bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variegated neoliberalization: geographies, modalities, pathways
Authors: BRENNER NEIL , PECK JAMIE , THEODORE NIK 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAcross the broad field of heterodox political economy, ‘neoliberalism’ appears to have become a rascal concept – promiscuously pervasive, yet inconsistently defined, empirically imprecise and frequently contested. Controversies regarding its precise meaning are more than merely semantic. They generally flow from underlying disagreements regarding the sources, expressions and implications of contemporary regulatory transformations. In this article, we consider the handling of ‘neoliberalism’ within three influential strands of heterodox political economy – the varieties of capitalism approach; historical materialist international political economy; and governmentality approaches. While each of these research traditions sheds light on contemporary processes of market‐oriented regulatory restructuring, we argue that each also underplays and/or misreads the systemically uneven, or ‘variegated’, character of these processes. Enabled by a critical interrogation of how each approach interprets the geographies, modalities and pathways of neoliberalization processes, we argue that the problematic of variegation must be central to any adequate account of marketized forms of regulatory restructuring and their alternatives under post‐1970s capitalism. Our approach emphasizes the cumulative impacts of successive ‘waves’ of neoliberalization upon uneven institutional landscapes, in particular: (a) their establishment of interconnected, mutually recursive policy relays within an increasingly transnational field of market‐oriented regulatory transfer; and (b) their infiltration and reworking of the geoinstitutional frameworks, or ‘rule regimes’, within which regulatory experimentation unfolds. This mode of analysis has significant implications for interpreting the current global economic crisis.
Seeding induced by α‐synuclein oligomers provides evidence for spreading of α‐synuclein pathology
Authors: Danzer Karin M. , Krebs Simon K. , Wolff Michael , Birk Gerald , Hengerer Bastian 
Published: August 2009

AbstractLewy bodies, α‐synuclein (α‐syn) immunopositive intracellular deposits, are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Interestingly, Lewybody‐like structures have been identified in fetal tissue grafts about one decade after transplantation into the striatum of PD patients. One possible explanation for the accelerated deposition of α‐syn in the graft is that the aggregation of α‐syn from the host tissue to the graft is spread by a prion disease‐like mechanism. We discuss here an in vitro model which might recapitulate some aspects of disease propagation in PD. We found here that in vitro‐generated α‐syn oligomers induce transmembrane seeding of α‐syn aggregation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. This effect was observed in primary neuronal cultures as well as in neuronal cell lines. The seeding oligomers were characterized by a distinctive lithium dodecyl sulfate‐stable oligomer pattern and could be generated in a dynamic process out of pore‐forming oligomers. We propose that α‐syn oligomers form as a dynamic mixture of oligomer types with different properties and that α‐syn oligomers can be converted into different types depending on the brain milieu conditions. Our data indicate that extracellular α‐syn oligomers can induce intracellular α‐syn aggregation, therefore we hypothesize that a similar mechanism might lead to α‐syn pathology propagation.
Nutrient transport systems in brain: 40 years of progress
Authors: Spector Reynold 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the last 40 years, especially with the application of new neurochemical and molecular biologic techniques, there has been an explosive progress in understanding how nutrients are transported across the blood–brain barrier and choroid plexus into brain and CSF, and how nutrient homeostasis in brain is achieved. In most cases, there are separate transporters, or in a few cases, systems that transport related substances (e.g., biotin, lipoic, and pantothenic acids). This review focuses on three crucial nutrients (glucose, ascorbic acid, and folates) for which there is substantial new information including ‘knock down’ and ‘knockout’ models in mice and/or humans. The overall objective is to show that this new knowledge leads not just to a more thorough understanding (e.g., of ‘why’ questions like: why do neurons require up to 10 mM ascorbic acid intracellulary?); but in some cases leads to clinically important predictions that allow treatment of heretofore devastating neurologic disorders.
