bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpreting longitudinal spirometry: Weight gain and other factors affecting the recognition of excessive FEV1 decline
Authors: Wang Mei Lin , Avashia Bipin H. , Petsonk Edward L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundExcessive FEV1 loss in an individual or a group can reflect hazardous exposures and development of lung disease. However, multiple factors may affect FEV1 measurements.MethodsUsing medical screening data collected in 1884 chemical plant workers between 1973 and 2003, the influence of multiple factors on repeated measurements of FEV1 was examined.ResultsThe FEV1 level was associated with age, height, race, sex, cigarette smoking, changes in body weight, and spirometer model. After controlling for these factors, longitudinal FEV1 decline averaged 23.8 ml/year for white males; an additional loss of 8.3 ml was associated with one pack‐year smoking and 5.4 ml with a one pound weight gain. Depending on the spirometer model, FEV1 differed by up to 95 ml.ConclusionsThe study results provide quantitative estimates of the effect of specific factors on FEV1, and should be useful to health professionals in the evaluation of accelerated lung function declines. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:782–789, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of publicly sponsored interventions on musculoskeletal injury claims in nursing homes
Authors: Park Robert M. , Bushnell P. Timothy , Bailer A. John , Collins James W. , Stayner Leslie T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe rate of lost‐time sprains and strains in private nursing homes is over three times the national average, and for back injuries, almost four times the national average. The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) has sponsored interventions that were preferentially promoted to nursing homes in 2000–2001, including training, consultation, and grants up to $40,000 for equipment purchases.MethodsThis study evaluated the impact of BWC interventions on back injury claim rates using BWC data on claims, interventions, and employer payroll for all Ohio nursing homes during 1995–2004 using Poisson regression. A subset of nursing homes was analyzed with more detailed data that allowed estimation of the impact of staffing levels and resident acuity on claim rates. Costs of interventions were compared to the associated savings in claim costs.ResultsA $500 equipment purchase per nursing home worker was associated with a 21% reduction in back injury rate. Assuming an equipment life of 10 years, this translates to an estimated $768 reduction in claim costs per worker, a present value of $495 with a 5% discount rate applied. Results for training courses were equivocal. Only those receiving below‐median hours had a significant 19% reduction in claim rates. Injury rates did not generally decline with consultation independent of equipment purchases, although possible confounding, misclassification, and bias due to non‐random management participation clouds interpretation. In nursing homes with available data, resident acuity was modestly associated with back injury risk, and the injury rate increased with resident‐to‐staff ratio (acting through three terms: RR = 1.50 for each additional resident per staff member; for the ratio alone, RR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.18–1.48). In these NHs, an expenditure of $908 per resident care worker (equivalent to $500 per employee in the other model) was also associated with a 21% reduction in injury rate. However, with a resident‐to‐staff ratio greater than 2.0, the same expenditure was associated with a $1,643 reduction in back claim costs over 10 years per employee, a present value of $1,062 with 5% discount rate.ConclusionsExpenditures for ergonomic equipment in nursing homes by the Ohio BWC were associated with fewer worker injuries and reductions in claim costs that were similar in magnitude to expenditures. Un‐estimated benefits and costs also need to be considered in assessing full health and financial impacts. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:683–697, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Some alternatives in the statistical analysis of sickness absence
