bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient Navigation Associated with Decreased 30-Day All-Cause Readmission
Authors: Kowalkowski MA , Raghavan D , Blackley K , Morris V , Farhangfar C 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Background: Oncology patient navigation (PN) programs have been developed to improve outcomes and reduce disparities. Limited data exist to describe the effect of PN on important clinical outcomes, such as readmission, post cancer diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥18 yrs) diagnosed with first primary cancer from Jan 2013-Nov 2014 at a multi-site academic community based cancer institute. “Nearest-neighbor with caliper” propensity-score (PS) matching was used to match PN to similar not navigated (NN) patients. Patients had ≥3 mo follow-up post cancer diagnosis. 30d all-cause readmission (ACR) was any inpatient admission within 30d of discharge from index hospitalization (IH). IH was the first inpatient admission ≤12 mo post cancer diagnosis. When IH ended in transfer to another acute care facility, ACR was calculated from final discharge from acute care. Deaths during IH and discharges against medical advice were excluded from ACR analysis. Multivariable random effects and conditional logistic regression models evaluated associations between PN and length of hospital stay (LOS) and ACR. Results: 10532 patients were eligible (2592 PN; 7940 NN). 4324 PS-matched patients (2162 PN/NN) were included, with balanced demographic (age, sex, race, ethnicity, insurance, marital status, employment, rurality) and tumor characteristics (site, stage, grade, vascular invasion, metastases) and overall health (comorbidity index, inpatient admission 12mo before cancer diagnosis) between groups. There were 4156 total inpatient admissions ≤12 mo post cancer diagnosis. 1190 PN and 958 NN had ≥1 inpatient admission (55% vs 44% P &lt; 0.01). Controlling for principle diagnosis, procedures performed, and charges, LOS was slightly shorter in PN than NN (log LOS β = −0.05 [5% shorter stay] P = 0.05). Among those with eligible IH, 17% PN and 21% NN were readmitted ≤30 d. Controlling for principle diagnosis, procedures performed, and LOS during IH, PN had lower odds of ACR (OR = 0.66 95% CI, 0.48–0.92). Conclusion: In a large, diverse PS-matched cohort, PN patients had shorter LOS and lower odds of ACR. Results suggest PN improves care transition and clinical outcomes for cancer patients after inpatient admission. Additional analyses will explore subgroup differences.
Understanding TERT Promoter Mutations: A Common Path to Immortality
Authors: Bell Robert J.A. , Rube H. Tomas , Xavier-Magalhães Ana , Costa Bruno M. , Mancini Andrew , Song Jun S. , Costello Joseph F. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Telomerase (TERT) activation is a fundamental step in tumorigenesis. By maintaining telomere length, telomerase relieves a main barrier on cellular lifespan, enabling limitless proliferation driven by oncogenes. The recently discovered, highly recurrent mutations in the promoter of TERT are found in over 50 cancer types, and are the most common mutation in many cancers. Transcriptional activation of TERT, via promoter mutation or other mechanisms, is the rate-limiting step in production of active telomerase. Although TERT is expressed in stem cells, it is naturally silenced upon differentiation. Thus, the presence of TERT promoter mutations may shed light on whether a particular tumor arose from a stem cell or more differentiated cell type. It is becoming clear that TERT mutations occur early during cellular transformation, and activate the TERT promoter by recruiting transcription factors that do not normally regulate TERT gene expression. This review highlights the fundamental and widespread role of TERT promoter mutations in tumorigenesis, including recent progress on their mechanism of transcriptional activation. These somatic promoter mutations, along with germline variation in the TERT locus also appear to have significant value as biomarkers of patient outcome. Understanding the precise molecular mechanism of TERT activation by promoter mutation and germline variation may inspire novel cancer cell-specific targeted therapies for a large number of cancer patients. Mol Cancer Res; 14(4); 315–23. ©2016 AACR.
Motivações e expectativas na busca de tratamento para o uso abusivo e dependência de crack, álcool e outras drogas
Authors: Gomes Rebeca Rodrigues , Ribeiro Mara Cristina , Matias Ewerton Cardoso , Brêda Mércia Zeviani , Mângia Elisabete Ferreira 
Published: March 2016