The Role of Nursing Home Admission and Dementia Status on Care for Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Quinn Charlene C. , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Port Cynthia L. , May Conrad , Stuart Bruce , Hebel J. Richard , Zimmerman Sheryl , Burton Lynda , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Fahlman Cheryl , Magaziner Jay 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To study the role of nursing home (NH) admission and dementia status on the provision of five procedures related to diabetes mellitus.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using data from a large prospective study in which an expert panel determined the prevalence of dementia.SETTING: Fifty‐nine Maryland NHs.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred ninety‐nine new admission NH patients with diabetes mellitus.MEASUREMENTS: Medicare administrative claims records matched to the NH medical record data were used to measure procedures related to diabetes mellitus received in the year before NH admission and up to a year after admission (and before discharge). Procedures included glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, dilated eye examination, lipid profile, and serum creatinine.RESULTS: For all but dilated eye examinations, higher rates of procedures related to diabetes mellitus were seen in the year after NH admission than in the year before. Residents without dementia received more procedures than those with dementia, although this was somewhat attenuated after controlling for demographic, health, and healthcare utilization variables. Persons without dementia experience greater increases in procedure rates after admission than those with dementia.CONCLUSION: The structured environment of care provided by the NH may positively affect monitoring procedures provided to elderly persons with diabetes mellitus, especially those without dementia. Medical decisions related to the risks and benefits of intensive treatment for diabetes mellitus to patients of varying frailty and expected longevity may lead to lower rates of procedures for residents with dementia.
The Underrecognized Epidemic of Low Mobility During Hospitalization of Older Adults
Authors: Brown Cynthia J. , Redden David T. , Flood Kellie L. , Allman Richard M. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the proportion of time spent in three levels of mobility (lying, sitting, and standing or walking) by a cohort of hospitalized older veterans as measured by validated wireless accelerometers.DESIGN: A prospective, observational cohort study.SETTING: One hundred fifty–bed Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐five hospitalized medical patients, aged 65 and older who were not delirious, did not have dementia, and were able to walk in the 2 weeks before admission were eligible.MEASUREMENTS: Wireless accelerometers were attached to the thigh and ankle of patients for the first 7 days after admission or until hospital discharge, whichever came first. The mean proportion of time spent lying, sitting, and standing or walking was determined for each hour after hospital admission using a previously validated algorithm.RESULTS: Forty‐five male patients (mean age 74.2) with a mean length of stay of 5.1 days generated 2,592 one‐hour periods of data. A baseline functional assessment indicated that 35 (77.8%) study patients were willing and able to walk a short distance independently. No patient remained in bed the entire measured hospital stay, but on average, 83% of the measured hospital stay was spent lying in bed. The average amount of time that any one individual spent standing or walking ranged from a low of 0.2% to a high of 21%, with a median of 3%, or 43 minutes per day.CONCLUSION: This is the first study to continuously monitor mobility levels early during a hospital stay. On average, older hospitalized patients spent most of their time lying in bed, despite an ability to walk independently.
Effect of Influenza Vaccination of Nursing Home Staff on Mortality of Residents: A Cluster‐Randomized Trial
Authors: Lemaitre Magali , Meret Thierry , Rothan‐Tondeur Monique , Belmin Joel , Lejonc Jean‐Louis , Luquel Laurence , Piette François , Salom Michel , Verny Marc , Vetel Jean‐Marie , Veyssier Pierre , Carrat Fabrice 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of staff influenza vaccination on all‐cause mortality in nursing home residents.DESIGN: Pair‐matched cluster‐randomized trial.SETTING: Forty nursing homes matched for size, staff vaccination coverage during the previous season, and resident disability index.PARTICIPANTS: All persons aged 60 and older residing in the nursing homes.INTERVENTION: Influenza vaccine was administered to volunteer staff after a face‐to‐face interview. No intervention took place in control nursing homes.MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was total mortality rate in residents from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the influenza epidemic in the community. Secondary endpoints were rates of hospitalization and influenza‐like illness (ILI) in residents and sick leave from work in staff.RESULTS: Staff influenza vaccination rates were 69.9% in the vaccination arm versus 31.8% in the control arm. Primary unadjusted analysis did not show significantly lower mortality in residents in the vaccination arm (odds ratio=0.86, P=.08), although multivariate‐adjusted analysis showed 20% lower mortality (P=.02), and a strong correlation was observed between staff vaccination coverage and all‐cause mortality in residents (correlation coefficient=−0.42, P=.007). In the vaccination arm, significantly lower resident hospitalization rates were not observed, but ILI in residents was 31% lower (P=.007), and sick leave from work in staff was 42% lower (P=.03).CONCLUSION: These results support influenza vaccination of staff caring for institutionalized elderly people.
