bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Better assessment of physical function: item improvement is neglected but essential
Authors: Bruce Bonnie , Fries James F , Ambrosini Debbie , Lingala Bharathi , Gandek Barbara , Rose Matthias , Ware John E 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Physical function is a key component of patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessment in rheumatology. Modern psychometric methods, such as Item Response Theory (IRT) and Computerized Adaptive Testing, can materially improve measurement precision at the item level. We present the qualitative and quantitative item-evaluation process for developing the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function item bank.

Methods
The process was stepwise: we searched extensively to identify extant Physical Function items and then classified and selectively reduced the item pool. We evaluated retained items for content, clarity, relevance and comprehension, reading level, and translation ease by experts and patient surveys, focus groups, and cognitive interviews. We then assessed items by using classic test theory and IRT, used confirmatory factor analyses to estimate item parameters, and graded response modeling for parameter estimation. We retained the 20 Legacy (original) Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the 10 SF-36's PF-10 items for comparison. Subjects were from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and healthy aging cohorts (n = 1,100) and a national Internet sample of 21,133 subjects.

Results
We identified 1,860 items. After qualitative and quantitative evaluation, 124 newly developed PROMIS items composed the PROMIS item bank, which included revised Legacy items with good fit that met IRT model assumptions. Results showed that the clearest and best-understood items were simple, in the present tense, and straightforward. Basic tasks (like dressing) were more relevant and important versus complex ones (like dancing). Revised HAQ-DI and PF-10 items with five response options had higher item-information content than did comparable original Legacy items with fewer response options. IRT analyses showed that the Physical Function domain satisfied general criteria for unidimensionality with one-, two-, three-, and four-factor models having comparable model fits. Correlations between factors in the test data sets were > 0.90.

Conclusions
Item improvement must underlie attempts to improve outcome assessment. The clear, personally important and relevant, ability-framed items in the PROMIS Physical Function item bank perform well in PRO assessment. They will benefit from further study and application in a wider variety of rheumatic diseases in diverse clinical groups, including those at the extremes of physical functioning, and in different administration modes.
The incidence of sub-optimal sedation in the ICU: a systematic review
Authors: Jackson Daniel L , Proudfoot Clare W , Cann Kimberley F , Walsh Tim S 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are generally sedated for prolonged periods. Over-sedation and under-sedation both have negative effects on patient safety and resource use. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to establish the incidence of sub-optimal sedation (both over- and under-sedation) in ICUs.

Methods
We searched Medline, Embase and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) online literature databases from 1988 to 15 May 2008 and hand-searched conferences. English-language studies set in the ICU, in sedated adult humans on mechanical ventilation, which reported the incidence of sub-optimal sedation, were included. All abstracts were reviewed twice by two independent reviewers, with all conflicts resolved by a third reviewer, to check that they met the review inclusion criteria. Full papers of all included studies were retrieved and were again reviewed twice against inclusion criteria. Data were doubly extracted. Study aims, design, population, comparisons made, and data on the incidence of sub-optimal, optimal, over-sedation or under-sedation were extracted.

Results
There was considerable variation between included studies in the definition of optimal sedation and in the scale or method used to assess sedation. Across all included studies, a substantial incidence of sub-optimal sedation was reported, with a greater tendency toward over-sedation.

Conclusions
Our review suggests that improvements in the consistent definition and measurement of sedation may improve the quality of care of patients within the ICU.
A new miniaturized system for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult respiratory failure
Authors: Müller Thomas , Philipp Alois , Luchner Andreas , Karagiannidis Christian , Bein Thomas , Hilker Michael , Rupprecht Leopold , Langgartner Julia , Zimmermann Markus , Arlt Matthias , Wenger Jan , Schmid Christof , Riegger Günter AJ , Pfeifer Michael , Lubnow Matthias 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Mortality of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults is still unacceptably high. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could represent an important treatment option, if complications were reduced by new technical developments.

Methods
Efficiency, side effects and outcome of treatment with a new miniaturized device for veno-venous extracorporeal gas transfer were analysed in 60 consecutive patients with life-threatening respiratory failure.

Results
A rapid increase of partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) from 64 (48 to 86) mmHg to 120 (84 to 171) mmHg and a decrease of PaCO2 from 63 (50 to 80) mmHg to 33 (29 to 39) mmHg were observed after start of the extracorporeal support (P < 0.001). Gas exchange capacity of the device averaged 155 (116 to 182) mL/min for oxygen and 210 (164 to 251) mL/min for carbon dioxide. Ventilatory parameters were reduced to a highly protective mode, allowing a fast reduction of tidal volume from 495 (401 to 570) mL to 336 (292 to 404) mL (P < 0.001) and of peak inspiratory pressure from 36 (32 to 40) cmH2O to 31 (28 to 35) cmH2O (P < 0.001). Transfusion requirements averaged 0.8 (0.4 to 1.8) units of red blood cells per day. Sixty-two percent of patients were weaned from the extracorporeal system, and 45% survived to discharge.