Pesquisa realizada em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas que objetivou analisar sob que circunstâncias ocorre a procura ao serviço e as motivações e expectativas que envolvem este processo e impulsionam a adesão ao tratamento. Trata-se de investigação exploratória e descritiva de caráter qualitativo que desenvolveu estudo bibliográfico e documental e realizou 10 entrevistas com usuários do serviço submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados apontam que a família exerce forte influência na motivação, tanto na busca do serviço quanto na adesão ao tratamento, outras motivações são a saúde fragilizada, violência experienciada pelo usuário em seu cotidiano e o desejo de mudança. As expectativas estão relacionadas à vontade de abandonar o consumo de drogas e à (re)construção de vínculos com a família e o trabalho. Conclui-se que os serviços especializados devem ampliar suas estratégias de inserção da família e da comunidade na atenção objetivando o fortalecimento do processo de cuidado. Investimentos em suas habilidades, autonomia e protagonismo também devem ser desenvolvidos para responder às expectativas dos usuários de reconstrução de suas histórias de vida.
Age-related Multiscale Changes in Brain Signal Variability in Pre-task versus Post-task Resting-state EEG
Authors: Wang Hongye , McIntosh Anthony R. , Kovacevic Natasa , Karachalios Maria , Protzner Andrea B. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Recent empirical work suggests that, during healthy aging, the variability of network dynamics changes during task performance. Such variability appears to reflect the spontaneous formation and dissolution of different functional networks. We sought to extend these observations into resting-state dynamics. We recorded EEG in young, middle-aged, and older adults during a “rest–task–rest” design and investigated if aging modifies the interaction between resting-state activity and external stimulus-induced activity. Using multiscale entropy as our measure of variability, we found that, with increasing age, resting-state dynamics shifts from distributed to more local neural processing, especially at posterior sources. In the young group, resting-state dynamics also changed from pre- to post-task, where fine-scale entropy increased in task-positive regions and coarse-scale entropy increased in the posterior cingulate, a key region associated with the default mode network. Lastly, pre- and post-task resting-state dynamics were linked to performance on the intervening task for all age groups, but this relationship became weaker with increasing age. Our results suggest that age-related changes in resting-state dynamics occur across different spatial and temporal scales and have consequences for information processing capacity.
Differential role of Id1 in MLL-AF9–driven leukemia based on cell of origin
Authors: Man Na , Sun Xiao-Jian , Tan Yurong , García-Cao Marta , Liu Fan , Cheng Guoyan , Hatlen Megan , Xu Haiming , Shah Ronit , Chastain Nolan , Liu Na , Huang Gang , Zhou Yuan , Sheng Mengyao , Song Junhong , Yang Feng-Chun , Benezra Robert , Nimer Stephen D. , Wang Lan 
Published: March 2016

