bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient and Facility Safety in Hemodialysis
Authors: Garrick Renee , Kliger Alan , Stefanchik Beth 
Published: January 2012

Summary
Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality health care. More than 350,000 patients receive dialysis in the United States, and the safety of their care is ultimately the responsibility of the facility medical director. The medical director must establish a culture of safety in the dialysis unit and lead the quality assessment and performance improvement process. Several lines of investigation, including surveys of patients and dialysis professionals, have helped to identify important areas of safety risk in dialysis facilities. Among these are lapses in communication, medication errors, patient falls, errors in machine and membrane preparation, failure to follow established policies, and lapses in infection control. The quality assessment and performance improvement process should include a dedicated safety team to focus on specifically identified areas of risk and to establish outcome goals guided by best practices and agreed-upon measures of success. A safety questionnaire can be given to patients and staff and the responses evaluated to improve understanding of the prevailing attitudes and concerns about safety. By sharing these results, openly acknowledging the challenges, and using a blame-free root cause process to identify action plans, the facility can begin to establish a culture of safety.
Predictors of Estimated GFR Decline in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Preserved Kidney Function
Authors: Zoppini Giacomo , Targher Giovanni , Chonchol Michel , Ortalda Vittorio , Negri Carlo , Stoico Vincenzo , Bonora Enzo 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
This study examined predictors of the annual decline in estimated GFR (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In a prospective, observational cohort study, 1682 individuals with type 2 diabetes and baseline eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (as estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) were followed for 10 years. Linear regression was used to estimate participants’ changes in eGFR over time.

Results
During follow-up, 263 (15.6%) individuals had a rapid eGFR decline defined as >4.0% per year. Average eGFR decline was −5.8±3 and −0.6±2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in rapid decliners and nondecliners, respectively. Compared with normotensive, normoalbuminuric patients (−0.2±0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), those with hypertension (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), hemoglobin A1c≥7% (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), longer diabetes duration (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), obesity (−1.2±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), insulin treatment (−1.5±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), microalbuminuria (−1.3±0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), or macroalbuminuria (−2.7±0.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year) had significantly faster age-adjusted annual eGFR declines. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed that albuminuria (P<0.001) was the strongest predictor of annual eGFR decline. Other independent predictors of annual eGFR decline were older age, hypertension, insulin treatment, and lower baseline eGFR.

Conclusions
Annual eGFR decline is predicted by multiple modifiable risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function.
Ten-Year Outcome after Rapid Discontinuation of Prednisone in Adult Primary Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Rizzari Michael D. , Suszynski Thomas M. , Gillingham Kristen J. , Dunn Ty B. , Ibrahim Hassan N. , Payne William D. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Finger Erik B. , Sutherland David E. R. , Kandaswamy Raja , Najarian John S. , Pruett Timothy L. , Kukla Aleksandra , Spong Richard , Matas Arthur J. 
Published: January 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Rapid discontinuation of prednisone after kidney transplantation potentially allows for minimization of steroid-related side effects. Although intermediate-term data with rapid discontinuation of prednisone have been promising, concern still exists regarding long-term outcomes. The 10-year experience is reported herein.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Between October 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010, 1241 adult primary kidney transplants (791 living donor and 450 deceased donor) were performed using a protocol in which prednisone is discontinued after postoperative day 5. The 10-year actuarial recipient and graft survival rates and prednisone-related side effects were studied.

Results
Ten-year actuarial patient survival was 71% for living donor transplants and 62% for deceased donor transplants; 10-year graft survival was 61% for living donor transplants and 51% for deceased donor transplants, and was comparable to 10-year Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients national data. Ten-year death-censored graft survival was 79% for living donor transplants and 80% for deceased donor transplants. Ten-year acute rejection rates were 25% for deceased donor transplants and 31% for living donor transplants; 10-year chronic rejection (interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy) rates were 39% for deceased donor transplants and 47% for living donor transplants. For nondiabetic recipients of living donor or deceased donor allografts, the incidence of new-onset diabetes was significantly lower than in historical controls on prednisone (P<0.001). We also found significantly reduced rates of cataracts, avascular necrosis, and cytomegalovirus infection in some subgroups.

