bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed Treatment Comparisons for Nonsurgical Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Jevsevar David S. , Shores Peter B. , Mullen Kyle , Schulte Danielle M. , Brown Gregory A. , Cummins Deborah S. 
Published: April 2018

Introduction:
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a significant health problem with lifetime risk of development estimated to be 45%. Effective nonsurgical treatments are needed for the management of symptoms.

Methods:
We designed a network meta-analysis to determine clinically relevant effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids, IA platelet-rich plasma, and IA hyaluronic acid compared with each other as well as with oral and IA placebos. We used PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to perform a systematic search of KOA treatments with no date limits and last search on October 7, 2015. Article inclusion criteria considered the following: target population, randomized controlled study design, English language, human subjects, treatments and outcomes of interest, ≥30 patients per group, and consistent follow-up. Using the best available evidence, two abstractors independently extracted pain and function data at or near the most common follow-up time.

Results:
For pain, all active treatments showed significance over oral placebo, with IA corticosteroids having the largest magnitude of effect and significant difference only over IA placebo. For function, no IA treatments showed significance compared with either placebo, and naproxen was the only treatment showing clinical significance compared with oral placebo. Cumulative probabilities showed naproxen to be the most effective individual treatment, and when combined with IA corticosteroids, it is the most probable to improve pain and function.

Discussion:
Naproxen ranked most effective among conservative treatments of KOA and should be considered when treating pain and function because of its relative safety and low cost. The best available evidence was analyzed, but there were instances of inconsistency in the design and duration among articles, potentially affecting uniform data inclusion.
Issues of Knowledge and Organizational Creativity: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Bombała Bronisław 
Published: April 2018

In contemporary science, where “creativity” is one of the key issues, researchers have been talking more and more often about “creative economy”. The impact of creativity on the development of an enterprise is increasingly often taken into consideration by both entrepreneurs and managers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze organizational creativity by the use of phenomenological approach. Phenomenological approach allows for a thorough exploration of factors that are important both for the development of a human and sustainable organizational development.
Non‑Financial Methods of Motivation at Work
– The Self‑Determination Theory Perspective
Authors: Szulawski Michał 
Published: April 2018

The article describes the implications of the self‑determination theory in non‑
‑financial methods of motivating workers in companies. The self‑determination
theory and the related research suggest that in order to develop intrinsic motivation and integrated forms of extrinsic motivation at work, the three
universal needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness have to be fulfilled. The
article gives examples of work organization and work situations where the needs
are not satisfied, and presents the ways of communication between the managers
and coworkers and work organization, which support the development of the
desired forms of motivation through the three universal needs.
Working Conditions in the Context of Building Employer Image
Authors: Gableta Małgorzata , Cierniak‑Emerych Anna , Pietroń‑Pyszczek Agata 
Published: April 2018

Differentiation of job expectations maintained by persons employed in
business entities is also evident with regard to working conditions. Proper
realisation of these expectations does have a notable impact upon employer image
– an attribute of growing significance in the modern Polish labour market. The
focus of this paper is placed on the process of building the employer image, as
expressed in the employer’s observance of employee interests and other activities
designed to increase their job satisfaction. The research is based, predominantly,
on the results of empirical studies on observance of employee interests in business
setting. The findings seem to corroborate the view that an employer’s approach
to the formulation of working conditions is largely influenced by employees’
traits and the attributes of the organisational culture, which both have a notable
impact upon the differentiation of employer images as viewed from the employer’s
standpoint.
Diversity Management in the Organisational Identity Context –
Empirical Evidence of Research on Organisational Culture
of Managerial and Non‑Managerial Staff
Authors: Gadomska‑Lila Katarzyna 
Published: April 2018

The article discusses the problem of diversity management in the organisational
identity context, referring to the organisational position and its place in the
organisational hierarchy. It presents differences between the managerial and
non-managerial staff with respect to perceiving organisational culture, especially
its crucial element – values. It also presents the core of diversity management in
the organisational identity context. The main thesis is presented by describing
empirical evidence of research conducted in a subsidiary of an Asian corporation.
Self‑Engaging Organisation in Polish Reality
Authors: Juchnowicz Marta 
Published: April 2018

