bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability in Immunization Practices for Preterm Infants
Authors: Gopal Srirupa , Edwards Kathryn , Creech Buddy , Weitkamp Joern-Hendrik 
Published: June 2018

Introduction The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the same immunization schedule for preterm and term infants. However, significant delays in vaccination of premature infants have been reported.
Objective The objective of this study was to assess the variability of immunization practices in preterm infants.
Study Design We conducted an online survey of 2,443 neonatologists in the United States, who are members of the Section for Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine of the AAP. Questions were targeted at immunization practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Results Of the 420 responses (17%) received, 55% of providers administer the first vaccine at >2-month chronological age. Most providers (83%) surveyed reported delaying vaccines in the setting of clinical illness. Sixty percent reported increasing frequency of apnea–bradycardia events following immunization. More than half administer the initial vaccines over several days despite lack of supporting data. Reported considerations in delaying or spreading out 2-month vaccines were clinical instability, provider preference, lower gestational age, and lower birth weight.
Conclusion This survey substantiates the variability of immunizations practices in the NICU and identifies reasons for this variability. Future studies should inform better practice guidance for immunization of preterm NICU patients based on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Physicians' Estimates of Electronic Prescribing's Impact on Patient Safety and Quality of Care
Authors: Kivekäs Eija , Mikkonen Santtu , Borycki Elizabeth , Ihantola Sami , Saranto Kaija 
Published: June 2018

Background Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is a potentially important intervention that can be used to reduce errors. It provides many potential benefits over handwritten medication prescriptions, including standardization, legibility, audit trails, and decision support. Electronic health record (EHR) and e-prescribing systems may greatly enhance communication and improve the quality and safety of care.
Objectives Our aim is to investigate physician's opinions about the influence of electronic prescriptions on patient safety and quality of care.
Methods This study extends the technology acceptance model to analyze the acceptance of e-prescribing and adds an understanding of what kind of impact the external variables (patient identification and the interoperability of applications) have on physicians' individual work performance (i.e., patient safety and quality of care). The empirical analysis uses data from surveys conducted in 2012 and 2014 in Finland. The participants were physicians, and e-prescribing was the only method that could be used for prescribing medication when these studies were conducted.
Results Physicians' perceived usefulness of e-prescribing was significantly associated with patient safety and quality of care. The interoperability of an EHR had a significant effect on both the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of e-prescribing. The findings show that experience with an e-prescribing system has a positive effect on participants' perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of e-prescribing.
Conclusion This study highlights potential safety and efficiency benefits associated with integrated health information technology in health care. The perceived usefulness of e-prescribing affected physicians' opinions on patient safety and quality of care.
Mode of Delivery in Previable Births
Authors: DeFranco Emily , Rossi Robert 
Published: June 2018

Objective Preterm birth before 23 weeks of gestation typically results in neonatal death (5% survival). Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published consensus guidelines recommending cesarean delivery (CD) not be performed for fetal indications between 20 and 226/7 weeks given the lack of proven benefit. We sought to quantify the previable CD rate and identify characteristics associated with previable CD.
Methods We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in Ohio (2006–2015). Frequency of previable CD was stratified by week of gestation, defined as delivery between 16 and < 23 weeks of gestation. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics were compared between women who underwent vaginal delivery versus CD. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the relative influence of maternal and fetal factors on the outcome of CD among previable live births.
Results Of 1,463,506 live births in Ohio during the 10-year study period, 2,865 births (0.2%) occurred during the previable period of 16 to 22 weeks. Nearly 1 in 10 live births at less than 23 weeks was delivered by cesarean (n = 273/2,865), CD rate 9.5% (95% confidence interval, 8.5–10.7). At 16 to 22 weeks of gestation, the CD rates were 0, 5.5, 7.6, 3.5, 5.4, 10.1, and 15.1%, respectively. Factors associated with CD included increasing parity, increasing birth weight, maternal corticosteroid administration, and fetal malpresentation. Previable neonates born by CD were more likely to be admitted to the NICU, receive ventilator support, and more likely to be living at the time of birth certificate filing.
Conclusion Nearly 1 out of 10 births during the previable period was delivered via cesarean. Factors associated with previable CD suggest intent for neonatal interventions, such as NICU admission and supportive therapies. Our findings support that education and adherence with guidelines for care of previable births are a potential area of focus for perinatal quality improvement efforts.
Towards a structural ownership condition on moral responsibility
Authors: Matheson Benjamin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper, I propose and defend a structural ownership condition on moral responsibility. According to the condition I propose, an agent owns a mental item if and only if it is part of or is partly grounded by a coherent set of psychological states. As I discuss, other theorists have proposed or alluded to conditions like psychological coherence, but each proposal is unsatisfactory in some way. My account appeals to narrative explanation to elucidate the relevant sense of psychological coherence.
3DPatch: fast 3D structure visualization with residue conservation
Authors: Jakubec David , Vondrášek Jiří , Finn Robert D 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Summary
Amino acid residues showing above background levels of conservation are often indicative of functionally significant regions within a protein. Understanding how the sequence conservation profile relates in space requires projection onto a protein structure, a potentially time-consuming process. 3DPatch is a web application that streamlines this task by automatically generating multiple sequence alignments (where appropriate) and finding structural homologs, presenting the user with a choice of structures matching their query, annotated with residue conservation scores in a matter of seconds.

