bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A bundle improves eye care in PICU
Authors: McCall Karen , Hussin Hussin M , Gregory Maria Elena , Dutton Gordon , Richardson Julie 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundIntensive care patients are susceptible to developing painful corneal epithelial deficits. Provision of eye care to prevent deficits was limited in our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) population.InterventionsA new eye care bundle was introduced, comprising a guideline for eye care, the addition of eye lubricants to the electronic prescribing order set for new admissions to PICU and staff education on the importance of eye care. Weekly examinations over a 2-month period following implementation of the bundle evaluated eye care provision and presence of corneal epithelial deficits on ophthalmic examination.ResultsProvision of formal eye care improved from 19% to 96%. The incidence of deficits was lower than previously, simple eye ointment reduced the risk of deficits, even in incompletely closed eyes.ConclusionsUse of an eye care bundle, together with a multidisciplinary team approach to eye care, improves the provision of eye care in PICU.
Bias associated with left ventricular quantification by multimodality imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rigolli Marzia , Anandabaskaran Sulakchanan , Christiansen Jonathan P , Whalley Gillian A 
Published: April 2016

PurposeCardiac MR (CMR) is the gold standard for left ventricular (LV) quantification. However, two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) is the most common approach, and both three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and multidetector CT (MDCT) are increasingly available. The clinical significance and interchangeability of these modalities remains under-investigated. Therefore, we undertook a systemic review to evaluate the accuracy and absolute bias in LV quantification of all the commonly available non-invasive imaging modalities (2DE, CE-2DE, 3DE, MDCT) compared to cardiac MR (CMR).MethodsStudies were included that reported LV echocardiographic (2DE, CE-2DE, 3DE) and/or MDCT measurements compared to CMR. Only modern CMR (SSFP sequences) was considered. Studies involving small sample size (<10 patients) and unusual cardiac geometry (ie, congenital heart diseases) were excluded. We evaluated LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV) and ejection fraction (LVEF).Results1604 articles were initially considered: 65 studies were included (total of 4032 scans (echo, CT, MRI) performed in 2888 patients). Compared to CMR, significant biased underestimation of LV volumes with 2DE was seen (LVEDV—33.30 mL, LVESV −16.20 mL, p<0.0001). This difference was reduced but remained significant with CE-2DE (LVEDV −18.05, p<0.0001) and 3DE (LVEDV −14.41, p<0.001), while MDCT values were similar to CMR (LVEDV −1.20, p=0.43; LVESV −0.13, p=0.91). However, excellent agreement for echocardiographic LVEF evaluation (2DE LVEF 0.78–1.01%, p=0.37) was observed, especially with 3DE (LVEF 0.14%, p=0.88).ConclusionsComparing imaging modalities to CMR as reference standard, 3DE had the highest accuracy in LVEF estimation: 2DE and 3DE-derived LV volumes were significantly underestimated. Newer generation CT showed excellent accuracy for LV volumes.
Quality-of-Life Outcomes With Anatomic Versus Functional Diagnostic Testing Strategies in Symptomatic Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mark Daniel B. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Sheng Shubin , Baloch Khaula N. , Daniels Melanie R. , Hoffmann Udo , Patel Manesh R. , Cooper Lawton S. , Lee Kerry L. , Douglas Pamela S. 
Published: April 2016

Background—
The Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial found that initial use of ≥64 detector-row computed tomography angiography versus standard functional testing strategies (exercise ECG, stress nuclear methods, or stress echocardiography) did not improve clinical outcomes in 10 003 stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease requiring noninvasive testing. Symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) were major secondary outcomes.

Methods and Results—
We prospectively collected a battery of QOL instruments in 5985 patients at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months postrandomization. The prespecified primary QOL measures were the Duke Activity Status Index and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire frequency and QOL scales. All comparisons were made as randomized. Baseline variables were well balanced in the 2982 patients randomly assigned to computed tomography angiography testing and the 3003 patients randomly assigned to functional testing. The Duke Activity Status Index improved substantially in both groups over the first 6 months following testing, but we found no evidence for a strategy-related difference (mean difference [anatomic – functional] at 24 months of follow-up, 0.1 [95% confidence interval, –0.9 to 1.1]). Similar results were seen for the Seattle Angina Questionnaire frequency scale (mean difference at 24 months, –0.2; 95% confidence interval, –0.8 to 0.4) and QOL scale (mean difference at 24 months, –0.2; 95% confidence interval, –1.3 to 0.9). None of the secondary QOL measures showed a consistent strategy-related difference.