Conclusions
Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a new miniaturized device supports gas transfer effectively, allows for highly protective ventilation and is very reliable. Modern ECMO technology extends treatment opportunities in severe lung failure.
Infections and autoimmunity: the multifaceted relationship
Authors: Sfriso Paolo , Ghirardello Anna , Botsios Costantino , Tonon Michele , Zen Margherita , Bassi Nicola , Bassetto Franco , Doria Andrea 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The relationship between infections and autoimmunity as well as the risk of infections due to antirheumatic agents, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics, are discussed.
Multiple factors are thought to contribute to the development of immune response to self, including differences in genotypes, hormonal milieu, and environmental factors. This review focuses on the pivotal role of infection in the induction of autoimmune disorders. Although the development of autoimmune phenomena linked to infections is a common finding, the onset of autoimmune diseases is a rare event, arising from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. There are several mechanisms through which pathogens can initiate or perpetuate autoimmunity. Some of them are antigen-specific, including molecular mimicry, expression of modified, cryptic, or new antigenic determinants, and superantigens. Others are nonspecific and collectively known as “bystander activation.” They include enhanced processing and presentation of self-antigens, immune cell activation, cytokine release, and cell apoptosis/necrosis. Infections may also trigger organ-specific autoimmune diseases, but studies carried out until now have provided conflicting and inconclusive results regarding the role of viral and bacterial agents. Infections and autoimmune diseases have multifaceted and multidirectional relationships. It has been suggested recently that infections cannot only induce or precipitate autoimmune diseases, but they may also protect from autoimmunity or even abrogate an ongoing autoimmune process depending on the interaction between microorganisms and host. Therefore, we should look at microorganisms, not only as causes of infections but also as potential agents able to modulate the immune system. On the other hand, numerous evidences have emerged regarding the higher susceptibility of autoimmune patients to infections, possibly as a result of immunosuppressive therapy and treatment with biologic agents.
Adipokine Profile and Urinary Albumin Excretion in Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Oliveira Carla R. P. , Salvatori Roberto , Meneguz-Moreno Rafael A. , Aguiar-Oliveira Manuel H. , Pereira Rossana M. C. , Valença Eugênia H. A. , Araujo Vanessa P. , Farias Natália T. , Silveira Débora C. R. , Vieira Jose G. H. , Barreto-Filho Jose A. S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground: GH deficiency (GHD) is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal fat accumulation, hypercholesterolemia, and increased C-reactive protein. Despite the presence of these risk factors, adults with congenital lifetime isolated GHD (IGHD) due to an inactivating mutation in the GHRH receptor gene do not have premature atherosclerosis.Objective: The aim was to study the serum levels of adiponectin and leptin (antiatherogenic and atherogenic adipokine, respectively), and the urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in these IGHD individuals.Design and Patients: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 20 IGHD individuals (seven males; age, 50.8 ± 14.6 yr) and 22 control subjects (eight males; age, 49.9 ± 11.5 yr).Main Outcome Measures: Anthropometric factors, body composition, blood pressure, serum adiponectin, leptin, and UAE were measured.Results: Adiponectin was higher [12.8 (7.1) vs. 9.7 (5) ng/ml; P = 0.041] in IGHD subjects, whereas no difference was observed in leptin [7.3 (6.3) vs. 9.3 (18.7 ng/ml] and UAE [8.6 (13.8) vs. 8.5 (11.1) μg/min].Conclusions: Subjects with lifetime untreated IGHD have an adipokine profile with high adiponectin and normal leptin levels that may delay vascular damage and lesions of the renal endothelium.
Laboratory reporting of hemostasis assays: the final post-analytical opportunity to reduce errors of clinical diagnosis in hemostasis?
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J. , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The advent of modern instrumentation, with associated improvements in test performance and reliability, together with appropriate internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assurance (EQA) measures, has led to substantial reductions in analytical errors within hemostasis laboratories. Unfortunately, the reporting of incorrect or inappropriate test results still occurs, perhaps even as frequently as in the past. Many of these cases arise due to a variety of events largely outside the control of the laboratories performing the tests. These events are primarily preanalytical, related to sample collection and processing, but can also include post-analytical events related to the reporting and interpretation of test results. The current report provides an overview of these events, as well as guidance for prevention or minimization. In particular, we propose several strategies for the post-analytical reporting of hemostasis assays, and how this may provide the final opportunity to prevent serious clinical errors in diagnosis. This report should be of interest to both the laboratory scientists working in hemostasis and clinicians that request and attempt to interpret the test results. Laboratory scientists are ultimately responsible for these test results, and there is a duty to provide both accurate and precise results to enable clinicians to manage patients appropriately and to avoid the need to recollect and retest. Also, clinicians will not be in a position to best diagnose and manage their patient unless they gain an appreciation of these issues.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:309–21.
