bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Donation, Sexual Practices, and Self-Perceived Risk for HIV in the United States Among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Wentz Anna E. , Merchant Roland C. , Clark Melissa A. , Liu Tao , Rosenberger Joshua G. , Bauermeister José A. , Mayer Kenneth H. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: In the United States, all men who have sex with men (MSM) were banned from donating blood from 1985 through 2015. In 2016, the guideline was amended such that men who had sexual contact with other men within the previous 12 months could not donate blood. We aimed to identify blood donation practices and their relationship with HIV risk and testing among young adult MSM (YMSM) at risk for having HIV. Methods: In 2014, we recruited HIV-negative non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white YMSM aged 18-24 from across the United States through social media platforms to complete an online survey. Among these YMSM who previously donated blood, we conducted a secondary analysis examining the relationship between having donated blood within the past 12 months and sexual risk behavior from recent condomless anal intercourse (CAI), HIV testing, and self-perceived risk of having an undiagnosed HIV infection. Results: Of the 2261 YMSM surveyed, 1104 (48.8%) had ever previously donated blood and 305 (13.5%) had donated blood within the past 12 months. Of the 305 blood donors, 50 (16.4%) had ever had CAI before their most recent blood donation. Among YMSM who donated blood, past–12-month blood donation was more likely among YMSM who never had CAI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.73) than among YMSM who had CAI and more likely among YMSM who believed it was not possible at all that they had an undiagnosed HIV infection (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.16) than among YMSM who believed there was any possibility of having an undiagnosed HIV infection; it was not related to past–12-month HIV testing. Conclusions: YMSM donated blood frequently, suggesting that the deferral process in place did not prevent YMSM from donating blood. The current donor screening process should be reconsidered if it is to prevent YMSM from donating blood. Future research could identify screening questions that permit YMSM with a low risk of HIV infection to donate blood while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.
Performance evaluation and design considerations for a split air-conditioner with built-in thermal energy storage
Authors: Ahmad Jehanzeb , Najam Ul Islam M , Sabir Jawwad 
Published: December 2018

The benefits of thermal energy storage using phase change materials are well documented in the literature. Despite all the potential benefits of thermal energy storage, its commercial and widespread application remains limited. This is due to the high initial cost of phase change materials, extensive rework required in buildings, major modifications in HVAC systems, and the potential for leakage, fire and toxicity hazards. There is a strong need for a simple thermal energy storage solution which can be adopted by large number of consumers. Ductless split air-conditioners are portable, low cost, efficient and account for 70% of all air-conditioning systems sold worldwide each year. The present research provides a novel and low cost solution that incorporates thermal energy storage in these air conditioners, allowing them to run without electricity for 3 h. The paper deals with the detailed design aspects and engineering challenges that arise when incorporating thermal energy storage in these small units. A prototype air-conditioner with in-built thermal energy storage was developed, and all performance parameters presented have been validated through data obtained from the prototype. Our results indicate that thermal energy storage can be incorporated in split units in low cost and with minimal drop in overall energy efficiency of the system. Practical application: Incorporating thermal energy storage in split air-conditioners which enables them to run without grid for many hours has immense practical applications. Since around 50% power in any building is consumed by HVAC systems, being able to provide cooling during peak hours without using grid can significantly reduce load on the grid without compromising user comfort. For developing countries where load shedding is frequent, the users can run these air-conditioners without the use of generators or batteries thus saving costs and the environment.
Finding a ‘new normal’ following acute illness: A qualitative study of influences on frail older people’s care preferences
Authors: Etkind Simon Noah , Lovell Natasha , Nicholson Caroline Jane , Higginson Irene J , Murtagh Fliss EM 
Published: December 2018

Background: The frail older population is growing, and many frail older people have episodes of acute illness. Patient preferences are increasingly considered important in the delivery of person-centred care and may change following acute illness. Aim: To explore influences on the care preferences of frail older people with recent acute illness. Design: Qualitative in-depth individual interviews, with thematic analysis. Setting/participants: Maximum variation sample of 18 patients and 7 nominated family carers from a prospective cohort study of people aged over 65, scoring ⩾5 on the Clinical Frailty Scale, and with recent acute illness, who were not receiving specialist palliative care. Median patient age was 84 (inter-quartile range 81–87), 53% female. Median frailty score 6 (inter-quartile range 5–7). Results: Key influences on preferences were illness and care context, particularly hospital care; adaptation to changing health; achieving normality and social context. Participants focused on the outcomes of their care; hence, whether care was likely to help them ‘get back to normal’, or alternatively ‘find a new normal’ influenced preferences. For some, acute illness inhibited preference formation. Participants’ social context and the people available to provide support influenced place of care preferences. We combined these findings to model influences on preferences. Conclusion: ‘Getting back to normal’ or ‘finding a new normal’ are key focuses for frail older people when considering their preferences. Following acute illness, clinicians should discuss preferences and care planning in terms of an achievable normal, and carefully consider the social context. Longitudinal research is needed to explore the influences on preferences over time.
Low Rates of Return to Preinjury Sport After Bilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Feller Julian A. , Kimp Alexander J. , Whitehead Timothy S. 
Published: December 2018

