bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matched Pair Analysis Comparing Surgery Followed By Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Alone for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression
Authors: Rades Dirk , Huttenlocher Stefan , Dunst Juergen , Bajrovic Amira , Karstens Johann H. , Rudat Volker , Schild Steven E. 
Published: July 2010

Purpose The appropriate treatment for MSCC is controversial. A small randomized trial showed that decompressive surgery followed by radiotherapy was superior to radiotherapy alone. That study was limited to highly selected patients. Additional studies comparing surgery plus radiotherapy to radiotherapy could better clarify the role of surgery. Methods Data from 108 patients receiving surgery plus radiotherapy were matched to 216 patients (1:2) receiving radiotherapy alone. Groups were matched for 11 potential prognostic factors and compared for post-treatment motor function, ambulatory status, regaining ambulatory status, local control, and survival. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients receiving adequate surgery (direct decompressive surgery plus stabilization of involved vertebrae), patients receiving laminectomy, patients with solid tumors, patients with solid tumors receiving adequate surgery, and patients with solid tumors receiving laminectomy. Results Improvement of motor function occurred in 27% of patients after surgery plus radiotherapy and 26% after radiotherapy alone (P = .92). Post-treatment ambulatory rates were 69% after surgery plus radiotherapy and 68% after radiotherapy alone (P = .99). Of the nonambulatory patients, 30% and 26%, respectively, (P = .86) regained ambulatory status after treatment. One-year local control rates were 90% after surgery plus radiotherapy and 91% after radiotherapy alone (P = .48). One-year overall survival rates were 47% and 40%, respectively (P = .50). The subgroup analyses did not show significant differences between both groups. Surgery-related complications occurred in 11% of patients. Conclusion In this study, the outcomes of the end points evaluated after radiotherapy alone appeared similar to those of surgery plus radiotherapy. A new randomized trial comparing both treatments is justified.
Speciation of Tungsten in Natural Ferromanganese Oxides Using Wavelength Dispersive XAFS
Authors: Kashiwabara Teruhiko , Takahashi Yoshio , Uruga Tomoya , Tanida Hajime , Terada Yasuko , Niwa Yasuhiro , Nomura Masaharu 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Reliable speciation of tungsten (W) in natural ferromanganese oxides was realized by wavelength-dispersive XAFS using a Laue-type analyzer. The quality of W L3-XANES spectrum was greatly enhanced by this method compared to that measured by conventional fluorescence mode, and it was found that W in natural ferromanganese oxides was in octahedral symmetry.
Influence of an Institution-Specific Sepsis Protocol on the Adequacy of Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Hanzelka Katy M. , Pierce Catherine A. , Beardsley James R. , Williamson John C. , Morris Peter E. 
Published: July 2010

Objective A sepsis protocol including institution-specific antibiotic recommendations based on local susceptibility patterns was implemented at our institution. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the impact of these recommendations on the adequacy of initial empiric therapy in patients with severe sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study conducted in a medical intensive care unit at a university-affiliated medical center. Charts of patients identified as having sepsis in our sepsis database from November 2004 to September 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Adequacy of initial therapy was assessed, as were the number of antibiotics used per patient and 28-day mortality. Results One hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria for the evaluation. Thirty-eight patients were in the pre-protocol group and 71 patients were in the post-protocol group. Adequacy of initial therapy increased from 68% pre protocol to 85% post protocol ( P < 0.05). A secondary analysis showed that if antibiotic recommendations had been followed exactly according to protocol, the number of antibiotics per patient would decrease from 2.47 to 2.11 ( P = 0.017) without changing adequacy of initial treatment. Conclusion Implementation of a sepsis protocol containing institution-specific antibiotic recommendations was associated with an increased percent of patients receiving adequate empiric antibiotic therapy. Strictly adhering to the institution-specific antibiotic recommendations could result in fewer antibiotics used per patient without reducing the adequacy of empiric treatment.
A Patient Case: Intravenous Azithromycin-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Charest Delia M. , Krogsgard Erica S. , Thomason Angela R. 
Published: July 2010

