bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An inquiry into good hospital governance: A New Zealand-Czech comparison
Authors: Ditzel Elizabeth , Štrach Pavel , Pirozek Petr 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
This paper contributes to research in health systems literature by examining the role of health boards in hospital governance. Health care ranks among the largest public sectors in OECD countries. Efficient governance of hospitals requires the responsible and effective use of funds, professional management and competent governing structures. In this study hospital governance practice in two health care systems – Czech Republic and New Zealand – is compared and contrasted. These countries were chosen as both, even though they are geographically distant, have a universal right to 'free' health care provided by the state and each has experienced periods of political change and ensuing economic restructuring. Ongoing change has provided the impetus for policy reform in their public hospital governance systems.

Methods
Two comparative case studies are presented. They define key similarities and differences between the two countries' health care systems. Each public hospital governance system is critically analysed and discussed in light of D W Taylor's nine principles of 'good governance'.

Results
While some similarities were found to exist, the key difference between the two countries is that while many forms of 'ad hoc' hospital governance exist in Czech hospitals, public hospitals in New Zealand are governed in a 'collegiate' way by elected District Health Boards. These findings are discussed in relation to each of the suggested nine principles utilized by Taylor.

Conclusion
This comparative case analysis demonstrates that although the New Zealand and Czech Republic health systems appear to show a large degree of convergence, their approaches to public hospital governance differ on several counts. Some of the principles of 'good governance' existed in the Czech hospitals and many were practiced in New Zealand. It would appear that the governance styles have evolved from particular historical circumstances to meet each country's specific requirements. Whether or not current practice could be improved by paying closer attention to theoretical models of 'good governance' is debatable.
Evaluation of rapid screening and pre-emptive contact isolation for detecting and controlling methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in critical care: an interventional cohort study
Authors: Harbarth Stephan , Masuet-Aumatell Cristina , Schrenzel Jacques , Francois Patrice , Akakpo Christophe , Renzi Gesuele , Pugin Jerome , Ricou Bara , Pittet Didier 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Rapid diagnostic tests may allow early identification of previously unknown methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers at intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to assess whether a new molecular MRSA screening test can substantially decrease the time between ICU admission and identification of MRSA carriers; and, second, to examine the combined effect of rapid testing and pre-emptive contact isolation on MRSA infections.

Method
Since November 2003, patients admitted for longer than 24 hours to two adult ICUs were screened systematically on admission using quick, multiplex immunocapture-coupled PCR (qMRSA). Median time intervals from admission to notification of test results were calculated for a five-month intervention phase (November 2003–March 2004) and compared with a historical control period (April 2003–October 2003) by nonparametric tests. ICU-acquired MRSA infection rates were determined for an extended surveillance period (January 2003 through August 2005) and analyzed by Poisson regression methods.

Results
During the intervention phase, 97% (450/462) of patients admitted to the surgical ICU and 80% (470/591) of patients admitted to the medical ICU were screened. On-admission screening identified the prevalence of MRSA to be 6.7% (71/1053). Without admission screening, 55 previously unknown MRSA carriers would have been missed in both ICUs. Median time from ICU admission to notification of test results decreased from 87 to 21 hours in the surgical ICU (P < 0.001) and from 106 to 23 hours in the medical ICU (P < 0.001). In the surgical ICU, 1,227 pre-emptive isolation days for 245 MRSA-negative patients were saved by using the qMRSA test. After adjusting for colonization pressure, the systematic on-admission screening and pre-emptive isolation policy was associated with a reduction in medical ICU acquired MRSA infections (relative risk 0.3, 95% confidence interval 0.1–0.7) but had no effect in the surgical ICU (relative risk 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.6–1.7).