Background: Patients with bilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries tend to report worse results in terms of knee function and quality of life as compared with those with unilateral injury. There are limited data regarding return to preinjury sport in this group. Purpose: To report return-to-sport rates for patients who had bilateral ACL reconstruction and to compare outcomes according to age and sex. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 107 patients (62 male, 45 female) who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees completed a detailed sports activity survey at a mean 5-year follow-up (range, 2.5-10 years). Follow-up also included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Marx Activity Scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life subscale. Rates of return to preinjury levels of sport were calculated for the whole cohort, and for further analysis, the group was divided according to age (<25 vs ≥25 years), sex, and time between the reconstruction procedures (<3 vs ≥3 years). Results: The rate of return to preinjury sport after bilateral ACL reconstruction was 40% (95% CI, 31%-50%), as compared with an 83% (95% CI, 74%-88%) return rate after the first reconstruction procedure. Although not statistically significant, return rates were higher for male versus female patients (47% vs 31%) and older versus younger patients (45% vs 31%). Of those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport after the second reconstruction, 72% thought that they could perform as well as before their ACL injuries. In contrast, only 20% thought that they could perform as well if they returned to a lower level. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason cited for failure to return to sport after the second reconstruction. Patient-reported outcome scores were higher for those who returned to their preinjury levels of sport but did not differ for sex and age. Conclusion: Return-to-sport rates drop markedly after a second (contralateral) ACL reconstruction, with less than half of the investigated cohort returning to its preinjury level of sport. Return-to-sport outcomes are less than ideal for patients who have ACL reconstruction surgery to both knees.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Patellofemoral Joint: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chahla Jorge , Sweet Matthew C. , Okoroha Kelechi R. , Nwachukwu Benedict U. , Hinckel Betina , Farr Jack , Yanke Adam B. , Bugbee William D. , Cole Brian J. 
Published: December 2018

Background: The initial focus of cartilage restoration algorithms has been on the femur; however, the patellofemoral compartment accounts for 20% to 30% of significant symptomatic chondral pathologies. While patellofemoral compartment treatment involves a completely unique subset of comorbidities, with a comprehensive and thoughtful approach many patients may benefit from osteochondral allograft treatment. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of clinical outcomes and failure rates after osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the patellofemoral joint at a minimum 18-month follow-up. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature regarding the existing evidence for clinical outcomes and failure rates of OCA for patellofemoral joint chondral defects was performed with the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and MEDLINE from studies published between 1990 and 2017. Inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical outcomes and failure rates of OCA for the treatment of chondral defects in the patellofemoral joint, English language, minimum follow-up of 18 months, minimum study size of 5 patients, and human studies. The methodological quality of each study was assessed with a modified version of the Coleman methodology score. Results: The systematic search identified 8 studies with a total of 129 patients. The methods of graft procurement and storage time included fresh (121 patients, 93.8%), and cryopreserved (8 patients, 6.2%) grafts. The mean survival rate was 87.9% at 5 years and 77.2% at 10 years. The following outcome scores showed significant improvement from pre- to postoperative status: modified d’Aubigné-Postel, International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Society Score–Function, and Lysholm Knee Score. Conclusion: OCA of the patellofemoral joint results in improved patient-reported outcome measures with high patient satisfaction rates. Five- and 10-year survival rates of 87.9% and 77.2%, respectively, can be expected after this procedure. These findings should be taken with caution, as a high percentage of patellofemoral osteochondral allografts were associated with concomitant procedures; therefore, further research is warranted to determine the effect of isolated osteochondral transplantations.
Standardizing the Use of Albumin in Large Volume Paracentesis
Authors: Anderson Shelby S. , McCreary Julian B. , Alvarez Kristin S. , Brown L. Steven , Agrawal Deepak 
Published: December 2018

