bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National Comparative Audit of Blood Use in Elective Primary Unilateral Total Hip Replacement Surgery in the UK
Authors: Boralessa H , Goldhill DR , Tucker K , Mortimer AJ , Grant-Casey J 
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION Blood is a scarce and expensive product. Although it may be life-saving, in recent years there has been an increased emphasis on the potential hazards of transfusion as well as evidence supporting the use of lower transfusion thresholds. Orthopaedic surgery accounts for some 10% of transfused red blood cells and evidence suggests that there is considerable variation in transfusion practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS NHS Blood and Transplant, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians, undertook a national audit on transfusion practice. Each hospital was asked to provide information relating to 40 consecutive patients undergoing elective, primary unilateral total hip replacement surgery. The results were compared to indicators and standards. RESULTS Information was analysed relating to 7465 operations performed in 223 hospitals. Almost all hospitals had a system for referring abnormal pre-operative blood results to a doctor and 73% performed a group-and-save rather than a cross-match before surgery. Of hospitals, 47% had a transfusion policy. In 73%, the policy recommended a transfusion threshold at a haemoglobin concentration of 8 g/dl or less. There was a wide variation in transfusion rate among hospitals. Of patients, 15% had a haemoglobin concentration less than 12 g/dl recorded in the 28 days before surgery and 57% of these patients were transfused compared to 20% with higher pre-operative values. Of those who were transfused, 7% were given a single unit and 67% two units. Of patients transfused two or more units during days 1–14 after surgery, 65% had a post transfusion haemoglobin concentration of 10 g/dl or more. CONCLUSIONS Pre-operative anaemia, lack of availability of transfusion protocols and use of different thresholds for transfusion may have contributed to the wide variation in transfusion rate. Effective measures to identify and correct pre-operative anaemia may decrease the need for transfusion. A consistent, evidence-based, transfusion threshold should be used and transfusion of more than one unit should only be given if essential to maintain haemoglobin concentrations above this threshold.
Systematic review of practice‐based research on psychological therapies in routine clinic settings
Authors: Cahill Jane. , Barkham Michael. , Stiles William B. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose. To review the published material on practice‐based research and to compare results with benchmarks derived from efficacy studies.Methods. Electronic and manual searches were carried out up to and including 2008. Studies were screened for content relevance and selected according to specified inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from all studies that met criteria and were quality assessed using an adapted version of a checklist designed for the appraisal of both randomized and non‐randomized studies of health care interventions. Studies were synthesized according to (1) the type of problem being treated and (2) study design using descriptive and meta‐analytic methods where appropriate.Results. Psychological treatment conducted in routine clinic settings is effective for a range of client problems, particularly common mental health problems (uncontrolled effect size=1.29; 95% CI=1.26–1.33, N = 10,842). When benchmarked against data from efficacy studies, practice‐based studies yielded effect sizes that fell short of the selected benchmark. In contrast, the practice‐based studies achieved the benchmark for percentage of clients meeting a stringent criterion for recovery.Conclusions. Clients receiving treatment as normally delivered within routine practice report significant relief of symptoms. However, the result of comparisons with efficacy benchmarks is dependent on the outcome index used. Notwithstanding this, substantive factors are also likely to contribute. Therefore, in addition to attending to methodological issues, further work is required to understand the relative contribution of these factors.
Dropout from Internet‐based treatment for psychological disorders
Authors: Melville Katherine M. , Casey Leanne M. , Kavanagh David J. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose. The purpose of this review was to present an in‐depth analysis of literature identifying the extent of dropout from Internet‐based treatment programmes for psychological disorders, and literature exploring the variables associated with dropout from such programmes.Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PSYCHINFO and PUBMED with the keywords: dropouts, drop out, dropout, dropping out, attrition, premature termination, termination, non‐compliance, treatment, intervention, and program, each in combination with the key words Internet and web. A total of 19 studies published between 1990 and April 2009 and focusing on dropout from Internet‐based treatment programmes involving minimal therapist contact were identified and included in the review.Results. Dropout ranged from 2 to 83% and a weighted average of 31% of the participants dropped out of treatment. A range of variables have been examined for their association with dropout from Internet‐based treatment programmes for psychological disorders. Despite the numerous variables explored, evidence on any specific variables that may make an individual more likely to drop out of Internet‐based treatment is currently limited.Conclusions. This review highlights the need for more rigorous and theoretically guided research exploring the variables associated with dropping out of Internet‐based treatment for psychological disorders.
