bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclosporine monitoring in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Quilitz Rod 
Published: February 2017

Objective. To review the benefits and limitations of cyclosporine concentration monitoring to maximize efficacy of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis and minimize risk of cyclosporine toxicity. Data Sources. A CANCERLIT search of articles published from 1980 to 1995, using the MESH head ings "cyclosporine," and "bone marrow transplant." References listed in the identified publications were reviewed for additional pertinent literature. Study Selection. Human clinical trials and re view articles evaluating cyclosporine pharmacokinet ics and pharmacodynamics in patients status follow ing bone marrow transplantation. Data synthesis. Cyclosporine concentration monitoring has been proposed due to the critical need for drug efficacy, substanial drug-induced toxic ity, and high pharmacokinetic variability. Selection of biological fluid (blood, serum, or plasma) for moni toring as well as the selectivity of the assay employed for cyclosporine versus its metabolites, is a critical factor in evaluating this literature. Both the relation ship between cyclosporine trough concentration and clinical outcome has been evaluated in this patient population. Conclusions. Cyclosporine trough concentra tion monitoring, especially in the blood using an assay specific for the parent compound, has a role in the care of the allogeneic bone marrow transplantation patient. Cyclosporine levels have been correlated with risk for nephrotoxicity and to a lesser extent hepatotoxicity. Low cyclosporine levels are one fac tor contributing to the risk for acute graft-versus-host disease in these patients. Proper evaluation of cyclo sporine levels with due consideration to patient spe cific factors can assist the clinician in maximizing the chances for graft-versus-host disease prevention while reducing the risk of cyclosporine side effects.
Ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of cats with ureteral obstruction
Authors: Lamb Christopher R , Cortellini Stefano , Halfacree Zoe 
Published: February 2017

Objectives The objective was to identify clinical or ultrasonographic results associated with ureteral obstruction or outcome in cats with azotaemia. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of cats with azotaemia (serum creatinine >180 μmol/l) that had ultrasonography of the urinary tract, ultrasound images available for review and received treatment for azotaemia. Cats with pre-renal azotaemia or urethral obstruction were excluded. Associations between clinical and ultrasonographic results and the dependent variables ‘tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction’, ‘pyelography positive for ureteral obstruction’ and ‘death in hospital’ were tested using binary logistic regression. Results In total, 238 cats satisfied the inclusion criteria. Median age was 7 years (range 2 weeks to 20 years), duration of clinical signs was 7 days (range 1 day to 6.3 years) and serum creatinine was 417 μmol/l (range 184–2100 μmol/l). Tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction in 92/238 (39%) cats was significantly associated with unilateral enlarged kidney on palpation, and dilated renal pelvis and calculi within the ureter on ultrasonography. Pyelography was performed in 49/92 (53%) cats (16 bilateral) with a tentative diagnosis of ureteral obstruction, and was positive for obstruction in 46/65 (71%) instances. No significant differences in ultrasonographic signs were found between cats with obstructed and non-obstructed ureters. Receiver–operating characteristic analysis of renal pelvic diameter as a diagnostic test for ureteral obstruction found an area under the curve not significantly different from 0.5. There was good agreement between results of radiography and ultrasonography for presence of urinary calculi (kappa 0.67). Treatment was medical in 171 (72%) cats and surgical (ureteral stent or by-pass device) in 67 (28%). Death in hospital was significantly associated with serum creatinine and presence of peritoneal fluid, but not with clinical diagnosis, ultrasonographic signs or treatment method. Conclusions and relevance Ultrasonography may be used to identify azotaemic cats at greatest risk of ureteral obstruction, but when using pyelography as the reference test ultrasonography appears to be inaccurate for diagnosis of ureteral obstruction.
Exploring variation in reading comprehension among young adult Spanish–English bilinguals: The role of environmental language contact and attitudes toward reading
Authors: Smith Sara Ashley , Briggs Jessica G , Pothier Holly 
Published: February 2017

