bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term medical utilization following ventilator-associated pneumonia in acute stroke and traumatic brain injury patients: a case-control study
Authors: Yang Chih-Chieh , Shih Nai-Ching , Chang Wen-Chiung , Huang San-Kuei , Chien Ching-Wen 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The economic burden of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during the index hospitalization has been confirmed in previous studies. However, the long-term economic impact is still unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of VAP on medical utilization in the long term.

Methods
This is a retrospective case-control study. Study subjects were patients experiencing their first traumatic brain injury, acute hemorrhagic stroke, or acute ischemic stroke during 2004. All subjects underwent endotracheal intubation in the emergency room (ER) on the day of admission or the day before admission, were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) and were mechanically ventilated for 48 hours or more. A total of 943 patients who developed VAP were included as the case group, and each was matched with two control patients without VAP by age ( ± 2 years), gender, diagnosis, date of admission ( ± 1 month) and hospital size, resulting in a total of 2,802 patients in the study. Using robust regression and Poisson regression models we examined the effect of VAP on medical utilization including hospitalization expenses, outpatient expenses, total medical expenses, number of ER visits, number of readmissions, number of hospitalization days and number of ICU days, during the index hospitalization and during the following 2-year period.

Results
Patients in the VAP group had higher hospitalization expenses, longer length of stay in hospital and in ICU, and a greater number of readmissions than the control group patients.

Conclusions
VAP has a significant impact on medical expenses and utilization, both during the index hospitalization during which VAP developed and in the longer term.
Fruit and vegetables intake among elderly Iranians: a theory-based interventional study using the five-a-day program
Authors: Salehi Leili , Mohammad Kazem , Montazeri Ali 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The benefit of FV intake in old age is well documented. However, there is evidence that old people do not consume enough FV. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored nutrition intervention that aimed to increase the FV intake among elderly Iranians aged 60 and over.

Methods
This quasi-experimental study was performed among a community-based sample of elderly in Tehran, Iran in year 2008 to 2009. Data were collected at baseline and 4 weeks follow-up. At baseline face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire including items on demographic information, stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, daily servings of FV intake. Follow-up data were collected after implementing the intervention.

Results
In all 400 elderly were entered into the study (200 individuals in intervention group and 200 in control group). The mean age of participants was 64.06 ± 4.48 years and overall two-third of participants were female. At baseline total FV intake was not differed between two groups but it was significantly increased in the intervention group at posttest assessment (mean serving/day in intervention group 3.08 ± 1.35 vs. 1.79 ± 1.08 in control group; P = 0.001). Further analysis also indicated that elderly in intervention group had higher FV intake, perceived benefits and self-efficacy, and lower perceived barriers. Compared with control group, greater proportions of elderly in intervention group moved from pre-contemplation to contemplation/preparation and action/maintenance stages (P < 0.0001), and from contemplation/preparation to action/maintenance stages (P = 0.004) from pretest to posttest assessments.

Conclusion
This study suggests that the Transtheoretical Model is a useful model that can be applied to dietary behavior change, more specifically FV consumption among elderly population in Iran and perhaps elsewhere with similar conditions.
Risk of venous thromboembolism and benefits of prophylaxis use in hospitalized medically ill US patients up to 180 days post-hospital discharge
Authors: Wang Li , Sengupta Nishan , Baser Onur 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
To assess the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding events with or without thromboprophylaxis and the associated costs in a cohort of medically ill patients in both in-hospital and outpatient settings.

Methods
A large hospital drug database and linked outpatient files were used to identify patients eligible for this analysis, based on demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results
Among 11,135 patients identified, 1592 (14.30%) were admitted with chronic heart failure, 1684 (15.12%) with thromboembolic stroke, 3834 (34.43%) with severe lung disease, 1658 (14.89%) with acute infection, and 2367 (21.26%) with cancer. Of the 11,135 patients, 5932 received anticoagulant therapy at some point during their hospitalization and until 30 days after discharge. VTE events occurred in 1.30% of patients who received anticoagulant prophylaxis versus 2.99% of patients who did not. Risk-adjusted total healthcare costs for patients with a VTE or major or minor bleeding event were significantly higher than for those without events (VTE: $52,157 ± 24,389 vs $24,164 ± 11,418; major bleeding: $33,656 ± 18,196 vs $24,765 ± 11,974; minor bleeding: $33,690 ± 14,398 vs $23,610 ± 11,873). In a multivariate analysis, appropriate anticoagulant prophylaxis use was significantly associated with a reduced risk of clinical VTE, compared with no anticoagulant use (hazard ratio: 0.37). Patients admitted with thromboembolic stroke were less likely to have a VTE than patients admitted with cancer (hazard ratio: 0.42).

