bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing a pre‐operative checklist to increase patient safety: a 1‐year follow‐up of personnel attitudes
Authors: NILSSON L. , LINDBERGET O. , GUPTA A. , VEGFORS M. 
Published: August 2009

Background: The operating room is a complex work environment with a high potential for adverse events. Protocols for perioperative verification processes have increasingly been recommended by professional organizations during the last few years. We assessed personnel attitudes to a pre‐operative checklist (‘time out’) immediately before start of the operative procedure.Methods: ‘Time out’ was implemented in December 2007 as an additional safety barrier in two Swedish hospitals. One year later, in order to assess how the checklist was perceived, a questionnaire was sent by e‐mail to 704 persons in the operating departments, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, operation and anesthetic nurses and nurse assistants. In order to identify differences in response between professions, each alternative in the questionnaire was assigned a numerical value.Results: The questionnaire was answered by 331 (47%) persons and 93% responded that ‘time out’ contributes to increased patient safety. Eighty‐six percent thought that ‘time out’ gave an opportunity to identify and solve problems. Confirmation of patient identity, correct procedure, correct side and checking of allergies or contagious diseases were considered ‘very important’ by 78–84% of the responders. Attitudes to checking of patient positioning, allergies and review of potential critical moments were positive but differed significantly between the professions. Attitudes to a similar checklist at the end of surgery were positive and 72–99% agreed to the different elements.Conclusion: Staff attitudes toward a surgical checklist were mostly positive 1 year after their introduction in two large hospitals in central Sweden.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7 gene: Mechanism of estramustine‐related adverse reactions?
Authors: Ozeki Takeshi , Takeuchi Megumi , Suzuki Motofumi , Kitamura Tadaichi , Takayanagi Risa , Yokoyama Haruko , Yamada Yasuhiko 
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To investigate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on transcription of the 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B7) gene.Methods:  Luciferase reporter genes containing a 5′‐flanking of the HSD17B7 gene, as well as the sequence around the SNP, were transfected into LNCaP and DU145 cells. Then, luciferase assays were carried out.Results:  The presence of the G allele resulted in an increase of transcriptional activity derived from the 5′‐flanking region of the HSD17B7 gene by 270% and 370% in LNCaP and DU145 cells, respectively. Transcriptional activity of the HSD17B7 gene containing the G allele was higher than that of the C allele.Conclusions:  The transcriptional activity of the HSD17B7 gene containing the G allele is higher than that of the C allele. This difference in HSD17B7 expression may regulate the risk of peripheral edema as an adverse reaction induced by estramustine phosphate sodium.
Modifying techniques in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap harvest with the use of preoperative imaging
Authors: Rozen Warren M. , Ashton Mark W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractNew techniques in the harvest of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps have become introduced as a result of modern imaging technologies that can allow virtual surgery to be achieved preoperatively. With computed tomographic angiography, individual anatomy can be appreciated in detail to a level not previously appreciated. These imaging techniques can be successfully used to guide DIEP flap surgery. ‘Optimal’ perforators can be selected based on size, location, intramuscular and subcutaneous course, and their association with motor nerves. Flap design can be safely achieved based on the cutaneous distribution of perforators. Abdominal wall closure can be improved based on the abdominal contour seen with imaging. Preoperative planning can aid patient selection, plan all aspects of the operative technique, reduce operating time and improve operative outcomes.
Why Taranaki women choose to have a mastectomy when suitable for breast conservation treatment
Authors: Gollop Susan J. , Kyle Stephen M. , Fancourt Michael W. , Gilkison William T. C. , Mosquera Damien A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground:  Breast conservation treatment (BCT) rate is recognized as a marker of surgical practice. An historically low BCT rate may reflect the requirement for Taranaki women to travel for adjuvant radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons Taranaki women with breast cancer choose mastectomy or BCT.Methods:  Prospective information, on all women presenting with breast cancer between May 2004 and December 2006, was collected on a standardized questionnaire.Results:  BCT was offered to 68% (140 of 206), but chosen by only 46% (n = 64) of suitable patients. If radiotherapy had been available locally, 23% (17 of 73) of patients who chose mastectomy would have instead opted for BCT. A quarter of each group of women thought they knew their surgeon's treatment preference and most chose this option. Fear of local recurrence and need for further surgery were significantly more important to those choosing mastectomy over BCT whereas what the surgeon was perceived to prefer was more important to those choosing BCT.Conclusion:  The rate of BCT in Taranaki is low, despite it being offered by surgeons to the majority of patients. Local availability of radiotherapy may increase the BCT rate to a level more consistent with larger centres in New Zealand. Care must be taken to provide neutral patient guidance.