Conclusion
The qMRSA test decreased median time to notification from four days to one day and helped to identify previously unknown MRSA carriers rapidly. A strategy linking the rapid screening test to pre-emptive isolation and cohorting of MRSA patients substantially reduced MRSA cross-infections in the medical but not in the surgical ICU.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba on plasma oxidant injury induced by bleomycin in rats
Authors: Erdogan Hasan , Fadillioğlu Ersin , Kotuk Mahir , Iraz Mustafa , Tasdemir Seda , Oztas Yesim , Yildirim Zeki 
Published: February 2006

Bleomycin is an anti-neoplastic agent and its clinical usage is limited by its toxicity, which is mostly induced by oxygen radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba on plasma indices of oxidants induced by bleomycin in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: none medicated or 0.9% NaCl injected or only Ginkgo biloba (orally, 100 mg/kg per day for 14 days) or only a single dose of bleomycin (intratracheal, 2.5 U/kg) or Gingko biloba and bleomycin-treated groups. After 14 days, blood was taken before the rats were sacrificed. The plasma was removed and stored at −85°C until the study day. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activities with malondialdehyde and nitric oxide (NO) levels were studied. The levels of malondialdehyde and NO with activity of XO were higher in plasma of bleomycin group than the other groups (P B / 0.05). The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were increased in the bleomycin plus Gingko biloba group in comparison with the bleomycin group (P B / 0.05). There was a positive correlation between malondialdehyde and NO levels in the bleomycin group (r-/0.859, P B / 0.05). There were positive correlations between SOD and GSH-Px activities (r-/0.760, P B/0.05) and between XO activity and malondialdehyde level (r-/0.822, P B/0.05) in the bleomycin plus Gingko biloba group. In conclusion, it was thought that bleomycin induced oxidative stress can be prevented by Gingko biloba treatment via high anti-oxidant enzyme activity together with decreased radical production from XO.
Acute toxicity of polychlorinated naphthalenes and their effect on cytochrome P450
Authors: Galoch A , Sapota A , Skrzypinska-Gawrysiak M , Kilanowicz A 
Published: February 2006

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are able to induce cytochrome P-450-dependent microsomal monooxygenase activities in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of a PCN mixture, and its effect on the levels of cytochrome P-450 in rats. The animals were intragastrically administered a mixture of PCNs in single doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. Dissection of animals was performed 24, 72 and 240 hours after administration. After PCN administration (all doses) the body weight loss (up to 30% in comparison with the control group, 240 hours after administration) and an increase of relative liver mass (about 126 - 153% of controls, 72 hours after administration) were observed. The exposure to PCN evoked an increase in the level of total cytochrome P-450 as well as the activity of CYP 1A (mediated 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation) at all time points. The maximum activity of CYP 1A (about 12-to 15-fold increase in comparison with the control group) was observed 72 hours after dosing. Malondialdehyde (MDA), determined in the liver, showed a high increase and 240 hours after administration, the level of MDA was about one order of magnitude greater in comparison with control.
Fetal Growth and the Adrenocortical Response to Psychological Stress
Authors: Jones Alexander , Godfrey Keith M. , Wood Peter , Osmond Clive , Goulden Peter , Phillips David I. W. 
Published: February 2006