Conclusions
In this analysis, VTE and major bleeding event rates were lower for patients who received prophylaxis compared with those who did not. Prophylaxis use was associated with lower healthcare costs.
Mapping codon usage of the translation initiation region in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus genome
Authors: Su Jun-hong , Ma Xiao-xia , He Ya-li , Li Ji-dong , Ma Xu-sheng , Dou Yong-xi , Luo Xue-nong , Cai Xue-peng 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Porcine reproductive and respitatory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a recently emerged pathogen and severely affects swine populations worldwide. The replication of PRRSV is tightly controlled by viral gene expression and the codon usage of translation initiation region within each gene could potentially regulate the translation rate. Therefore, a better understanding of the codon usage pattern of the initiation translation region would shed light on the regulation of PRRSV gene expression.

Results
In this study, the codon usage in the translation initiation region and in the whole coding sequence was compared in PRRSV ORF1a and ORFs2-7. To investigate the potential role of codon usage in affecting the translation initiation rate, we established a codon usage model for PRRSV translation initiation region. We observed that some non-preferential codons are preferentially used in the translation initiation region in particular ORFs. Although some positions vary with codons, they intend to use codons with negative CUB. Furthermore, our model of codon usage showed that the conserved pattern of CUB is not directly consensus with the conserved sequence, but shaped under the translation selection.

Conclusions
The non-variation pattern with negative CUB in the PRRSV translation initiation region scanned by ribosomes is considered the rate-limiting step in the translation process.
Effect of Telavancin (Vibativ) on Routine Coagulation Test Results
Authors: Gosselin Robert , Dager William , Roberts Aaron , Freeman Leslie , Gandy Lisa , Gregg Jeffrey , Dwyre Denis 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Telavancin (Vibativ, Astellas Pharma US, Deerfield, IL) is a lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that has activity against gram-positive microorganisms, but also has the ability to bind to artificial phospholipids found in coagulation reagents. Normal pooled plasma was spiked with telavancin to obtain concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 μg/mL of drug. Samples were tested using 3 different prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagent systems, as well as for fibrinogen level, thrombin time, D-dimer level, dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVT), protein C activity, and protein S activity. There was no effect of telavancin seen with non–phospholipid-dependent assays: fibrinogen level, thrombin time, and D-dimer testing. All INR and aPTT systems demonstrated concentration-dependent increases in clotting times, with Innovin (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Deerfield, IL) INRs the most dramatic. False-positive DRVVT ratios started at 12.5 μg/mL of telavancin, with no effect on protein C or protein S levels until the telavancin level reached more than 100 μg/mL.
Different HER2 Protein Expression Profiles Aid in the Histologic Differential Diagnosis Between Urothelial Carcinoma In Situ (CIS) and Non-CIS Conditions (Dysplasia and Reactive Atypia) of the Urinary Bladder Mucosa
Authors: Gunia Sven , Koch Stefan , Hakenberg Oliver W. , May Matthias , Kakies Christoph , Erbersdobler Andreas 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We evaluated HER2 expression profiles in 32 carcinoma in situ (CIS) and 31 non-CIS conditions (5 dysplasia and 26 reactive atypia) of the urinary bladder mucosa by applying breast cancer scoring rules. In situ hybridization was performed on tissue microarrays to assess HER2 gene amplification status. Our immunoprofiling data disclosed moderate to strong HER2 expression in CIS, including the basal layer of the urothelium, and absent to weak HER2 expression in non-CIS conditions. From the histologic differential diagnostic standpoint, immunostaining for HER2 protein represents a useful adjunct to aid in the delineation between CIS and non-CIS conditions of the bladder mucosa. Pathogenically, aberrant HER2 protein expression in CIS seems to be more commonly associated with polysomy than with gene amplification. From a therapeutic viewpoint, prospective clinical studies should investigate the potential benefit of HER2-targeted therapies in CIS, particularly in cases unresponsive to conventional therapeutic regimens.
Morphological variation in a small Thalassiosira species (Bacillariophyta) under different culture regimes
Authors: Martín-Cereceda Mercedes , Cox Eileen J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The structure of a small marine planktonic centric diatom belonging to the genus Thalassiosira was characterised using electron microscopy; and data on its ultrastructure, autecology and initial valve formation are provided here. Although our specimens shared some characteristics with Thalassiosira proschkinae sensu lato, they differed from the type in their permanent lack of areolae and in being constitutively weakly silicified, regardless of the silicate concentration in the medium. Valve areolation in our Thalassiosira isolate was less pronounced than in many other members of the genus and varied with salinity. The most significant effect of changing salinity was that the areola pattern becomes more diffuse, so that it was more difficult to observe areolae even at the margin of the valve. A decrease in salinity also induced changes in cell size, number of marginal fultoportulae and surface architecture. Cells in very low salinity (2) died after 24–48 h. Low silicate in the culture medium affected cell diameter (10% increase in the presence of added silicate). Putative auxospores and initial cells were found in some of the cultures, and some interesting variations in the valve morphology of initial cells were observed.
Identification of hypo-osmotically induced genes in Kappaphycus alvarezii (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta) through expressed sequence tag analysis
Authors: Liu Chenlin , Wang Xiuliang , Huang Xiaohang , Liu Jianguo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Hypo-osmotic conditions are among the most stressful environmental factors that affect seaweed physiology and productivity. To improve understanding of hypo-osmotic adaptation and to find genes involved in low salinity stress, we conducted an analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) on the κ-carrageenan-producing red algae, Kappaphycus alvarezii. Of 454 tentatively unique genes (TUGs), 281 matched protein sequences by BlastX analysis (e value≤10-3), 112 TUGs matched ESTs from other agar- or carrageenan-producing red algae, and 98 TUGs were annotated. The transcriptional profiles of six functional genes from K. alvarezii ESTs were examined. An ATP-binding cassette transporter gene and a sodium phosphate symporter gene were significantly up-regulated, indicating the importance of membrane transport proteins in coping with hypo-osmotic stress conditions.
Photovoltaics: Status and Perspectives until 2020
Authors: Jäger-Waldau Arnulf 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSince 2000, total PV production increased almost by two orders of magnitude, with a compound annual growth rate of over 55%. The most rapid growth in annual cell and module production over the last five years could be observed in Asia, where China and Taiwan together now account for more than 60% of world-wide production. Prices for photovoltaic electricity generation systems have more than halved over the last five years making the technology affordable to an ever increasing number of customers worldwide. The photovoltaic industry is in a process to mature and in this course increasing industry consolidation takes place. This process presents a risk as well as an opportunity at the same time, opening more and more markets. Various installation scenarios published during the last three years vary significantly depicting photovoltaic electricity generation from insignificant to a major energy source. With worldwide 50 GW cumulative installed photovoltaic electricity generation capacity installed in September 2011, photovoltaics still is a small contributor to the electricity supply, but its importance for our future energy mix is finally acknowledged.
Impact of phosphodiesterase 8B gene rs4704397 variation on thyroid homeostasis in childhood obesity
Authors: Grandone Anna , Perrone Laura , Cirillo Grazia , Di Sessa Anna , Corona Alberto Maria , Amato Alessandra , Cresta Nicoletta , Romano Tiziana , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele 
Published: November 2011