Urotensin II Immunoreactivity in the Human Circulation: Evidence for Widespread Tissue Release
Authors: Chen Yen-Hsing , Yandle Timothy G , Richards A Mark , Palmer Suetonia C 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: The sources of secretion and clearance of plasma urotensin II (UII) in the human circulation remain uncertain and may be relevant to understanding the role of UII in human physiology and cardiovascular disease.Methods: In 94 subjects undergoing clinically indicated cardiac catheterization, we collected blood samples from arterial and multiple venous sites to measure transorgan gradients of plasma UII immunoreactivity.Results: Net UII release occurred (in descending order of proportional transorgan gradient) across the heart, kidney, head and neck, liver, lower limb, and pulmonary circulations (P &lt; 0.01). Although no specific clearance site was localized, the absence of an overall subdiaphragmatic aorto-caval peptide gradient indicated that there were lower body segment sites of UII clearance as well as secretion. The proportional increase in UII immunoreactivity was significantly correlated across all sites of net peptide release within an individual (P ≤ 0.05). In univariate analyses, mixed venous UII concentrations were correlated with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and femoral artery oxygen tension and inversely with systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and body mass index were independent predictors of mixed venous UII immunoreactivity in multivariate analysis. No correlates of net cardiac UII release were identified.Conclusions: UII is secreted from the heart and multiple other tissues into the circulation. Related increments in UII immunoreactivity across multiple tissue sites suggest that peptide release occurs via a shared mechanism. Increased UII immunoreactivity is observed in subjects with acute coronary syndrome.
Library of Prefabricated Locked Nucleic Acid Hydrolysis Probes Facilitates Rapid Development of Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Novel Influenza A/H1N1/09 Virus
Authors: Wenzel Jürgen J , Walch Heiko , Bollwein Markus , Niller Hans Helmut , Ankenbauer Waltraud , Mauritz Ralf , Höltke Hans-Joachim , Zepeda Héctor Manuel , Wolf Hans , Jilg Wolfgang , Reischl Udo 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Background: The emergence of a novel pandemic human strain of influenza A (H1N1/09) has clearly demonstrated the need for flexible tools enabling the rapid development of new diagnostic methods.
Methods: We designed a set of reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) assays based on the Universal ProbeLibrary (UPL)—a collection of 165 presynthesized, fluorescence-labeled locked nucleic acid (LNA) hydrolysis probes—specifically to detect the novel influenza A virus. We evaluated candidate primer/UPL-probe pairs with 28 novel influenza A/H1N1/09 patient samples of European and Mexican origin.
Results: Of 14 assays in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes, 12 detected viral nucleic acids from diluted patient samples without need for further optimization. We characterized the diagnostic specificity of the 2 best-performing assays with a set of samples comprising various influenza virus strains of human and animal origin that showed no cross-reactivity. The diagnostic sensitivity of these 2 primer/probe combinations was in the range of 100–1000 genomic copies/mL. In comparison to a reference assay recommended by the German health authorities, the analytical sensitivities and specificities of the assays were equivalent.
Conclusions: Facing the emergence of novel influenza A/H1N1/09, we were able to develop, within 2 days, a set of sensitive and specific RT-qPCR assays for the laboratory diagnosis of suspected cases. H1N1/09 served as a model to show the feasibility of the UPL approach for the expedited development of new diagnostic assays to detect emerging pathogens.
Twin Loss: The Annual Convention / Twin Research Reviews: Childhood Empathy; Hormone Replacement Therapy and Skeletal Muscle; Multiple Birth Conception in Older Women / Twins in the Media: Twins With Kidney Disease; A Pair of Poets; The Other Twins in the Metrodome
Authors: Segal Nancy L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractLoss of a twin has been largely overlooked by bereavement counselors and clinicians. This particular type of loss is also poorly understood among the public. Consequently, some bereaved twins have established a unique organization, Twinless Twins Support Group International, for the purpose of sharing this traumatic life experience with one another. The present article reviews events from the annual convention of Twinless Twins, held in July 2009, in Denver, Colorado. Selected findings from research on twin loss are also presented. Next, twin research concerned with the origins and implications of empathy, hormone replacement therapy and multiple birth conception will be reviewed. This article concludes with summaries of real life stories of twins' kidney disease, literary talent and retirement festivities.
Analysis of the trophic role of Mediterranean seagrasses in marine coastal ecosystems: a review
Authors: Vizzini Salvatrice 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Seagrasses form high-productivity coastal ecosystems, providing habitats for many organisms, including species of commercial value. They play a significant role as a direct food source for herbivores and also enter detrital food webs. In this review, the trophic ecology of Mediterranean seagrass ecosystems is revised, with major emphasis on Posidonia oceanica, the most extensively studied seagrass. The major topics are the role of herbivory and detritus, the contribution to littoral fish production, exportation to other ecosystems and the seagrass role as a vector of anthropogenic nutrients into food webs. Topics are discussed by analysing both conventional knowledge and new insights derived from the application of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis. In conclusion, perspectives for future research are highlighted, with particular emphasis on areas demanding further study and on the effects of seagrass decline on trophic organisation in coastal environments.