Conclusions—
In symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease who required noninvasive testing, symptoms and QOL improved significantly. However, a strategy of initial anatomic testing, in comparison with functional testing, did not provide an incremental benefit for QOL over 2 years of follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01174550.
Role of psychological factors in burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Galli Federica , Lodi Giovanni , Sardella Andrea , Vegni Elena 
Published: April 2016

Background Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic medical condition characterised by hot, painful sensations in the lips, oral mucosa, and/or tongue mucosa. On examination, these appear healthy, and organic causes for the pain cannot be found. Several studies have yielded scant evidence of the involvement of psychological and/or psychopathological factors, and several have outlined a model for the classification of BMS. Aim This review aims to provide a systematic review of research examining the psychological, psychiatric, and/or personality factors linked to BMS. Findings Fourteen controlled studies conducted between 2000 and the present were selected based on stringent inclusion/exclusion criteria. All studies but one reported at least some evidence for the involvement of psychological factors in BMS. Anxiety and depression were the most common and the most frequently studied psychopathological disorders among BMS patients. Discussion and conclusion Anxiety and depression play critical roles in this condition. Evidence on the role of personality characteristics of BMS patients has also been produced by a few studies. Further studies on the role of specific psychological factors in BMS are warranted, but the importance of a multidisciplinary approach (medical and psychological) to BMS is no matter of discussion.
Meta analysis of different methods used for joint preserving procedures in the management of delayed, neglected and non-united femoral neck fractures in young adults
Authors: ELzohairy Mohamed Mansour , Eid Abdel Salam 
Published: April 2016

Background Neglected fractures in young adults can be amongst the most difficult to treat in the spectrum of fractures of the femoral neck. Because of its complex anatomy and blood supply, timely fixation is paramount. When this does not occur, non-union and avascular necrosis are common complications. Here, we present a meta-analysis of three common options available to the surgeon treating such complications. Methods We identified 97 relevant papers by the keywords ‘femoral neck fractures’; ‘neglected’; ‘joint preserving’ and ‘young adults’; 23 met the inclusion criteria and reported on an overall population of 725 patients. Results Osteotomy with internal fixation had a union rate of 91.33% (95% CI 84.91–92.87). Fractures fixed by internal fixation with pedicled muscle graft proceeded to union in 86.25% (95% CI 78.92%–88.54%) of cases and those managed with free fibular graft in 88% (95% CI 78.35%–90.84%), respectively. Internal fixation alone, in this study, used as an illustrative control group, was successful in 76.5% (95% CI 65.58%–83.81%) of cases. Conclusion These findings show superiority of osteotomy with internal fixation in the management of non-united femoral neck fractures, and more complex options with potentially higher morbidity confer no patient benefit.
Characterisation of occupational blood and body fluid exposures beyond the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
Authors: Green-McKenzie Judith , McCarthy Ronda B , Shofer Frances S 
Published: April 2016

Objective: To describe the use of mandated safety engineered sharps devices (SESDs) and personal protective equipment in healthcare workers (HCWs) with occupational body fluid exposures (BFE) since the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. Methods: Two questionnaires were administered, over 3 years, to HCWs who reported sharps or splash BFEs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used. Results: Of the 498 questionnaires completed, nurses completed 262 (53%), house staff 155 (32 %), technicians 63 (13%) and phlebotomists 11 (2%). Four (1%) completers reported ‘other’ and three (1%) reported unknown. Sharps injuries accounted for 349 (70%) of the BFEs. SESDs were utilised 43% (128/299) of the time with a 54% (70/130) activation rate. Phlebotomists (80%; 8/10) and nurses (59%; 79/267) used SESDs more than doctors (27%; 31/86) and technicians (26%; 10/39) ( P <0.0001). Fifty-four percent (185/207) of HCWs reported having had training on SESD use; nurses (64%; 98/154) and phlebotomists (70%; 7/8) significantly more so than house staff (44%; 59/133) and technicians (44%; 21/48) ( P <0.05). Most splash BFEs were to the eyes 73% (91/149). Five percent (4/79) of HCWs used protective eyewear. Conclusions: Systematic regular training, appropriate protocols and iteratively providing the safest SESDs based on HCW experience and technological advances will further reduce the physical and emotional toll of BFEs.
Income, amenities and negative attitudes
Authors: Waisman Gisela , Larsen Birthe 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
We exploit the regional variation in negative attitudes towards immigrants to Sweden in order to analyse the consequences of negative attitudes on refugees’ utility from labour income and amenities. We find that attitudes towards immigrants are important: while they affect mainly the refugees’ quality of life, they also affect their income. We estimate the utility effects of negative attitudes for refugees with different levels of education and gender. We also analyse how the size of the refugees’ networks relate to their quality of life and income as well as how negative attitudes towards immigration and networks interact.
The Formation of Cadets Communicative Competence In the Process of Foreign Language Education In the Military Institute
Authors: Ханжина  , Khanzhina Tatyana 
Published: April 2016