Authors: Navarro Albert , Reis Ricardo J. , Martin Miguel 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurposeSickness absence (SA) is a commonly used outcome in occupational health cohort studies. Without the use of statistical techniques that take into account that SA is a recurrent event, the probability of obtaining biased estimates of the effects related to SA is very high. The objective of this article is to examine the application of marginal models, comparing them to count‐based models, when the outcome of interest is SA.MethodsBy re‐sampling the data of a reference study, 1,000 samples of 1,200 individuals were generated. In each of these samples, the coefficients of two factors were estimated by fitting various models: Poisson, Negative Binomial, standard Cox model for a first occurrence, Andersen–Gill and Prentice–Williams–Peterson.ResultsIn general, differences among the models are observed in the estimates of variances and coefficients, as well as in their distribution. Specifically, the Poisson model estimates the greatest effect for both coefficients (IRR = 1.17 and IRR = 1.60), and the Prentice–Williams–Peterson the least effect (HR = 1.01 and HR = 1.26).ConclusionsWhenever possible, the instantaneous form of analysis should be used for occurrences of a recurrent event. Collection of study data should be organized in order to permit recording of the most complete information possible, particularly regarding event occurrences. This should allow the presence of within‐individual heterogeneity and/or occurrence dependency to be studied, and would further permit the most appropriate model to be chosen. When there is occurrence dependence, the choice of a model using the specific baseline hazard seems to be appropriate. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:811–816, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Anwendung von Viren in Chemo‐ und Biosensoren
Authors: Mao Chuanbin , Liu Aihua , Cao Binrui 
Published: August 2009

AbstractViren haben sich in jüngster Zeit als einzigartige Hilfsmittel für den empfindlichen und selektiven Nachweis von Analyten wie Explosivstoffen, Proteinen, Bakterien, Viren, Sporen und Toxinen erwiesen. Auf Bakterien spezialisierte Viren, die Bakteriophagen – oder kurz Phagen –, wurden dabei am intensivsten untersucht: Zielspezifische nichtlysierende Phagen (sowie von diesen präsentierte Peptide und Proteine) können mithilfe hoch entwickelter Phagendisplaytechniken identifiziert werden, und lysierende Phagen können gezielt Bakterien aufbrechen und spezifische Zellmarker wie Enzyme ausschütten, die analysiert werden können. Darüber hinaus sind Phagen chemisch wie thermisch hinreichend stabil, und sie lassen sich mit Molekülen kuppeln und mit Nanomaterialien kombinieren und auf der Oberfläche eines Signalwandlers in einem Analysesystems verankern. Im Mittelpunkt dieses Aufsatzes stehen Fortschritte bei der Verwendung von Phagen in Chemo‐ und Biosensoren durch Kombination mit etablierten analytischen Techniken. Überdies werden aktuelle Entwicklungen bei der Verwendung von Virus‐Nanomaterial‐Kompositen und anderen Viren in Sensoranwendungen vorgestellt.
Virus‐Based Chemical and Biological Sensing
Authors: Mao Chuanbin , Liu Aihua , Cao Binrui 
Published: August 2009

AbstractViruses have recently proven useful for the detection of target analytes such as explosives, proteins, bacteria, viruses, spores, and toxins with high selectivity and sensitivity. Bacteriophages (often shortened to phages), viruses that specifically infect bacteria, are currently the most studied viruses, mainly because target‐specific nonlytic phages (and the peptides and proteins carried by them) can be identified by using the well‐established phage display technique, and lytic phages can specifically break bacteria to release cell‐specific marker molecules such as enzymes that can be assayed. In addition, phages have good chemical and thermal stability, and can be conjugated with nanomaterials and immobilized on a transducer surface in an analytical device. This Review focuses on progress made in the use of phages in chemical and biological sensors in combination with traditional analytical techniques. Recent progress in the use of virus–nanomaterial composites and other viruses in sensing applications is also highlighted.
Habitat suitability analysis for lacustrine brown trout (Salmo trutta) in Lake Walchensee, Germany: implications for the conservation of an endangered flagship species
Authors: Denic Marco , Geist Juergen 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
The lacustrine brown trout (Salmo trutta) is endangered and of high conservation importance. In the only spawning habitat of the population in the Bavarian Lake Walchensee, the River Obernach, a substantial decrease in spawning runs has been reported. In this study, the present ecological state of the spawning stream was analysed with the objective of identifying life‐stage specific limitations to successful recruitment attributable to deficiencies in (i) spawning migration, (ii) spawning habitat quality, and (iii) habitat quality for juveniles.