New cross section measurements for production of the positron emitters 75Br and 76Br via intermediate energy proton induced reactions
Authors: Spahn I. , Steyn G. F. , Vermeulen C. , Kovács Zoltán , Szelecsényi Ferenc , Coenen Heinz H. , Qaim Syed M. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
The radionuclides 75Br and 76Br are of considerable interest for application in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). For their production so far mostly low-energy or low-yield production processes have been employed. In this work the production of both isotopes was investigated using intermediate energy proton induced reactions and enriched target materials. Cross section data of the 77,78,80Se(p,xn)75Br processes were measured up to 66 MeV and those of the 77,78,80Se(p,xn)76Br processes up to 85 MeV. The measured excitation functions were compared with calculated results of the nuclear model code ALICE-IPPE. From the experimental excitation curves, thick target yields were calculated. They are fairly high over the investigated intermediate energy ranges. The production possibilities of 75Br and 76Br via various routes and the radionuclidic impurities associated with them are discussed.
Validity and reliability of the novel thyroid-specific quality of life questionnaire, ThyPRO
Authors: Watt Torquil , Hegedüs Laszlo , Groenvold Mogens , Bjorner Jakob Bue , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Bonnema Steen Joop , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla 
Published: October 2009

BackgroundAppropriate scale validity and internal consistency reliability have recently been documented for the new thyroid-specific quality of life (QoL) patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure for benign thyroid disorders, the ThyPRO. However, before clinical use, clinical validity and test–retest reliability should be evaluated.AimTo investigate clinical (‘known-groups’) validity and test–retest reliability of the Danish version of the ThyPRO.MethodsFor each of the 13 ThyPRO scales, we defined groups expected to have high versus low scores (‘known-groups’). The clinical validity (known-groups validity) was evaluated by whether the ThyPRO scales could detect expected differences in a cross-sectional study of 907 thyroid patients. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by intra-class correlations of two responses to the ThyPRO 2 weeks apart in a subsample of 87 stable patients.ResultsOn all 13 ThyPRO scales, we found substantial and significant differences between the groups expected to have high versus low scores. Test–retest reliability was above 0.70 (range 0.77–0.89) for all scales, which is usually considered necessary for comparisons among patient groups, but below 0.90, which is the usual threshold for use in individual patients.ConclusionWe found support for the clinical validity of the new thyroid-specific QoL questionnaire, ThyPRO, and evidence of good test–retest reliability. The questionnaire is now ready for use in clinical studies of patients with thyroid diseases.
Analyzing the Process of Patent Submission with a Special Emphasis on the Phases of the Research Process - the Case of Slovenia
Authors: Ruzzier Mitja , Nagy Tine , Ravnihar Robert 
Published: October 2009

Analyzing the Process of Patent Submission with a Special Emphasis on the Phases of the Research Process - the Case of Slovenia
This article presents some findings about the process of patenting of Slovenian and foreign researchers in scientific research. Based on the reviewed literature and with help of our conceptual model, we establish that the patenting process can be divided into three separate phases: knowledge detection phase, knowledge dissemination phase and knowledge transfer phase. During the process of researching and patenting, a variety of factors affect the results, which can be divided into two groups: internal and external factors. In Slovenia, patents are statistically significant for researchers working and exploring in the fields of natural science and engineering. Research results in the form of a patent largely depend on financial support and work experiences of individual researchers or research groups. The commercialization of a patent means a successful ending of the research process, as many positive benefits are expected.
An Overview of Models for Assessment of Organization Virtuality
Authors: Veber Peter 
Published: October 2009

An Overview of Models for Assessment of Organization Virtuality
A virtual organization is a network of legally independent organizations and/or individuals that produce products and/or services based on a common business understanding. This new organization structure is posited as radical departure from the traditional, hierarchic, bureaucratic and co-located mode of organizing that dominated the twentieth century. In contrast, the characteristics of the new, virtual organization forms are seen to be dynamic, networked, distributed, digital, flexible, collaborative and innovative. The challenge, however, is to determine which organization as a subject employs virtual form and which not. The answer to this question is decidedly complex as most organizations have forms that are somewhere in between; therefore, it is usually only possible to determine how virtual one organization is on certain aspects. In the other words: what is the level of its virtuality? Several models for the assessment of organization virtuality have been developed by many different authors. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and present all the published models of virtual organization that are publicly available in the world literature. The strengths and weaknesses of all models found are presented, together with their mutual relations.
