bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Innovation in cardiology. A new diagnostic standard establishing criteria of quantitative & qualitative evaluation of main parameters of the cardiac & cardiovascular system according to ECG and Rheo based on cardiac cycle phase analysis
Authors: Mamberger K , Makedonsky D , Rudenko M , Kolmakov S , Weber Konstantine , Voronova O , Zernov V , Rudenko S 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOver more than 50 years the theory of functioning of the cardiac & cardiovascular system remained unchanged. As a rule, all conventional diagnostics methods are based on statistics data on changes in shapes of cardiac signals only, so that it is impossible to determine the relevant cause-effect relations with respect to their formation [1,2]. But a theory of elevated fluidity of liquid offered twenty five years ago makes it possible to develop an innovative method of the phase analysis of the cardiac cycle [3]. The successful application of the said method in researches for the last 5 years has enabled a practical implementation of an indirect measuring concept with respect to volumetric hemodynamic parameters [4]. By evaluating hemodynamic parameters upon examination of more than 3000 patients the Authors have identified the actual cause-effect relations in formation of the respective ECG & Rheo so that new capabilities are being offered in cardiology. This article should be treated as a logic result reflecting a long-term experience accumulated in large-scale investigations covering the complete cardiac & cardiovascular system operation.
Quantum stochasticity and neuronal computations
Authors: Jedlicka Peter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe nervous system probably cannot display macroscopic quantum (i.e. classically impossible) behaviours such as quantum entanglement, superposition or tunnelling (Koch and Hepp, Nature 440:611, 2006). However, in contrast to this quantum ‘mysticism’ there is an alternative way in which quantum events might influence the brain activity. The nervous system is a nonlinear system with many feedback loops at every level of its structural hierarchy. A conventional wisdom is that in macroscopic objects the quantum fluctuations are self-averaging and thus not important. Nevertheless this intuition might be misleading in the case of nonlinear complex systems. Because of a high sensitivity to initial conditions, in chaotic systems the microscopic fluctuations may be amplified upward and thereby affect the system's output. In this way stochastic quantum dynamics might sometimes alter the outcome of neuronal computations, not by generating classically impossible solutions, but by influencing the selection of many possible solutions (Satinover, Quantum Brain, Wiley & Sons, 2001). I am going to discuss recent theoretical proposals and experimental findings in quantum mechanics, complexity theory and computational neuroscience suggesting that biological evolution is able to take advantage of quantum-computational speed-up. I predict that the future research on quantum complex systems will provide us with novel interesting insights that might be relevant also for neurobiology and neurophilosophy.
The effect of drought and subsequent precipitation pulse on productivity, species composition, and carbon fluxes of the herbaceous understorey in a cork oak woodland
Authors: Jongen Marjan , Caldeira Maria C. , Pereira João S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn the Iberian Peninsula, the cork oak woodlands are of great ecological and socio-economic importance. These savanna-type woodlands are characterized by an herbaceous understorey, dominated by C3 annual species. The productivity and related ecosystem processes of this understorey are highly dependent on timing and magnitude of precipitation events. Climate change scenarios for the Iberian Peninsula suggest not only increasing air temperatures, but also the possibility of decreasing spring precipitation, accompanied by an increase in the interval between precipitation events, which might cause drought conditions to occur, with more severe effects on productivity and ecosystem processes. An experiment was carried out in southern Portugal to assess the effect of a drought treatment, with a subsequent extreme precipitation event, on the herbaceous component of managed cork oak woodland. The facility consisted of five plots with rainout shelters (2.5 x 2.5 m), which exclude normal rainfall inputs (drought treatment), and five non-sheltered control plots (control treatment). In the drought treatment, 193 mm of precipitation was excluded in the period from mid March to mid May, with a subsequent precipitation pulse of 50 mm in the middle of May. Variables measured included productivity, plant community composition, soil respiration and soil microbial activity.
Sulbactam/Ampicillin
Authors: Salamone Francine R. 
Published: September 2009

Sulbactam/ampicillin was recently marketed for use in several infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing organisms. Sulbactam is the second beta-lactamase inhibitor to become available in the United States. Interest in inhibition of beta-lactamases arose in the late 1960s when a combination consisting of an antibacterial agent and an enzyme inhibitor was found effective in the treatment of certain resistant gram-negative infections. It is now well accepted that the addition of a beta-lactamase inhibitor to a beta-lactam antibiotic may expand its usefulness in a variety of infections.The penicillin derivatives, known as beta-lactam antibiotics, possess a four-membered ring (beta-lactam ring) fused to a second ring (Figure). It is the beta-lactam ring that is essential for the inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis and subsequent bactericidal activity of these agents. The development of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics may occur by a number of mechanisms, although the most important is bacterial production of enzymes (beta-lactamases) that are capable of beta-lactam ring hydrolysis and inactivation.Sulbactam resembles the penicillin derivatives in structure (Figure) and is able to preserve their activity by its ability to inhibit the action of beta-lactamases, particularly those of the Richmond classes II-V (gram-negative) and the group A beta-lactamases (gram-positive). Sulbactam is referred to as a “suicide inhibitor” because while forming an irreversible complex with the enzyme, it is destroyed in the process. By virtue of its ability to render the beta-lactamases inactive, sulbactam has been combined with ampicillin in an effort to restore its activity against a number of pathogens that have developed resistance by this mechanism.