The concept of self‑engaging organisation should be the basis of a contemporary personnel function. Its assumptions determine the human capital management of an organisation which is based on a positive organisational culture and atmosphere. The concept requires the application of a specific system and tools. Employee empowerment and relevant interpersonal relationships within the organisation are essential requirements for its implementation. The purpose of empirical research was to assess these conditions in Polish companies, considering the diversity of human capital, i.e. age, education level, seniority and professional rank. The analysis was based on the results of a survey conducted on a sample of 1.002 executive employees participating in the implementation of separate manufacturing processes. The results of the research indicate numerous limitations to the broad applicability of the concept of a self‑engaging organisation in Polish reality. It is situationally determined by the diversity of human capital, especially in terms of age and employment form. The assumptions of a self‑engaging organisation, however, are the necessary objective in the perspective of increasing innovation of Polish companies, i.e. the need to unleash creativity and continuous staff development. Thus, they set the direction of changes in the psychological contract and human capital management tools.
Variety of Psychological Contracts and Their Conditions
Authors: Ludwiczyński Antoni , Szmidt Czesław 
Published: April 2018

The problems of psychological contracts have been investigated by world scientific circles for years now. In Poland this concept is relatively unknown. The goal of this study is to present selected elements from the theories discussing the genesis, the essence, main types and dynamics of such contracts. It also presents the results of empirical tests concerning an influence of four selected features characterizing researched employees (sex, age, position and form of employment) upon the contents of their psychological contracts. The study proves the existence of considerable differences observed in the measured dimensions. This fact should call upon the employers for taking actively into consideration this particular variety when managing the people in organisations.
Professionalism in Management and Performance in Sports Organizations
Authors: Schmidt Joanna 
Published: April 2018