The formation of cadetscommunicative competence in the process of
foreign language education in the military institute consists of some
components. First of all it is authentic material – sound tracks, study films,
military documentation, slides. In the studying the discipline «The Foreign
Language» cadet must understand the general content of authentic publicpolitical,
journalistic and texts of military orientation. That&#96;s why the special
role is given to the education of audition teaching. To prepare cadets for
the foreign communication it is necessary to teach him to work with the
profession oriented text, to reviewing it. This ability develops basic abilities
of the foreign speech understanding.
Today the new multimedia technologies for the foreign language teaching
are used. They help to understand language events, make communicative
situations, develop language and speech activities. The author gives the
lesson fragment with the multimedia technologies using.
Effectiveness and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for adults with lumbar spine pseudarthrosis following spinal fusion surgery
Authors: Bodalia P. N. , Balaji V. , Kaila R. , Wilson L. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesWe performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the safety and efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) compared with bone graft when used specifically for revision spinal fusion surgery secondary to pseudarthrosis.MethodsThe MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched using defined search terms. The primary outcome measure was spinal fusion, assessed as success or failure in accordance with radiograph, MRI or CT scan review at 24-month follow-up. The secondary outcome measure was time to fusion.ResultsA total of six studies (three prospective and three retrospective) reporting on the use of BMP2 met the inclusion criteria (203 patients). Of these, four provided a comparison of BMP2 and bone graft whereas the other two solely investigated the use of BMP2. The primary outcome was seen in 92.3% (108/117) of patients following surgery with BMP2. Although none of the studies showed superiority of BMP2 to bone graft for fusion, its use was associated with a statistically quicker time to achieving fusion. BMP2 did not appear to increase the risk of complication.ConclusionThe use of BMP2 is both safe and effective within the revision setting, ideally in cases where bone graft is unavailable or undesirable. Further research is required to define its optimum role. Cite this article: Mr P. Bodalia. Effectiveness and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for adults with lumbar spine pseudarthrosis following spinal fusion surgery: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:145–152. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000418.
Testing monetary policy optimality using volatility outcomes: a novel approach
Authors: Ravenna Federico 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe propose a method to assess the efficiency of macroeconomic outcomes using the restrictions implied by optimal policy DSGE models for the volatility of observable variables. The method exploits the variation in the model parameters, rather than random deviations from the optimal policy. In the new Keynesian business cycle model this approach shows that optimal monetary policy imposes tighter restrictions on the behavior of the economy than is readily apparent. The method suggests that for the historical output, inflation and interest rate volatility in the United States over the 1984–2005 period to be generated by any optimal monetary policy with a high probability, the observed interest rate time series should have a 25% larger variance than in the data.
Smart multifunctional nanoparticles in nanomedicine
Authors: Seleci Muharrem , Ag Seleci Didem , Joncyzk Rebecca , Stahl Frank , Blume Cornelia , Scheper Thomas 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Recent advances in nanotechnology caused a growing interest using nanomaterials in medicine to solve a number of issues associated with therapeutic agents. The fabricated nanomaterials with unique physical and chemical properties have been investigated for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Therapeutic agents have been combined with the nanoparticles to minimize systemic toxicity, increase their solubility, prolong the circulation half-life, reduce their immunogenicity and improve their distribution. Multifunctional nanoparticles have shown great promise in targeted imaging and therapy. In this review, we summarized the physical parameters of nanoparticles for construction of “smart” multifunctional nanoparticles and their various surface engineering strategies. Outlook and questions for the further researches were discussed.
Controlled synthesis and characterization of nanohydrogels formed from copolymer (2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid/acrylamide)
Authors: Awadallah-F Ahmed , Abd El-Wahab Soad Y. , Al-Shafey H.I. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNanohydrogels were prepared from copolymer 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS)/acrylamide (AAm) in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) followed by γ-ray exposure. Different molar ratios of AMPS to AAm, 100:0 to 0:100, were investigated. The particle sizes of nanohydrogels were examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The effects of different comonomer composition and pH on swelling (%) and gelation (%) were studied. The characterization of nanohydrogels was performed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersion X-ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that particle sizes ranged from ~9.5 to ~39 nm.