Disinfection of Water Distribution Systems for Legionella: A Review of Application Procedures and Methodologies
Authors: Muraca Paul W. , Yu Victor L. , Goetz Angella 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHospital-acquired legionella pneumonia is emerging as a major problem; potable water distribution systems have been shown to be the primary reservoirs for the legionella organisms. As a result, disinfection measures have been developed to eradicate the organism from the hospital water supply. Each disinfection modality differs in its design and application such that choosing an appropriate cost-effective control measure requires careful analysis and planning.We assess in comparative fashion the disinfection modalities of thermal eradication (“heat-and-flush”), instantaneous steam-heating system, chlorination, ultraviolet light irradiation, ozonation and metal ionization. The theoretical bases, the actual procedure or system, the logistics of implementation, the costs and personnel requirements and the advantages and disadvantages are presented for each modality. Criteria for selection of a method, the use of combinations of methods, parameters for installation, pitfalls in implementation and a plan for subsequent environmental surveillance are discussed in detail.
Hospital Reimbursement Patterns Among Patients With Surgical Wound Infections Following Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Boyce John M. , Potter-Bynoe Gail , Dziobek Linda 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOf the more than 200,000 patients who undergo open heart surgery annually in the United States, 2% to 10% will develop a post-operative infectionrelated to their surgery. The economic impact of such infections on hospitals under the prospective payment system is unclear. To study the effect of such infections on hospital costs and reimbursement patterns, we compared case patients with controls of similar age, sex, urgency of surgery and type of surgery. The postoperative stay for cases was significantly longer than for matched controls (26.8 days and 8.3 days, respectively; p = .0002). The mean hospital cost for case admissions ($25,957) was twice as high as for control admissions ($12,795) (p = .0002). Cases resulted in an average net loss to the hospital of $2,344 per patient, while controls yielded an average net gain of $3,196 per patient (p = .02). We conclude that hospitals have substantial financial incentives tominimize the incidence of postoperative wound infections associated with open heart surgery.
Infection Control Practices in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the United States: A National Survey
Authors: Gorse Geoffrey J. , Messner Roberta L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectives:To ascertain current infection control practices, endoscope cleaning procedures, perceived risks of infection, and implementation of universal precautions in gastrointestinal endoscopy units in the United States.Design:National mailed survey of gastroenterology nurses and associates conducted anonymously in March 1988.Setting:Completed surveys were received from all 50 states and Puerto Rico and from all practice settings. The most common practice setting was private/community hospitals (66%).Participants:Of the 4,952 survey forms mailed to all members and to interested non-members of the Society of Gastrointestinal Nurses and Associates, 2,158 (44%) were returned and 2,030 (41%) were completed and evaluable. Of the respondents, 1,487 (73%) were registered nurses.Results:Sixty-seven percent (n = 1,358) of the respondents routinely used an enzymatic cleaner as a step in the instrument decontamination process; 93% (n = 1,879) chemically disinfected instruments after each case; and 88% (n = 1,779) disinfected endoscopes with an aqueous glutaraldehyde product. Respondents reported that they and a significantly smaller proportion of physicians (p<.001) employed barrier precautions for all endoscopic cases involving possible contact with blood/body fluids of patients known (66% versus 57%, respectively) and not known (12% versus 8%, respectively) to have a bloodborne infection. Endoscopy-related infections, usually bacterial, were reported to have occurred at their institutions by 6% (n = 116) of respondents.Conclusions:We conclude that cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures for gastrointestinal endoscopic instruments vary, that appropriate protective apparel is not always worn, and that some practices may lead to preventable endoscopy-related infection in patients.