Conclusions
Prednisone-related side effects can be minimized in a protocol incorporating rapid discontinuation of prednisone for maintenance immunosuppression. Ten-year patient and graft outcomes remain acceptable.
A new conservative finite difference scheme for Boussinesq paradigm equation
Authors: Kolkovska Natalia , Dimova Milena 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A family of nonlinear conservative finite difference schemes for the multidimensional Boussinesq Paradigm Equation is considered. A second order of convergence and a preservation of the discrete energy for this approach are proved. Existence and boundedness of the discrete solution on an appropriate time interval are established. The schemes have been numerically tested on the models of the propagation of a soliton and the interaction of two solitons. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed family of schemes is about two times more accurate than the family of schemes studied in [Kolkovska N., Two families of finite difference schemes for multidimensional Boussinesq paradigm equation, In: Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences, Sozopol, June 21–26, 2010, AIP Conf. Proc., 1301, American Institute of Physics, Melville, 2010, 395–403].
EPR and optical properties of KYb(WO4)2 and KTb0.2Yb0.8(WO4)2 single crystals
Authors: Kaczmarek Slawomir , Macalik Lucyna , Fuks Hubert , Leniec Grzegorz , Skibiński Tomasz , Hanuza Jerzy 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Well oriented KYb(WO4)2 and KTb0.2Yb0.8(WO4)2 single crystals have been investigated for their magnetic and optical properties using the Raman and EPR techniques. The registered EPR signal is dominated by three lines ascribed to ytterbium ions: one main and two satellites. Tb ions, although non-paramagnetic, distinctly modify magnetic properties of the KYb(WO4)2 single crystal. Basic parameters of the spin Hamiltonian, including Zeeman and hyperfine terms (g and A matrices) as well the spatial orientation between principal and crystallographic axes systems were determined for both crystals.
The effect of hyperosmolar stimuli and cyclophosphamide on the culture of normal rat urothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Juszczak Kajetan , Kaszuba-Zwoińska Jolanta , Chorobik Paulina , Ziomber Agata , Thor Piotr 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHighly concentrated urine may induce a harmful effect on the urinary bladder. Therefore, we considered osmolarity of the urine as a basic pathomechanism of mucosal damage. The influence of both cyclophosphamide (CYP) and hyperosmolar stimuli (HS) on the urothelium are not well described. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of CYP and HS on rat urothelial cultured cells (RUCC). 15 Wistar rats were used for RUCC preparation. RUCC were exposed to HS (2080 and 3222 mOsm/l NaCl) for 15 min and CYP (1 mg/ml) for 4 hrs. APC-labelled annexin V was used to quantitatively determine the percentage of apoptotic cells and propidium iodide (PI) as a standard flow cytometric viability probe to distinguish necrotic cells from viable ones. Annexin V-APC (+), annexin V-APC and PI (+), and PI (+) cells were analysed as apoptotic, dead, and necrotic cells, respectively. The results were presented in percentage values. The flow cytometric analysis was done on a FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer using Cell-Quest software. Treatment with 2080 and 3222 mOsm/l HS resulted in 23.7 ± 3.9% and 26.0 ± 1.5% apoptotic cells, respectively, 14.3 ± 1.4% and 19.4 ± 2.7% necrotic cells, respectively and 60.5 ± 1.4% and 48.6 ± 5.3% dead cells, respectively. The effect of CYP on RUCC was similar to the effect of HS. After CYP the apoptotic and necrotic cells were 23.1 ± 0.3% and 17.9 ± 7.4%, respectively. The percentage of dead cells was 57.7 ± 10.8%. CYP and HS induced apoptosis and necrosis in RUCC. 3222 mOsm/l HS had the most harmful effect based on the percentage of necrotic and apoptotic cells.
Differential fucosyltransferase IV expression in squamous carcinoma cells is regulated by promoter methylation
Authors: Li Hongyan , Tong Shaoming , Liu Jiwei , Han Li , Yang Xuesong , Hou Hesheng , Yan Qiu , Wang Xiao-Qi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEnhanced fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4) expression correlates with increased tumor malignancy in many carcinomas. However, little is known about the regulation of FUT4 expression, and whether FUT4 expression is influenced by the methylation status of the FUT4 promoter is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FUT4 expression is negatively correlated with the methylation degree of a CpG island in the FUT4 promoter, suggesting that the methylation status of FUT4 promoter regulates the expression of FUT4. The results indicate that manipulating the methylation status of the FUT4 promoter to regulate FUT4 expression may be a novel approach in the treatment of malignant tumors.
On the interfacial chemistry of aryl diazonium compounds in polymer science
Authors: Salmi Zakaria , Gam-Derouich Sarra , Mahouche-Chergui Samia , Turmine Mireille , Chehimi Mohamed 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis review emphasises the role of aryl diazonium compounds as a new class of coupling agents for grafting polymer thin layers onto carbon, diamond, metals, metal oxides, alloys, semi-conductors, ceramics, and polymers. Physical and chemical methods are first reported for anchoring aryl layers to the surfaces, then the review concentrates on the modification of the above substrates by thin polymer films via a range of the “grafting from” and “grafting onto” strategies. Some applications are described which highlight the important role that diazonium salts will continue to play in the near future in the polymer and surface sciences.
Improved vector quantization scheme for grayscale image compression
Authors: Hu Y. , Chen W. , Lo C. , Chuang J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper proposes an improved image coding scheme based on vector quantization. It is well known that the image quality of a VQ-compressed image is poor when a small-sized codebook is used. In order to solve this problem, the mean value of the image block is taken as an alternative block encoding rule to improve the image quality in the proposed scheme. To cut down the storage cost of compressed codes, a two-stage lossless coding approach including the linear prediction technique and the Huffman coding technique is employed in the proposed scheme. The results show that the proposed scheme achieves better image qualities than vector quantization while keeping low bit rates.
Clinically Important Differences for the Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Scale in People With Minimal to Moderate Impairment Due to Chronic Stroke
Authors: Page Stephen J. , Fulk George D. , Boyne Pierce 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe upper-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Scale (UE-FM) is one of the most established and commonly used outcome measures in stroke rehabilitative trials. Empirical work is needed to determine the amount of change in UE-FM scores that can be regarded as important and clinically meaningful for health professionals, patients, and other stakeholders.ObjectiveThis study used anchor-based methods to estimate the clinically important difference (CID) for the UE-FM in people with minimal to moderate impairment due to chronic stroke.MethodOne hundred forty-six individuals with stable, mild to moderate upper-extremity (UE) hemiparesis were administered the UE-FM before and after an intervention targeting their affected UEs. The treating therapists rated each participant's perceived amount of UE motor recovery on a global rating of change (GROC) scale evaluating several facets of UE movement (grasp, release, move the affected UE, perform 5 important functional tasks with the affected UE, overall UE function). Estimated CID of the UE-FM scores was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the GROC scores as the anchor.ResultsThe ROC curve analysis revealed that change in UE-FM scores during the intervention period distinguished participants who experienced clinically important improvement from those that did not based on the therapists' GROC scores. The area under the curve ranged from 0.61 to 0.70 for the different facets of UE movement.ConclusionsThe estimated CID of the UE-FM scores ranged from 4.25 to 7.25 points, depending on the different facets of UE movement.
Preoperative identification of the facial nerve in patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumors using high-density diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Roundy Neil , Delashaw Johnny B. , Cetas Justin S. 
Published: January 2012