Vascular reconstruction in lower limb musculoskeletal tumours
Authors: Spark J. Ian , Charalabidis Peter , Laws Peter , Seben Ruben , Clayer Mark 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground:  Individual experience in the investigative, planning and operative aspects of lower limb musculoskeletal tumours is often small, making comparison between results difficult. The aim of the study was to describe the recent experience of a single tertiary referral unit performing limb salvage surgery, to identify areas of concern that are amenable to intervention and to provide clinicians an understanding of the surgical options.Methods:  Nine patients with peripheral limb musculoskeletal tumours are described. Four patients had a leiomyosarcoma, and one each of osteosarcoma, synovial chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma and recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour.Results:  Thirty‐day mortality was nil. Two patients (one with a leiomyosarcoma and one with an osteosarcoma) died at 6 months follow‐up because of pulmonary metastases. One patient with synovial chondrosarcoma developed a local recurrence and underwent an above‐knee amputation. Six patients at 18 months follow‐up are alive with no evidence of local recurrence and a functional lower limb.Conclusion:  These cases are a challenge to the clinicians, radiologists and pathologists. Review by a multidisciplinary team can produce successful results with low post‐operative morbidity and mortality. Longer follow‐up is required to determine the long‐term implications.
Liver resection using heat coagulative necrosis: indications and limits of a new method
Authors: Stavrou Gregor A. , Donati Marcello , Fruehauf Nils R. , Flemming Peer , Oldhafer Karl‐Juergen 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground:  A new approach towards achieving bloodless liver resection is the use of heat coagulative necrosis. The latest stage of this technique is a four‐probe device (Habib Sealer), which we used for a variety of resections to find the best indications for the method.Methods:  Between 2005 and 2006 we performed 28 liver resections in 20 consecutive patients. The most common indication was metastatic colorectal cancer (75%). We treated a heterogeneous patient collective in terms of tumour localization and extent of resection. Resection was performed after creating a necrotic zone. The device achieved an area of coagulation of 1‐cm width in which even larger vessels and bile ducts were safely sealed.Results:  Operative spectrum covered atypical resections (8), one‐ or bisegmentectomies at different locations (15), hemihepatectomies (4) and one extended right hepatectomy. With one exception intra‐operative blood loss was lower than 100 mL. Four patients (20%) developed operation‐related complications comprising abscess formation at the resection site. Follow‐up shows tumour‐free survival for 13 of 18 patients 12 months after resection.Conclusion:  Liver resection using the sealer device seems safe. In proximity of hilar structures or large vessels the method is not favourable for the fear of thermal damage. Extended resections are possible but not parenchyma saving. Good indications are atypical (deep) resections – especially in Segment IVb.
Comparison of public and private care management agencies under public long‐term care insurance in Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yoshioka Yoji , Tamiya Nanako , Kashiwagi Masayo , Sato Mikiya , Okubo Ichiro 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  Long‐Term Care Insurance (LTCI), which started in April 2000, allowed private business corporations to provide long‐term care services which had been provided by social welfare corporations or public agencies in the previous long‐term care scheme. This study compared differences in care management plans for community‐dwelling frail elderly people between public care management agencies and private care management agencies.Methods:  The subjects were 309 community‐dwelling frail elderly people living in a suburban city with a population of approximately 55 000 and who had been using community‐based long‐term care services of the LTCI for 6 months from April 2000. The characteristics of the care management agencies (public/private) were identified using a claims database. After comparing profiles of users and their care mix between those managed by public agencies and by private agencies, the effect of the characteristics of care management agencies on LTCI service use was examined.Results:  Public care management agencies favored younger subjects (P = 0.003), male subjects (P = 0.006) and people with a higher need for care (P = 0.02) than private agencies. The number of service items used was significantly larger in public agencies than in their private counterparts. In multivariate regression analysis, the utilization of community‐based long‐term care service was significantly greater among beneficiaries managed by private agencies than those managed by public agencies (P = 0.02).Conclusion:  Private care management agencies play an important role in promoting the use of care services, but their quality of care plans might be questionable.
Posterior parietal cortex areas MIP and LIPv receive eye position and velocity inputs via ascending preposito‐thalamo‐cortical pathways
Authors: Prevosto Vincent , Graf Werner , Ugolini Gabriella 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNeuronal activity encoding eye position and gaze signals participates in updating the spatial representations found in the posterior parietal cortex and is necessary for spatial accuracy in goal‐directed movements. Using retrograde transneuronal transfer of rabies virus in combination with a conventional tracer, we studied direct and polysynaptic inputs to the ventral lateral intraparietal area (LIPv) and medial intraparietal area (MIP) in non‐human primates, to identify possible sources of eye position and gaze signals. We found that these areas receive disynaptic inputs from the brainstem horizontal eye position integrator network (nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, PH) via the central lateral and ventral lateral thalamic nuclei. Our findings provide the first demonstration that inputs from the horizontal eye position integrator reach cortical areas. We found important topographical differences between PH populations targeting MIP and LIPv that likely reflect transmission of different types of eye movement signals. LIPv receives projections from the ipsilateral rostral PH, which may transmit ipsilateral eye position signals. In addition to inputs from the rostral PH, MIP receives strong projections from the contralateral caudal PH, which may contribute to both eye position and velocity signals. Unlike the horizontal integrator, we found that the vertical eye position integrator network, the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, does not project to these posterior parietal areas, in keeping with findings that the thalamic nuclei targeting LIPv and MIP receive almost exclusively horizontal oculomotor signals.