Nosocomial Pneumonia in a Canadian Tertiary Center: A Prospective Surveillance Study
Authors: Louie M. , Dyck B. , Parker S. , Sekla L. , Nicolle L.E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To determine the contribution of etiologic agents, including Legionella pneumophila and respiratory viruses to nosocomial pneumonia at a tertiary care center.Design:Prospective surveillance of nosocomial pneumonia with standardized laboratory investigations.Setting:A 1,100-bed tertiary care center.Patients:All adult inpatients.Results:One hundred and thirty-five Nosocomial pneumonias (5.7/1,000 discharges) were identified. Four (3.0%) were L pneumophila sero-group 1 infections (0.17/1,000 discharges). LegionelIosis occurred in non-high-risk patients, and three cases would not have been identified without active surveillance. viral seroconversion was identified in seven (19%) of 36 cases with specimens available (0.59/1,000 discharges): five influenza B, one influenza A, and one respiratory syncytial virus. IgM serology was positive in one case each for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia species. No geographical clustering was observed for viral infections, and these would not have been identified without active surveillance. Mortality for all nosocomial pneumonia was 25%. Patient factors significantly associated with a poorer outcome included older age, underlying disease, low serum albumin, renal insufficiency, lower platelet count, endotracheal intubation, respiratory failure, bacteremia, and use of antacids.Conclusions:This prospective surveillance suggested that L pneumophila and viral agents were uncommon causes of nosocomial pneumonia at our institution during this surveillance period.
Effect of an Automated Sink on Handwashing Practices and Attitudes in High-Risk Units
Authors: Larson Elaine , McGeer Allison , Quraishi Z. Ahmed , Krenzischek Dina , Parsons B.J. , Holdford Jack , Hierholzer Walter J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To assess the effects of an automated sink on handwashing practices and attitudes of staff.Design:Quasi-experimental crossover design.Setting:Two high-risk patient care areas, one postanesthesia recovery room (Site 1), and one neonatal intensive care unit (Site 2) in two tertiary care hospitals.Participants:All patient care staff on study units; approximately 55 individuals.Interventions:An automated sink was installed to replace one handwashing sink for about five weeks; the sink was then crossed-over for an equivalent time period to the other location. Handwashing practices of all unit staff were observed in three two-hour observation periods/week. Questionnaires were distributed to staff two weeks after sink installation and at the study's end.Results:One thousand, six hundred ten handwashes were observed. Handwashing practices differed significantly by site. For both sites, hands were washed significantly better but significantly less often with the automated sink (all p<.001). Staff expressed negative attitudes, however, about certain features of the sink, and these negative attitudes increased over the study period.Conclusions:Automated devices must be flexible enough to allow adjustments based on staff acceptance. Application of new technology to improve hand hygiene requires a multifaceted approach to behavior change. (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1991;12:422-428.)
Prevention of Infectious Diseases in Ambulatory Care: Immunoprophylaxis and Chemoprophylaxis
Authors: Wald Tina G. , Tobacman Joanne K. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To review the current recommendations for immunoprophylaxis and chemoprophylaxis of infection in adults, including those who are at increased risk from occupation, lifestyle, travel, or pre-existing medical conditions.Design:Review of the pertinent literature.Setting:Adult ambulatory care.Conclusions:Guidelines for the prevention of several diseases including measles, tuberculosis, and bacterial endocarditis recently have been changed. Current recommendations for immunization, immune globulin therapy, and chemotherapy for these and other common infections are reviewed.
Cryptococcal Ventricular-Peritoneal Shunt Infection: Clinical and Epidemiological Evaluation of Two Closely Associated Cases
Authors: Ingram Christopher W. , Haywood Hubert B. , Morris Vicki M. , Allen Robert L. , Perfect John R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:To determine the cause of meningitis associated with Cryptococcus neoformans in two patients with recent ventricular-peritoneal (VP) shunt placement.Design:A retrospective review of materials, records, and concurrent cases of VP shunt procedures. Isolates of C neoformans from each patient were submitted for analysis by colony morphology, biochemical testing, and karyotyping by pulsed-field electrophoresis.Setting:Two 400-bed community hospitals.Patients:Two immunocompetent patients presented with symptoms of progressive hydrocephalus in August 1991. Each received a VP shunt on the same day by the same surgeon using materials from a common vendor and hospital.Results:Both patients presented within six to eight weeks with symptoms of fever, headache, rash, and cultures of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that yielded C neoformans. Each patient recovered after therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine followed by several months of fluconazole, although one required replacement of the VP shunt for cure. Review of each patient's history and CSF characteristics at the time of shunt placement suggested re-activation of a pre-existing infection. Isolates of C neoformans from each patient were submitted for analysis by colony morphology, biochemical testing, and karyotyping by pulsed-field electrophoresis. Each isolate was found to be unique by chromosomal karyotyping.Conclusions:Our data and previous reports suggest that cryptococcal VP shunt infections appear to be a complication of shunts placed in previously infected persons rather than noso-transmission of cryptococcus during placement.
Bromodeoxyuridine Labeling of S-Phase Nuclei in the Starlet Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Genikhovich Grigory , Technau Ulrich 
Published: September 2009

INTRODUCTIONBromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is a thymidine analog that can be used to label cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle. BrdU penetrates the cell membrane and is rapidly integrated into the nucleotide pool, ready to be incorporated into DNA. A specific antibody against BrdU coupled to a fluorophore or an enzyme (alkaline phosphatase [AP] or horseradish peroxidase [HRP]) can detect BrdU incorporated into DNA. The method is simple and powerful, because the combination of pulse, continuous, and pulse-chase labeling allows deep insights into the cell-cycle dynamics and differentiation kinetics of a number of cycling and terminally differentiated cells. This protocol describes BrdU labeling of S-phase nuclei in the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis.