Context: Experimental studies in animals show that adverse prenatal environments lead to lifelong alterations in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which mediates the stress response through secretion of glucocorticoid hormones. The extent to which such prenatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis adaptations occur in humans is unknown.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether smaller but otherwise healthy term babies are more likely to demonstrate increased glucocorticoid responses to psychological stress in childhood.
Design and Participants: This was a cross-sectional study of 68 boys and 72 girls (aged 7–9 yr) who have been followed up since 12 wk gestation when their mothers took part in a study of healthy children born in Southampton, United Kingdom.
Main Outcome Measure: Salivary cortisol responses to psychological stress were measured.
Results: In boys, birth weight was inversely related to salivary cortisol responses to stress (r = −0.56, P &lt; 0.001) but not morning cortisol levels, whereas in girls, morning peak cortisol was inversely related to birth weight (r = −0.36, P &lt; 0.05). These associations were independent of gestational age and potential confounding factors including obesity, social class, and educational achievement.
Conclusions: This study suggests that processes occurring during fetal life, resulting in smaller newborns, have a lasting effect on adrenocortical responses to stress in boys and on basal adrenocortical activity in girls. Given the known associations between small alterations in adrenocortical activity and features of the metabolic syndrome such as raised blood pressure and glucose intolerance, these effects warrant further investigation of their potential impact on the future health of prepubertal children.
A Novel Activating Mutation in the RET Tyrosine Kinase Domain Mediates Neoplastic Transformation
Authors: Cranston Aaron , Carniti Cristiana , Martin Sam , Mondellini Piera , Hooks Yvette , Leyland Jean , Hodgson Shirley , Clarke Sue , Pierotti Marco , Ponder Bruce A. J. , Bongarzone Italia 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe report the finding of a novel missense mutation at codon 833 in the tyrosine kinase of the RET proto-oncogene in a patient with a carcinoma of the thyroid. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the R833C mutation induces transformed foci only when present in the long 3′ splice isoform and, in keeping with a model in which the receptor has to dimerize to be completely activated, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor stimulation leads the RETR833C receptor to a higher level of activation. Tyrosine kinase assays show that the RETR833C long isoform has weak intrinsic kinase activity and phosphorylation of an exogenous substrate is not elevated even in the presence of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. Furthermore, the R833C mutation is capable of sustaining the transformed phenotype in vivo but does not confer upon the transformed cells the ability to degrade the basement membrane in a manner analogous to metastasis. Our functional characterization of the R833C substitution suggests that, like the V804M and S891A mutations, this tyrosine kinase mutation confers a weak activating potential upon RET. This is the first report demonstrating that the introduction of an intracellular cysteine can activate RET. However, this does not occur via dimerization in a manner analogous to the extracellular cysteine mutants.
Socs2 and Elf5 Mediate Prolactin-Induced Mammary Gland Development
Authors: Harris Jessica , Stanford Prudence M. , Sutherland Kate , Oakes Samantha R. , Naylor Matthew J. , Robertson Fiona G. , Blazek Katrina D. , Kazlauskas Michael , Hilton Heidi N. , Wittlin Sergio , Alexander Warren S. , Lindeman Geoffrey J. , Visvader Jane E. , Ormandy Christopher J. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe proliferative phase of mammary alveolar morphogenesis is initiated during early pregnancy by rising levels of serum prolactin and progesterone, establishing a program of gene expression that is ultimately responsible for the development of the lobuloalveoli and the onset of lactation. To explore this largely unknown genetic program, we constructed transcript profiles derived from transplanted mammary glands formed by recombination of prolactin receptor (Prlr) knockout or wild-type mammary epithelium with wild-type mammary stroma. Comparison with profiles derived from prolactin-treated Scp2 mammary epithelial cells produced a small set of commonly prolactin-regulated genes that included the negative regulator of cytokine signaling, Socs2 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 2), and the ets transcription factor, E74-like factor 5 (Elf5). Homozygous null mutation of Socs2 rescued the failure of lactation and reduction of mammary signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 phosphorylation that characterizes Prlr heterozygous mice, demonstrating that mammary Socs2 is a key regulator of the prolactin-signaling pathway. Reexpression of Elf5 in Prlr nullizygous mammary epithelium restored lobuloalveolar development and milk production, demonstrating that Elf5 is a transcription factor capable of substituting for prolactin signaling. Thus, Socs2 and Elf5 are key members of the set of prolactin-regulated genes that mediate prolactin-driven mammary development.
A semi-automated parallel parking system for passenger cars
Authors: Pohl J , Sethsson M , Degerman P , Larsson J 
Published: February 2006

Car parking has been, and still is, a growing problem, with increasing vehicle sizes in the luxury segment as well as sport-utility vehicles. This is especially true when bearing in mind the confined parking spaces in parking lots and cities. While damage during parking generally does not cause any injury to the passengers, it is costly and annoying. Park assist systems are by no means new on the market, since passive systems which provide longitudinal guidance using ultrasonic distance sensors have been available on the market for a number of years. The system presented is a semi-automated approach to parallel parking problems, as they frequently occur in European and Asian cities. The challenge during the development of this system was to have as few components as possible added to a standard vehicle, seeking reuse of many of the already built-in functionalities. The result is a system that leaves the longitudinal control of the vehicle to the driver but automates the steering process, and even stops the vehicle when the final parking position is reached.
Effects of porosity on the fatigue performance of polymethyl methacrylate bone cement: An analytical investigation
Authors: Evans S L 
Published: February 2006