Effect of Surface Preparation on the Failure Load of a Highly Filled Composite Resin Bonded to a Denture Base Resin
Authors: Shimizu Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Tomohiro , Yoshida Kaneyoshi , Tsue Fumitake , Takahashi Yutaka 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the surface preparation on the maximum fracture load value of a highly filled gingival shade composite resin bonded to a denture base resin. Materials and Methods: Block specimens were prepared from a heat‐processed denture base resin and divided into five groups. The flat surfaces of the specimens were abraded with 400‐grit silicon carbide paper, then prepared in one of the following ways: (1) without preparation (group 1); (2) application of silane coupling agent (group 2); (3) application of dichloromethane (group 3); (4) application of dichloromethane following the silane coupling agent (group 4); or (5) tribochemical silica coating (group 5). A highly filled gingival shade composite resin was applied (area Ø= 5 mm) and polymerized with a light polymerizing unit. Specimens made entirely of heat‐processed denture base resin were also fabricated as references (group 6). The halves of the specimens of groups 4, 5, and 6 were thermocycled up to 10,000 times in water between 5°C and 55°C with a 1‐minute dwell time at each temperature. Shear testing was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and the maximum fracture load values were determined (n = 10). Results: The maximum fracture load values of the highly filled gingival shade composite resin bonded to the denture base resin for all preparation groups were significantly enhanced before thermocycling (p < 0.05). Group 5 exhibited the greatest fracture load value, followed by group 4, compared to the other groups (p < 0.05), however, the fracture load values significantly decreased for these groups after thermocycling (p < 0.05), whereas the fracture load value of group 6 did not decrease (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Tribochemical silica coating and the application of dichloromethane after the silane coupling agent were effective surface preparations for the bonding of a highly filled gingival shade composite resin to a denture base resin, however, the bond durability of these treatments may be insufficient.
Fracture Loads of All‐Ceramic Crowns under Wet and Dry Fatigue Conditions
Authors: Borges Gilberto A. , Caldas Danilo , Taskonak Burak , Yan Jiahau , Sobrinho Lourenco Correr , De Oliveira Wildomar José 
Published: August 2009

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that fracture loads of fatigued dental ceramic crowns are affected by testing environment and luting cement. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty crowns were prepared from bovine teeth using a lathe. Ceramic crowns were prepared from three types of ceramic systems: an alumina‐infiltrated ceramic, a lithia‐disilicate‐based glass ceramic, and a leucite‐reinforced ceramic. For each ceramic system, 30 crowns were cemented with a composite resin cement, and the remaining 30 with a resin‐modified glass ionomer cement. For each ceramic system and cement, ten specimens were loaded to fracture without fatiguing. A second group (n = 10) was subjected to cyclic fatigue and fracture tested in a dry environment, and a third group (n = 10) was fatigued and fractured in distilled water. The results were statistically analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. Results: The fracture loads of ceramic crowns decreased significantly after cyclic fatigue loading (p≤ 0.05); furthermore, fracture loads of crowns fatigued in a wet environment were statistically lower than those in a dry environment (p < 0.05). Crowns luted with a composite resin cement showed statistically greater fracture loads than those luted with a resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (p≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Fracture load of the three ceramic systems was found to be influenced by ceramic composition. Moreover, cement and fatigue condition influenced the fracture loads of the crown specimens evaluated in this study.