Object
Facial nerve paresis can be a devastating complication following resection of large (> 2.5 cm) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The authors have developed and used a new high-density diffusion tensor imaging (HD-DT imaging) method, aimed at preoperatively identifying the location and course of the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Their study objective was to preoperatively identify the facial nerve in patients with large CPA tumors and compare their HD-DT imaging method with a traditional standard DT imaging method and correlate with intraoperative findings.

Methods
The authors prospectively studied 5 patients with large (> 2.5 cm) CPA tumors. All patients underwent preoperative traditional standard- and HD-DT imaging. Imaging results were correlated with intraoperative findings.

Results
Utilizing their HD-DT imaging method, the authors positively identified the location and course of the facial nerve in all patients. In contrast, using a standard DT imaging method, the authors were unable to identify the facial nerve in 4 of the 5 patients.

Conclusions
The HD-DT imaging method that the authors describe and use has proven to be a powerful, accurate, and rapid method for preoperatively identifying the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Routine integration of HD-DT imaging in preoperative planning for CPA tumor resection could lead to improved facial nerve preservation.
Endonasal management of sellar arachnoid cysts: simple cyst obliteration technique
Authors: McLaughlin Nancy , Vandergrift Alexander , Ditzel Filho Leo F. , Shahlaie Kiarash , Eisenberg Amalia A. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Cohan Pejman , Kelly Daniel F. 
Published: January 2012

Object
Symptomatic sellar arachnoid cysts (ACs) have typically been treated via the transsphenoidal route. After sellar cyst wall fenestration, some authors have advocated cyst wall resection and increasing communication between the AC and suprasellar subarachnoid space (SAS). This study is a report of the authors' experience using a simplified approach to reinforce a defective diaphragma sellae or unseen arachnoid diverticulum by deliberately not enlarging the AC-SAS communication and obliterating the cyst cavity with adipose tissue followed by skull base reconstruction.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal obliteration of symptomatic ACs with a fat graft and skull base repair.

Results
Between July 1998 and September 2010, 8 patients with a sellar AC were identified (6 women and 2 men, mean age 57 years). Clinical presentation included headache, pituitary dysfunction, and visual dysfunction (4 patients each group). Maximal cyst diameter averaged 22 mm (range 15–32 mm). In all cases the sellar communication to the SAS was deliberately not enlarged. The endoscope was used for visualization in 8 of 9 procedures. Postoperatively, headache improved in all 4 patients, vision in all 4 patients, and partial resolution of endocrine dysfunction (hyperprolactinemia and/or recurrent hyponatremia) occurred in 3 (75%) of 4 patients. No new endocrinopathy, CSF leak, meningitis, or neurological deficits occurred. Two patients experienced cyst reaccumulation: 1 symptomatic recurrence was treated with reoperation at 43 months postsurgery, and 1 asymptomatic partial recurrence continued to be monitored at 29 months postsurgery.

