preferred a higher professional fee for the service (to be paid to the pharmacy) and preferred a weeklong course or a preceptorship over no education before embarking on new services. Respondents also preferred medication or disease management services, were not interested in screening, and were averse to typical pharmacy services. Finally, respondents preferred the clinic setting over the dispensary. Preferences differed according to several factors including respondents' employment and time in practice. Conclusions: Pharmacists prefer to provide patient-centered services over typical pharmacy services. Most will need to be assured that their income and job satisfaction will be maintained or increased and that they will have access to suitable advanced education. Decision-makers should carefully consider these preferences to improve program success and sustainability.
Prognostic Assessment of Elderly Patients with Symptoms of Heart Failure by Combining High-Sensitivity Troponin T and N-Terminal Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Measurements
Authors: Alehagen Urban , Dahlström Ulf , Rehfeld Jens F , Goetze Jens P 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND
N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a useful biomarker in heart failure assessment, whereas measurement of cardiac troponin is central in the diagnosis of patients with acute coronary syndromes. This report examined the prognostic use of combining high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and NT-proBNP measurements in elderly patients presenting to a primary care center with symptoms associated with heart failure.

METHODS
A total of 470 elderly patients (age range 65–86 years) presenting with symptoms of heart failure were recruited from primary healthcare. In addition to clinical examination and echocardiography, hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP plasma concentrations were measured. All patients were followed for 10 years, and cardiovascular mortality was registered.

RESULTS
By use of the hs-cTnT assay, 80.4% of the population had plasma concentrations above the lower detection limit of the assay. Of those displaying a plasma concentration of hs-cTnT &gt;99th percentile of a healthy population, 43% also had an NT-proBNP concentration in the fourth quartile (&gt;507 ng/L). In the multivariate analysis, we observed a 2.5-fold increased risk for cardiovascular mortality in individuals with a plasma NT-proBNP concentration &gt;507 ng/L (P &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, patients with hs-cTnT &gt;99th percentile displayed an approximately 2-fold increased risk for cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.0002). Combining the 2 biomarkers, NT-proBNP concentrations &gt;507 ng/L with hs-cTnT &gt;99th percentile increased the risk 3-fold, even after adjustment for clinical variables such as age, sex, impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate, and anemia (P &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS
hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP measurements combined provide better prognostic information than using either biomarker separately in elderly patients with symptoms associated with heart failure.
Development of a Novel Solvent-Based Formulation for Pesticides That Are Prone to Crystallization
Authors: Leming Donald , Moreno Valter , Paganini Gianfranco 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Many of today’s most widely used pesticidal active ingredients (AIs) are crystalline solids with limited solubility in commonly used aromatic or aliphatic solvent systems. Many of those solid AIs can only be dissolved at suitable concentrations in very polar or slightly water-soluble solvents, such as cyclohexanone, isophorone, N-methylpyrrolidone, etc. The disadvantage of these solvents is that when they are used as the sole dissolving agent, they can lead to the crystallization of the AI upon dilution of the formulation with water, making the effective and uniform application of the AI impossible due to nozzle and/or filter plugging. In the United States, for example, products containing the azole fungicide, tebuconazole, are therefore mainly formulated as suspension concentrates rather than emulsifiable concentrates (ECs). We have developed a novel solvent-based EC formulation, which inhibits crystal growth when used with a variety of pesticidal actives, including triazole fungicides, in their concentrated and diluted aqueous compositions. This was achieved using a composition containing a water-insoluble solvent together with other stabilizers. This composition was used to prepare formulations of pesticidal AIs with a concentration from 200 to 250 AI g/L. The crystallization of the AI is prevented by the liquid composition, whose ingredients act not only as solvents but also as crystallization inhibitors during the application of the pesticide concentrate as a diluted aqueous spray. This paper presents data on the physical stability of the concentrated formulations, as well as for diluted aqueous spray mixtures, showing that no crystals will form under simulated use conditions. Specific illustrations of this novel approach to solving the complex crystallization problems associated with the above-mentioned class of “problematic” pesticidal compounds include several tebuconazole-based EC formulations. We will also present results from field trials to show their biological performance.
Study of Orthophosphate, Pyrophosphate, and Pyrophosphatase in Saliva With Reference to Calculus Formation and Inhibition
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Agarwal Esha , Arjun Raju P. , Rao M.S. Narayana , Faizuddin Mohamed 
Published: September 2010