Objective To report a case of probable hepatotoxicity associated with intravenous (IV) azithromycin. Case Summary A 61-year-old white male was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath and a subsequent diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. The patient's aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were within normal limits. The patient was started on piperacillin/tazobactam 2.25 mg IV every 8 hours and ceftriaxone 1 g IV daily. On day 2 of hospitalization, azithromycin 500 mg IV once daily was initiated. On day 4, the patient's AST increased to 1,594 international units/liter (IU/L) and ALT to 650 IU/L. The ALT/AST peaked on day 6 of hospitalization. The patient's AST and ALT trended downward after discontinuation of the azithromycin. Discussion The Naranjo probability scale rated the patient's hepatotoxicity as a probable adverse reaction related to azithromycin toxicity. Two case reports have documented an association with oral azithromycin and hepatotoxicity. Conclusion This case report documents an acute increase in ALT and AST levels associated with IV administration of azithromycin. Health care professionals may consider monitoring AST and ALT in patients at risk for hepatic dysfunction with IV administration of azithromycin.
Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of 2,2″-bipyridyl complexes of metal benzenesulfonates
Authors: Yazicilar Turan Kaya , Ucar Ibrahim , Gürkan Evrim Yilmaz , Kazak Canan 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The new transition metal benzenesulfonate (bs) complexes of 2,2″-bipyridyl (bpy) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic moments, UV-Vis, IR, thermal analysis techniques. The bs anion does not coordinate to the metal ions and is present as the counter-ion in the Co(II) (2), Ni(II) (3) and Cu(II) (4) complexes, but coordinates to the Mn(II) ion as a monodentate ligand. The Mn(II) complex (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system with Pbca space group. The complex (1) is the first crystallographically characterized Mn(II) benzenesulfanato complex in which the bs anion is coordinated to metal ion. The manganese centre has a significantly distorted octahedral coordination by two bpy and bs ligands. bs molecules are joined by O7—H7A...O2 and O7—H7B...O3 hydrogen bonds, forming a centrosymmetric dimers which are linked by π–π interactions. All complexes exhibit similar decomposition characteristics. Magnetic susceptibility measurement shows that complex 2 has orbital interaction.
Validating the Probe-to-Bone Test and Other Tests for Diagnosing Chronic Osteomyelitis in the Diabetic Foot
Authors: Morales Lozano Rosario , González Fernández Maria L. , Martinez Hernández David , Beneit Montesinos Juan V. , Guisado Jiménez Sagrario , Gonzalez Jurado Maximo A. 
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVE
To compare the diagnostic characteristics of tests used for a prompt diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot, using bone histology as the criterion standard. The tests assessed were probe-to-bone (PTB), clinical signs of infection, radiography signs of osteomyelitis, and ulcer specimen culture.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A prospective study was performed on patients with foot ulcers referred to our diabetic foot clinic. Ulcer infection was diagnosed by recording clinical signs of infection and taking specimens for culture. The presumptive diagnosis of osteomyelitis was based on these results and the findings of a plain X-ray and PTB test. All patients with a clinical suspicion of bone infection were subjected to surgical treatment of the affected bone. During surgery, bone specimens were obtained for a histological diagnosis of osteomyelitis.

RESULTS
Over 2.5 years, 210 foot lesions were consecutively examined and 132 of these wounds with clinical suspicion of infection selected as the study sample. Of these, 105 (79.5%) lesions were diagnosed as osteomyelitis. Among the tests compared, the best results were yielded by the PTB test including an efficiency of 94%, sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 78%, positive predictive value of 95%, and negative predictive value of 91% (P &lt; 0.001, κ 0.803); the positive likelihood ratio was 4.41, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.02 (95% CI).

CONCLUSIONS
In our outpatient population with a high prevalence of osteomyelitis, the PTB test was of greatest diagnostic value, especially for neuropathic ulcers, and proved to be efficient for detecting osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot.
Elements of Natural Radioactive Decay Series in Iranian Drinking Water and Cigarettes
Authors: Mohammadi Saeed 
Published: July 2010