Intrathecal Ziconotide for Neuropathic Pain: A Review
Authors: Rauck Richard L. , Wallace Mark S. , Burton Allen W. , Kapural Leonardo , North James M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractNeuropathic pain is a considerable burden that affects activities of daily living. The management of neuropathic pain can be challenging because of multiple etiologies and complex manifestations. Ziconotide is a nonopioid intrathecal (IT) analgesic option for patients with neuropathic pain refractory to conventional treatments. The objective of this article is to review the published literature on ziconotide for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Relevant publications were identified through searches of all years of 6 databases, which included PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Search terms used wereziconotide,SNX‐111,MVIIA,Prialt, andneuropathic pain. Publications were included if ziconotide was intrathecally administered (either alone or in combination with other IT agents) to treat neuropathic pain of any etiology and if pain assessment was an outcome measure. Data extracted included study design, IT drug doses, pain outcome measures, and adverse events (AEs). Twenty‐eight articles met the inclusion criteria: 5 were preclinical studies and 23 were clinical studies. In the preclinical studies, ziconotide demonstrated antiallodynic effects on neuropathic pain. Data from double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (DBPC) trials indicated that patients with neuropathic pain reported a mean percent improvement in pain score with ziconotide monotherapy that ranged from 15.7% to 31.6%. A low starting dose and slow titration of ziconotide resulted in an improved safety profile in the aforementioned trials. Common AEs associated with ziconotide include nausea and/or vomiting, dizziness, confusion, urinary retention, and somnolence. Evidence from DBPC trials, open‐label studies, case series, and case studies suggests that ziconotide, as either monotherapy or in combination with other IT drugs, is a potential therapeutic option for patients with refractory neuropathic pain. Additional studies are needed to establish the long‐term efficacy and safety of ziconotide for neuropathic pain.
TRANSFUSION PRACTICE: Thrombin generation in trauma patients
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Chandler Wayne L. 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Trauma patients are at risk of developing an acute coagulopathy of trauma (ACT) related to tissue injury, shock, and hemodilution. ACT is incompletely understood, but is similar to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and is associated with poor outcome.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Thrombin generation assays were used to evaluate plasma hemostasis in 42 trauma patients, 25 normal subjects, and 45 patients on warfarin and in laboratory‐prepared factor reduced plasma.RESULTS: Prolonged prothrombin time (PT), more than 18 seconds, or an international normalized ratio of greater than 1.5 was present in 15 trauma patients indicating possible ACT. Native thrombin generation (no activator added, contact activation blocked) showed that Trauma with ACT patients had lag times 68% shorter and peak thrombin generation threefold higher than normal patients indicating the presence of circulating procoagulants capable of initiating coagulation systemically. Trauma patients had lower platelet counts and fibrinogen and Factor (F)II levels putting them at increased risk of bleeding. In laboratory‐prepared isolated factor‐reduced samples and in patients with vitamin K–dependent factor deficiency due to warfarin, thrombin generation decreased in direct proportion to FII levels. In contrast, in diluted plasma and in trauma patients with reduced factor levels, thrombin generation was increased and associated with slower inhibition of thrombin generation (prolonged termination time) and decreased antithrombin levels (43% of normal in Trauma with ACT).CONCLUSIONS: Thrombin generation studies indicate that Trauma with ACT patients show dysregulated hemostasis characterized by excessive non–wound‐related thrombin generation due to a combination of circulating procoagulants capable of activating coagulation systemically and reduced inhibitor levels allowing systemic thrombin generation to continue once started.