Structural stream analysis showed that discharge and several migration barriers — particularly near the river outlet into the lake — prevent successful spawning migrations at normal water levels. Migration barriers are probably the main limiting factor for reproduction of lacustrine brown trout, whereas structural variability of the Obernach meets the habitat requirements of both spawners and juveniles.
Spawning site quality was suitable for trout, as indicated by stream substratum texture and high exchange rates between free‐flowing water and the interstitial zone in physico‐chemical parameters (redox potential, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and conductivity).
Analyses of fish community structure revealed dominance of lithophilic species, in particular of riverine brown trout (Salmo trutta). Its density and intact demographic population structure suggest that spawning and juvenile habitat quality for salmonids is not limiting. Recapture of stocked lacustrine trout juveniles also indicates habitat suitability for the juvenile stage.
In conclusion, the results show that the methodology used in this study is suitable for the identification of life‐stage specific habitat deficiencies in lacustrine brown trout and other fish species. Availability of habitat data throughout the species' distribution range is a first crucial step for the development of an effective recovery plan. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical competencies and the basic sciences: An online case tutorial paradigm for delivery of integrated clinical and basic science content
Authors: DiLullo Camille , Morris Harry J. , Kriebel Richard M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the relevance of basic science knowledge in the determination of patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is critical to good medical practice. One method often used to direct students in the fundamental process of integrating basic science and clinical information is problem‐based learning (PBL). The faculty facilitated small group discussion format traditionally used for PBL is a significant challenge for faculty and facilities with a large class. To provide inductive learning to a large class early in the preclerkship curriculum, a series of online, case‐based tutorials was created using the method of inquiry‐based learning. The tutorial paradigm is designed to challenge students through a guided inquiry process in which clinical skills and basic science information are seamlessly joined. The psychosocial dimension of patient care is added to the documented case presentation of the tutorials in the form of patient/physician history taking and physical examination videos. These videos augment the written case with additional information providing the student with visual exposure in methods of patient communication and appropriate professional patient/physician interactions that address competencies of patient care, communication, and professionalism. The tutorials were made available via learning management system course sites. The study tracked usage of the tutorials by 270 first‐year medical students. Anat Sci Educ 2:238–243, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
Emergence of terminological conventions as a searcher–indexer coordination game
Authors: Bodoff David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the traditional model of information retrieval, searchers and indexers choose query and index terms, respectively, and these term choices are ultimately compared in a matching process. One of the main challenges in information science and information retrieval is that searchers and indexers often do not choose the same term even though the item is relevant to the need whereas at other times they do choose the same term even though it is not relevant. But if both searchers and indexers have the opportunity to review feedback data showing the success or failure of their previous term choices, then there exists an evolutionary force that, all else being equal, will lead to helpful convergence in searchers' and indexers' term usage when the information is relevant, and helpfuldivergence of term usage when it is not. Based on learning theory, and new theory presented here, it is possible to predict which terms will emerge as the terminological conventions that are used by groups of searchers and the indexers of relevant and nonrelevant information items.
Exhaustive in vivo labelling of plasmid DNA with BrdU for intracellular detection in non‐viral transfection of mammalian cells
Authors: Jérôme Valérie , Heider Andreas , Schallon Anja , Freitag Ruth 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe study of the non‐viral gene delivery process at the molecular level, e.g. during the transfection of mammalian cells, is currently limited by the difficulties of specifically detecting the transfected plasmid DNA within the cells. Here we describe the in vivo production of 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)‐labelled plasmid DNA by a thymine‐requiring Escherichia coli strain leading to 92 ± 15% BrdU incorporation while minimizing plasmid structure alteration. The labelled plasmid is produced on the milligram scale in a two‐stage cultivation process. The relevance of this approach for plasmid DNA visualisation in the field of gene delivery is demonstrated by localising the BrdU‐labelled plasmid DNA via immunodetection/fluorescence microscopy in CHO‐K1 cells after electroporation with naked, BrdU‐labelled plasmid DNA and after polyfection with polyethylenimine/BrdU‐labelled plasmid complexes.