Modeling early stage bone regeneration with biomimetic electrospun fibrinogen nanofibers and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Francis Michael P. , Moghaddam-White Yas M. , Sachs Patrick C. , Beckman Matthew J. , Chen Stephen M. , Bowlin Gary L. , Elmore Lynne W. , Holt Shawn E. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe key events of the earliest stages of bone regeneration have been described in vivo although not yet modeled in an in vitro environment, where mechanistic cell-matrix-growth factor interactions can be more effectively studied. Here, we explore an early-stage bone regeneration model where the ability of electrospun fibrinogen (Fg) nanofibers to regulate osteoblastogenesis between distinct mesenchymal stem cells populations is assessed. Electrospun scaffolds of Fg, polydioxanone (PDO), and a Fg:PDO blend were seeded with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and grown for 7-21 days in osteogenic differentiation media or control growth media. Scaffolds were analyzed weekly for histologic and molecular evidence of osteoblastogenesis. In response to osteogenic differentiation media, ASCs seeded on the Fg scaffolds exhibit elevated expression of multiple genes associated with osteoblastogenesis. Histologic stains and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate widespread mineralization within the scaffolds, as well as de novo type I collagen synthesis. Our data demonstrates that electrospun Fg nanofibers support ASC osteogenic differentiation, yet the scaffold itself does not appear to be osteoinductive. Together, ASCs and Fg recapitulate early stages of bone regeneration ex vivo and presents a prospective autologous therapeutic approach for bone repair.
Urban Housing Policy Considerations: Perspectives from the Finnish Housing Market
Authors: Hannonen Marko 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
It is very difficult to study phenomena in housing markets using conventional so-called neoclassical economics. The core problem stems from the highly unrealistic assumptions of neoclassical economics, such as homogeneous products, equilibrium markets, ceteris paribus clauses, deterministic and linear systems, rationality of economic agents, and the utility maximization principle. New Keynesian economics appears to be a more fruitful approach to housing markets since it presumes that products are differentiated, markets are in disequilibrium state and there exists imperfect competition in a marketplace. Furthermore, new Keynesian economics utilizes the concept of bounded rationality, which is a more realistic description of the actual behavior of economic agents than the theoretical notion of rationality in neoclassical economics.
Heterodoxies in the Work of János Kornai: How Far from the Mainstream?
Authors: Kotosz Balázs 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
One of the most important synthetist of the practical socialist theory is János Kornai. In his works he tempted to describe the working mechanism of the socialist economy in actual practice.
The first part of the paper is to gather special keywords and analytical tools of Kornai’s description. As economist, the main tool is the description of demand and supply without the mathematical formalization of demand and supply functions, and without any Marshall crosses. Instead of them, the theory is based on quantity (stock, slack, shortage, forced substitution), on friction (caused by rigidity, resistance, and information asymmetry), and on soft budget constraint.
In the second part, we investigate if the tools and keywords correspond to economic streams. The first apprehension is that economy (either capitalist or socialist) is declared to be far from Walrasian equilibrium. The conservators of this “non-equilibrium” steady-state are the different forms of friction. The rigidity is one of the main keywords of the New Keynesian theory, surpassing price rigidity that was headstone of Keynes’s General Theory. Kornai attends to the adjustment of quantity (and not, or barely price), but he applies neoclassical analytical tool set (marginal analysis, comparative statics to separate substitution and income effect, etc.) in some (but rare) formal analysis. The soft budget constraint theorem determines the impossibility of neoclassical results because under those conditions the demand theoretically is not limited, but it is in reality. The removal of this contradiction requires devices borrowed from other social sciences.
Finally, the third part sets a question: the characteristics of Kornai’s description may be interpreted as the specialty of socialism (i.e. Kornai had no choice, the practical socialism has classical, neoclassical and new Keynesian features), or it is just his own logic that made his analyses such mixed. The answer is double. As Kornai did not take on the mathematical formalization of his theory, he had not to pin down himself to any theoretical economic school. His works about the socialist economy are decisively descriptive, as a non-market economy cannot be seen through the applied neoclassical algebra.
A New Economic Governance Model for Greece in the 21st Century
Authors: Passaris Constantine E. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The mission and mandate of economic governance in Greece and its accompanying institutional architecture requires a re-alignment in order to conform to the realities of the new global economy of the 21st century. Two recent events, one foundational and the other cataclysmic, have precipitated the need for a new vision and a new conceptual framework for revitalizing and modernizing Greece’s economic governance architecture. These two defining milestones are the emergence of a new global economy and the devastating consequences of the 2008 global financial crisis on the Greek economy.
This paper proposes a new conceptual framework for reforming the public administration in Greece that is congruent with the structural changes precipitated by the new global economy of the 21st century. The Great Recession and the contemporary jobless recovery provide the contextual narrative for redefining macroeconomic policy with regard to achieving good economic governance.
A new set of ten interactive and complementary principles for good governance in the 21st century are proposed. These governance principles should be accompanied with a modern institutional governance architecture. Furthermore, the structural qualities and resilient infrastructure of a revitalized governance model must be able to withstand the future economic shocks and interface effectively with the new global economy of the 21st century.
In essence, this paper sets a new economic governance agenda and designs the supporting governance infrastructure that has the administrative capability and the capacity to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities confronting Greece in the 21st century. All of this, for the purpose of designing a governance infrastructure that interacts more effectively with global institutions; national, regional and local governments; economic, social and political networks; community and grassroots organizations and civil society.