Elements of Natural Radioactive Decay Series in Iranian Drinking Water and CigarettesThe uranium (238U) decay series provides the most important isotopes of elements radium (226Ra), radon (222Rn), and polonium (210Po) with half-lives of about 1600 years, 3.8 days, and 140 days, respectively. Although the chemical structure of radium is very similar to calcium, the fact that it produces a radioactive gas (radon) complicates its handling in the laboratory and natural environment. In this study, we used the average concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclide 226Ra in drinking water at different parts of Iran to estimate the annual effective dose. In the other part of the study, we measured the concentrations of 210Po in Iranian cigarettes to estimate the internal intake of this radionuclide and its concentration in the lung tissues of smokers. The results indicate that the average concentration of 226Ra in Iranian drinking water was below the 100 mBq L-1 recommended by the World Health Organization while the average concentration of 210Po and 210Pb in Iranian cigarettes was relatively high in comparison with other cigarettes found on the market.
Knowledge of HCV Infection Among Nursing Students of the Medical College of Bitola
Authors: Prodanovska-Stojčevska Viktorija , Isjanovska Rozalinda , Popova-Ramova Elizabeta 
Published: July 2010

Knowledge of HCV Infection Among Nursing Students of the Medical College of BitolaHealthcare workers are at risk of occupationally-acquired viral infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). HCV is parenterally transmitted and has been found in every part of the world. This cross-sectional study was conducted to establish the awareness and attitude about HCV infections among 210 full-time and part-time nursing students of the Medical College in Bitola, Macedonia ‘from May to June 2009. For this purpose we used a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of three parts. The first included demographic data, the second included questions about causes of infection, mode of transmission, symptoms, acute and chronic hepatitis, and prevention, and the third questions about students’ attitude toward patients with suspect or confirmed HCV infection. Full-time students showed higher HCV awareness (84 %) than part-time students (69 %). 58 % of the full-time and 79 % of the part-time students said they would not avoid professional contact with suspect or HCV infected patients. Our study has shown that even though both groups of students have a sufficient knowledge about HCV to face future challenges, they need further education on the subject. Practical recommendations would help to reduce stigmatising behaviour still further.
Protective Effects of Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium Against Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Rats
Authors: Srivastava Deepti , Subramanian Ramlingam , Madamwar Datta , Flora Swaran 
Published: July 2010

Protective Effects of Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium Against Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Stress in Male RatsInorganic arsenic is a potent carcinogen and environmental pollutant. More than one hundred million people are reported to be exposed to elevated concentrations of arsenic mainly via drinking water. Essential trace elements can affect toxicity of metals by interacting with metals at the primary site of action and can also modify the body's response to toxic metals by altering their metabolism and transport. This study investigates the effects of concomitant administration of selenium, magnesium, and calcium with arsenic on blood biochemistry and oxidative stress. Selenium was the most effective in reducing arsenic-induced inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and liver oxidative stress. Calcium and magnesium also showed favourable effects on haematological and other biochemical parameters. Because selenium was the most effective, it should be added to chelation therapy to achieve the best protective effects against arsenic poisoning in humans.
Genome Instability and Bleomycin Sensitivity Test
Authors: Milić Mirta 
Published: July 2010

Genomska nestabilnost i test osjetljivosti na bleomicinProcjena individualne osjetljivosti na mutagene često je dio istraživanja u epidemiološkim studijama koje prate pojavnost zloćudnih bolesti u populacijama. Posljedica djelovanja mutagena u genomu izloženih osoba jest nastanak osoba jest nastanak određene, manje ili veće, količine oštećenja, uvjetovane individualnim razlikama u osjetljivosti. Viša razina takve genomske nestabilnosti znači opasnost (rizik) od razvoja zloćudnih bolesti. Interindividualne razlike u odgovoru na mutagene obično se povezuju i s promijenjenom (većinom smanjenom) sposobnosti (kapacitetom) za popravak DNA. Citogenetičke studije su pokazale da je genom tumorskih stanica nestabilniji od normalnih, a time i skloniji akumuliranju oštećenja, bilo da je nestabilnost uzrokovana nasljeđem, izloženošću ili kombinacijom tih dvaju učinaka. U oboljelih ispitanika utvrđena je povećana učestalost kromatidnih i kromosomskih aberacija naspram normalne populacije te sklonost razvoju određenih vrsta neoplazija. U praćenju povezanosti promijenjenog odgovora i pojavnosti tumora služe nam različiti biomarkeri. Kao indirektni pokazatelji uspješnosti popravka DNA često se rabe testovi osjetljivosti na mutagene u kulturama limfocita periferne krvi. Jedan od takvih testova je i bleomicinski test. Radiomimetik i citostatik, a po strukturi glikopeptid, bleomicin se u stanici prevodi u aktivni oblik sposoban cijepati molekulu DNA što uzrokuje brojne jednolančane i dvolančane lomove. Kao jednostavna i jeftina metoda, zasniva se na utvrđivanju ukupnog broja jednolančanih lomova u kromosomima limfocita uzgajanih u staničnoj kulturi koji su u uvjetimain vitrotijekom kasne G2-faze staničnog ciklusa bili izloženi bleomicinu. Ovaj revijalni rad daje pregled utjecaja raznih faktora na rezultate samog testa i pokazuje njegovu široku primjenu u proučavanju genomske nestabilnosti koju najčešće uzrokuje kombinacija raznih faktora.
Determination of Aspergillus Fumigatus Allergen 1 in Poultry Farms Using the Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Prester Ljerka , Macan Jelena , Matković Kristina , Vučemilo Marija 
Published: July 2010

