bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Performance and Skill Retention after Simulation‐based Education for Nephrology Fellows
Authors: Ahya Shubhada N. , Barsuk Jeffrey H. , Cohen Elaine R. , Tuazon Jennifer , McGaghie William C. , Wayne Diane B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that simulation‐based education (SBE) improved temporary hemodialysis catheter (THDC) insertion skills by nephrology fellows. SBE, featuring deliberate practice and rigorous achievement standards, was a powerful method to enhance THDC insertion skills in nephrology fellows. However, experts have called for further research to evaluate skill transfer from the simulated environment to actual clinical care and skill retention. This is a prospective observational cohort study of THDC insertion skills. Twelve nephrology fellows from three academic centers in Chicago were evaluated using a skills checklist from July 2008 to June 2009. Simulator‐trained fellows were tested after the SBE intervention and expected to meet or exceed a minimum passing score (MPS) set by an expert panel. To assess transfer of skill to clinical care, three simulator‐trained fellows were assessed at 6 months on actual patient THDC insertions using the checklist. To assess retention of skill, 11 of 12 simulator‐trained fellows were reassessed at 1 year using the checklist and central venous catheter simulator. Outcomes were determined by THDC insertion skill performance. Simulator‐trained fellows scored similarly during 6‐month THDC insertions on actual patients and immediate posttest (M = 86.2%, SD = 22.3% vs. M = 93.5%, SD = 5.3%, p = 0.32). However, 1 year after SBE, simulated THDC insertion scores were significantly lower than at immediate posttest (M = 73.4%, SD = 22.2% vs. M = 93.5%, SD = 5.3%, p = 0.01). Our results show that nephrology fellows who completed SBE displayed high levels of performance during THDC insertions on actual patients 6 months later. At 1 year, there was statistically significant skills decay. We recommend booster training at 6 months.
In Vitro Evidence for Chronic Alcohol and High Glucose Mediated Increased Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan , Swaminathan Kavitha , Mathan Kumar S. , Clemens Dahn L. , Dey Aparajita 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundHyperglycemia or alcoholism can lead to impaired liver functions. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is elevated in hyperglycemia or alcoholism and plays a critical role in generating oxidative stress in the cell.MethodsIn the present study, we have used VL‐17A cells that overexpress the alcohol metabolizing enzymes [alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and CYP2E1] to investigate the toxicity due to ethanol (EtOH) plus high glucose. Toxicity was assessed through viability assay and amount of acetaldehyde adduct formation. Oxidative stress parameters included measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and malondialdehyde adduct formation. Apoptosis was determined through caspase‐3 activity, Annexin V‐ Propidium iodide staining, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. The effects of antioxidants and specific inhibitors of ADH and CYP2E1 on cell viability and ROS levels were also studied.ResultsWhen present together, EtOH plus high glucose‐treated VL‐17A cells exhibited greater oxidative stress and toxicity than other groups. Apoptosis was observed in liver cells treated with the toxins, and the EtOH plus high glucose‐treated VL‐17A cells exhibited apoptosis to the largest extent. A distinct and graded increase in CYP2E1 level occurred in the different groups of VL‐17A cells. Further, antioxidants or inhibitors of ADH and CYP2E1 were effective in decreasing the observed oxidative stress and toxicity.ConclusionsThe combined oxidative insult due to alcohol plus high glucose leads to greater liver injury, which may prove to be a timely warning for the injurious effects of alcohol consumption in diabetics.
