bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute toxicity studies of aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus niruri
Authors: Asare George , Addo Phyllis , Bugyei Kwasi , Gyan Ben , Adjei Samuel , Otu-Nyarko Lydia , Wiredu Edwin , Nyarko Alexander 
Published: February 2012

Acute toxicity studies of aqueous leaf extract ofPhyllanthus niruriPhyllanthus niruriis a plant with medicinal properties. It is often used to treat mild malaria and the elimination of renal stones. However, studies on its toxicity are scarce. The study was carried out to determine if the aqueous leaf extract ofP. niruriadministered to female Sprague-Dawley rats would illicit evidence of toxicity. Fifteen female rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 3 groups. Rats in Group 1 were given a single low dose (LD) of 2 000 mg/kg b.w. of the extract by oral gavage within 24 hrs. Rats in Group 2 were given a single high dose (HD) of 5 000 mg/kg b.w. of the extract by oral gavage within 24 hrs. Rats in Group 3 were not given any extract but drinking water and served as the control group (C). All the rats were observed for signs of toxidromes for 14 days. On the 15thday, all the rats were sacrificed. Body organs were harvested for macroscopic examination. Urine and blood samples were drawn and analyzed. Hematological tests performed included full blood count and hemoglobin. Biochemical examinations included bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatse (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), urea, and creatinine. The results of the three groups were not significantly different. Examination of the various body organs did not show any abnormality. Thus no toxicity was observed at the levels administered. The LD50of the aqueous extract is > 5 000 mg/kg. b.w.
Lead in the environment of Lake Wigry (NE Poland)
Authors: Aleksander-Kwaterczak Urszula , Kostka Anna 
Published: February 2012

Lead in the environment of Lake Wigry (NE Poland)Analysis was performed for lead content in the sediments of Lake Wigry (NE Poland), taking into account lithology, basic chemical component content and physical characteristics of sediment, Several hundred sediment samples from different parts of the lake and peatland around the lake, were collected. Their locations were determined by GPS and the depth of sediment by echosounder. The surface layer (0-10 cm) of sediment and sediment cores were taken to determine the spatial and vertical distribution of Pb. Concentrations of lead in the surface sediment range from 2.52 to 469 mg kg-1. One of the most important factors influencing spatial distribution of Pb is sediment type. The highest content of Pb was found in samples of organic gyttja and the lowest in clastic sediment samples. Strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.7) between organic matter content and Pb concentration in sediment was observed. It may be the result of simple bio-accumulation of lead. A large influence of sediment location on Pb distribution was found. The largest concentration of this element was found in sediment of the Wigry Basin. The major part of Pb accumulates in the surface layer of sediment.
Causes of polytrophism of three lakes in the Wdzydze Landscape Park
Authors: Jańczak Jerzy , Maślanka Wojciech , Nowiński Kamil 
Published: February 2012

Causes of polytrophism of three lakes in the Wdzydze Landscape ParkIn the lakes Cheb and Słupino, located in the Wdzydze Landscape Park the quality of waters has been deteriorating in recent years. In the hydrologic year 2009 the quality of water was examined three times. Monthly measurements on the lake inflows and outflows were carried out 12 times to determine biogenic loads. In 2010 the supplementary measurements of biogenic loads were taken in the streams five times. According to Vollenweider's criterion, the loads of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds are too big, the heaviest to Lake Cheb. The discharge from the new sewage treatment plant is directed by the inflows into this lake. A similar situation takes place in the inflow to Lake Schodno. Paradoxically, in some catchments the construction of the sewage treatment plant may result in the deterioration of lake water quality.
Lake water stage dynamics in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District in 1991-2010
Authors: Michalczyk Zdzisław , Chmiel Stanisław , Turczyński Marek 
Published: February 2012

Lake water stage dynamics in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District in 1991-2010In the years 1991-2010 the water stages of 38 lakes in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District were observed. Water stage dynamics of the Łęczna-Włodawa lakes was varied. A multi-annual trend with seasonal water stage variability was clearly observable. Low water stages were observed in the years 1994-1996 and 2004-2005, whereas the highest water stages were reported for 2002 and 2010. The water stages of Lake Piaseczno, the deepest lake, were consistent with solar activity changes. Land improvement works in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lake District and black coal mining caused further local changes in the directions of flow of surface and underground water, as well as modifying the water stage regime of some of the lakes.
Conflits armés, inégalités et pauvreté : quelles interactions dans la région nord du Niger ?
Authors: Hamadou Daouda Youssoufou 
Published: February 2012