Aims: The goal of this study was to investigate diversity among Spanish–English bilingual university-level students’ reading outcomes and the impact of reading attitudes, motivation, and variation in language environment. Design: The current study included 50 Spanish–English bilingual undergraduate students, mean age 21.8 years, from a university in the western United States. Participants were administered a battery of standardized assessments including measures of executive function, English reading comprehension, working memory, non-verbal IQ, and questionnaires addressing language environment, language behaviour, and attitudes toward reading in English and Spanish. Data and analysis: Hierarchical linear regression models regressing reading performance on questionnaire responses were performed. Findings: Spanish–English bilingual university students showed differential reading comprehension outcomes, which were significantly predicted by differences in attitudes toward reading, extrinsic and/or instrumental motivation, and environmental language usage. A combined model of IQ, working memory, perceived English reading skills, and composite of positive attitudes toward reading in Spanish and English accounted for the most variance in reading comprehension scores, 38.5%, F(2,502), p = .03. Greater Spanish use for workplace customer communication significantly predicted higher English reading comprehension. Originality: Distinct from previous research, learners’ perceived value of Spanish reading and use of Spanish in the workplace accounted for variance in English reading outcomes. Significance: Our findings that individual and environmental factors influence variation in reading outcomes indicates further heterogeneity among Spanish–English bilingual university students, with potential implications for reading development and university success.
Language anxiety in the immigrant context: Sweaty palms?
Authors: Sevinç Yeşim 
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives: This is a proof-of-concept study designed to evaluate the level of language anxiety among immigrants by assessing autonomic arousal associated with heritage language anxiety and majority language anxiety among three generations of Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands. It examines the possible relationship between physiology, bilingual speech, language background variables and language anxiety. Design: Two measures of electrodermal activity – skin conductance level (SCL) and skin conductance response (SCR) – were recorded during a video-retelling task in six experimental phases: baseline (2×), free (bilingual) mode (2×), monolingual heritage-language (Turkish) mode, and monolingual majority-language (Dutch) mode. Participants ( n=30) ranked their level of language anxiety after the Turkish monolingual mode and Dutch monolingual mode. A Likert scale-based questionnaire was used to gather information on language background variables (i.e. age of acquisition, oral language proficiency and frequency of language use). Findings: Third-generation bilinguals, to a greater extent than first- and second-generation bilinguals, demonstrated greater autonomic arousal during the Turkish monolingual mode than during the Dutch one. Participants’ SCLs/SCRs in monolingual modes were strongly correlated with their self-reports on heritage and majority language anxiety. Higher levels of SCLs/SCRs in the Turkish monolingual mode were negatively correlated with participants’ Turkish oral proficiency levels and frequency of daily use of Turkish. The correlations between SCLs/SCRs in the Dutch monolingual mode and participants’ Dutch oral proficiency levels and frequency of daily use of Dutch, on the other hand, were low to non-significant. These findings suggest that language anxiety is also related to social and psychological factors, rather than only self-perceived low language proficiency. Implications: The outcome confirms the presence of language anxiety in immigrant contexts. An interdisciplinary approach that applies physiological measures together with social factors and self-reports can shed further light on language anxiety. Originality: The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of language anxiety in immigrant contexts and provides evidence for the relationship between anxiety, bilingual speech and autonomic arousal.
Scabies outbreak among healthcare workers in a German acute care hospital
Authors: Leistner Rasmus , Buchwald Dirk , Beyer Marc , Philipp Sandra 
Published: February 2017

Background: This article reports on a scabies outbreak among healthcare workers (HCW) in an acute care hospital. The outbreak was associated with a patient suffering from a chronic skin disease that was later diagnosed as crusted scabies. Objective: The objective was to determine the outbreak drivers and define a prevention strategy against future outbreaks. Methods: All staff that had contact with the patient were treated with 5% permethrin ointment. An interdisciplinary outbreak investigation team was established. The team conducted a questionnaire-based case-control study. Findings: After the permethrin treatment, no further case was found. Twenty-seven HCWs who had contact with the index patient answered the questionnaire (response rate 73%). The outbreak questionnaire revealed 13 cases of secondary scabies among HCWs. In the multivariable analysis, a lack of glove use (odds ratio [OR], 9.8; P value = 0.036) and frequent close physical contact (OR, 8.151; P value = 0.038) were associated with increased risk of scabies acquisition. Discussion: The scabies outbreak was most likely driven by three factors: an index patient with crusted scabies; a delayed diagnosis of this patient; and close physical contact without gloves during his hospital stay. The use of disposable gloves for patients with unclear dermatological diagnosis have the potential to limit future scabies outbreaks.
The Design, Prototyping, and Formative Evaluation of an Assistive Robotic Table (ART) for Stroke Patients
Authors: Threatt Anthony L. , Merino Jessica , Brooks Johnell O. , Healy Stan , Truesdail Constance , Manganelli Joseph , Walker Ian , Green Keith Evan 
Published: February 2017