Determination ofAspergillus FumigatusAllergen 1 in Poultry Farms Using the Enzyme ImmunoassayPoultry farms contain high levels of allergenic fungi, andAspergillusspp. is the most common genus of moulds.Aspergillus fumigatusantigens are responsible for the development of several respiratory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study was to measure the mass fraction of Asp f 1, a major allergen ofAsperillus fumigatusin 37 indoor dust samples collected from four poultry farms in a rural area of the Zagreb County (Croatia) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More than 62 % of dust samples had detectable Asp f 1 levels (limit of detection 3.6 ng g-1). The overall mean Asp f 1 level was 17.9 ng g-1[range (3.8 to 72.4) ng g-1]. Satisfactory results were obtained for analytical within-run imprecision (6.7 %), between-run imprecision (10.5 %), and accuracy (91 % to 115 %). Microclimate parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and velocity) were within the recommended ranges in all poultry farms. This study has shown that Asp f 1 settles on dust at poultry farms and that occupational exposure to this allergen deserves monitoring in livestock buildings.
Normal and Cut-Off Values of the Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in the Croatian General Population
Authors: Kopjar Nevenka , Kašuba Vilena , Milić Mirta , Rozgaj Ružica , Želježić Davor , Gajski Goran , Mladinić Marin , Garaj-Vrhovac Vera 
Published: July 2010

Normalne i granične vrijednosti mikronukleus-testa na limfocitima periferne krvi u ispitanika opće populacije Republike HrvatskeMikronukleus (MN) test na limfocitima periferne krvi jedna je od najvažnijih metoda koje se primjenjuju u citogenetičkom nadzoru. Osnovni preduvjet za primjenu nekog testa u svrhu nadzora profesionalno izloženih populacija jest poznavanje normalnih vrijednosti promatranoga biološkog pokazatelja (biomarkera) u kontrolnoj populaciji. Baze podataka na razini opće populacije moraju se redovito obnavljati novim podacima. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi normalne i granične vrijednosti MN-testa na limfocitima periferne krvi 200 zdravih ispitanika obaju spolova iz opće populacije Republike Hrvatske te ispitati koji čimbenici pridonose spontanom nastanku MN. Na razini istražene populacije utvrđeno je prosječno (6,90±3,32) MN (medijan 7 MN), dok je raspon pojedinačnih vrijednosti iznosio 0 do 18 MN u 1000 binuklearnih stanica. Gornja granična vrijednost dobivena izračunavanjem 95. percentila za cjelokupnu promatranu populaciju iznosi 12,5 MN na 1000 limfocita. Utvrđeno je da na spontani nastanak MN utječu spol, dob i navika pušenja. Žene u prosjeku imaju više vrijednosti svih parametara MN-testa od muškaraca, a u njih je bio i naglašeniji porast vrijednosti citogenetičkog nalaza zbog navike pušenja. Kako su literaturni podaci o utjecaju pušenja cigareta na nastanak MN kontradiktorni, planiran je nastavak istraživanja radi razjašnjavanja utjecaja dnevno utrošenog broja cigareta i ukupnog trajanja pušačkog staža na vrijednosti parametara MN-testa. Usporedba rezultata s literaturnim podacima potvrdila je da su dobivene vrijednosti u skladu s vrijednostima MN-testa zabilježenim na općoj populaciji u drugim svjetskim laboratorijima. Normalne i granične vrijednosti MN-testa utvrđene u ovome istraživanju poslužit će kao osnova za usporedbu i tumačenje nalaza MN-testa u ispitanika izloženih populacija te daljnju nadogradnju laboratorijske baze podataka.
Some results on certain classes of multivalently analytic functions based on differential subordination involving a convolution structure
Authors: Prajapat J. , Raina R. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Making use of the familiar convolution structure of analytic functions, we introduce a general class of multivalently analytic functions and derive various useful properties and characteristics of this function class by using the techniques of differential subordination. Several other results are presented exhibiting relevant connections to some of the results obtained in earlier works.
Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007
Authors: Czerniejewski Przemysław 
Published: July 2010