The aim of this article is to present and analyse the importance of professional management in sports organizations in the context of the results achieved by these organizations. The research presented in this article was based on Fribourg Management Model for Non‑Profit Organizations. The research was conducted among a randomly selected, representative sample of Polish sports organizations, from October to December 2015. A total of 381 organizations were surveyed. The results show that the key role in the results achieved by sports organizations in Poland is played primarily by the resources acquired, especially by the involved board members, the sponsors and the ability to raise financial resources. Professionalization of management is also important for the results achieved by the organization, both in general terms and when looking closer at its individual aspects.
Association Between Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase (TPMT) Genetic Variants and Infection in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients Treated With Azathioprine: A Multi-Institutional Analysis
Authors: Green Dionna J. , Duong Son Q. , Burckart Gilbert J. , Sissung Tristan , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D. , Brooks Maria M. , Chinnock Richard , Canter Charles , Addonizio Linda , Bernstein Daniel , Naftel David C. , Zeevi Adriana , Kirklin James K. , Webber Steven A. , Feingold Brian 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES Bone marrow suppression is a common adverse effect of the immunosuppressive drug azathioprine. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) can alter the metabolism of azathioprine, resulting in marrow toxicity and life-threatening infection. In a multicenter cohort of pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients, we determined the frequency of TPMT genetic variation and assessed whether azathioprine-treated recipients with TPMT variants were at increased risk of infection.
METHODS We genotyped TPMT in 264 pediatric HT recipients for the presence of the TPMT*2, TPMT*3A, and TPMT*3C variant alleles. Data on infection episodes and azathioprine use were collected as part of each patient's participation in the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study. We performed unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analyses comparing infection outcomes between groups.
RESULTS TPMT variants were identified in 26 pediatric HT recipients (10%): *3A (n = 17), *3C (n = 8), and *2 (n = 1). Among those with a variant allele, *3C was most prevalent in black patients (4 of 5) and *3A most prevalent among white and Hispanic patients (16 of 20). Among 175 recipients (66%) who received azathioprine as part of the initial immunosuppressive regimen, we found no difference in the number of infections at 1 year after HT (0.7 ± 1.3; range, 0–6 versus 0.5 ± 0.9; range, 0–3; p = 0.60) or in freedom from infection and bacterial infection between non-variant and variant carriers. There was 1 infection-related death in each group.
CONCLUSIONS In this multicenter cohort of pediatric HT recipients, the prevalence of TPMT variants was similar across racial/ethnic groups to what has been previously reported in non-pediatric HT populations. We found no association between variant alleles and infection in the first year after HT. Because clinically detected cytopenia could have prompted dose adjustment or cessation, we recommend future studies assess the relationship of genotype to leukopenia/neutropenia in the pediatric transplantation population.
Use of Arginine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Metabolic Alkalosis or Hypochloremia in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Sierra Caroline M. , Hernandez Elvin A. , Parbuoni Kristine A. 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES Dosing of arginine for treatment of hypochloremia or metabolic alkalosis is laborious and has inherent variability in dose selection. The primary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of arginine in the treatment of metabolic alkalosis and hypochloremia. Secondary objectives were to determine an optimal dose, route, and frequency for arginine administration in the treatment of these conditions.METHODS This single center, retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in children who received arginine for treatment of hypochloremia or metabolic alkalosis. Treatment success was assessed by measuring serum chloride and bicarbonate concentrations after arginine administration.RESULTS Of the 464 orders analyzed, 177 met inclusion criteria in 82 unique patients. Fifty percent (n = 81) of arginine administrations used to manage hypochloremia saw normalization of abnormal chloride levels, and 83% (n = 62) of arginine administrations used to treat metabolic alkalosis saw normalization of abnormal bicarbonate levels. Patients who received arginine to resolve hypochloremia were statistically significantly more likely to have their hypochloremia resolve if they used alternative dosing methods compared to established dosing methods (76 vs. 5, p = 0.001). However, this relationship was not seen for patients with metabolic alkalosis (11 vs. 51, p = 1.000). The median percentage of calculated daily dose of arginine needed for resolution of hypochloremia was 59% and was 35% for metabolic alkalosis.CONCLUSIONS Arginine is effective to improve metabolic alkalosis and hypochloremia. Established dosing methods are not more effective than other methods in resolving metabolic alkalosis or hypochloremia. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these results.
Effects of Methadone on Corrected Q-T Interval Prolongation in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Heath Travis S. , Greenberg Rachel G. , Hupp Susan R. , Turner David A. , Hornik Christoph P. , Zimmerman Kanecia O. 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the association between methadone use and corrected Q-T interval (QTc) prolongation in critically ill children
METHODS A retrospective cohort study of critically ill children receiving methadone at a tertiary care pediatric hospital was conducted. Patients younger than 19 years who had been admitted to the intensive care unit between January 1, 2009, and June 21, 2013, who had received methadone while inpatients, and who had had electrocardiograms (ECGs) performed within 30 days before and after methadone initiation were included. The primary outcome was the net change in QTc interval between baseline and postmethadone ECGs. Secondary outcomes included percent change in QTc interval and the proportion of patients whose QTc intervals changed from normal to prolonged following methadone initiation. We also evaluated potential predictors of QTc interval prolongation, including age, sex, admission diagnosis category, exposure to other QTc-prolonging medications, presence of congenital heart disease or known arrhythmias, and methadone daily dose and route of administration.
RESULTS Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. The median (25th, 75th percentiles) change in QTc interval following methadone initiation was −8 msec (−34, 13.5 msec; p = 0.19). Five patients (8%) had a baseline normal QTc interval that became prolonged after methadone initiation. We identified no statistically significant predictors of QTc prolongation after methadone initiation.
CONCLUSIONS In this dedicated pediatric safety study, methadone initiation did not result in prolongation of the QTc interval. Although these findings suggest methadone initiation may not have a substantial effect of QTc prolongation in critically ill children, a controlled, prospective evaluation in this population remains warranted.
Evaluation of Timing and Dosing of Caffeine Citrate in Preterm Neonates for the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Shenk Eleni E. , Bondi Deborah S. , Pellerite Matthew M. , Sriram Sudhir 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the timing and dosing of caffeine therapy in relation to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study comparing early (days of life 0–2) to late (day of life 3 or greater) caffeine initiation in extremely low birth weight neonates, with a secondary analysis of large (10 mg/kg/day) to small dose (5 mg/kg/day) caffeine.
RESULTS There were 138 patients in the primary timing analysis. The early caffeine group had a lower incidence and reduced odds of the composite outcome of BPD or all-cause mortality, compared with the late caffeine group (64% vs. 88%, respectively; adjusted p &lt; 0.05; adjusted OR 0.36 [95% CI 0.13–0.98]). No statistically significant difference was found between dosing groups (p = 0.29) in the primary outcome; however, there was a lower rate of patent ductus arteriosus requiring treatment (p = 0.05) and decreased likelihood of discharging home on oxygen (p = 0.02) in the large-dose group compared with the small-dose group.
CONCLUSIONS Early caffeine initiation significantly decreased the incidence of BPD or all-cause mortality in extremely low birth weight neonates. Patients receiving large-dose caffeine had improved secondary outcomes, although no difference in BPD was noted. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing of caffeine.
Safety of Extended Interval Tobramycin in Cystic Fibrosis Patients Less Than 6 Years Old
Authors: Arends Alexandria , Pettit Rebecca 
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to assess the nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity risks of extended interval tobramycin in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who are &lt;6 years old. A secondary objective included analyzing pharmacokinetic parameters in this age group.
METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with CF who were &lt;6 years old, admitted for an acute pulmonary exacerbation from January 1, 2003, to January 1, 2014, and treated with intravenous tobramycin.
RESULTS The median baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was 0.26 mg/dL among the 31 patients included in the study. Of the 20 patients who experienced increases in SCr, the absolute median increase was 0.065 mg/dL (0.033–0.1 mg/dL). Abnormal audiograms seen in 4 patients are attributable to middle ear effusion present on exam. The median dose of tobramycin was 11.7 mg/kg (11.3–12 mg/kg), the elimination constant was 0.4 hr−1(0.32–0.47 hr−1), half-life was 1.7 hr (1.5–2.1 hr), volume of distribution was 0.37 L/kg (0.31–0.47 L/kg), and median peaks and troughs fell within ranges of 20 to 30 mg/L (20.9–32.7 mg/L) and &lt;0.01 mg/L, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS Extended interval dosing tobramycin is safe in CF patients who are &lt;6 years old. There was no drug-related ototoxicity, and some nephrotoxicity was observed. When dosed at 12 mg/kg, similar pharmacokinetics were seen among all age groups, and concentrations were within the desired range.
Strength Training to Improve Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Mañago Mark M. , Glick Stephanie , Hebert Jeffrey R. , Coote Susan , Schenkman Margaret 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background:
There are mixed reports on the effectiveness of strength training to improve gait performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet the reasons for these inconsistent results are not clear. Therefore, a critical review was conducted to explore dosage, frequency, mode, position, and muscle targets of studies that have included strength training in people with MS.