Key Points
Loss of Id1 delays leukemogenesis in fetal MLL-AF9 leukemia model, but accelerates leukemogenesis in postnatal MLL-AF9 leukemia model. Deletion of Cdkn1a (p21) rescues the loss of Id1 in both MLL-AF9 mouse models.
Can Historic Interiors with Large Cubature be Turned Acoustically Correct?
Authors: Kamisiński Tadeusz , Kulowski Andrzej , Kinasz Roman 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHistoric interiors with large cubature, such as reception, theatrical, and concert halls, need to be renovated periodically if they are to be preserved as cultural heritage for future generations. In such cases it is necessary to maintain appropriate balance between requirements imposed by heritage conservation authorities office which are usually being given a higher priority, applicable safety regulations, and the comfort of use, including good acoustics.The paper is a presentation of architectural interference in three historic interiors with large cubature leading to changes in their acoustic qualities. In two cases, the changes were beneficial to the functional qualities of the halls to satisfaction of the investors carrying out the renovation work. In the third instance, the architectural interference aimed at showing off the monumental valor of the interior resulted in significant degradation of its acoustics. To remedy the situation impairing the functional program of the facility, corrective measures are proposed neutral with respect to its historic character.
The spatial prediction of landslide susceptibility applying artificial neural network and logistic regression models: A case study of Inje, Korea
Authors: Saro Lee , Woo Jeon Seong , Kwan-Young Oh , Moung-Jin Lee 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study is to predict landslide susceptibility caused using the spatial analysis by the application of a statistical methodology based on the GIS. Logistic regression models along with artificial neutral network were applied and validated to analyze landslide susceptibility in Inje, Korea. Landslide occurrence area in the study were identified based on interpretations of optical remote sensing data (Aerial photographs) followed by field surveys. A spatial database considering forest, geophysical, soil and topographic data, was built on the study area using the Geographical Information System (GIS). These factors were analysed using artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression models to generate a landslide susceptibility map. The study validates the landslide susceptibility map by comparing them with landslide occurrence areas. The locations of landslide occurrence were divided randomly into a training set (50%) and a test set (50%). A training set analyse the landslide susceptibility map using the artificial network along with logistic regression models, and a test set was retained to validate the prediction map. The validation results revealed that the artificial neural network model (with an accuracy of 80.10%) was better at predicting landslides than the logistic regression model (with an accuracy of 77.05%). Of the weights used in the artificial neural network model, ‘slope’ yielded the highest weight value (1.330), and ‘aspect’ yielded the lowest value (1.000). This research applied two statistical analysis methods in a GIS and compared their results. Based on the findings, we were able to derive a more effective method for analyzing landslide susceptibility.
A Seroprevalence Study of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections in a Hospitalized Population in Romania, an Opportunity for a Better National Prevention and Control Strategy
Authors: Popovici Odette , Molnar Geza B. , Popovici Florin , Janţă Denisa , Pistol Adriana , Azoicăi Doina 
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims: The most recent prevalence data for jepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Romania came from an ESEN 2 study (2002), and from a Romanian population-based study performed in 2008. Most of the previous studies were regional and performed in specific groups (blood donors, pregnant women, institutionalized people, etc) and had limited representativeness at the national level, both for HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The scarcity of prevalence data for HBV and HCV infection coming from the routine surveillance was also considered.
The aim of our study was to obtain overall and age group specific estimates of the prevalence of HBV and HCN infections markers in Romania, in order to recommend evidence-based public health interventions. The main outcome was the proportion of persons with HBV, HCV and HBV+HCV infection markers, overall and by age group and gender.
Methods: Our seroprevalence study ensured national representativeness for the targeted hospitalized population. A prospective collection of serum samples in hospital laboratories was completed between September and November 2013, using a systematic sampling. The study respected the confidentiality of personal data. We calculated the sample size using EpiInfo7 and used Z test – Two-tailed probability for statistical significance.
Results: The overall prevalence data estimated in our study were HBc Ab 28%, HBs Ag 4.2%, HBs Ab regardless of titer 64.1%, HBs Ab in titer of at least 10mUI/ml and negative HBc Ab 17.5%; HCV Ab 5.6%; HBc Ab and HCV Ab 2.8%, as markers of double infection.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence data estimated in our study for HBs Ag (4.2%) and HCV Ab (5.6%) correspond to a medium endemicity based on the WHO criteria. The estimated prevalence of HBV and HCV infection markers in the study population should represent an opportunity for a better national prevention and control strategy.
Abbrevations: ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; ESEN: European Seroepidemiology Network; HBcAb: Hepatitis B-core antibodies; HBsAg: Hepatitis B surface antigen; HBV: Hepatitis B virus; HCVAb: Hepatitis C virus antibodies; HCV: Hepatitis C virus; NIPH: The National Institute of Public Health.
Probiotics in the Treatment of Diverticular Disease. A Systematic Review
Authors: Lahner Edith , Bellisario Cristina , Hassan Cesare , Zullo Angelo , Esposito Gianluca , Annibale Bruno 
Published: March 2016