Objective: This article presents the results of an exploratory study in which 14 healthcare subject matter experts (H-SMEs) in addition to four research and design subject matter experts (RD-SMEs) at a regional rehabilitation hospital engaged in a series of complementary, participatory activities in order to design an assistive robotic table (ART). Background: As designers, human factor experts, and healthcare professionals continue to work to integrate assistive human–robot technologies in healthcare, it is imperative to understand how the technology affects patient care from clinicians’ perspectives. Method: Fourteen clinical H-SMEs rated a subset of conceptual ART design ideas; participated in the iterative design process of ART; and evaluated a final cardboard prototype, the rehabilitation hospital’s current over-the-bed table (OBT), an ART built with true materials, and two therapy surface prototypes. Four RD-SMEs conducted a heuristic evaluation on the ART built with true materials. Data were analyzed by frequency and content analysis. Results: The results include a design and prototype for the next generation ART and a pneumatically controlled therapy surface, a broadened list of specifications for the future design and implementation of assistive robotic furniture, and final observations. Conclusion: When compared to the rehabilitation hospital’s current OBT, the developed ART in this study was successful. Designing novel features is dependent upon ensuring patient safety. The inclusion of clinicians in the participatory iterative design and evaluation process and the use of personas provided a broadened list of specifications for the successful implementation of assistive robotic furniture.
Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Review of Current Literature and Practice
Authors: Weisman Martin H. S. , Holmes James R. , Irwin Todd A. , Talusan Paul G. 
Published: February 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known and feared complication following foot and ankle surgery, as it is a source of morbidity and mortality in the perioperative phase. The most recent CHEST guidelines recommended against the use of chemoprophylaxis and the majority of the literature has found a low incidence of VTE following foot and ankle surgery. Some authors prefer screening patients for risk factors and recommend the use of chemoprophylaxis on a case-by-case basis. Interestingly, studies that found high incidence of VTE were unable to determine a statistically significant difference between the prophylaxis and placebo groups. Major limitations of retrospective reviews is they are only able to study symptomatic VTE because no routine screening is typically performed. In a survey study, up to 98% of foot and ankle surgeons responded that they use prophylaxis in high-risk patients. Despite evidence-based recommendations, a significant number of foot and ankle surgeons are routinely using some form of VTE prophylaxis without taking risk factors into account. Levels of Evidence: Clinical, Level IV: Review Article
Correlation between anatomy of the scapula and the incidence of rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral osteoarthritis via radiological study
Authors: Miswan Mohd Fairudz bin Mohd , Saman Mohd Shahril bin Ahmad , Hui Teo Seow , Al-Fayyadh Mohamed Zubair Mohamed , Ali Mohamed Razif bin Mohamed , Min Ng Wuey 
Published: February 2017

Introduction: We conducted a study to elucidate the correlation between the anatomy of the shoulder joint with the development of rotator cuff tear (RCT) and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) by using acromioglenoid angle (AGA). Materials and Methods: The AGA is a new measured angle formed between the line from midglenoid to lateral end of the acromion with the line parallel to the glenoid surface. The AGA was measured in a group of 85 shoulders with RCT, 49 with GHOA and 103 non-RCT/GHOA control shoulders. The AGA was compared with other radiological parameters, such as, the critical shoulder angle (CSA), the acromion index (AI) and the acromiohumeral interval (AHI). Correlational and regression analysis were performed using SPSS 20. Results: The mean AGA was 50.9° (45.2–56.5°) in the control group, 53.3° (47.6–59.1°) in RCT group and 45.5° (37.7–53.2°) in OA group. Among patients with AGA > 51.5°, 61% were in the RCT group and among patients with AGA < 44.5°, 56% were in OA group. Pearson correlation analysis had shown significant correlation between AGA and CSA ( r = 0.925, p < 0.001). It was also significant of AHI in RCT group with mean 6.6 mm (4.7–8.5 mm) and significant AI in OA group with mean 0.68 (0.57–0.78) with p value < 0.001 respectively. Conclusion: The AGA method of measurement is an excellent predictive parameter for diagnosing RCT and GHOA.
Does the parental stretching programs improve metatarsus adductus in newborns?
Authors: Eamsobhana Perajit , Rojjananukulpong Karn , Ariyawatkul Thanase , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon , Kaewpornsawan Kamolporn 
Published: February 2017