Les conflits armés du nord du Niger trouvent une motivation dans certaines revendications identitaires et politiques. Les facteurs socioéconomiques sont peu mobilisés dans l’explication de ce phénomène. Cependant, la littérature admet désormais l’importance des variables socio-économiques dans la survenue des conflits armés. Ce papier effectue un rapprochement entre les causes des conflits au nord du pays et la précarité des conditions de vie des populations concernées. D’une part, à partir des informations qualitatives de l’enquête QUIBB 2005, les résultats de l’analyse de décomposition montrent que la région d’Agadez est la plus démunie en termes d’accès aux services sociaux de base. D’autre part, une investigation économétrique montre que le sentiment de dégradation du niveau de vie est plus fort dans cette région, comparativement aux autres régions du pays. Cela pourrait ainsi expliquer une montée des frustrations sociales et économiques à l’origine de la récurrence des conflits dans cette localité.
Autorité versus liberté?
Authors: Biancu Stefano 
Published: February 2012

Résumé Stefano Biancu traite la question de la place de la foi dans l’espace public à partir de la légitimité de la présence de la théologie à l’université. Des querelles « politiques » récentes nous invitent à le faire à nouveaux frais. La théologie n’est pas, selon lui, une exception dans l’université des savoirs mais peut mettre à la disposition de chacun son expérience propre. Jacques Derrida, puis Karl Barth, jalonnent cet itinéraire, ainsi que le théologien français Christian Duquoc pour son analyse de la modernité, ou encore le juriste allemand Böckenförde pour son analyse de la raison face à la foi. Plusieurs autres théologiens ou philosophes comme G. Vico, P. Ricœur ou J.-M. Ferry sont commentés pour nous aider à comprendre comment la théologie peut être une science à la fois liée et libre.
À la recherche de modèles formels de la genèse et de la dynamique des comportements sociaux
Authors: Le Cardinal Gilles 
Published: February 2012

Résumé Cet article voudrait approfondir, à partir des travaux de J.-P. Dupuy et de R. Girard, la compréhension des crises rencontrées aussi bien dans les relations interpersonnelles que dans le fonctionnement des sociétés. L’hypothèse de R. Girard sur l’origine mimétique des désirs, à la source de toute violence, explique la désignation d’un bouc émissaire à sacrifier, comme solution universelle pour rétablir, pour un temps, l’harmonie brisée. Telle serait l’origine de tout « sacré violent ». J.-P. Dupuy cherche d’abord dans l’économie libérale la solution à une vie sociétale pacifiée. Puis, comme le libéralisme en soi ne peut tenir compte du long terme ni de la finitude du monde et de ses ressources, la dynamique qu’elle engendre nous mène droit à la catastrophe. J.-P. Dupuy propose, pour inciter le monde à un changement indispensable, « un catastrophisme éclairé » qui consiste à jouer avec finesse et intelligence sur la peur par une annonce simultanée du drame à venir et des moyens de l’éviter. En guise de synthèse de ces deux postures, cet article propose d’introduire un triplet indissociable qui apparaît avec toute interaction : peur- attrait- tentation. Ainsi, la motivation aux changements indispensables devrait se faire, d’abord en motivant par les attraits, tout en rassurant par un management des risques que signalent les peurs, et en mettant en garde contre la tentation que constitue la désignation d’un bouc émissaire.
Discours moral et pensée economique
Authors: Fouquet Étienne 
Published: February 2012