Depression and Severe Heart Failure: Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: PLOUX SYLVAIN , VERDOUX HELENE , WHINNETT ZACHARY , RITTER PHILIPPE , SANTOS PIERRE DOS , PICARD FRANÇOIS , CLEMENTY JACQUES , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , BORDACHAR PIERRE 
Published: February 2012

Depression and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.Background: The relationship between depression and heart failure is neither coincidental nor trivial, since depression is a powerful predictor of re‐hospitalization and mortality. We prospectively studied the prevalence and impact of depression on the clinical outcomes of patients attending for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We specifically examined whether patients with depression have a different rate of response to CRT and whether CRT has an effect on depressive symptoms.Methods:  Sixty‐eight recipients of CRT systems were included. The depressive status was evaluated before implant and after 6 months by a structured diagnostic interview measuring Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV) criteria of major depression and by a self‐report questionnaire (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, CES‐D). The CRT response was assessed at 6 months by a clinical composite score.Results: At inclusion, DSM‐IV criteria of major depression were identified in 41% of the population, while using the self‐report questionnaire 65% were observed to have mild to major depressive symptoms (CES‐D ≥ 16). Only 4 patients were taking antidepressants. At 6 months, 75% were considered responders to CRT. Response to CRT did not differ between those with and without depression at baseline. The rate of patients with depression at 6 months was significantly lower in responders to CRT compared with nonresponders.Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients receiving CRT systems. Patients with depression should not be excluded from CRT, because they demonstrate a similar rate of response than the persons without depression and the responders are less likely to be depressed at 6 months. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 631–636, June 2012)
Incidence of Asymptomatic Cerebral Microthromboembolism After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Guided by Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrogram
Authors: ICHIKI HITOSHI , OKETANI NAOYA , ISHIDA SANEMASA , IRIKI YASUHISA , OKUI HIDEKI , MAENOSONO RYUICHI , NINOMIYA YUICHI , MATSUSHITA TAKEHIKO , MIYATA MASAAKI , HAMASAKI SHUICHI , TEI CHUWA 
Published: February 2012

Cerebral Microthromboembolism After CFAE Ablation.
Background:
The incidence of cerebral thromboembolism after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ranges from 2% to 14%. This study investigated the incidence of cerebral thromboembolism after complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) ablation with or without PVI.
Methods:
One hundred consecutive atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (50 paroxysmal and 50 persistent, including 10 longstanding) who underwent CFAE ablation combined with (n = 41, PVI+CFAE group) or without (n = 59, CFAE group) PVI were studied. Coronary angiography (CAG) was conducted with AF ablation in 5 cases in which coronary artery stenosis was suspected on 3D‐computed tomography. PVI was performed before CFAE ablation without circular catheter during AF. After termination of AF, additional ablation was performed to complete PVI with a circular catheter. All patients underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion‐weighted MRI and T2‐weighted MRI the day after ablation.
Results:
New thromboembolism was detected in 7.0%, and there was no significant difference between the 2 strategies (7.3% in PVI+CFAE group, 6.8% in CFAE group). CHADS2 score (1.6 ± 1.0 vs 0.8 ± 0.9, P < 0.05), left atrial volume (LAV; 83.8 ± 27.1 vs 67.8 ± 21.8, P < 0.05), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, 53.1 ± 9.2 vs 65.1 ± 9.7, P < 0.01) were significantly different when comparing patients with or without thromboembolism. In multivariate analysis, LVEF (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.99; P < 0.05) and concomitant CAG (OR 18.82; 95% CI, 1.77–200.00; P < 0.05) were important predictors of new cerebral thromboembolism.