Porosity has been shown to affect the fatigue life of bone cements, but, although vacuum mixing is widely used to reduce porosity in the clinical setting, results have been mixed and the effects of porosity are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of porosity using stress analysis and fracture mechanics techniques. The stress concentrations arising at voids in test specimens were found using analytical solutions and boundary element methods. The fatigue life of specimens containing voids of various sizes was predicted using fracture mechanics techniques. For spherical voids that do not occupy a significant proportion of the cross-section, the resulting stress concentration is independent of void size and too small to account for the observed crack initiation. Cracks must therefore initiate at additional stress raisers such as radiopacifier particles or additional voids. For large voids, the stress increases as the remaining cross-section of the specimen decreases, and this may account for much of the observed reduction in fatigue strength in hand-mixed cement. Although crack initiation may be largely independent of void size, there is an effect on crack growth rate. Cracks are predicted to grow faster around larger voids, since they remain in the stress concentration around the void for longer. This effect may account for the relationship between porosity and fatigue life that has been observed in samples without large voids. Since porosity appears to affect crack growth more than initiation, it may be less damaging in high-cycle clinical fatigue, which may be predominantly initiation controlled, than in short laboratory tests.
Determination of Kanamycin Using Flow Injection Analysis Coupled with Resonance Rayleigh Scattering Detection
Authors: Hu Xiaoli , Liu Shaopu , Liu Zhongfang 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A flow injection analysis (FIA) method coupled with resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) detection for the determination of kanamycin sulfate (KANA) was developed. The method is based on the ion-association reaction of KANA with acid triphenylmethane dyes such as aniline blue W. S (AB) and methyl blue (MB) by virtue of electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction forces, which results in a significant enhancement of RRS intensity; their maximum scattering peaks are all at 346 nm. The optimum conditions of the reactions and the flow-through parameters including the length of reaction tubing, the flow rate of the carrier stream and the sample injection volume are discussed in this paper. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the linear ranges for both systems are 0.02–12.0 μg mL−1. The detection limits (3σ) are 4.2 ng mL−1 for the AB system and 5.0 ng mL−1 for the MB system and the relative standard deviation for 9 replicate measurements of 2.0 μg mL−1 KANA solution was 1.1%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of KANA in commercial KANA injection, urine and serum samples, and the sample throughput was 30 h−1.
Hydrothermally Controlled Growth of MnPO4·H2O Single-Crystal Rods
Authors: Zhang Yuanguang , Liu Yi , Fu Shengquan , Guo Fan , Qian Yitai 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Rod-like MnPO4·H2O single crystallites were hydrothermally prepared by the reaction of Mn(NO3)2 with H3PO4 at 130 °C for 16 h. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectrum (IR), and their magnetic properties were evaluated on a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The synthesized single-crystal rods have diameters of 0.1–0.66 μm and lengths of up to several micrometers. The influences of different phosphates, the volume ratio between reaction materials, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the morphology and phase of the final products under hydrothermal conditions are discussed. A possible formation mechanism has been proposed on the growth of MnPO4·H2O single-crystal rods.
Systematic Change in Stacking Structure Induced by Alkyl Chains and Spectral Change Due to Hetero-Aggregation in [Ni(dmit)2]− Salts of Methylene Blue Analogues
Authors: Soneta Yuji , Miyamura Kazuo 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