Lack of kainic acid‐induced gamma oscillations predicts subsequent CA1 excitotoxic cell death
Authors: Jinde Seiichiro , Belforte Juan E. , Yamamoto Jun , Wilson Matthew A. , Tonegawa Susumu , Nakazawa Kazu 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGamma oscillations are a prominent feature of hippocampal network activity, but their functional role remains debated, ranging from mere epiphenomena to being crucial for information processing. Similarly, persistent gamma oscillations sometimes appear prior to epileptic discharges in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis. However, the significance of this activity in hippocampal excitotoxicity is unclear. We assessed the relationship between kainic acid (KA)‐induced gamma oscillations and excitotoxicity in genetically engineered mice in which N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor deletion was confined to CA3 pyramidal cells. Mutants showed reduced CA3 pyramidal cell firing and augmented sharp wave–ripple activity, resulting in higher susceptibility to KA‐induced seizures, and leading to strikingly selective neurodegeneration in the CA1 subfield. Interestingly, the increase in KA‐induced γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, and the persistent 30–50‐Hz gamma oscillations, both of which were observed in control mice prior to the first seizure discharge, were abolished in the mutants. Consequently, on subsequent days, mutants manifested prolonged epileptiform activity and massive neurodegeneration of CA1 cells, including local GABAergic neurons. Remarkably, pretreatment with the potassium channel blocker α‐dendrotoxin increased GABA levels, restored gamma oscillations, and prevented CA1 degeneration in the mutants. These results demonstrate that the emergence of low‐frequency gamma oscillations predicts increased resistance to KA‐induced excitotoxicity, raising the possibility that gamma oscillations may have potential prognostic value in the treatment of epilepsy.
NF‐κB‐dependent regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampal neurons by X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
Authors: Kairisalo Minna , Korhonen Laura , Sepp Mari , Pruunsild Priit , Kukkonen Jyrki P. , Kivinen Jenny , Timmusk Tõnis , Blomgren Klas , Lindholm Dan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractX chromosome‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an anti‐apoptotic protein enhancing cell survival. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) also promotes neuronal viability but the links between XIAP and BDNF have remained unclear. We show here that the overexpression of XIAP increases BDNF in transgenic mice and cultured rat hippocampal neurons, whereas downregulation of XIAP by silencing RNA decreased BDNF. XIAP also stimulated BDNF signaling, as shown by increased phosphorylation of the TrkB receptor and the downstream molecule, cAMP response element‐binding protein. The mechanism involved nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and blocking of NF‐κB signaling inhibited the increased activities of BDNF promoters I and IV by XIAP. In neuronal cultures XIAP also upregulated interleukin (IL)‐6, which is an NF‐κB‐responsive gene. The addition of IL‐6 elevated whereas incubation with IL‐6‐blocking antibodies reduced BDNF in the neurons. BDNF itself activated NF‐κB in the neurons at higher concentrations. The data show that XIAP has trophic effects on hippocampal neurons by increasing BDNF and TrkB activity. The results reveal a cytokine network in the brain involving BDNF, IL‐6 and XIAP interconnected via the NF‐κB system.
Single‐particle tracking methods for the study of membrane receptors dynamics
Authors: Alcor Damien , Gouzer Géraldine , Triller Antoine 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSingle‐particle tracking (SPT) applications have been growing rapidly in the field of cell biology, and in particular in neurobiology, as a means of unravelling the involvement of diffusion dynamics of neurotransmitter receptors and other synaptic proteins in the regulation of neuronal activity. Suitable probes and technological improvements make SPT more accessible than it used to be and open up broad applications in cellular biology. In this technical highlight, we give an overview of the experimental approach in SPT. The concepts and results in neurobiology have already been the object of detailed reviews. Here, we focus on a qualitative description of the implementation of SPT, from molecule labelling to acquisition, data treatment and analysis of protein diffusion properties. Constraints, limitations and future developments are discussed.