Process Reengineering and Innovation of Remaking Soapsuds
Authors: Verbič Andreja , Kern Tomaž , Vuk Drago 
Published: October 2009

Process Reengineering and Innovation of Remaking Soapsuds
This article uses a business process renovation method to address an environmental protection problem. The presented case, studied in factories which remake crude vegetable oil (soapsuds remake), focuses on reengineering one of the business processes which is classified as an obligatory process. This process has to be performed to comply with the requirements of the existing ecology legislation. Therefore, it is reasonable to take a radical approach - business process reengineering. Soapsuds with oil remnants are a secondary product in the vegetable oil refining process. According to the legislation, secondary products as waste are not acceptable for the environment. Soapsuds remake as it is currently carried out produces technical fatty acids and, as a side product, calcium sulphate. Calcium sulphate is listed as special waste; therefore it must be deposited in a special waste landfill site. In the course of searching for a solution to this ecological problem, a new idea came up, namely that soapsuds are taken to the biogas plant. At the biogas plant, they can be decomposed into biogas, which is then used to generate electric energy, for heating or to supplement municipal gas. Thus, the reengineering of the process is upgraded into process innovation and environmental innovation. Using data obtained from the available literature, we managed to prove that process reengineering, which is simultaneously process innovation and ecological innovation, can be applied in practice. Side products resulting from the anaerobic digestion of soapsuds in the biogas plant comply better with the requirements of the Slovenian ecological legislation than those occurring in the process used up to now.
SHRIMP U-Th-Pb zircon dating of the granitoid massifs in the Malé Karpaty Mountains (Western Carpathians): evidence of Meso-Hercynian successive S- to I-type granitic magmatism
Authors: Kohút Milan , Uher Pavel , Putiš Marián , Ondrejka Martin , Sergeev Sergey , Larionov Alexander , Paderin Ilya 
Published: October 2009

SHRIMP U-Th-Pb zircon dating of the granitoid massifs in the Malé Karpaty Mountains (Western Carpathians): evidence of Meso-Hercynian successive S- to I-type granitic magmatismRepresentative granitic rock samples from the Malé Karpaty Mountains of the Western Carpathians (Slovakia) were dated by the SHRIMP U-Th-Pb isotope method on zircons. Oscillatory zoned zircons revealed concordant Mississippian magmatic ages: 355±5 Ma in Bratislava granodiorite, and 347±4 Ma in Modra tonalite. The results document nearly synchronous, successive Meso-Hercynian plutonic events from S-type to I-type granites. The Neo-Proterozoic inherited zircon cores (590±13 Ma) were identified in the Bratislava S-type granitic rocks whereas scarce Paleo-Proterozoic inherited zircons (1984±36 Ma) were detected within the Modra I-type tonalites.
Lithofacies and age data of Jurassic foreslope and basin sediments of Rudabánya Hills (NE Hungary) and their tectonic interpretation
Authors: Kövér Szilvia , Haas János , Ozsvárt Péter , Görög Ágnes , Götz Annette , Józsa Sándor 
Published: October 2009

Lithofacies and age data of Jurassic foreslope and basin sediments of Rudabánya Hills (NE Hungary) and their tectonic interpretationJurassic sedimentary rocks of the Telekesvölgy Complex (Bódva Series), Telekesoldal Complex (Telekesoldal Nappe) and the Csipkés Hill olistostrome in Rudabánya Hills (NE Hungary) were sampled for microfacies studies and interpretation of the depositional environments. The Telekesvölgy Complex is made up of reddish to greenish marl, occasionally containing limestone olistoliths — gradually progresses from the Norian Hallstatt Limestone of the Bódva Series — then grey marl, which may correspond to the latest Triassic Zlambach Formation. This variegated marl progresses into grey marl and calcareous marl, containing crinoid fragments. It may be interpreted as a hemipelagic facies, relatively close to submarine highs. Bajocian to Lower Bathonian black shales, rich in radiolarians and sponge spicules representing typical deep pelagic facies, are also assigned to the Telekesvölgy Complex. The Telekesoldal Complex represents a mélange-like subduction-related complex that consists of black shales, sandstone turbidites and olistostrome beds, and deposited by gravity mass flows. A relatively deep marine basin in the proximity of a submarine slope is likely to be the depositional environment of this unit. The clasts of the olistostromes are predominantly Middle to Upper Triassic pelagic limestones, rhyolite and basalt. Subduction related nappe stacking of the ocean margin during the Middle to Late Jurassic may have created suitable conditions for this sedimentation pattern. Bajocian-Callovian age of the complex was proved by the revision of the radiolarian fauna and new palynological data, the first from the Jurassic of the Aggtelek-Rudabánya Hills. The Csipkés Hill olistostrome consists of carbonate turbidite beds containing Jurassic platform derived foraminiferal and olistostrome horizons with Middle-Upper Triassic limestone clasts of red Hallstatt facies.