Background & Aims: Diverticular disease is a common gastrointestinal condition. Low-grade inflammation and altered intestinal microbiota have been identified as factors contributing to abdominal symptoms. Probiotics may lead to symptoms improvement by modifying the gut microbiota and are promising treatments for diverticular disease. The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy of probiotics in diverticular disease in terms of remission of abdominal symptoms and prevention of acute diverticulitis.
Methods: According to PRISMA, we identified studies on diverticular disease patients treated with probiotics (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane). The quality of these studies was evaluated by the Jadad scale. Main outcomes measures were remission of abdominal symptoms and prevention of acute diverticulitis.
Results: 11 studies (2 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled, 5 open randomized, 4 non-randomized open studies) were eligible. Overall, diverticular disease patients were 764 (55.1% females, age 58-75 years). Three studies included patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, 4 studies with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease in remission, 4 studies with complicated or acute diverticulitis. Mainly (72.7%) single probiotic strains had been used, most frequently Lactobacilli. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months. Interventions were variable: in 8 studies the probiotic was administered together with antibiotic or anti-inflammatory agents and compared with the efficacy of the drug alone; in 3 studies the probiotic was compared with a high-fibre diet or used together with phytoextracts. As an outcome measure, 4 studies evaluated the occurrence rate of acute diverticulitis, 6 studies the reduction of abdominal symptoms, and 6 studies the recurrence of abdominal symptoms. Meta-analysis on the efficacy of probiotics in diverticular disease could not be performed due to the poor quality of retrieved studies.
Conclusion: This systematic review showed that high-quality data on the efficacy of probiotics in diverticular disease are scant: the available data do not permit conclusions. Further investigation is required to understand how probiotics can be employed in this condition.
Abbreviations: DD: diverticular disease; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; RR: relative risk.
Nitrogen Management Effects on Spring Wheat Yield and Protein Concentration Vary with Seeding Date and Slope Position
Authors: Grant Cynthia A. , Moulin Alan P. , Tremblay Nicolas 
Published: March 2016

Efficient N fertilizer can improve economic returns and reduce environmental risk. This study evaluated effects of fertilizer rate, source, timing and placement combinations on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and protein concentration under varying environmental conditions created by differing slope position and seeding dates. Grain yield and protein responses to N management were evaluated for 3 yr at two locations near Brandon, MB, Canada. Grain yield was generally higher by up to 0.9 t ha−1 and protein lower by up to 20 g kg−1 on lower vs. upper slope positions. Grain yield was higher by up to 0.7 t ha−1 and protein concentration lower by 20 g kg−1 with early vs. late seeding. While grain yield and protein both usually increased with N application, by up to 25 and 20%, differences among fertilizer treatments were infrequent. In 2 site‐years, grain yield was lower with fall‐ than spring‐banded urea and the use of fall‐banded controlled release urea (CRU) reduced N losses and led to yields intermediate between fall‐ and spring‐banded urea. Where differences occurred among fertilizer treatments, yield was generally highest with spring side‐banded urea. However, protein occasionally increased with use of CRU vs. urea fertilizer. Spring side‐banded urea, although less costly than enhanced efficiency fertilizers or split N applications, produces both yield and protein concentrations as high or higher than a range of enhanced efficiency fertilizer products or split applications of N, and is a good N management option under environmental conditions in southwestern Manitoba.Core Ideas

Benefits of controlled release fertilizers are low where N losses are low
In‐soil banding of N is an effective management practice
Use of urease inhibitors may not overcome loss of efficiency for surface application as compared to in‐soil banding
Spring in‐soil bands are as or more effective than split applications of N in increasing spring wheat yield under common prairie conditions
When banded in the fall, controlled release urea can be more effective than uncoated urea where environmental conditions promote N losses
Industry Characteristics, Risk Premiums, and Debt Pricing
Authors: Amiram Dan , Kalay Alon , Sadka Gil 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Despite theoretical and anecdotal evidence highlighting the importance of industry-level analyses to lenders, the empirical literature on debt pricing has focused almost exclusively on firm-level forces that affect expected loss. This paper provides empirical evidence that industry-level characteristics relate to debt pricing through risk premiums. We address the empirical challenges that arise when testing these theories by using a proprietary dataset of time-varying and forward-looking measures of industry characteristics. These characteristics include growth, sensitivity to external shocks, and industry structure, all measured at the six-digit NAICS level. Our results show that lenders demand higher spreads to bear industry-level risk. The relation exists within subsamples with constant credit ratings, and strengthens when lenders' loan portfolios are less diversified and during periods when diversification is difficult. Therefore, our results suggest that industry characteristics relate to debt pricing by informing lenders not only about expected loss, but also about risk premiums.
JEL Classifications: G31; G32; G33; M21.
Cement leakage in pedicle screw augmentation: a prospective analysis of 98 patients and 474 augmented pedicle screws
Authors: Mueller Jan U. , Baldauf Joerg , Marx Sascha , Kirsch Michael , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Pillich Dirk T. 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE
Loosening and pullout of pedicle screws are well-known problems in pedicle screw fixation surgery. Augmentation of pedicle screws with bone cement, first described as early as 1975, increases the pedicle-screw interface and pullout force in osteoporotic vertebrae. The aim of the present study was to identify cement leakage and pulmonary embolism rates in a large prospective single-center series of pedicle screw augmentations.