Restoration for Resistance to Invasion by Giant Reed (Arundo donax)
Authors: Quinn Lauren D. , Holt Jodie S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe relationship between plant community composition and invasibility has been studied extensively but seldom in the context of ecosystem restoration. Experimental riparian restoration plots differing in species composition and density were established and evaluated for susceptibility to invasion by giant reed, a common riparian invader in California, and natural recruitment by riparian species over time. Plots were planted in 2002 with cuttings of common threesquare (a sedge), seepwillow (a shrub), and Goodding's willow (a tree) at two densities in monoculture and all possible mixture combinations. Giant reed rhizomes were introduced into half of the plots in the spring of 2003, while the remaining plots were allowed to undergo natural recruitment for an additional year. In late winter 2004, giant reed rhizomes were planted in the remaining plots. Both planting groups were followed for one growing season to evaluate giant reed establishment, survival, and growth. Community composition affected giant reed performance, particularly in 2003 before natural recruitment occurred. In that year, plots containing seepwillow + willow had the lowest giant reed shoot production, growth, and survival. All plots containing seepwillow were resistant to colonization by natural recruitment in 2004, but none of the planting treatments affected giant reed success in that year. Giant reed was more successful overall in 2004 despite deeper shade and drier soils. This pattern could be attributed to larger initial rhizome size in 2004, which allowed giant reed to overcome environmental stress during establishment. Planting density did not impact giant reed or natural recruitment independently, but may affect environmental parameters and warrants further study as a potential contributor to restoration success. Our results indicate that choice of species composition in restoration might impact giant reed invasion success initially, but community resistance might not be sustainable and maintenance-free over time.
Control of Seedling Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) with Herbicides
Authors: Farris Rodney L. , Murray Don S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTwo field experiments were conducted at the Agronomy Research Station near Stillwater, OK in 2004 and 2005 to identify and evaluate herbicides applied preplant incorporated, preemergence, early postemergence, or late postemergence for the control of seedling sericea lespedeza. Trifluralin, applied preplant incorporated, controlled seedlings 77 (15 wk after emergence [WAE]) and 63% (16 WAE) in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Flumioxazin, imazapic, fluometuron, diuron, sulfentrazone, atrazine, metribuzin, and metolachlor applied preemergence all provided greater than 86% seedling control at 15 and 16 WAE in both years. Diclosulam, applied preemergent, controlled seedlings 47% at 15 WAE in 2004 and 91% control at 16 WAE in 2005. In 2004, triclopyr, metsulfuron-methyl, glyphosate, picloram, dicamba, and 2,4-D amine plus picloram (tank-mix) applied early postemergence controlled 90 to 100% of the sericea lespedeza seedlings at 15 WAE. However, in 2005, only triclopyr, metsulfuron-methyl, glyphosate, and 2,4-D amine plus picloram (tank-mix) showed greater than 80% control at 16 WAE. Triclopyr, applied late postemergence, controlled seedlings 100% at 15 and 16 WAE, in both years. In 2004, dicamba plus 2,4-D (premix) and glyphosate were the only other herbicides which provided greater than 75% control at 15 WAE. These data suggest that there were preemergence-applied herbicides that were effective for the control of seedling sericea lespedeza. These data also suggest that triclopyr was the most effective postemergence-applied herbicide for the control of seedling sericea lespedeza. The data also showed that the overall level of control of seedling sericea lespedeza decreased as the season progressed and the plant matured.
Evaluation of Off-Target Effects Due to Basal Bark Treatment for Control of Invasive Fig Trees (Ficus carica)
Authors: Holmes Katherine A. , Berry Alison M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBasal bark treatments involve the application of concentrated herbicide solution on each individual stem of targeted plants. When applied to stands of invasive plants with high stem densities, basal bark treatments may result in the use of large quantities of herbicide in a given area. The effect of basal bark treatments using a solution of 25% triclopyr herbicide and 75% methylated seed oil was tested on research plots located in six different groves of invasive fig, a densely stemmed, problematic invader of riparian forests in California. The experimental treatments resulted in application rates that were equivalent to 28 to 44 kg ae/ha, greatly in excess of the labeled maximum use rate of 9 kg ae/ha (8 lb/ac). At 175 d after application, soils near the fig trunks contained high levels of triclopyr residues (up to 6.6 ppmw), suggesting that the chemical made its way into soils during this period and was not completely degraded. Although the mortality of native plants transplanted into treated fig groves was low (up to 16%), it was significantly greater than the mortality experienced by native plants transplanted into untreated control sites (0%). Although effective in controlling invasive fig trees (> 99% mortality), the high herbicide application rates from basal bark treatment preclude the use of this treatment in large fig groves. These treatments may be appropriate, however, when fig groves are small or isolated enough to prevent overapplication on a per-area basis. In addition, neither limited basal bark applications of triclopyr (< 40% of stems treated) nor foliar spray treatments of 2% glyphosate were effective control measures. Further investigation is needed on ways to control large invasive fig groves.