Availability and implementation
3DPatch is written in JavaScript and is freely available at http://www.skylign.org/3DPatch/. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari web browsers are supported. Source code is available under MIT license at https://github.com/davidjakubec/3DPatch.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The stringent response and Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis
Authors: Prusa Jerome , Zhu Dennis X , Stallings Christina L 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDuring infection, the host restrains Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) from proliferating by imposing an arsenal of stresses. Despite this onslaught of attacks, Mtb is able to persist for the lifetime of the host, indicating that this pathogen has substantial molecular mechanisms to resist host-inflicted damage. The stringent response is a conserved global stress response in bacteria that involves the production of the hyperphosphorylated guanine nucleotides ppGpp and pppGpp (collectively called (p)ppGpp). (p)ppGpp then regulates a number of cellular processes to adjust the physiology of the bacteria to promote survival in different environments. Survival in the presence of host-generated stresses is an essential quality of successful pathogens, and the stringent response is critical for the intracellular survival of a number of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the stringent response has been linked to virulence gene expression, persistence, latency and drug tolerance. In Mtb, (p)ppGpp synthesis is required for survival in low nutrient conditions, long term culture and during chronic infection in animal models, all indicative of a strict requirement for (p)ppGpp during exposure to stresses associated with infection. In this review we discuss (p)ppGpp metabolism and how this functions as a critical regulator of Mtb virulence.
An Extension of Polynomial Integrability to Dual Quermassintegrals
Authors: Yaskin Vladyslav 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
A bounded domain $K$ is called polynomially integrable if its parallel section function $V_{n-1}(K\cap \{\xi ^\perp +t\xi \})$ is a polynomial of $t$ (on its support) for every $\xi $. A complete characterization of such domains was given recently. Here we obtain a generalization of these results in the setting of dual quermassintegrals. We also address the associated smoothness issues.
Obesity, Diabetes, and the Risk of Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease in Nonpregnant Adults in the United States
Authors: Pitts Samantha I , Maruthur Nisa M , Langley Gayle E , Pondo Tracy , Shutt Kathleen A , Hollick Rosemary , Schrag Stephanie J , Thomas Ann , Nichols Megin , Farley Monica , Watt James P , Miller Lisa , Schaffner William , Holtzman Corinne , Harrison Lee H 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
Rates of invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease, obesity, and diabetes have increased in US adults. We hypothesized that obesity would be independently associated with an increased risk of invasive GBS disease.

Methods
We identified adults with invasive GBS disease within Active Bacterial Core surveillance during 2010–2012 and used population estimates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to calculate invasive GBS incidence rates. We estimated relative risks (RRs) of invasive GBS using Poisson analysis with offset denominators, with obesity categorized as class I/II (body mass index [BMI] = 30–39.9 kg/m2) and class III (BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m2).

Results
In multivariable analysis of 4281 cases, the adjusted RRs of invasive GBS disease were increased for obesity (class I/II: RR, 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.02; and class III: RR, 4.87; 95% CI, 3.50–6.77; reference overweight) and diabetes (RR, 6.04; 95% CI, 4.77–7.65). The adjusted RR associated with class III obesity was 3-fold among persons with diabetes (95% CI, 1.38–6.61) and nearly 9-fold among persons without diabetes (95% CI, 6.41–12.46), compared with overweight. The adjusted RRs associated with diabetes varied by age and BMI, with the highest RR in young populations without obesity. Population attributable risks of invasive GBS disease were 27.2% for obesity and 40.1% for diabetes.