Biology of the solitary waspTrypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnonRichards 1934 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in trap‐nests
Authors: Buschini Maria Luisa Tunes , Fajardo Saul 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBuschini, M.L.T. and Fajardo, S. 2009. Biology of the solitary waspTrypoxylon (Trypargilum) agamemnonRichards 1934 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in trap‐nests. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)91: 426–432.SomeTrypoxylonspecies build their nests in preexisting tubular cavities like hollow stems and beetle borings in branches. Study of the biology of these insects is relatively easy because the females of these wasps nest with enormous success in trap‐nests. The aim of this study was to investigate the abundance, seasonality and life‐history ofTrypoxylon agamemnon. For capture of these insects, trap‐nests were installed in the Parque Municipal das Araucárias in araucaria forest, grassland and swamp, from December, 2001 to December, 2005. Two hundred and ninety seven nests were obtained. They were constructed more often during the summer (from December to April). The nests were built only in araucaria forest and consisted of a linear series of cells, divided by mud partitions, whose number varied from 1 to 7. Normally they have only one vestibular cell. The inner cells had been provisioned, usually with spiders of Anyphaenidae family. Sex‐ratio was strongly female biased. Its main natural enemies included Chrysididae, Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae.
Executive functions in adolescence: inferences from brain and behavior
Authors: Crone Eveline A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDespite the advances in understanding cognitive improvements in executive function in adolescence, much less is known about the influence of affective and social modulators on executive function and the biological underpinnings of these functions and sensitivities. Here, recent behavioral and neuroscientific studies are summarized that have used different approaches (cognition, emotion, individual differences and training) in the study of adolescent executive functions. The combination of these different approaches gives new insight into this complex transitional phase in life, and marks adolescence as not only a period of vulnerabilities, but also great opportunities in terms of training possibilities and interventions.
Energy‐Based Image Deformation
Authors: Karni Z. , Freedman D. , Gotsman C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe present a general approach to shape deformation based on energy minimization, and applications of this approach to the problems of image resizing and 2D shape deformation. Our deformation energy generalizes that found in the prior art, while still admitting an efficient algorithm for its optimization. The key advantage of our energy function is the flexibility with which the set of “legal transformations” may be expressed; these transformations are the ones which are not considered to be distorting. This flexibility allows us to pose the problems of image resizing and 2D shape deformation in a natural way and generate minimally distorted results. It also allows us to strongly reduce undesirable foldovers or self‐intersections. Results of both algorithms demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Rotating Scans for Systematic Error Removal
Authors: Abbasinejad Fatemeh , Kil Yong Joo , Sharf Andrei , Amenta Nina 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOptical triangulation laser scanners produce errors at surface discontinuities and sharp features. These systematic errors are anisotropic. We examine the causes of these errors theoretically, and we study the correlation of systematic error with edge size and orientation experimentally. We then present a novel processing method for removing systematic errors, by combining scans taken at several different orientations. We apply an anisotropic filter to the separate scans, and use it to weight the data in a final combination step. Unlike previous approaches, our method does not require access to the scanner's internal data or firmware. We demonstrate the technique on data from laser range scanners by two different manufacturers.
Smoothing of Partition of Unity Implicit Surfaces for Noise Robust Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Nagai Yukie , Ohtake Yutaka , Suzuki Hiromasa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe propose a novel method for smoothing partition of unity (PU) implicit surfaces consisting of sets of non‐conforming linear functions with spherical supports. We derive new discrete differential operators and Laplacian smoothing using a spherical covering of PU as a grid‐like data structure. These new differential operators are applied to the smoothing of PU implicit surfaces. First, Laplacian smoothing is performed for the vector field defined by the gradient of the PU implicit surface, which is then updated to reflect the smoothing of the gradient field. This process achieves a method for noise robust surface reconstruction from scattered points.
A Concise and Provably Informative Multi‐Scale Signature Based on Heat Diffusion
Authors: Sun Jian , Ovsjanikov Maks , Guibas Leonidas 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe propose a novel point signature based on the properties of the heat diffusion process on a shape. Our signature, called the Heat Kernel Signature (or HKS), is obtained by restricting the well‐known heat kernel to the temporal domain. Remarkably we show that under certain mild assumptions, HKS captures all of the information contained in the heat kernel, and characterizes the shape up to isometry. This means that the restriction to the temporal domain, on the one hand, makes HKS much more concise and easily commensurable, while on the other hand, it preserves all of the information about the intrinsic geometry of the shape. In addition, HKS inherits many useful properties from the heat kernel, which means, in particular, that it is stable under perturbations of the shape. Our signature also provides a natural and efficiently computable multi‐scale way to capture information about neighborhoods of a given point, which can be extremely useful in many applications. To demonstrate the practical relevance of our signature, we present several methods for non‐rigid multi‐scale matching based on the HKS and use it to detect repeated structure within the same shape and across a collection of shapes.