Invasion Potential of Chinese Tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) in California's Central Valley
Authors: Bower Michael J. , Aslan Clare E. , Rejmánek Marcel 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ecological effects of Chinese tallowtree are well documented in the southeastern United States, yet this known invasive plant continues to be planted extensively in California's Central Valley, where it has recently naturalized in several locations. Climate modeling suggests that most of California's lowland riparian habitat is susceptible to invasion by Chinese tallowtree; however, no field tests are available to corroborate this result for California or to identify local environmental constraints that might limit potential habitats. We used observational and experimental methods to evaluate invasion potential of Chinese tallowtree in riparian habitats in California's Central Valley. High invasion potential, indicated by an intersection of the maxima of dispersal probability, germination, and survivorship of seedlings, occurred at low elevations immediately next to perennial waters. The main factor limiting Chinese tallowtree invasion potential in more elevated habitats appears to be lack of seedling drought tolerance. These findings suggest that California's riparian habitats are vulnerable to invasion by Chinese tallowtree, especially downstream of current naturalized populations where water or bird dispersal will deposit seeds in environments ideal for germination and growth.
Interleukin-6 autoantibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of a subset of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fosgerau K , Galle P , Hansen T , Albrechtsen A , Rieper C de Lemos , Pedersen B Klarlund , Larsen L Kongskov , Thomsen A Randrup , Pedersen O , Hansen M Bagge , Steensberg A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractInterleukin-6 (IL6) is critically involved in inflammation and metabolism. About 1% of people produce IL6 autoantibodies (aAb-IL6) that impair IL6 signaling in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that the prevalence of such aAb-IL6 is increased in type 2 diabetic patients and that aAb-IL6 plays a direct role in causing hyperglycemia. In humans, the prevalence of circulating high-affinity neutralizing aAb-IL6 was 2.5% in the type 2 diabetic patients and 1% in the controls (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2–4.9, P=0.01). To test for the role of aAb-IL6 in causing hyperglycemia, such aAb-IL6 were induced in mice by a validated vaccination procedure. Mice with plasma levels of aAb-IL6 similar to the 2.5% type 2 diabetic patients developed obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (area under the curve (AUC) glucose, 2056±62 vs 1793±62, P=0.05) as compared with sham-vaccinated mice, when challenged with a high-fat diet. Mice with very high plasma levels of aAb-IL6 developed elevated fasting plasma glucose (mM, 4.8±0.4 vs 3.3±0.1, P<0.001) and impaired glucose tolerance (AUC glucose, 1340±38 vs 916±25, P<0.001) as compared with sham-control mice on normal chow. In conclusion, the prevalence of plasma aAb-IL6 at levels known to impair IL6 signaling in vivo is increased 2.5-fold in people with type 2 diabetes. In mice, matching levels of aAb-IL6 cause obesity and hyperglycemia. These data suggest that a small subset of type 2 diabetes may in part evolve from an autoimmune attack against IL6.
Inclined Gravity Downhole Oil-Water Separator: Using Laboratory Experimental Results for Predicting the Impact of Its Application in High Rate Production Wells
Authors: Fitnawan Eko A. Y. , Rivera Rocio M. , Golan Michael 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
As an oilfield goes mature, an increased water cut can significantly decrease the maximum fluid production rate or even stop the production entirely. Therefore, separating produced water from the wellstream as early as possible is a potential way to maximize oil production.
A novel inclined gravity downhole oil-water separator concept has been introduced and patented by ABB Research Ltd., which combines gravitational separation with distributed water tapping along the incline separator tube. The concept depicts that the downhole separator can be installed somewhere above the production packer and below SCSSV (surface-controlled subsurface safety valve). Gravitational forces create a separated water or water rich layer at the lower side of the pipe. This segregated water rich layer is drained using distributed tapping points along the separation tube and then flow to surface via annulus, whilst the oil rich layer flow through the tubing continue up to surface. Several experimental tests have been performed and this paper describes how to use the experimental results into a well performance simulator to predict how the inclined gravity downhole oil-water separator modifies the performance of high production rate wells.
The study includes the well performance effect of separator setting depth, setting inclination, tubing size and tubing configuration. Well performance sensitivity due to water cut and separation efficiency is also discussed. The simulation results show that inclined downhole oil-water separation is very beneficial and able to increase oil production up to 82% for the selected wells with 81–87% water cut.