A series of [Ni(dmit)2]− (dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato) salts of 3,7-bis(dialkylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium (alkyl = methyl (C1S), ethyl (C2S), propyl (C3S), and butyl (C4S)) together with those of 3,7-bis(diallylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium (AS) and 3,7-bis(diethylamino)phenoxazin-5-ium (C2O) have been prepared and analyzed by X-ray crystal structural analysis and diffuse reflectance spectra. All complex salts formed stacking columns containing cations and anions. In the crystal structure of (C1S)[Ni(dmit)2], both C1S cations and [Ni(dmit)2]− anions were found to form stacked dimers, and these dimers piled up alternately in columns. In the cases of (C2S)[Ni(dmit)2], (AS)[Ni(dmit)2], and (C2O)[Ni(dmit)2], cations and anions piled up alternately in the form of monomers. In the cases of (C3S)[Ni(dmit)2] and (C4S)[Ni(dmit)2], one anion was sandwiched between two cation dimers to form columns, and another anion layed between these columns. An absorption band appeared at 516–566 nm in the diffuse reflectance spectra, which originated from the absorption of blue cationic dyes, exhibited a large shift by the intermolecular interaction of cation–cation and cation–anion π-stacking. Compounds of (C1S)[Ni(dmit)2] and (C2O)[Ni(dmit)2] were found to behave as semiconductors, exhibiting room temperature conductivities of 3.8 × 10−6 and 4.5 × 10−7 S cm−1, respectively.
Different Z/E-Selectivity Depending upon the Length of the Acyl Side Chain in the Formation of 2,2′-Diacyl-9,9′-bifluorenylidene
Authors: Oota Atsushi , Imai Toshinobu , Yamazaki Ayumi , Oba Toru , Karikomi Michinori , Minabe Masahiro 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
We studied the formation of 2,2′-diacyl-9,9′-bifluorenylidene from 2-acyl-9-bromofluorene via the corresponding intermediate 9-bromo-9,9′-bifluorenyl. It was found that dehydrobromination of the 9-bromo-9,9′-bifluorenyl derivatives occurred through the E2 elimination sequence, suggesting that the configuration of 9-bromo-9,9′-bifluorenyl isomers determined the stereochemistry of the product. Facile isomerization of the formed 9,9′-bifluorenylidenes may give the observed stereo-selectivity depending upon the length of the acyl side chain.
Preparation and Properties of Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide–Oleate and –Stearate Intercalation Compounds
Authors: Inomata Kazuya , Ogawa Makoto 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Mg/Al layered double hydroxide–oleate and –stearate intercalation compounds were successfully synthesized by the reconstruction method under hydrothermal conditions from calcined hydrotalcite. The intercalation compounds were characterized by the high structural regularity as evidenced by the sharp and intense X-ray diffraction peaks. The oleate intercalated layered double hydroxide exhibits unique physicochemical properties such as a reversible thermoresponsive change in the basal spacing and swelling in organic solvents such as n-alkanes.
Acute Respiratory Failure with a Single Dose of Quetiapine Fumarate
Authors: Jabeen Seema , Polli Stephanie I , Gerber David R 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To report a case of acute respiratory failure after a single dose of quetiapine fumarate in an elderly patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Case Summary: A 92-year-old woman with a history of COPD was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Her symptoms improved with antibiotics. Because of acute agitation and delirium, quetiapine 50 mg twice daily was started. After receiving the first dose, the woman developed acute respiratory failure and severe central nervous system depression. She required mechanical ventilation and supportive care in the intensive care unit (ICU). She had a full recovery within 24 hours. Discussion: Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that has been used successfully for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for many years. Recently, it has also been used to treat delirium and agitation. It has proven to be very safe, even in the elderly. In previously reported cases, serious adverse effects were seen in patients who ingested very high doses of quetiapine. Those patients required intubation and supportive care in the ICU. To our knowledge, as of January 19, 2006, this is the first case report of acute respiratory failure of such severity with one dose of quetiapine. Using the Naranjo probability scale, we conclude that the acute respiratory failure observed in this patient was probably related to quetiapine. Conclusions: This case suggests that quetiapine can have significant adverse effects even with a single 50 mg dose. Elderly patients, especially those with significant underlying pulmonary pathology, should be monitored closely when started on this medication.