ContextSeveral studies demonstrated that obese children have higher TSH than normal-weight children. The polymorphism rs4704397 in the phosphodiesterase 8B (PDE8B) gene showed an association with TSH.Objectivesi) To assess the effect of PDE8B on TSH in obese children; ii) to dissect the role of obesity degree in modulating this association; and iii) to stratify the individual risk to show hyperthyrotropinaemia according to PDE8B genotype.MethodsEight hundred and sixty-seven Italian obese children were investigated. Clinical data and thyroid hormones were evaluated and the PDE8B rs4704397 was genotyped.ResultsPDE8B A/A homozygous subjects showed higher TSH (P=0.0005) compared with A/G or G/G. No differences were found for peripheral thyroid hormones. Among A/A children, 22% had hyperthyrotropinaemia, compared with 11.6% of heterozygotes and 10.8% of G/G (P=0.0008). Consistently, A/A had an odds ratio (OR) to show abnormal TSH level of 2.25 (P=0.0004). Body mass index (BMI) appeared correlated with TSH (P=0.0001), but the strength of the effect of PDE8B on TSH was independent of BMI (P=0.1).Children were subdivided into six groups according to obesity degree and genotypes. PDE8B A/A with BMI SDS above 3 had the highest OR (OR 2.6, P=0.0015) to have hyperthyrotropinaemia, whereas G/G with BMI SDS below 3 showed the lowest possibilities (OR 0.3, P=0.005).ConclusionsWe have shown: i) in obese children, PDE8B is associated with TSH; ii) the interaction between adiposity and PDE8B on TSH is not synergistic, but follows an additive model; and iii) impact of this association in the stratification of individual risk to have hyperthyrotropinaemia.
The utility of basal serum LH in prediction of central precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Pasternak Yehonatan , Friger Michael , Loewenthal Neta , Haim Alon , Hershkovitz Eli 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveThe mainstay of distinction between prepubertal girls and girls who are suspected of having central precocious puberty (CPP) is based on gonadotropin measurements after a GnRH stimulation test to evaluate hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis maturity. The objective of this study was to determine whether a single basal gonadotropin measurement carries a useful predictive value in verifying or refuting the diagnosis of CPP.Design and methodsBasal serum LH and FSH were measured by a chemiluminescent immunometric assay in a cohort of girls who had been evaluated for CPP before and after GnRH stimulation test. Peak LH levels higher than 5 IU/l were considered a pubertal response.ResultsEighty girls with suspected breast development before 8 years of age were enrolled to the study, out of whom 42 had CPP.Low basal serum LH (≤0.1 IU/l) was sufficient to rule out the diagnosis of CPP in 94.7% of the 38 prepubertal girls; the sensitivity of basal LH levels for this purpose was only 64%. The basal FSH and the basal LH to FSH ratio achieved less efficient predictive value with 76 and 71% sensitivity and 73 and 86% specificity respectively.ConclusionA single basal LH measurement may be adequate to confirm but not to refute the presence of CPP in most of the girls who are evaluated for early pubertal signs.
Transcriptional Regulation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae: Transcription Factor Regulation and Function, Mechanisms of Initiation, and Roles of Activators and Coactivators
Authors: Hahn Steven , Young Elton T 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHere we review recent advances in understanding the regulation of mRNA synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Many fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms have been conserved in all eukaryotes, and budding yeast has been at the forefront in the discovery and dissection of these conserved mechanisms. Topics covered include upstream activation sequence and promoter structure, transcription factor classification, and examples of regulated transcription factor activity. We also examine advances in understanding the RNA polymerase II transcription machinery, conserved coactivator complexes, transcription activation domains, and the cooperation of these factors in gene regulatory mechanisms.
Delayed Acyclovir and Outcomes of Children Hospitalized With Eczema Herpeticum
Authors: Aronson Paul L. , Yan Albert C. , Mittal Manoj K. , Mohamad Zeinab , Shah Samir S. 
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To describe the epidemiology and outcomes of children hospitalized with eczema herpeticum and to determine the association with delayed acyclovir on outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2010, of 1331 children aged 2 months to 17 years with eczema herpeticum from 42 tertiary care children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Multivariable linear regression models determined the association between delayed acyclovir therapy and the main outcome measure: hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS:
There were no deaths during the study period. Staphylococcus aureus infection was diagnosed in 30.3% of the patients; 3.9% of the patients had a bloodstream infection. Fifty-one patients (3.8%) required ICU admission. There were 893 patients (67.1%) who received acyclovir on the first day of admission. The median LOS increased with each day delay in acyclovir initiation. In multivariable analysis, delay of acyclovir initiation by 1 day was associated with an 11% increased LOS (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3%–20%; P = .008), and LOS increased by 41% when acyclovir was started on day 3 (95% CI: 19%–67%; P &lt; .001) and by 98% when started on day 4 to 7 (95% CI: 60%–145%; P &lt; .001). Use of topical corticosteroids on day 1 of hospitalization was not associated with LOS.