Background: A large amount of calculus may hamper the efficacy of daily oral hygiene and thereby accelerate plaque formation. Salivary concentrations of orthophosphate and pyrophosphate are important in preventing calculus formation. Activity of orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, and pyrophosphatase was studied in whole saliva in calculus‐forming groups and plaque‐forming groups.Methods: The material for this study consists of 60 healthy individuals (age range: 15 to 30 years; mean age: 22 years). Depending on calculus index score, individuals were divided into four groups, each of 15 patients: Group 1, calculus index score 0 to 0.6; Group 2, calculus index score 0.7 to 1.8; Group 3, calculus index score 1.9 to 3; and Group 4, plaque group where index varied from 0 to 3. The saliva was collected and biochemically analyzed for concentration of orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, and pyrophosphatase.Results: The mean values of orthophosphate in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0.2559, 1.3639, 1.7311, and 0.1868 mM, respectively. The mean values of pyrophosphate in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 0.3258, 0.1091, 0.0314, and 0.3860 mM, respectively. The mean values of pyrophosphatase in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 10.7937, 15.4249, 27.2900, and 7.5427 units/ml, respectively.Conclusions: A holistic approach toward the control of periodontal disease should include antiplaque and anticalculus agents. The results are conclusive that the components orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, and pyrophosphatase present in saliva have a very significant role to play in formation and inhibition of calculus. This study reinforces the idea of using pyrophosphate and newer bisphosphonates as potential anticalculus agents.
Determination of Correct Implant Size in Radial Head Arthroplasty to Avoid Overlengthening
Authors: Athwal George S. , Frank Simon G. , Grewal Ruby , Faber Kenneth J. , Johnson James , King Graham J.W. 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:
Insertion of a radial head implant that results in radial overlengthening has been associated with altered elbow kinematics, increased radiocapitellar joint forces, capitellar erosions, early-onset arthritis, and loss of elbow flexion. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and radiographic features that may be used to diagnose overlengthening of the radius intraoperatively and on postoperative radiographs.

METHODS:
Radial head implants of varying thicknesses were inserted into seven cadaver specimens, which were then assessed clinically and radiographically. Eight stages were examined: the intact specimen (stage 1); repair of the lateral collateral ligament (stage 2); radial head resection with repair of the lateral collateral ligament (stage 3); insertion of an implant of the correct thickness (stage 4); and insertion of an implant that resulted in radial overlengthening of 2 mm (stage 5), 4 mm (stage 6), 6 mm (stage 7), or 8 mm (stage 8). The specimens were tested with and without muscle loading to simulate resting muscle tone and surgical paralysis, respectively. At each stage, radiographs were made to measure the ulnohumeral joint space and the lateral ulnohumeral joint was visually assessed.

RESULTS:
We identified no difference, with regard to medial ulnohumeral joint incongruity as seen radiographically, among stages 1 through 6 during the tests with muscle loading. A significant difference in medial ulnohumeral joint incongruity was found in stages 7 (p = 0.003) and 8 (p < 0.001). The clinical (visually assessed) lateral ulnohumeral joint space gap was negligible in stages 1 through 4 but increased significantly at all stages involving overlengthening (gross gap, 0.9 mm with 2 mm of erlengthening [p = 0.005], 2.3 mm with 4 mm of overlengthening [p < 0.001], 3.4 mm with 6 mm [p < 0.001], and 4.7 mm with 8 mm [p < 0.001]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Incongruity of the medial ulnohumeral joint becomes apparent radiographically only after overlengthening of the radius by ≥6 mm. Intraoperative visualization of a gap in the lateral ulnohumeral joint is a reliable indicator of overlengthening following the insertion of a radial head prosthesis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
This in vitro study indicates that the clinical (visual) observation of a lateral ulnohumeral joint gap is a reliable indicator of overlengthening following implantation of a radial head prosthesis. In contrast, radiographic measurements are relatively insensitive and cannot reliably demonstrate overlengthening of <6 mm.

ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION:
“Determination of Correct Implant Size in Radial Head Arthroplasty to Avoid Overlengthening” (2009;91:1738-46).
Congenic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Reverses Hyperglycemia in Experimental Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jurewicz Mollie , Yang Sunmi , Augello Andrea , Godwin Jonathan G. , Moore Robert F. , Azzi Jamil , Fiorina Paolo , Atkinson Mark , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Abdi Reza 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVEA number of clinical trials are underway to test whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are effective in treating various diseases, including type 1 diabetes. Although this cell therapy holds great promise, the optimal source of MSCs has yet to be determined with respect to major histocompatibility complex matching. Here, we examine this question by testing the ability of congenic MSCs, obtained from the NOR mouse strain, to reverse recent-onset type 1 diabetes in NOD mice, as well as determine the immunomodulatory effects of NOR MSCs in vivo.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSNOR MSCs were evaluated with regard to their in vitro immunomodulatory function in the context of autoreactive T-cell proliferation and dendritic cell (DC) generation. The in vivo effect of NOR MSC therapy on reversal of recent-onset hyperglycemia and on immunogenic cell subsets in NOD mice was also examined.RESULTSNOR MSCs were shown to suppress diabetogenic T-cell proliferation via PD-L1 and to suppress generation of myeloid/inflammatory DCs predominantly through an IL-6-dependent mechanism. NOR MSC treatment of experimental type 1 diabetes resulted in long-term reversal of hyperglycemia, and therapy was shown to alter diabetogenic cytokine profile, to diminish T-cell effector frequency in the pancreatic lymph nodes, to alter antigen-presenting cell frequencies, and to augment the frequency of the plasmacytoid subset of DCs.CONCLUSIONSThese studies demonstrate the inimitable benefit of congenic MSC therapy in reversing experimental type 1 diabetes. These data should benefit future clinical trials using MSCs as treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Pathophysiology of Neuropathic Pain in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chao Chi-Chao , Tseng Ming-Tsung , Lin Ya-Ju , Yang Wei-Shiung , Hsieh Song-Chou , Lin Yea-Huey , Chiu Ming-Jang , Chang Yang-Chyuan , Hsieh Sung-Tsang 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE
Neuropathic pain due to small-fiber sensory neuropathy in type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed by skin biopsy with quantification of intra-epidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density. There is, however, a lack of noninvasive physiological assessment. Contact heat–evoked potential (CHEP) is a newly developed approach to record cerebral responses of Aδ fiber–mediated thermonociceptive stimuli. We investigated the diagnostic role of CHEP.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
From 2006 to 2009, there were 32 type 2 diabetic patients (20 males and 12 females, aged 51.63 ± 10.93 years) with skin denervation and neuropathic pain. CHEPs were recorded with heat stimulations at the distal leg, where skin biopsy was performed.

RESULTS
CHEP amplitude was reduced in patients compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects (14.8 ± 15.6 vs. 33.7 ± 10.1 μV, P &lt; 0.001). Abnormal CHEP patterns (reduced amplitude or prolonged latency) were noted in 81.3% of these patients. The CHEP amplitude was the most significant parameter correlated with IENF density (P = 0.003) and pain perception to contact heat stimuli (P = 0.019) on multiple linear regression models. An excitability index was derived by calculating the ratio of the CHEP amplitude over the IENF density. This excitability index was higher in diabetic patients than in control subjects (P = 0.023), indicating enhanced brain activities in neuropathic pain. Among different neuropathic pain symptoms, the subgroup with evoked pain had higher CHEP amplitudes than the subgroup without evoked pain (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS
CHEP offers a noninvasive approach to evaluate the degeneration of thermonociceptive nerves in diabetic neuropathy by providing physiological correlates of skin denervation and neuropathic pain.
The Acute Effect of Clamped Hyperglycemia on the Urinary Excretion of Inflammatory Cytokines/Chemokines in Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cherney David Z.I. , Scholey James W. , Sochett Etienne , Bradley Timothy J. , Reich Heather N. 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE
Acute glycemic variability contributes to diabetic complications potentially through induction of inflammation. Our objective was to determine whether acute hyperglycemia affects urinary secretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in humans with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Blood pressure, renal hemodynamics (inulin and paraaminohippurate clearances), and urine samples were obtained after 6 h of clamped euglycemia (4–6 mmol/l) and hyperglycemia (9–11 mmol/l) on two consecutive days in subjects with type 1 diabetes (n = 25). Forty-two urinary cytokines/chemokines were measured using a Luminex platform.