TRANSFUSION PRACTICE: A clinical scenario‐based survey of transfusion decisions for intensive care patients with delayed weaning from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Walsh Timothy S. , Maciver Caroline R. ,   for the Scottish Critical Care Trials Group and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Clinical Effectiveness Group
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence supporting the use of restrictive hemoglobin (Hb) transfusion triggers in critically ill patients, translation of this evidence into practice remains inconsistent. It was hypothesized that clinicians believe that longer‐term ventilated patients require a higher Hb, particularly when ischemic heart disease coexists.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A scenario was developed describing an anemic patient recovering from multiple organ failure, but failing weaning trials after 6 days of mechanical ventilation. Clinicians were asked to state their Hb transfusion trigger and target Hb range assuming no history of ischemic heart disease (Scenario 1), known stable chronic ischemic heart disease (Scenario 2), or evidence of myocardial ischemia during weaning trials (Scenario 3). A prospective cross‐sectional postal survey of clinicians practicing intensive care in the United Kingdom was undertaken.RESULTS: A total of 184 responses were obtained (52% response rate), which varied widely. Median (first, third quartile) transfusion trigger Hb levels were 8 (7, 8), 9 (8, 9.5), and 9.5 (9, 9.5) g/dL for Scenarios 1 to 3, respectively (p < 0.001 across and between each group). The target Hb was more than 9 g/dL for 47, 80, and 94% of respondents for Scenarios 1 to 3, respectively, and more than 10 g/dL for 14, 44, and 65% of respondents for Scenarios 1 to 3, respectively (p < 0.001 across the groups).CONCLUSIONS: In response to scenarios, clinicians in the United Kingdom believe that a more liberal transfusion practice is required for patients failing weaning trials after 6 days of mechanical ventilation than the current evidence base supports.
IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY: The characterization and classification of concurrent blood group antibodies
Authors: Tormey Christopher A. , Stack Gary 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Concurrent alloantibodies are defined as two or more blood group (BG) antibodies coexisting in a given patient. These antibodies are significant because they can present major problems in compatibility testing. The goals of this study were to determine the properties of concurrent BG antibodies.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The transfusion records of 18,750 patients at a Veterans Affairs medical center were reviewed to identify alloimmunized individuals. The following data were collected on patients making concurrent antibodies: antibody specificities, time of first detection, whether the antibodies disappeared over time, and, if so, their time of disappearance.RESULTS: Multiple alloimmunization occurred in 21.7% (96/443) of alloimmunized patients, constituting 39.9% (230/577) of all antibodies. The rate at which an antibody was concurrent with another antibody varied by antigenic specificity (p < 0.05). Anti‐C (21/28; 71.4%) and anti‐c (19/27; 70.4%) were most likely to coexist with another antibody, while anti‐P1 (3/22; 13.6%) and anti‐M (3/18; 16.7%) were least likely. The most common alloantibody pairs were anti‐K/‐E, anti‐D/‐C, and anti‐E/‐c. Paired antibodies were initially detected in the same antibody screen in most cases. The majority of antibody pairs were either both persistent or both evanescent. When they were evanescent, both antibodies usually became undetectable at the same time. The persistence over time of concurrent alloantibodies (70.4%) was not higher than that of antibodies occurring singly (67.5%; p = 0.63).CONCLUSIONS: Antibody concurrence varied by BG antigenic specificity. Paired BG antibodies tended to appear and disappear in a coordinated fashion. Concurrent alloimmunization had no effect on antibody persistence.
BLOOD COMPONENTS: Instituting a thawed plasma procedure: it just makes sense and saves cents
Authors: Wehrli Gay , Taylor Nancy E. , Haines Annette L. , Brady Thomas W. , Mintz Paul D. 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this time‐series study were to elucidate the impact of a thawed plasma standard operating procedure (TP SOP) on plasma wastage and on cost savings.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study compared plasma wastage for 1 year before versus 1 year after implementation of a TP SOP.RESULTS: The plasma wastage and discard declined 79.7 and 64.9%, respectively, with a cost savings of $15,654.79 during the 1 year after implementation of the TP SOP. The risk that a unit of plasma would be wasted decreased 86.2% from Year 1 to Year 2 and the risk that a unit of plasma would be discarded decreased 76.3% from Year 1 to Year 2.CONCLUSION: Our study showed the positive, sustained, impact of implementing a TP SOP. Twelve months after introducing the SOP our Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Services' plasma wastage and discard were dramatically reduced, saving thousands of dollars. Initiating a TP SOP just makes sense; it is easy to implement, conserves plasma, and saves cents.