Conclusions
Obesity and diabetes were associated with substantially increased risk of infection from invasive GBS. Given the population attributable risks of obesity and diabetes, interventions that reduce the prevalence of these conditions would likely reduce the burden of invasive GBS infection.
Infectious Diseases Physicians’ Perspectives Regarding Injection Drug Use and Related Infections, United States, 2017
Authors: Rapoport Alison B , Fischer Leah S , Santibanez Scott , Beekmann Susan E , Polgreen Philip M , Rowley Christopher F 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background
In the context of the opioid epidemic, injection drug use (IDU)–related infections are an escalating health issue for infectious diseases (ID) physicians in the United States.

Methods
We conducted a mixed methods survey of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Emerging Infections Network between February and April 2017 to evaluate perspectives relating to care of persons who inject drugs (PWID). Topics included the frequency of and management strategies for IDU-related infection, the availability of addiction services, and the evolving role of ID physicians in substance use disorder (SUD) management.

Results
More than half (53%, n = 672) of 1273 network members participated. Of these, 78% (n = 526) reported treating PWID. Infections frequently encountered included skin and soft tissue (62%, n = 324), bacteremia/fungemia (54%, n = 281), and endocarditis (50%, n = 263). In the past year, 79% (n = 416) reported that most IDU-related infections required ≥2 weeks of parenteral antibiotics; strategies frequently employed for prolonged treatment included completion of the entire course in the inpatient unit (41%, n = 218) or at another supervised facility (35%, n = 182). Only 35% (n = 184) of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that their health system offered comprehensive SUD management; 46% (n = 242) felt that ID providers should actively manage SUD.

Conclusions
The majority of physicians surveyed treated PWID and reported myriad obstacles to providing care. Public health and health care systems should consider ways to support ID physicians caring for PWID, including (1) guidelines for providing complex care, including safe provision of multiweek parenteral antibiotics; (2) improved access to SUD management; and (3) strategies to assist those interested in roles in SUD management.
Pulmonary Disease Associated With Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Martin Caleb S , Bradshaw Jessica L , Pipkins Haley R , McDaniel Larry S 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
We discuss 3 patients presenting with pneumonia associated with nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae (NESp), an emerging pathogen commonly causing upper respiratory infections. Clinical isolates obtained from these patients were characterized to evaluate their respective antibiotic resistance and virulence mechanisms. We demonstrate that NESp resistant to classical drug treatments are isolated during pneumonia.
An Innovative Network Approach to Coordinating a National Effort to Improve Cardiovascular Health: The Case of Million Hearts
Authors: Varda Danielle M. , Williams Malcolm V. , Schooley Michael , Duplantier Daniel , Newman Kayleigh , Lowe Beasley Kincaid , Lucido Briana , Marshall Ashley 
Published: June 2018

Objective:
To assess the structure, content, quality, and quantity of partnerships that developed in response to a national cardiovascular health initiative, Million Hearts.

Design:
This study used a social network analysis (SNA) approach to assess the Million Hearts initiative network partnerships and identify potential implications for policy and practice.

Setting/Participants:
The Million Hearts network comprised a core group of federal and private sector partners that participate in Million Hearts activities and align with initiative priorities. To bound the network for the SNA, we used a list of 58 organizations (74% response rate) from a previously completed qualitative analysis of Million Hearts partnerships.

Main Outcome Measures:
We used the online PARTNER (Program to Analyze Record and Track Networks to Enhance Relationships—www.partnertool.net) survey to collect data on individual organizational characteristics and relational questions that asked organizations to identify and describe their relationships with other partners in the network. Key SNA measures include network density, centralizations, value, and trust.

Results:
Our analyses show a network that is decentralized, has strong perceptions of trust and value among its members, and strong agreement on intended outcomes. Interestingly, partners report a desire and ability to contribute resources to Million Hearts; however, the perceptions between partners are that resources are not being contributed at the level they potentially could be. The majority of partners reported that being in the network helped them achieve their goals related to cardiovascular disease prevention. The largest barrier to successful activities within the network was cited as lack of targeted funding and staff to support participation in the network.