Mitochondria‐Penetrating Peptides: Sequence Effects and Model Cargo Transport
Authors: Yousif Lema F. , Stewart Kelly M. , Horton Kristin L. , Kelley Shana O. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA class of mitochondria‐penetrating peptides (MPPs) was studied in an effort to optimize their applications in the delivery of bioactive cargo to this therapeutically important organelle. The sequence requirements for mitochondrial entry were monitored, and it was discovered that while an alternating cationic/hydrophobic residue motif is not required, the inclusion of a stretch of adjacent cationic amino acids can impede access to the organelle. In addition, a variety of N‐ and C‐terminal cargo were tested to determine if there are limitations to the lipophilicity, charge, or polarity of compounds that can be transported to mitochondria by MPPs. The results reported demonstrate that these peptide sequences are versatile transporters that will have a range of biological applications.
Deciphering Pactamycin Biosynthesis and Engineered Production of New Pactamycin Analogues
Authors: Ito Takuya , Roongsawang Niran , Shirasaka Norifumi , Lu Wanli , Flatt Patricia M. , Kasanah Noer , Miranda Cristobal , Mahmud Taifo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPactamycin is an aminocyclopentitol‐derived natural product that has potent antibacterial and antitumor activities. Sequence analysis of an 86 kb continuous region of the chromosome from Streptomyces pactum ATCC 27456 revealed a gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of pactamycin. Gene inactivation of the Fe‐S radical SAM oxidoreductase (ptmC) and the glycosyltransferase (ptmJ), individually abrogated pactamycin biosynthesis; this confirmed the involvement of the ptm gene cluster in pactamycin biosynthesis. The polyketide synthase gene (ptmQ) was found to support 6‐methylsalicylic acid (6‐MSA) synthesis in a heterologous host, S. lividans T7. In vivo inactivation of ptmQ in S. pactum impaired pactamycin and pactamycate production but led to production of two new pactamycin analogues, de‐6‐MSA‐pactamycin and de‐6‐MSA‐pactamycate. The new compounds showed equivalent cytotoxic and antibacterial activities with the corresponding parent molecules and shed more light on the structure–activity relationship of pactamycin.
Treatment of pulmonary vein stenosis with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents
Authors: Gordon Brent M. , Moore John W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAtrium expanded polytetrafluoroethylene covered stents were implanted in the stenotic pulmonary veins (n = 5) of three patients. Use of this device was feasible in infants and the procedure was well‐tolerated without major complications. The majority (4/5) of covered stents remained patent for at least 3 months after implantation. Stents remain patent in the two surviving patients 6 months after deployment.