METHODS
All patients who underwent cement-augmented pedicle screw placement between May 2006 and October 2010 at the authors' institution were included in this prospective cohort study. Perivertebral cement leakage and pulmonary cement embolism were evaluated with a CT scan of the area of operation and with a radiograph of the chest, respectively.

RESULTS
A total of 98 patients underwent placement of cement-augmented pedicle screws; 474 augmented screws were inserted in 237 vertebrae. No symptomatic perivertebral cement leakage or symptomatic pulmonary cement embolism was observed, but asymptomatic perivertebral cement leakage was seen in 88 patients (93.6%) and in 165 augmented vertebrae (73.3%). Cement leakage most often occurred in the perivertebral venous system. Clinically asymptomatic pulmonary cement embolism was found in 4 patients (4.1%).

CONCLUSIONS
Perivertebral cement leakage often occurs in pedicle screw augmentation, but in most cases, it is clinically asymptomatic. Cement augmentation should be performed under continuous fluoroscopy to avoid high-volume leakage. Alternative strategies, such as use of expandable screws, should be examined in more detail for patients at high risk of screw loosening.
Progressive hemorrhagic injury after severe traumatic brain injury: effect of hemoglobin transfusion thresholds
Authors: Vedantam Aditya , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Rubin Maria Laura , Robertson Claudia S. , Gopinath Shankar P. 
Published: March 2016

OBJECT
There is limited literature available to guide transfusion practices for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent studies have shown that maintaining a higher hemoglobin threshold after severe TBI offers no clinical benefit. The present study aimed to determine if a higher transfusion threshold was independently associated with an increased risk of progressive hemorrhagic injury (PHI), thereby contributing to higher rates of morbidity and mortality.

METHODS
The authors performed a secondary analysis of data obtained from a recently performed randomized clinical trial studying the effects of erythropoietin and blood transfusions on neurological recovery after severe TBI. Assigned hemoglobin thresholds (10 g/dl vs 7 g/dl) were maintained with packed red blood cell transfusions during the acute phase after injury. PHI was defined as the presence of new or enlarging intracranial hematomas on CT as long as 10 days after injury. A severe PHI was defined as an event that required an escalation of medical management or surgical intervention. Clinical and imaging parameters and transfusion thresholds were used in a multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for PHI.

RESULTS
Among 200 patients enrolled in the trial, PHI was detected in 61 patients (30.5%). The majority of patients with PHI had a new, delayed contusion (n = 29) or an increase in contusion size (n = 15). The mean time interval between injury and identification of PHI was 17.2 ± 15.8 hours. The adjusted risk of severe PHI was 2.3 times higher for patients with a transfusion threshold of 10 g/dl (95% confidence interval 1.1–4.7; p = 0.02). Diffuse brain injury was associated with a lower risk of PHI events, whereas higher initial intracranial pressure increased the risk of PHI (p < 0.001). PHI was associated with a longer median length of stay in the intensive care unit (18.3 vs 14.4 days, respectively; p = 0.04) and poorer Glasgow Outcome Scale scores (42.9% vs 25.5%, respectively; p = 0.02) at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS
A higher transfusion threshold of 10 g/dl after severe TBI increased the risk of severe PHI events. These results indicate the potential adverse effect of using a higher hemoglobin transfusion threshold after severe TBI.