Background: Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a common pediatric foot deformity. Current recommendations suggest observation until 4–6 months, then casting if the deformity persists. Based on our review of the literatures, no randomized controlled trial has been conducted to study the effectiveness of parental stretching in the correction of MA in newborn. Material and methods: Ninety-four newborn feet that were diagnosed as MA by clinical examination were enrolled. Feet were randomized into two groups: observation group and stretching group. Outcome measurements were performed to compare success rate between groups. Results: According to Pearson’s χ2 test, there were no statistically significant differences between groups with regard to the overall success of the parental stretching program ( p = 0.191). There was also no significant difference between groups for mild degree or moderate-to-severe degree ( p = 0.134, p = 0.274, respectively). A more rapid success rate was observed in the stretching group at the first month follow-up, but rate of improvement then decreased. The stretching group tended to have a lower success rate compared to the observation group in moderate-to-severe feet, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Parental stretching program found no benefit over observation group in this study. Parental stretching program should not be applied for newborn babies with moderate-to-severe MA as the result from the study appeared to have lower success rate compared to observation group. Observe until 4–6 months, then corrective casting for the persisting deformity is recommended.
Arthroscopic extended rotator interval release for treating refractory adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Tsai Ming-Jr , Ho Wei-Pin , Chen Chih-Hwa , Leu Tsai-Hsueh , Chuang Tai-Yuan 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To present the clinical results of arthroscopic extended rotator interval release with a stretching program for treating refractory adhesive capsulitis. Study design: Case series; level of evidence, 4. Methods: Arthroscopy-assisted extended rotator interval tissue release including anterior capsular was performed in 26 patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis. All rotator interval tissues, except the medial sling of the biceps, were excised and the excursion of the subscapularis tendon was restored and freely mobilized. The preoperative mean passive forward flexion was 101°, whereas external rotation at the side was 10°. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years and their visual analog scale for pain, muscle power, range of motion, Constant score, modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Evaluation Form score, and modified University of California at Los Angeles score were recorded. Results: Visual pain scale and the aforementioned clinical scores improved postoperatively. The patients exhibited a significant postoperative difference in forward flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation. Postoperative mean passive forward flexion was 172°, whereas external rotation at the side was 58°. There was no difference in the muscle power postoperatively including abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Conclusions: Our study revealed satisfactory subjective and objective clinical results after a 2-year follow-up. Arthroscopy-assisted extended rotator interval release with a stretching program could be an alternative treatment for refractory adhesive capsulitis.
House Staff Communication Training and Patient Experience Scores
Authors: Oladeru Oladoyin A , Hamadu Musleehat , Cleary Paul D , Hittelman Adam B , Bulsara Ketan R , Laurans Maxwell SH , DiCapua Daniel B , Marcolini Evie G , Moeller Jeremy J , Khokhar Babar , Hodge Jeannette W , Fortin Auguste H , Hafler Janet P , Bennick Michael C , Hwang David Y 
Published: February 2017

Objective: To assess whether communication training for house staff via role-playing exercises (1) is well received and (2) improves patient experience scores in house staff clinics. Methods: We conducted a pre–post study in which the house staff for 3 adult hospital departments participated in communication training led by trained faculty in small groups. Sessions centered on a published 5-step strategy for opening patient-centered interviews using department-specific role-playing exercises. House staff completed posttraining questionnaires. For 1 month prior to and 1 month following the training, patients in the house staff clinics completed surveys with Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) questions regarding physician communication, immediately following clinic visits. Preintervention and postintervention results for top-box scores were compared. Results: Forty-four of a possible 45 house staff (97.8%) participated, with 31 (70.5%) indicating that the role-playing exercise increased their perception of the 5-step strategy. No differences in patient responses to CG-CAHPS questions were seen when comparing 63 preintervention surveys to 77 postintervention surveys. Conclusion: Demonstrating an improvement in standard patient experience surveys in resident clinics may require ongoing communication coaching and investigation of the “hidden curriculum” of training.
Research on urban landscape design using the interactive genetic algorithm and 3D images
Authors: Koma Seiki , Yamabe Yuichiro , Tani Akinori 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundGenerally, there are different optimal solutions with regard to urban landscape planning depending on the area and the opinions and characteristics of community residents. Furthermore, when considering urban landscape and/or city-planning regulations, it is important to include residents’ opinions based on voluntary activities like participation in town development on a regional scale and its management. However, residents’ opinions are difficult to quantify, as many do not have specialized knowledge. Therefore, when an administrative body plans a city, a system to include residents’ opinions on urban landscape options is required.MethodsIn this study, an optimization system for urban landscape design was proposed using an interactive genetic algorithm (IGA). In this system, three properties of an urban landscape, that is, wall surface positions, heights, and building textures, were varied and the resulting urban landscape images, developed using OpenGL, were subjectively evaluated by users. Weighted scores were then calculated using the paired comparison method. In this system, a site of 200 m × 70 m was assumed and 20 buildings were located on 20 m × 20 m lots. The building widths were fixed at 20 m, and wall positions from the sidewalk varied from 10 m to 20 m at 2 m intervals. The building heights varied from 20 m to 40 m at 4 m intervals, and eight building textures were considered. Two simulations were performed: Case 1, in which the three parameters were evaluated simultaneously; and Case 2, in which the three parameters were evaluated individually. The same 10 users participated in both cases. Following completion of each case, questionnaires were administered to users in which they were asked to confirm that the results obtained matched their expectations.ResultsThe results demonstrated that individual users were satisfied with the results generated based on their evaluations. In both cases, the results were obtained from the optimal results of the system as the result of questionnaires.ConclusionsIt is necessary to re-examine the evaluation order and evaluation method used as evaluation order may affect optimal results. Furthermore, since users generated different optimal results, it is necessary to develop an optimization system for urban landscapes that allows for collaboration between users.