Conclusions:
The incidence of cerebral microthromboembolism after CFAE ablation was not greater than previous reports in PVI. Cautious management is required during AF ablation, especially in the patients with low LVEF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 567–573, June 2012)
Sterol Composition and Biosynthetic Genes of the Recently Discovered Photosynthetic Alveolate, Chromera velia (Chromerida), a Close Relative of Apicomplexans
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Dodson Joshua , Khadka Manoj , Holder Sabrina , Seipelt Rebecca L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractChromera velia is a recently discovered, photosynthetic, marine alveolate closely related to apicomplexan parasites, and more distantly to perkinsids and dinoflagellates. To date, there are no published studies on the sterols of C. velia. Because apicomplexans and perkinsids are not known to synthesize sterols de novo, but rather obtain them from their host organisms, our objective was to examine the composition of the sterols of C. velia to assess whether or not there is any commonality with dinoflagellates as the closest taxonomic group capable of synthesizing sterols de novo. Furthermore, knowledge of the sterols of C. velia may provide insight into the sterol biosynthetic capabilities of apicomplexans prior to loss of sterol biosynthesis. We have found that C. velia possesses two primary sterols, 24‐ethylcholesta‐5,22E‐dien‐3β‐ol, and 24‐ethylcholest‐5‐en‐3β‐ol, not common to dinoflagellates, but rather commonly found in other classes of algae and plants. In addition, we have identified computationally three genes, SMT1 (sterol‐24C‐methyltransferase), FDFT1 (farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase, squalene synthase), and IDI1 (isopentenyl diphosphate Δ‐isomerase), predicted to be involved in sterol biosynthesis by their similarity to analogous genes in other sterol‐producing eukaryotes, including a number of algae.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of grand multiparas over two decades in Mali
Authors: TEGUETE IBRAHIMA , MAIGA AMELIA W. , LEPPERT PHYLLIS C. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objective. To analyze the association between grand multiparity and maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Design. Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Setting. Point G National Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Bamako, Mali. Population. All singleton births from 1985 to 2003. Methods. Cross‐sectional study of 13 340 singleton births at a tertiary care hospital in Mali (1985–2003) compared outcomes between 3617 grand multiparas (para ≥5) and 9723 pauciparas (para 1–4). Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for maternal age, prenatal care utilization, socioeconomic status, and region of origin. Main outcome measures. Maternal mortality, perinatal mortality, placental abnormalities (previa and abruption), uterine rupture, postpartum infection, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, cesarean delivery, mean birthweight, low birthweight, high birthweight. Results. Grand multiparas were older, poorer, and less likely to have accessed prenatal care. Grand multiparas had a lower adjusted odds of maternal death (adjusted OR, 0.66; 95%CI, 0.45–0.97), but higher adjusted odds of perinatal death (adjusted OR, 1.33; 95%CI, 1.12–1.59), placental abnormalities (adjusted OR, 1.57; 95%CI, 1.21–2.05), and high birthweight (adjusted OR, 1.42; 95%CI, 1.05–1.92). Conclusions. The healthy person effect may explain grand multiparas’ lower odds of maternal death. Reducing grand multiparity and improving grand multiparas’ access to prenatal care may improve population‐level perinatal outcomes.
Multi‐directional in vivo tensile skin stiffness measurement for the design of a reproducible tensile strain elastography protocol
Authors: Coutts Louise , Bamber Jeffrey , Miller Naomi 
Published: February 2012

Background/AimsElastography is a promising new medical imaging modality, displaying spatial distribution of biomechanical properties such as local tissue strain response to an applied stress. To develop a reproducible test protocol for skin elastography, the effect of various parameters on skin stiffness measurements was investigated.MethodsThe parameters investigated were: history of skin loading before test loading (preconditioning), direction of test loading (anisotropy) and posture (pre‐stress). If a sample of skin is loaded, its stiffness will temporarily change. Finally, the reproducibility of skin stiffness and anisotropy measurements, using the developed techniques, was investigated.ResultsBy measuring how the stiffness changed with different time delays between loading cycles, the time required for healthy skin to return to its original pre‐loaded state was in the region of 125 s. A second finding, which supports and extends previous work, was that skin stiffness varied with direction, by an approximate factor of 2, and that anisotropy was less apparent with preconditioned skin than non‐preconditioned skin. Study of the effect of posture showed that care needs to be taken over which stiffness measure is used. For example, measurement of the load at a given displacement was found to be highly dependent on posture, whereas measurement of the phase III stiffness was independent of posture.ConclusionIt was shown that when the measurement variables and methods of analysis were standardised, skin stiffness could be measured reproducibly enough to distinguishbetween the stiffest and softest directions, and that these methods allowed formation of skin elastograms free from confounding influences.