Changes in condition and in carapace length and width of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853) harvested in the Odra River estuary in 1999-2007
Carapace length and width as well as condition were analysed in 2336 Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis, caught in 1999-2007 in the Odra River estuary (Poland). Their condition was assessed using the Fulton coefficient and the carapace width-individual weight relationship. September through November catches netted the highest number of crabs (83.60% of the total sample); males accounted for 53.56% of the crabs caught at that time. Males showed a significantly higher mean individual weight, significantly higher carapace width and length, and a higher Fulton coefficient than the females. The lowest mean individual weight, carapace width and length, and the highest condition coefficients were recorded in those crabs caught in 1999-2000. Later on, the mean carapace width and individual weight increased, and the increase was accompanied by a reduction in condition of the crabs. Causes of the differences are being sought in environmental changes taking place in the Odra estuary.
The chemistry of water and bottom sediments in relation to zooplankton biocenosis in small agricultural ponds
Authors: Joniak Tomasz , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia 
Published: July 2010

The chemistry of water and bottom sediments in relation to zooplankton biocenosis in small agricultural ponds
This study analyzed the chemistry and structure of planktonic fauna communities in small water bodies located within agricultural areas of different levels of anthropogenic transformation in the Wielkopolska region. Distance from farm buildings was a decisive factor when choosing the bodies of water for this study. A distinctive feature of the chemical characteristics of the examined water bodies was a high concentration of biogenic substances. The presence of biologically available mineral elements stimulated the development of algae, which was reflected in high concentrations of chlorophyll. High trophic conditions in the waters of the investigated ponds were also confirmed when analyzing the zooplankton community structure.
The oxygen budget of two closed, dimictic lakes in the vicinity of Bytów (West Pomeranian Lake District, northern Poland)
Authors: Witek Zbigniew , Jarosiewicz Anna 
Published: July 2010

The oxygen budget of two closed, dimictic lakes in the vicinity of Bytów (West Pomeranian Lake District, northern Poland)
The aim of this work was to identify key factors governing the oxygen fluxes in two thermally stratified lakes of different morphology. Oxygen and temperature profiles in lakes Jeleń and Mały Borek, as well as phytoplankton primary production in Mały Borek (oxygen-method) were measured in monthly intervals, except for periods of ice cover. Rates of oxygen release due to photosynthesis, consumption in the water column, loss to atmosphere, depletion in the hypolimnion, and restoration during periods of turn-over were roughly estimated. It was discovered that trophic conditions and morphometry may substantially influence not only the intensity, but also the timing, of particular events in the oxygen cycle of the lakes.
The structure of phosphorus compounds in mid-forest humic lakes
Authors: Joniak Tomasz 
Published: July 2010

The structure of phosphorus compounds in mid-forest humic lakes
This study presents the vertical distribution of phosphorus fractions in three postglacial mid-forest humic lakes: oligohumic, mesohumic, and polyhumic. Total phosphorus concentrations were similar in these humic lakes (mean 76 μg 1-1 P). The greatest share of phosphorus was in mineral fractions, while a lesser share was in organic, especially soluble, fractions. Concentrations of mineral forms (phosphates and polyphosphates) were the lowest at the time of maximum development of phytoplankton, especially of bacterioplankton near the bottom of the oligohumic lake. An exceptionally high participation of soluble polyphosphates was found in the polyhumic lake near the surface.