Conclusions
Sellar ACs can be effectively treated using endonasal fenestration and obliteration with fat with resultant reversal of presenting symptoms in the majority of patients. This simplified technique of AC cavity obliteration without enlarging communication to the SAS has a low risk of CSF leakage, and in most cases appears to effectively disrupt cyst progression, although longer follow-up is required to monitor for cyst recurrence.
Characterization of cancer stem-like cells in chordoma
Authors: Aydemir Esra , Bayrak Omer Faruk , Sahin Fikrettin , Atalay Basar , Kose Gamze Torun , Ozen Mustafa , Sevli Serhat , Dalan Altay Burak , Yalvac Mehmet Emir , Dogruluk Turgut , Türe Uğur 
Published: January 2012

Object
Chordomas are locally aggressive bone tumors known to arise from the remnants of the notochord. Because chordomas are rare, molecular studies aimed at developing new therapies are scarce and new approaches are needed. Chordoma cells and cancer stem-like cells share similar characteristics, including self-renewal, differentiation, and resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, it seems possible that chordomas might contain a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells. The aim of this study is to determine whether cancer stem-like cells might be present in chordomas.

Methods
In this study, the authors used gene expression analysis for common cancer stem-like cellmarkers, including c-myc, SSEA-1, oct4, klf4, sox2, nanog, and brachyury, and compared chordoma cells and tissues with nucleus pulposus tissues (disc degenerated nontumorigenic tissues). Differentiation through agents such as all-trans retinoic acid and osteogenic differentiation medium was induced to the chordoma cells. Additionally, U-CH1 cells were sorted via magnetic cell sorting for stem cell markers CD133 and CD15. After separation, positive and negative cells for these markers were grown in a nonadherent environment, soft agar, to determine whether the presence of these cancer stem-like cells might be responsible for initiating chordoma. The results were compared with those of untreated cells in terms of migration, proliferation, and gene expression by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results
The results indicate that chordoma cells might be differentiating and committing into an osteogenic lineage when induced with the osteogenic differentiation agent. Chordoma cells that are induced with retinoic acid showed slower migration and proliferation rates when compared with the untreated cells. Chordoma cells that were found to be enriched by cancer stem-like cell markers, namely CD133 and CD15, were able to live in a nonadherent soft agar medium, demonstrating a self-renewal capability. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that cancer stem-like cell markers were also found to be expressed in chordoma cells and tissues.

Conclusions
Cancer stem-like cell detection might be an important step in determining the recurrent and metastatic characteristics of chordoma. This finding may lead to the development of new approaches toward treatments of chordomas.
Use of the histological pseudocapsule in surgery for Cushing disease: rapid postoperative cortisol decline predicting complete tumor resection
Authors: Monteith Stephen J. , Starke Robert M. , Jane John A. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: January 2012

Object
Subnormal postoperative serum cortisol levels indicate successful surgery and predict long-term remission of Cushing disease. Given the short serum half-lives of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, it is unclear why the decline in cortisol postoperatively is delayed for 18–36 hours. Furthermore, the relevance of the rate of cortisol drop immediately after surgery has not been investigated.

Methods
Patient data were analyzed from a prospectively accrued database. After surgery, cortisol replacement was withheld and serum cortisol measurements were obtained every 6 hours until values of 1.0–2.0 μg/dl or less were reached. The authors selected patients in whom serum cortisol dropped to 2 μg/dl or less after surgery (101 patients). Tumor resection was categorized as follows: 1) complete resection using the histological pseudocapsule as a surgical capsule, 2) complete piecemeal resection), 3) known incomplete resection, and 4) total hypophysectomy.

Results
The median time to reach a cortisol level of less than or equal to 2.0 μg/dl was 9.9, 19.4, 25.3, and 29.5 hours with hypophysectomy, pseudocapsule, incomplete resection, and piecemeal techniques, respectively. Pseudocapsule resection produced a faster decline in cortisol than piecemeal techniques (p = 0.0001), but not as rapid a decline as hypophysectomy (p = 0.033).

Conclusions
Complete resection by other techniques is associated with delayed cortisol decline compared with pseudocapsule surgery, which may represent the product of residual tumor cells and therefore may explain the higher rate of recurrent disease associated with piecemeal techniques. The prompt drop in cortisol after hypophysectomy compared with patients with pseudocapsule surgery suggests that the corticotrophs of the normal gland can secrete ACTH for 10–36 hours after surgery despite prolonged and severe hypercortisolism.