Methods:
An electronic search was conducted through July 2017. Randomized controlled trials involving people with MS were included that implemented strength training with or without other interventions and assessed 1) strength in the lower extremities and/or trunk and 2) gait speed and/or endurance. Strength and gait results were extracted, along with exercise frequency, intensity, duration, mode, position, and muscle targets.

Results:
Thirteen trials met the inclusion criteria; nine used dosing consistent with recommended guidelines. Overall, six studies reported significant between-group strength improvements, and four reported within-group changes. Four studies reported significant between-group gait improvements for gait speed and/or endurance, and two reported within-group changes. Most exercises were performed on exercise machines while sitting, supine, or prone. The most common intervention target was knee extension.

Conclusions:
Studies generally improved strength, yet only two studies reported potentially meaningful between-group changes in gait. Future strength intervention studies designed to improve gait might consider dosing beyond that of the minimum intensity to improve strength and explore muscles targets, positions, and modes that are task-specific to walking.
Staphylococcus aureus viewed from the perspective of 40,000+ genomes
Authors: Petit III Robert A , Read Timothy D 
Published: April 2018

Low-cost Illumina sequencing of clinically-important bacterial pathogens has generated thousands of publicly available genomic datasets. Analyzing these genomes and extracting relevant information for each pathogen and the associated clinical phenotypes requires not only resources and bioinformatic skills but organism-specific knowledge. In light of these issues, we created Staphopia, an analysis pipeline, database and Application Programming Interface, focused on Staphylococcus aureus, a common colonizer of humans and a major antibiotic-resistant pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of hospital and community-associated infections.
Written in Python, Staphopia’s analysis pipeline consists of submodules running open-source tools. It accepts raw FASTQ reads as an input, which undergo quality control filtration, error correction and reduction to a maximum of approximately 100x chromosome coverage. This reduction significantly reduces total runtime without detrimentally affecting the results. The pipeline performs de novo assembly-based and mapping-based analysis. Automated gene calling and annotation is performed on the assembled contigs. Read-mapping is used to call variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletions) against a reference S. aureus chromosome (Type strain, N315).
We ran the analysis pipeline on more than 43,000 S. aureus shotgun Illumina genome projects in the public ENA database in November 2017. We found that only a quarter of known multi-locus sequence types (STs) were represented but the top ten STs made up 70% of all genomes. MRSA (methicillin resistant S. aureus) were 64% of all genomes. Using the Staphopia database we selected 380 high quality genomes deposited with good metadata, each from a different multi-locus sequence type, as a non-redundant diversity set for studying S. aureus evolution. In addition to answering basic science questions, Staphopia could serve as a potential platform for rapid clinical diagnostics of S. aureus isolates in the future. The system could also be adapted as a template for other organism-specific databases.