Background Albumin after large volume paracentesis (LVP) reduces paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD). The most efficacious dose of albumin for LVP is unclear. Objective To evaluate the impact of implementing a standardized LVP order set on albumin utilization and patient outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective review of patients with ascites due to cirrhosis who received a therapeutic paracentesis at a large, academic institution. Primary outcome was amount of albumin used prior to and after order set implementation. Albumin doses were standardized in the order set to 25 g (5-6 L removed), 50 g (7-10 L), and 75 g (>10 L). Patient outcomes were rates of hyponatremia, renal impairment, and hypotension. Results There were 100 patients included in each arm of the final analysis. Patients prior to order set implementation received a higher amount of albumin per liter removed compared to those post-implementation (8.3 g/L vs 6.5 g/L, respectively; P < .01). There were no significant differences between groups in absolute changes in serum sodium (0 mEq/L vs −1 mEq/L, P = .64), serum creatinine (0.06 mg/dL vs 0.05 mg/dL, P = .94), or systolic blood pressure (−4 mm Hg vs −3 mm Hg, P = .96). There were no differences between groups in rates of hyponatremia (1.6% vs 6.6%, P = .21), renal impairment (11.3% vs 11.5%, P = .97), or hypotension (17.4% vs 17.6%, P = .97). Conclusions Use of an order set to guide albumin dosing based on amount of ascitic fluid removed during LVP resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of albumin given with no difference in adverse effects.
Acute Care Pharmacy Practice: A Perspective for Pharmacy Students, Residents, and Other Health-Care Providers
Authors: Dunn Rebecca L. , Cho Jonathan C. , Parmentier Brittany L. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose: To describe the acute care setting with a specific focus on acute care pharmacy practices. Summary Acute care is the sector of health care where time-sensitive episodes of illness are managed. Acute care pharmacy practice includes both hospital and clinical pharmacists serving, in a variety of domains, as medication experts and authority on patient-centered medication therapy. Pharmacists serving in this area can have a beneficial impact on patient care and the health-care system. Conclusion: The demand for acute care services is likely to grow as the population continues to grow and age. Pharmacists are key members of interdisciplinary teams in the acute care setting.
Is systemic lupus erythematosus different in urban versus rural living environment? Data from the Cretan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance Registry
Authors: Gergianaki I , Fanouriakis A , Adamichou C , Spyrou G , Mihalopoulos N , Kazadzis S , Chatzi L , Sidiropoulos P , Boumpas D T , Bertsias G 
Published: December 2018

Background Examining urban–rural differences can provide insights into susceptibility or modifying factors of complex diseases, yet limited data exist on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Objective To study SLE risk, manifestations and severity in relation to urban versus rural residence. Methodology Cross-sectional analysis of the Crete Lupus Registry. Demographics, residency history and clinical data were obtained from interviews and medical records ( N=399 patients). Patients with exclusively urban, rural or mixed urban/rural residence up to enrolment were compared. Results The risk of SLE in urban versus rural areas was 2.08 (95% confidence interval: 1.66–2.61). Compared with rural, urban residence was associated with earlier (by almost seven years) disease diagnosis – despite comparable diagnostic delay – and lower female predominance (6.8:1 versus 15:1). Rural patients had fewer years of education and lower employment rates. Smoking was more frequent among urban, whereas pesticide use was increased among rural patients. A pattern of malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers and arthritis was more prevalent in rural patients. Residence was not associated with organ damage although moderate/severe disease occurred more frequently among rural-living patients (multivariable adjusted odds ratio: 2.17, p=0.011). Conclusion Our data suggest that the living environment may influence the risk, gender bias and phenotype of SLE, not fully accounted for by sociodemographic factors.
The Limits of Empiricism: The Utility of Theory in Historical Thought and Writing
Authors: Spiegel Gabrielle M. 
Published: December 2018

In recent years, there has been a revival of emphasis in historical research and writing on the practice of empiricism, together with the rehabilitation of those ‘epistemic virtues’ of accuracy, impartiality, objectivity, fairness, attentiveness, perseverance and the like that for so long characterised criteria for a professional mode of behaviour that would guarantee the credibility of the historian’s account. This has occurred after several decades when, under the influence of the ‘linguistic turn’ and its turn to the study of narrative constructivism, earlier claims respecting the truth value and objectivity of empirical work had come under attack among those espousing a linguistic approach to history.  This article investigates the most recent efforts to integrate empiricism and theory currently being proposed by scholars in the philosophy of history and historiography and the epistemological and historiographical entailments that such an attempt necessarily involves. What is emerging at the moment is an effort to generate a synthetic approach to historiography in which elements of narrativism and empiricism are equally in play and continually modify one another in the production of historiographical representation and meaning. Whether we have yet to arrive at a successful solution to the manner best suited for such a reconciliation of empiricism and constructivism remains an open question to be discussed.
Advanced Financial Literacy of Malaysian Gen Y Investors and Its Consequences
Authors: Khan Mohammad Tariqul Islam , Tan Siow-Hooi , Gan Gerald Goh Guan 
Published: December 2018