The initial cancer pathway for children – one‐fourth wait more than 3 months
Authors: Ahrensberg Jette Møller , Schrøder Henrik , Hansen Rikke Pilegaard , Olesen Frede , Vedsted Peter 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  To determine the time intervals from symptom to treatment for childhood cancer patients.Methods:  Danish national population‐based study. Children (<15 years) with an incident cancer diagnosed from January 2007 to December 2010 were sampled. A total of 376 (68%) parents and 315 (87%) general practitioners (GPs) completed questionnaires on the diagnostic pathway. The time interval was categorized into, patient‐, GP‐, system‐, diagnostic‐ and total intervals, and as short or long intervals. Factors associated with long time intervals were assessed in a logistic regression model using prevalence ratios (PRs).Results:  Girls were almost twice as likely as boys to experience long patient intervals (adjusted PR: 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.8). The oldest children were more likely than the youngest to experience long total intervals (adjusted PR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3). Cancer type was associated with all time intervals, except GP intervals. Children with bone‐ and CNS tumours had the longest total intervals (median: 88 days, interquartile interval (IQI): 57–132) vs. (median: 76, IQI: 28–191). Parental education showed a possible association with patient‐ and GP intervals.Conclusion:  Time intervals varied by gender, age and cancer type. Parental education may possibly affect the patient‐ and GP intervals.
Single course of antenatal steroids did not alter cortisol in preterm infants up to 18 months
Authors: Gover Ayala , Brummelte Susanne , Synnes Anne R , Miller Steven P , Brant Rollin , Weinberg Joanne , Grunau Ruth E 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAims:  To determine whether a single course of antenatal dexamethasone alters resting cortisol at 3, 8 and 18 months corrected age in preterm infants.Methods:  Preterm infants born ≤32 weeks gestational age were recruited during 2001–2004 from a single neonatal intensive care unit. Resting salivary cortisol was collected at least once at 3, 8 and 18 months corrected age in a longitudinal cohort. A mixed‐effects repeated measures analysis was used to accommodate cases with less than complete follow‐up.Results:  One hundred and thirty three infants were included in the present study, contributing 266 cortisol samples. Of these, 107 infants had been exposed to a single course of antenatal dexamethasone and 26 not exposed to antenatal steroids. There was no significant main effect of antenatal steroids on resting cortisol at any age. This result was not altered after adjusting for gestational age at birth, neonatal cumulative pain, morphine exposure, mechanical ventilation days and post‐natal steroid exposure.Conclusions:  No effect of a single course of dexamethasone on resting salivary cortisol, an indicator of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function, was found in infancy up to 18 months corrected age in infants born very preterm.
Identify the association between polymorphisms of BLK and systemic lupus erythematosus through unlabelled probe‐based high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Chen Y. , Wu Q. , Shao Y. , Zhang J. , Guan M. , Wan J. , Yu B. , Zhang W. 
Published: February 2012

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex immune disease. The genetic variation in the B lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) gene was found to associate with SLE in Caucasian population. However, the association of rs13277113 and rs4840568 with SLE was not extensively studied in Chinese population. In this study, we aim to test the association of SNP rs13277113 and rs4840568 with the disease risk of SLE in Chinese mainland population. A total of 532 patients with SLE and 576 controls were recruited. Unlabelled probe‐based high‐resolution melting analysis (HRMA) was used in genotyping. HRMA with unlabelled probe successfully distinguished all genotypes. Significant differences were observed in both genotype and allele frequencies for rs13277113 and rs4840568. Minor alleles of rs13277113 (P = 4.2E‐05, odds ratio [OR] 0.66, [95% CI 0.54–0.81]) and rs4840568 (P = 7.1E‐05, OR 0.67, [95% CI 0.55–0.82]) were found to be protective against SLE. Polymorphisms of rs13277113 and rs4840568 in BLK gene were associated with SLE in Chinese population.
Movement of insect pests in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Mazzi D. , Dorn S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractInsect pests continue to exact a high toll on agricultural production, in spite of intense agrochemical input. The movement of insect pests from one place to another underlies their abundance and distribution in space and time, hence, ultimately, the extent of the inflicted crop damage. An improved understanding of dispersal mechanisms assists the deployment of sustainable pest management practices. Here, we review the latest advances in the study of the dispersal of herbivore insect pests in contemporary agro‐ecosystems. We address the factors triggering dispersal in typical agricultural landscapes, the contribution of agro‐ecosystem design and management to dispersal patterns, and the wider implications of natural and human‐mediated dispersal. Integrating practical knowledge with evolutionary theory holds the potential to improve predictions on how insect pests respond to present and future challenges imposed by changes of climate and land use.