Extraction of RNA from Small Amounts of Amphioxus Embryos for cDNA Synthesis by RT-PCR
Authors: Yu J.K. Sky , Holland Linda Z. 
Published: September 2009

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a rapid method for obtaining total RNA from several hundred (or fewer) amphioxus embryos. This protocol uses a commercially available spin column kit and is especially useful for experiments involving very small amounts of starting material, such as embryos injected with transgenes or morpholino antisense oligonucleotides. After the target embryos are sorted and rinsed, they are lysed and homogenized in lysis buffer prepared with guanidine isothiocyanate and containing β-mercaptoethanol to release RNA and inactivate RNases. Ethanol is added to the sample to promote selective binding of RNA to the silica-based membrane in the spin column. After applying the sample to the spin column to bind RNA, DNA contamination is removed by DNase treatment on the spin column. Finally, DNase and digested DNA are washed away, and high-quality RNA is eluted in RNase-free water. The resulting RNA can be used directly to generate cDNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for more sensitive applications such as quantitative PCR (Q-PCR).
Effects of moisture, nitrogen, grass competition and simulated browsing on the survival and growth of Acacia karroo seedlings
Authors: Mopipi Keletso , Trollope Winston S. W. , Scogings Peter F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe effects of irrigation, nitrogen fertilization, grass competition and clipping were investigated for one growing season at the research farm of the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the experiment was to assess the short‐term performance of Acacia karroo seedlings under different environmental conditions and the implications of such factors on the long‐term recruitment of plant species in savanna rangelands. There were no significant treatment effects on the survival of A. karroo seedlings. Using stem length and basal diameter as growth parameters, it was observed that irrigation enhanced both variables, while nitrogen fertilization did not have any significant effects. Clipping, grass competition and their interaction greatly suppressed the growth of the seedlings. Clipping increased the mean stem length when they were irrigated and fertilized. Control and fertilized plants had the highest stem length in the absence of grass competition, while grass competition combined with clipping resulted in the lowest stem length in both irrigated and nonirrigated plants. It was concluded that in the presence of grass competition, controlled browsing could be a viable solution to the problem of bush encroachment in savanna rangelands.
Genetic structure of two populations of the Namibian giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis
Authors: Brenneman Rick A. , Louis Jr Edward E. , Fennessy Julian 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTwo geographically distinct populations of giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) were sampled for this study, the northern Namib Desert and Etosha National Park. Population genetic parameters and relationships within subpopulations were estimated to better understand the genetic architecture of this isolated subspecies. Gene flow between the geographically separated populations can be attributed to recent translocation of giraffe between the two populations. Inbreeding estimates in the six subpopulations studied were low though we found evidence that genetic drift may be affecting the genetic diversity of the isolated populations in northern Namibia. Population dynamics of the sampling locations was inferred with relationship coefficient analyses. Recent molecular systematics of the Namibian giraffe populations indicates that they are distinct from the subspecies Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa and classified as G. c. angolensis. Based on genetic analyses, these giraffe populations of northern Namibia, the desert‐dwelling giraffe and those protected in Etosha National Park, are a distinct subspecies from that previously assumed; thus we add data on G. c. angolensis to our scientific knowledge of this giraffe of southern Africa.
Climate and landscape correlates of African lion (Panthera leo) demography
Authors: Celesia Gastone G. , Townsend Peterson A. , Kerbis Peterhans Julian C. , Gnoske Thomas P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlthough many studies have documented aspects of lion ecology, they have generally focused on single sites, leaving broader‐scaled factors unanalysed. We assessed range‐wide effects of eight biotic and 26 abiotic variables on lion distribution and ecology, based on data compiled from published sources on lion population ecology in 27 protected areas in Africa. Lion pride size and composition were independent of lion density; lion density and home range size were inversely related; and lion density was positively related to rainfall, soil nutrients and annual mean temperature, with some interactive effects between rainfall and soil nutrients. Lion demography was associated most strongly with rainfall, temperature and landscape features. Herbivore biomass and lion density were correlated in univariate regression analyses. However, because herbivore biomass was also related to rainfall and temperature, hierarchical partitioning (HP) allowed us to evaluate independent effects of each variable on lion demography revealing that herbivore biomass had negligible independent contributions. HP indicated that climatic parameters explained 62% of overall variance in demographic parameters, whereas landscape features explained only 32%; climatic parameters were fairly balanced between effects of temperature (34%) and rainfall (28%). Prey (herbivore) biomass is important for lion survival, but its effects appear secondary to environmental factors.