CONCLUSIONS:
Delay of acyclovir initiation is associated with increased LOS in hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum. Use of topical corticosteroids on admission is not associated with increased LOS. The mortality rate of hospitalized children with eczema herpeticum is low.
Successful Application of MPD (Managed Pressure Drilling) for Prevention, Control, and Detection of Borehole Ballooning in Tight Gas Reservoir in Cuervito Field, Mexico
Authors: Ochoa A. , Acevedo O. , Nieto L. , Lambarria J. E. , Pérez H. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The design of the wells in Cuervito Field is generally composed of three casings, in order to access the highest yielding sands. Drilling operations are characterized by the presence of a balloning effect, causing the loss of circulation that occasionally difficult meeting the planned target for the well.
The balloning effect, breathing formation or phenomenon of loss and gain, is an elastoplastic behavior of the walls of a well that usually originates in impermeable formations. When circulating drilling fluids it creates an additional pressure that is commonly defined as the equivalent circulation density (ECD), which when imposed on the walls of the well, causes them to dilate. When circulation is stopped, the ECD decreases, the diameter of the hole shrinks along with the pressure, creating a flow return to the well. High temperatures also play a role in the balloning effect. The expansion and contraction of the holes in the Cuervito Field is highly remarkable.
In order to minimize the encountered problems and to optimize drilling operations, a series of steps were prepared in order to study Cuervito Field’s 16 wells. This study contains geological and geopressure information. As a result of this study two different options were encountered: (i) Adding an additional casing or (ii) An unconventional drilling technique.
The first alternative (adding an additional casing to the well) proved to be a more complex and less elegant solution when compared to the unconventional drilling technique.
The unconventional drilling technique known as Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), enables the control of the annular pressure profile and monitors the bottom pressure limits in order to maintain them at a constant level, while minimizing drilling fluid loss and drilling downtime.
During the drilling of the well 17 of Cuervito Field the effect balloning was presented in large scale and was implemented a pilot project to evaluate the technique of MPD. The result was successful and was applied in the following three wells in the Field, achieving the elimination of the typical problems of the area.