Résumé L’auteur étudie la remise en cause, faite par J. Rawls et Amartya Sen, de la domination de la pensée utilitariste sur le terrain économique. En toile de fond, il propose une large présentation des travaux de M. Weber et, de manière plus approfondie, de ceux d’Adam Smith. Dans ce système utilitariste où est absente toute référence métaphysique, le grand principe régulateur de l’action humaine est l’intérêt de soi. Le but de la morale est alors de donner un sens aux actions de l’individu dans ses relations aux autres, sur la base de la sympathie. Dans sa tentative de dépassement, Rawls fait appel à la théorie du choix rationnel et rejette tout recours au raisonnement métaphysique ou « transcendantal ». Il ouvre ainsi une voie nouvelle dans la pensée économique. Chez A. Sen, il s’agit de procéder à des comparaisons interpersonnelles du bien-être, impossibles dans le monde utilitariste. Sen transgresse plusieurs tabous du moment. Plaçant la liberté au cœur de sa réflexion, il étudie l’économie sur le plan des biens publics. La question de l’égalité prend alors sa pleine dimension éthique car l’être humain n’est plus perçu comme un « idiot rationnel ». Sen décrit deux voies vers la justice : l’institutionnalisme transcendantal et les réalisations (ou accomplissements concrets). Il est un vrai penseur de la complexité humaine.
Reduction in Clinical Variance Using Targeted Design Changes in Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) Order Sets
Authors: Hart K. W. , Rucker D. W. , Jacobs B. R. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjectives: Unwarranted variance in healthcare has been associated with prolonged length of stay, diminished health and increased cost. Practice variance in the management of asthma can be significant and few investigators have evaluated strategies to reduce this variance. We hypothesized that selective redesign of order sets using different ways to frame the order and physician decision-making in a computerized provider order entry system could increase adherence to evidence-based care and reduce population-specific variance.Patients and Methods: The study focused on the use of an evidence-based asthma exacerbation order set in the electronic health record (EHR) before and after order set redesign. In the Baseline period, the EHR was queried for frequency of use of an asthma exacerbation order set and its individual orders. Important individual orders with suboptimal use were targeted for redesign. Data from a Post-Intervention period were then analyzed.Results: In the Baseline period there were 245 patient visits in which the acute asthma exacerbation order set was selected. The utilization frequency of most orders in the order set during this period exceeded 90%. Three care items were targeted for intervention due to suboptimal utilization: admission weight, activity center use and peak flow measurements. In the Post-Intervention period there were 213 patient visits. Order set redesign using different default order content resulted in significant improvement in the utilization of orders for all 3 items: admission weight (79.2% to 94.8% utilization, p<0.001), activity center (84.1% to 95.3% utilization, p<0.001) and peak flow (18.8% to 55.9% utilization, p<0.001). Utilization of peak flow orders for children ≥8 years of age increased from 42.7% to 94.1% (p<0.001).Conclusions: Details of order set design greatly influence clinician prescribing behavior. Queries of the EHR reveal variance associated with ordering frequencies. Targeting and changing order set design elements in a CPOE system results in improved selection of evidence-based care.
The Intracavitary ECG Method for Positioning the Tip of Central Venous Catheters: Results of an Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Bertollo Daniele , Briglia Ermanno , Buononato Massimo , Capozzoli Giuseppe , De Simone Luigi , La Greca Antonio , Pelagatti Cecilia , Sette Pier Sandro 
Published: February 2012

Purpose The aim of this multicenter study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and accuracy of the intracavitary ECG method for real-time positioning of the tip of different types of central venous catheters. Methods A total of 1444 catheter insertions in adult patients were studied in eight Italian centers (539 ports, 245 PICCs, 325 tunneled CVCs, 335 non-tunneled CVCs). Patients with no visible P wave at the standard baseline ECG were excluded. Depending on the type of catheter and its purpose, the target was to position the tip either (a) at the cavo-atrial junction, or (b) in the lower third of the superior vena cava, or (c) in the upper part of the atrium. The final position was verified by a post-procedural chest x-ray. Results The method was feasible in 99.3% of all cases. There were no complications potentially related to the method itself. At the final x-ray control, 83% of all tips were positioned exactly at the target; 12.4% were positioned within 1–2 cm from the target, but still in a correct central position; only 3.8% were malpositioned. The mismatch between intra-procedural ECG method and post-procedural x-ray was significantly lower when the x-ray was taken in supine position. Conclusions Our multicenter study confirms that the intracavitary ECG method for real time verification of tip position is accurate, safe, feasible in all adult patients and applicable to any type of short-term or long-term central venous access device.
Circumcision in Nesbit Corporoplasty: A Mandatory Time? Our Experience on 158 Patients
Authors: Pavone Carlo , Usala Daniela Abbadessa Manuela , Mangiapane Grazia , Noto Marcello , Scaduto Giovanna , Passalacqua Dario 
Published: February 2012