RESULTS
Clamped hyperglycemia produced an expected increase in glomerular filtration rate (131 ± 4 to 148 ± 8 ml/min/1.73 m2). Clamped hyperglycemia was associated with significant increases in urinary eotaxin, fibroblast growth factor-2, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-α 2, interleukin-2 and -12, monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, macrophage-derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, and CD40 ligand (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Acute hyperglycemia results in increased urinary excretion of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in humans with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes, and this may contribute to kidney injury.
Nanophotonic technologies for single-photon devices
Authors: Gerardino A. , Francardi M. , Gaggero A. , Mattioli F. , Leoni R. , Balet L. , Chauvin N. , Marsili F. , Fiore A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe progress in nanofabrication has made possible the realization of optic nanodevices able to handle single photons and to exploit the quantum nature of single-photon states. In particular, quantum cryptography (or more precisely quantum key distribution, QKD) allows unconditionally secure exchange of cryptographic keys by the transmission of optical pulses each containing no more than one photon. Additionally, the coherent control of excitonic and photonic qubits is a major step forward in the field of solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics, with potential applications in quantum computing. Here, we describe devices for realization of single photon generation and detection based on high resolution technologies and their physical properties. Particular attention will be devoted to the description of single-quantum dot sources based on photonic crystal microcavites optically and electrically driven: the electrically driven devices is an important result towards the realization of single photon source “on demand”. A new class of single photon detectors, based on superconducting nanowires, the superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) are also introduced: the fabrication techniques and the design proposed to obtain large area coverage and photon number-resolving capability are described.
Training-Induced Strength and Functional Adaptations After Hip Fracture
Authors: Host Helen H , Sinacore David R , Bohnert Kathryn L , Steger-May Karen , Brown Marybeth , Binder Ellen F 
Published: September 2010

Background and PurposeAt 3 months after hip fracture, most people are discharged from physical therapy despite residual muscle weakness and overall decreased functional capabilities. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine, in frail elderly adults after hip fracture and repair, whether a supervised 6-month exercise program would result in strength gains in the fractured limb equivalent to the level of strength in the nonfractured limb; (2) to determine whether the principle of specificity of training would apply to this population of adults; and (3) to determine the relationship between progressive resistance exercise training (PRT) intensity and changes in measures of strength and physical function.SubjectsThe study participants were 31 older adults (9 men and 22 women; age [X̄±SD], 79±6 years) who had surgical repair of a hip fracture that was completed less than 16 weeks before study enrollment and who completed at least 30 sessions of a supervised exercise intervention.MethodsParticipants completed 3 months of light resistance and flexibility exercises followed by 3 months of PRT. Tests of strength and function were completed at baseline, before PRT, and after PRT.ResultsAfter PRT, the subjects increased knee extension and leg press 1-repetition maximum by 72%±56% and 37%±30%, respectively. After 3 and 6 months of training, lower-extremity peak torques all increased. Specificity of training appeared to apply only to the nonfractured limb after PRT. Strong correlations were observed between training intensity and lower-extremity strength gains as well as improvements in measures of physical function.Discussion and ConclusionFrail elderly adults after hip fracture can benefit by extending their rehabilitation in a supervised exercise setting, working at high intensities in order to optimize gains in strength and physical function.
Ambulatory Physical Activity Performance in Youth With Cerebral Palsy and Youth Who Are Developing Typically
Authors: Bjornson Kristie F , Belza Basia , Kartin Deborah , Logsdon Rebecca , McLaughlin John F 
Published: September 2010

Background and PurposeAssessment of walking activity in youth with cerebral palsy (CP) has traditionally been “capacity-based.” The purpose of this study was to describe the day-to-day ambulatory activity “performance” of youth with CP compared with youth who were developing typically.SubjectsEighty-one youth with CP, aged 10 to 13 years, who were categorized as being in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to III and 30 age-matched youth who were developing typically were recruited.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, participants wore the StepWatch monitor for 7 days while documenting average daily total step counts, percentage of time they were active, ratio of medium to low activity levels, and percentage of time at high activity levels.ResultsThe youth with CP demonstrated significantly lower levels of all outcomes than the comparison group.Discussion and ConclusionDaily walking activity and variability decreased as functional walking level (GMFCS level) decreased. Ambulatory activity performance within the context of the daily life for youth with CP appears valid and feasible as an outcome for mobility interventions in CP.
No. 39 Arnol: The Excavation of a Lewis Blackhouse
Authors: HOLDEN TIMOTHY , DALLAND MAGNAR , BURGESS CHRIS , WALKER BRUCE , CARTER STEPHEN 
Published: September 2010

The detailed recording of No. 39 Arnol was instigated by Historic Scotland prior to its consolidation as part of an extended visitor centre based around the nearby Blockhouse Museum at No. 42. Although occupied as a dwelling for a relatively short time, probably between the 1880s card 1920s, the building was modified many times. The original structure seems to have been constructed to a typical blackhouse pattern with an adjoining barn, byre/dwelling and fosglan (entrance area). Both the dwelling area and fosglan have been significantly lengthened. The extension in the fosglan proved to be unstable. It collapsed and was blocked off by a partition wall. The eastern end of the dwelling area was extended at some point in the early 20th century and a window inserted as part of ongoing modernisation. Excavation of the interior of the building revealed different floor surfaces and features such as partitions, loom platforms and hearths. Sections through the floors and walls have provided detailed information regarding the methods used in the construction of this and other similar buildings.