Fabrication of an Inductively Coupled Plasma Antenna in Low Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramic
Authors: Taff Jesse , Yates Mallory , Lee Carl , Shawver Sonya , Browning Jim , Plumlee Don 
Published: February 2012

A miniature electrostatic thruster is being developed in Low Temperature Co‐fired Ceramic (LTCC) at Boise State University. The thruster is composed of an antenna to create the plasma, a cylinder to contain the plasma, and grids to extract the plasma beam at high velocity. In this work, the development of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) antenna in LTCC will be presented. This antenna is fabricated using DuPont 951 LTCC tape. A Direct Write dispenser is used to apply silver paste for the spiral ICP antenna. Using LTCC allows for the antenna to be embedded in the device under a thin sheet of LTCC dielectric, which protects the antenna from ion back bombardment during operation. This thin sheet is the seventh layer of the total device, with the ICP antenna one layer below the top. The design of the antenna is based on the research done by J. Hopwood. This article discusses the fabrication and performance of the ICP antennas in LTCC. These ICP antennas are operated at pressures from 10 mTorr to 1 Torr with radio frequencies (RF) of 500 MHz to 1 GHz to inductively couple with low‐pressure argon to produce plasma. The performance of the antennas will be verified with data showing the start and stop power of the plasma at various pressures and an electric field map of the RF field above the antenna.
Probing the neutron star spin evolution in the young Small Magellanic Cloud Be/X-ray binary SXP 1062
Authors: Popov S. B. , Turolla R. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
The newly discovered Be/X-ray binary in the Small Magellanic Cloud, SXP 1062, provides the first example of a robust association with a supernova remnant (SNR). The short age estimated for the SNR qualifies SXP 1062 as the youngest known source in its class, . As such, it allows us to test current models of magnetorotational evolution of neutron stars in a still unexplored regime. Here we discuss possible evolutionary scenarios for SXP 1062 in an attempt to reconcile its long spin period, , and short age. Although several options can be considered, like an anomalously long initial period or the presence of a fossil disc, our results indicate that SXP 1062 may host a neutron star born with a large initial magnetic field, typically in excess of ∼ 1014 G, which then decayed to ∼ 1013 G.
Older people’s perception of their readiness for discharge and postdischarge use of community support and services
Authors: Coffey Alice , McCarthy Geraldine M. 
Published: February 2012

coffey a. & mccarthy g.m. (2013) Older people’s perception of their readiness for discharge and postdischarge use of community support and services. International Journal of Older People Nursing 8, 104–115  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00316.xAim.  To examine older patients perception of their readiness for discharge from hospital to home and use of community supports postdischarge, including readmission.Background.  Early discharge leaves little time for older people, families and professionals to prepare. The perspectives of patients are essential to therapeutic caring; however, few studies have examined patient’s perception of their readiness for discharge.Design.  A quantitative, descriptive and correlational design was used. Data were collected from older patients (n = 335) at discharge and postdischarge using the Readiness for Discharge Scale (Weiss & Piacentine; Journal of Nursing Measurement, 14, 2006, 163) and a Demographic and Community Resource Questionnaire.Findings.  At 6 weeks postdischarge, almost one‐quarter had been readmitted. Family support had increased, yet a minimal increase in formal services was found. At discharge, differences in readiness existed between the younger and older old. Significant relationships existed between lower perception of readiness at discharge and increased use of informal and formal support post‐discharge. Lower perception of readiness had a significant relationship with readmission in the older old.Conclusions.  Perceptions of readiness reflect the patient’s reality and may be significant to discharge preparation and arrangements for support.Implications for practice.  Older patients’ perspectives should be included in discharge decisions and in individualised approaches by nurses to discharge preparation.