Introduction The Nesbit procedure is the most common surgical technique to correct congenital or acquired penile curvature. It is a common opinion that this surgical procedure has to be completed with a circumcision to prevent foreskin necrosis or phimosis. According to our experience we believe that some procedural “tricks” could strongly reduce that mechanical and ischemic trauma on the foreskin responsible for these complications. Materials and Methods From 1988 to 2010 we selected 158 patients treated with Nesbit's corporoplasty. The procedure was recommended to patients who presented a penile curvature wider than 30° and reporting however some difficulty or pain at coitus, or to patients who complained about aesthetical problems (123 patients presented a La Peyronie disease and 35 presented a congenital curvature). Results Eleven patients underwent circumcision during surgery because of a pre-operative phimosis, or according to their own desire. Among the patients who did not undergo circumcision (147), paraphimosis was present in 3 patients. We reported only one case of curvature recurrence in a patient who had a sexual intercourse the day after surgery. We also had one case of hourglass effect in a congenital curvature. Discussion We believe that some tricks during Nesbit surgical procedure could prevent tissue and vascular trauma that give rise to tissue retraction, and consequently to phimosis and foreskin necrosis: a coronal incision to 0.5-1cm from the gland line would allow to let intact an adequate amount of reflection of skin (prepuce) bound of preputial skin reflection, maintaining good vascularity. The careful degloving with preparatory isolation of the dissection plan between dartos and Buck's fascia, can reduce vascular trauma of the fascia, minimizing bleeding and ensuring tissue vitality. Moreover, execution of only two hydraulics erections, after degloving and after correction, causes a minimal tissue stress. Conclusions Circumcision must not be considered a mandatory time in Nesbit procedure: on the contrary, mandatory is the respect of the anatomical structures surgically attacked to avoid preputial resection.
One‐Step Formulation of Protein Microparticles with Tailored Properties: Hard Templating at Soft Conditions
Authors: Volodkin Dmitry V. , Schmidt Stephan , Fernandes Paulo , Larionova Natalia I. , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Duschl Claus , Möhwald Helmuth , von Klitzing Regine 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFormulation of therapeutic proteins into particulate forms is a main strategy for site‐specific and prolonged protein delivery as well as for protection against degradation. Precise control over protein particle size, dispersity, purity, as well as mild preparation conditions and minimal processing steps are highly desirable. It is, however, hard to fit all these criteria with conventional preparation techniques. Here a one‐step hard‐templating synthesis of microparticles composed of functional, non‐denatured protein is reported. The method is based on filling porous CaCO3 microtemplates with the protein near to its isoelectric point (pI) followed by pH‐ or EDTA‐mediated dissolution of the tempplates. In principle, a wide variety of proteins can be converted into microparticles using this approach. The main requirement is an overlap of the protein insolubility and a template solubility for a certain parameter (here pH or EDTA). Here the formulation of insulin particles is studied in detail and it is shown that particles consisting of high molecular weight protein (catalase) can also be prepared. In this context, the synthesis of CaCO3 templates with controlled size, the mechanism of the protein microparticle formation and mechanical properties of the microparticles are discussed. For the first time, the fabrication of mesoporous monodispersed CaCO3 microtemplates with identical porocity but tuned diameter from 3 to 20 μm is demonstrated. The protein particle diameter can be adjusted by choosing the appropriate template size that is critical for successful pulmonary delivery of insulin. As a first step towards insulin delivery, the in vitro release of insulin at physiological conditions is studied.
Adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia have a better outcome when treated with pediatric‐inspired regimens: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ram Ron , Wolach Ofir , Vidal Liat , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Shpilberg Ofer , Raanani Pia 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSurvival of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is inferior to that of pediatric patients. Strategies to improve the outcome of adult population are warranted. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pediatric‐inspired regimens given to adolescents and young adults (AYA), usually defined as 16–39 years, with ALL. Systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative trials of AYA patients with ALL given induction chemotherapy with either pediatric‐inspired regimens or conventional‐adult chemotherapy was conducted. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and pooled. Our search yielded 11 trials, including 2,489 patients. AYA patients given pediatric‐inspired regimens had a statistically significant lower all cause mortality rate at 3 years (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.51–0.67). Complete remission rate after induction chemotherapy and event free survival were superior in the pediatric‐inspired regimens arm (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.10 and RR 1.66; 95% CI 1.39–1.99, respectively). Relapse rate was also lower in patients given pediatric‐inspired regimens (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39–0.66) with comparable nonrelapse mortality between the two groups (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.19–1.48). Pediatric‐inspired regimens are superior to conventional‐adult chemotherapy in AYA ALL patients. Further randomized controlled studies to investigate this approach in adult ALL patients are warranted. Am. J. Hematol. 87:472–478, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Donepezil for dementia with Lewy bodies: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Mori Etsuro , Ikeda Manabu , Kosaka Kenji ,   on behalf of the Donepezil‐DLB Study Investigators
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:Because cholinergic deficits are prominent in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), we investigated the effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil, in such patients in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled exploratory phase 2 trial.Methods:One‐hundred forty patients with DLB, recruited from 48 specialty centers in Japan, were randomly assigned to receive placebo or 3, 5, or 10mg of donepezil hydrochloride daily for 12 weeks (n = 35, 35, 33, and 37, respectively). Effects on cognitive function were assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and several domain‐specific neuropsychological tests. Changes in behavior were evaluated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, caregiver burden using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, and global function using the Clinician's Interview‐Based Impression of Change‐plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC‐plus). Safety measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III.Results:Donepezil at 5 and 10mg/day was significantly superior to placebo on both the MMSE (5mg: mean difference, 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–5.3; p < 0.001; 10 mg: mean difference, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.9–3.9; p = 0.001) and CIBIC‐plus (p < 0.001 for each); 3mg/day was significantly superior to placebo on CIBIC‐plus (p < 0.001), but not on the MMSE (p = 0.017). Significant improvements were found also in behavioral measures (p < 0.001) at 5 and 10mg/day and caregiver burden (p = 0.004) at 10 mg/day. The safety results were consistent with the known profile of donepezil and similar among groups.Interpretation:Donepezil at 5 and 10mg/day produces significant cognitive, behavioral, and global improvements that last at least 12 weeks in DLB patients, reducing caregiver burden at the highest dose. Donepezil is safe and well tolerated. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:41–52
Ermittlung der vorhandenen Spannkraft in 50 Jahre alten Brückenträgern und Vergleich der Verluste nach EC2
Authors: Schweighofer Anton , Vill Markus , Kollegger Johann 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIm Zuge des Bauvorhabens Hauptbahnhof Wien konnten Untersuchungen an 50 Jahre alten Spannbetonbrückenträgern durchgeführt werden. Die Untersuchungen gliederten sich in zwei Teilbereiche. Der erste Bereich umfasste Großversuche zur Beurteilung des Schubtragverhaltens. Diese wurden in [1] ausführlich beschrieben. Vergleichbare Untersuchungen sind unter anderem in [2] zu finden. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt den zweiten Teil der Untersuchungen dar und befasst sich mit der Ermittlung der vorhandenen Vorspannkraft nach einer Nutzungsdauer von 50 Jahren. Des Weiteren wird ein Vergleich zu den rechnerisch ermittelten Spannkraftverlusten nach EC2 sowie der Einfluss der unterschiedlichen Randbedingungen auf die Ergebnisse gezeigt.Remaining prestressing force of 50 year old bridge girders and prestressing losses according to EC2In the course of the construction project Central Railway Station Vienna a research project on 50 year old prestressed bridge girders was carried out. The research project was subdivided into two parts. The first part included ultimate shear load tests of the girders. These tests were described in [1], comparable tests see [2]. This article describes the second part of the analysis and deals with the measurements of the remaining prestressing forces after a service life of 50 years. Furthermore, a comparison of the measured prestressing losses with the calculated prestressing losses according to EC2 and the influence of different boundary conditions is shown.