Long‐term health outcome and mortality evaluation after invasive coronary treatment using drug eluting stents with or without the IVUS guidance. Randomized control trial. HOME DES IVUS
Authors: Jakabčin Jozef , Špaček Radim , Bystroň Marian , Kvašňák Martin , Jager Jiri , Veselka Josef , Kala Petr , Červinka Pavel 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective: To assess the role of the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during implantation of Drug‐eluting stents (DES) on long‐term outcome in patients with complex coronary artery disease and high clinical risk profile with special attention to the development of late stent thrombosis (LST). Methods: Two hunderd and ten patients were randomly assigned to receive DES either with (N = 105) or without (N = 105) the IVUS guidance. Dual antiplatelet treatment was administered for 6 months in all patients. At 18‐month follow‐up, the rates of Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (death, myocardial infarction, and reintervention) were assessed in both groups with special attention to possible LST. Stent thrombosis was classified according to Academic Research Consortium (ARC). Results: At the 18‐month follow‐up, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding MACE (11% vs. 12%; P = NS). Stent thrombosis has occurred in four patients (3.8%) in the group with and in 6 patients (5.7%; P = NS) in the group without the IVUS guidance. Conclusions: In our randomized trial we failed to demonstrate the superiority of the IVUS guidance during DES implantation over standard high‐pressure postdilatation. However we confirmed worrisome results concerning DES thrombosis after discontinuation of dual antiplatelet‐treatment with documented stent thrombosis related events in almost 5% of patients with 50% of mortality in this high‐risk clinical scenario. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Economic analysis of angiography and preemptive angioplasty to prevent hemodialysis‐access thrombosis
Authors: Bittl John A. , Cohen David J. , Seek Melvin M. , Feldman Robert L. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives:We sought to determine the economic value of early angiography and prophylactic angioplasty to prevent hemodialysis‐access thrombosis.Background:End stage renal disease consumes more than 6% of the Medicare budget. There is a need to understand the financial impact of each component of care.Methods:We conducted an observational economic analysis of a closed cohort of 818 hemodialysis patients, of whom 560 were referred for 1437 consecutive radiographic procedures during an 8‐year period. Patient‐level, bottom‐up microcosting methods provided supply and personnel costs before and after expansion of an angiographic referral program.Results:The rate of referral for malfunctioning but nonthrombosed hemodialysis accesses increased from 18.8 ± 8.8 to 48.3 ± 11.9 angiographic procedures per 100 patient‐years (P < 0.001), which was associated with a decline in access thrombosis from 27.6 to 22.0 events per 100 patient‐years (P = 0.029) and a net cost of $34,586 per 100 patient‐years. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for invasive surveillance was $6,177 per thrombosis event avoided. The angiographic program expanded at the same time that the proportion of autogenous fistulas increased from 28.3% ± 11.3% to 59.7% ± 10.7% of total referrals (P = 0.0001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the expanded angiography program (P = 0.001) and the proportion of autogenous fistulas (P = 0.0001) were both independently associated with the reduction in access thrombosis.Conclusions:Given the incremental costs and the relatively modest benefits in preventing access thrombosis, preemptive angiographic management may represent a less efficient use of healthcare resources than increasing the number of patients with autogenous fistulas. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of the VASP index between patients with hemodynamically complicated and uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Osmancik Pavel , Jirmar Radovan , Hulikova Katarina , Peroutka Zdenek , Pompachova Alexandra , Motovska Zuzana , Widimsky Petr 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Critically‐ill patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) often present with insufficient gastroduodenal motility, liver hypoperfusion, and higher levels of circulating catecholamines. All of these factors can lead to reduced efficacy of clopidogrel, which is only available as a p.o. medication. The aim of the study was to compare clopidogrel effectiveness in unstable STEMI patients on mechanical ventilation with stable STEMI patients.Materials and Methods:Two groups of twenty patients with STEMI were enrolled. One group (unstable) consisted of 20 hemodynamically unstable patients on mechanical ventilation and catecholamine support. The other group (stable) consisted of 20 control patients (all patients with STEMI in Killip I class). All patients were treated by primary Percutaneous coronary intervention. Blood samples were drawn before (baseline), at 4h (4h+), 24h (1d+) and 2 days (2d+) after clopidogrel administration. Clopidogrel efficacy was assessed by measurement of vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation index.Results:The decrease in the vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) index was substantially less in unstable patients compared with stable ones (ANOVA, P < 0.001). In stable patients, the VASP index decreased significantly by 20% at 4h+ and by 34% at 1d+, and remained significantly decreased by 31% at 2d+. In unstable patients, the VASP decreased nonsignificantly by 8% at 4h+, and no further decrease of VASP was present (−7% at 1d+, −11% at 2d+).Conclusions:Laboratory clopidogrel efficacy is lower in patients with MI and severe hemodynamic instability, probably due to splanchnic and liver hypoperfusion and catecholamine use. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.