This article presents the advanced financial literacy of Malaysian Gen Y investors and investigates whether literacy varies across demographics and ethnicity, and how financial literacy is related to investing decisions. In a survey-based study (N = 231) with the estimation of crosstab, ordered logistic regression and binary logistic regression, the results suggest that Gen Y investors display a medium level of financial literacy and that investors with certain demographic characteristics and ethnicity display a relatively higher level of financial literacy. Literacy items such as knowledge of stocks and bonds, functioning of the stock market, working of long-term bonds and mutual funds, and riskiness of bonds versus stocks are more closely related to investors’ trading, risky share investment, willingness of risk-taking, stock market participation and perceived portfolio returns. The results imply a clear scope to improve Gen Y investors’ financial literacy by concentrating on a certain socio-demographic groups and specific financial literacy items. JEL Classifications: D14, G11, I20
Risk-taking Channel of Monetary Policy: Evidence from Indian Banking
Authors: Sarkar Sanjukta , Sensarma Rudra 
Published: December 2018

Some recent articles have studied the link between the central bank’s monetary policy stance and the risk-taking behaviour of banks in the context of advanced economies. Loose monetary policy can encourage banks to reach for yield, which will increase their share of risky assets, and also induce them to use more short-term funding. We empirically examine the existence of this risk-taking channel of monetary policy transmission in India. We find that expansionary monetary policy may increase default risk particularly for foreign banks and new private sector banks. We also find that tightening of monetary policy leads to lower liquidity risk and market risk and the effects are stronger for foreign banks than for other bank groups. In terms of market risk, the effect on foreign banks is weaker in cases of monetary tightening compared to expansion. JEL Classification: G21, G28, G32
Higher offset cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners: is wear a significant clinical concern?
Authors: Chapman Ryan M , Van Citters Douglas W , Chapman Danielle , Dalury David F 
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the 2nd most common total joint replacement surgery in the United States. However, not all THA devices perform well and need revised for several reasons including dislocation. Higher offset acetabular liners reduce this problem by creating a more anatomically/biomechanically natural hip joint, increasing soft-tissue tension, and accommodating larger femoral heads in smaller acetabular cups via increased polyethylene thickness. To our knowledge, however, in vivo wear (another failure mode) performance of offset acetabular liners remains unknown. Methods: 2 cohorts of 40 individuals (0-mm, 4-mm offset acetabular liners, respectively) from a single surgeon’s consecutive caseload were assessed. 6-week/5-year post-op radiographs were compared using a validated method using SolidWorks software to assess in vivo linear and volumetric wear rates. Resultant surgical offset was also quantified using this method. Results: Linear wear rate for 0-mm and 4-mm offset cohorts were 0.01 ± 0.09 mm/year and 0.08 ± 0.12 mm/year, respectively. Volumetric wear rate for 0-mm and 4-mm offset cohorts were 30.4 ± 20.4 mm3/year and 61.6 ± 42.1 mm3/year, respectively. Both of these were statistically significant. Neither linear nor volumetric wear rate was correlated with resultant surgical offset. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the 1st study to compare in vivo wear performance of 0-mm and 4-mm offset acetabular liners. Although linear and volumetric wear rates were different between cohorts, neither reached previously established osteolysis thresholds. Moreover, wear rates were not correlated with resultant surgical offset. Finally, no patients in either cohort showed signs of osteolysis nor needed revision. As such, the clinical relevance of the wear rate differences is potentially less significant.
The first–second language influence on framing effects and loss aversion of balanced bilinguals
Authors: Huang Hanjing , Rau Pei-Luen Patrick 
Published: December 2018

Aims: We aimed to investigate the effects of language on the decision-making of bilinguals when they possess almost equal proficiencies in these languages. Methodology: Chinese–English bilinguals were asked to make decisions in Chinese or English. In the first experiment, we used a financial crisis problem to investigate the effects of language on the framing effect. In the second experiment, we used two gambling tasks to investigate the effects of language on people’s loss aversion in hypothetical and real bets. Data and analysis: Participants had similar proficiencies in Chinese and in English. Two hundred and twelve Chinese–English bilinguals took part in the first experiment. Their decision data were analysed using chi-squared tests. Ninety-six Chinese–English bilinguals took part in the second experiment. Their decision data were analysed using ANOVA and t-tests. Findings: Framing effects were reduced in the English condition. Chinese–English bilinguals were risk-averse for gains and risk-seeking for losses when choices were presented in Chinese, but this asymmetry disappeared when the choices were presented in English. However, the results indicated that the language did not have significant effects on Chinese–English bilinguals’ loss aversion in hypothetical and real bets. Originality: This is among the first studies to investigate the effects of language on decision-making in balanced bilinguals who have similar proficiencies in different languages. Significance/implications: The findings suggest that language still influences the framing effect, even in balanced bilinguals who have similar proficiencies in different languages.