Conclusions:
The Million Hearts network described in this article is unique in its membership at the national level, agreement on outcomes, its powerful information-sharing abilities that require few resources, and its decentralized structure. We identified strategies that could be implemented to strengthen the network and its activities. By examining a national-level public-private partnership formed to address a public health issue, we can identify ways to strengthen the network and provide a framework for developing other initiatives.
Synonym-Based Word Frequency Analysis to Support the Development and Presentation of a Public Health Quality Improvement Taxonomy
Authors: Pina Jamie , Massoudi Barbara L. , Chester Kelley , Koyanagi Mark 
Published: June 2018

Context:
Researchers and analysts have not completely examined word frequency analysis as an approach to creating a public health quality improvement taxonomy.

Objective:
To develop a taxonomy of public health quality improvement concepts for an online exchange of quality improvement work.

Design:
We analyzed documents, conducted an expert review, and employed a user-centered design along with a faceted search approach to make online entries searchable for users. To provide the most targeted facets to users, we used word frequency to analyze 334 published public health quality improvement documents to find the most common clusters of word meanings. We then reviewed the highest-weighted concepts and categorized their relationships to quality improvement details in our taxonomy. Next, we mapped meanings to items in our taxonomy and presented them in order of their weighted percentages in the data. Using these methods, we developed and sorted concepts in the faceted search presentation so that online exchange users could access relevant search criteria.

Results:
We reviewed 50 of the top synonym clusters and identified 12 categories for our taxonomy data. The final categories were as follows: Summary; Planning and Execution Details; Health Impact; Training and Preparation; Information About the Community; Information About the Health Department; Results; Quality Improvement (QI) Staff; Information; Accreditation Details; Collaborations; and Contact Information of the Submitter.

Conclusion:
Feedback about the elements in the taxonomy and presentation of elements in our search environment from users has been positive. When relevant data are available, the word frequency analysis method may be useful in other taxonomy development efforts for public health.
Pay to Play? State Laws Related to High School Sports Participation Fees
Authors: Eyler Amy A. , Piekarz-Porter Elizabeth , Serrano Natalicio H. 
Published: June 2018

Context:
Participation in high school sports can impact the physical and mental health of students and influence other positive social and economic outcomes. To maintain sports programs amidst school budget deficits, many districts are implementing sports participation fee policies. Although locally implemented, these district policies can be guided by state law.

Objective:
The main objective of this study was to assess state laws and regulations related to high school sports participation fees.

Design:
Codified statutes and administrative regulations were compiled for all 50 states and the District of Columbia using subscription-based services from LexisNexis and WestlawNext. A content assessment tool was developed to identify key components of school sports participation fee laws and used for summarization. Key components identified included legislation summarization, years in effect, whether it allows fees, whether there is any fee waiver, qualifications needed for fee waiver, whether there is a tax credit, and whether there is disclosure of implementation. State information was aggregated and doubled-coded to ensure reliability.

Results:
As of December 31, 2016, 18 states had laws governing sports participation fees; 17 of these states' laws allowed for such fees, whereas 1 state prohibited them. Most laws give authority to local school boards to set and collect fees. The laws in 9 states have provisions for a waiver program for students who cannot pay the fees, although they do not all mandate the existence of these waivers. Other content within laws included tax credits and disclosure.

Conclusion:
This analysis shows that states with laws related to school sports participation fees varied in scope and content. Little is known about the implementation or impact of these laws at the local level and the effect of fees on different student population groups. This warrants future investigation.
Contextual Influences on Value-based Choice
Authors: Man Vincent , Kovacheff Chloe , Cunningham William A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBiases in choice behavior are shaped by both immediately encountered cues as well as the background context in which these cues are embedded. Here we examine the mechanisms that underlie the integration of contextual and cue information, and the manner in which these sources of information shape behavior. We demonstrate contextual influence on choice dissociated from cue information using a value-based multi-alternative choice task while recording neural activity using electroencephalography. Consistent with work on negativity biases, we show that contextual attributes related to loss, reflected along central-parietal sites in the gamma (30-59 Hz) frequency range, are prioritized and drive behavior to prevent loss. We employ a multi-alternative sequential sampling computational model to show that contextual and cue information are integrated through the decision process to shape choice responses, and link this integrative process to a neural signature in the gamma frequency band.