bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Training Program to Reduce Stressful Trunk Postures in the Nursing Professions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kozak Agnessa , Freitag Sonja , Nienhaus Albert 
Published: November 2016

Abstract

Objectives:
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate metrologically the effectiveness of a training program on the reduction of stressful trunk postures in geriatric nursing professions.

Methods:
A training program, consisting of instruction on body postures in nursing, practical ergonomic work methods at the bedside or in the bathroom, reorganization of work equipment, and physical exercises, was conducted in 12 wards of 6 nursing homes in Germany. The Computer-Assisted Recording and Long-Term Analysis of Musculoskeletal Loads (CUELA) measurement system was used to evaluate all movements and trunk postures adopted during work before and 6 months after the training program. In total, 23 shifts were measured. All measurements were supported by video recordings. A specific software program (WIDAAN 2.75) was used to synchronize the measurement data and video footage.

Results:
The median proportion of time spent in sagittal inclinations at an angle of >20° was significantly reduced (by 29%) 6 months after the intervention [from 35.4% interquartile range (27.6–43.1) to 25.3% (20.7–34.1); P < 0.001]. Very pronounced inclinations exceeding 60° [2.5% (1.1–4.6) to 1.0% (0.8–1.7); P = 0.002] and static inclinations of over 20° for >4 s [4.4% (3.0–6.7) to 3.6% (2.5–4.5); P < 0.001] were significantly reduced, by 60% and 22%, respectively. Video analysis showed that in 49% of care situations, ergonomic measures were implemented properly, either at the bedside or in the bathroom.

Conclusions:
Stressful trunk postures could be significantly reduced by raising awareness of the physical strains that frequently occur during a shift, by changes in work practices and by redesigning the work environment. Workplace interventions aimed at preventing or reducing low back pain in nursing personnel would probably benefit from sensitizing employees to their postures during work.
Donor-site Morbidity of Medial and Lateral Thigh-based Flaps: A Comparative Study
Authors: Purnell Chad A. , Lewis Kevin C. , Mioton Lauren M. , Hanwright Philip J. , Galiano Robert D. , Dumanian Gregory A. , Alghoul Mohammed S. 
Published: November 2016

Background:
Free and pedicled medial and lateral thigh-based flaps are common reconstructive procedures. However, there have been no comparative studies of morbidity between medial and lateral donor sites.

Methods:
We conducted an Enterprise Data Warehouse-based review of all the senior authors’ (R.D.G., G.A.D., and M.S.A.) thigh-based free and pedicled flaps. Patient demographic data, donor-site complications, drain duration, and number of postoperative visits were collected and compared. Complications were also compared between fasciocutaneous flaps and muscle or myocutaneous flaps, and skin grafted donor sites.

Results:
We analyzed 352 flap donor sites, with 155 medial and 197 lateral. Two hundred seventeen (217) flaps were pedicled. Flap types included 127 gracilis, 27 rectus femoris, 134 anterolateral thigh, and 36 vastus lateralis-only flaps. There were no significant differences in complications between medial (17.4%) and lateral thigh (21.3%) donor sites, although lateral thigh flaps had a mean of 1 additional postoperative visit. Rates of wound dehiscence/healing issues were significantly higher in both gracilis myocutaneous flaps (25.9%) and flaps requiring a skin grafted donor site (31.2%). Postoperative therapeutic anticoagulation was the only significant risk factor for a donor-site complication. Flap complications resulted in increased drain duration and postoperative office visits.

Conclusions:
Donor-site morbidity is similar in both lateral and medial thigh-based flaps. The inclusion of muscle in the flap from either donor site does not seem to increase complications, but the inclusion of a skin paddle with gracilis muscle, or a skin grafted lateral thigh donor site, results in increased wound healing complications.
Rehospitalization Over 10 Years Among Survivors of TBI: A National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study
Authors: Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Mellick Dave , Dreer Laura E. , Hammond Flora M. , Hoffman Jeanne , Landau Alexandra , Zafonte Ross , Pretz Christopher 
Published: November 2016

Objective:
To describe the rates and causes for rehospitalization over 10 years after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to characterize longitudinal trajectories of the probability of rehospitalization using generalized linear mixed models and individual growth curve models conditioned on factors that help explain individual variability in rehospitalization risk over time.

Design:
Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:
Acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community follow-up.

Participants:
Individuals 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of TBI.

Main Outcome Measures:
Rehospitalization (and reason for rehospitalization) as reported by participants or proxy during follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years postinjury.

Results:
The greatest number of rehospitalizations occurred in the first year postinjury (27.8% of the sample), and the rates of rehospitalization remained largely stable (22.1%–23.4%) at 2, 5, and 10 years. Reasons for rehospitalization varied over time: Orthopedic and reconstructive surgery rehospitalizations were most common in year 1, whereas general health maintenance was most common by year 2 with rates increasing at each follow-up. Longitudinal models indicate that multiple demographic and injury-related factors are associated with the probability of rehospitalization over time.

Conclusions:
These findings can inform the content and timing of interventions to improve health and longevity after TBI.
Pediatricians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors to Screening Children After Complicated Mild TBI: A Survey
Authors: Keenan Heather T. , Bratton Susan L. , Dixon Rebecca R. 
Published: November 2016

Objective:
To understand pediatricians' attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors about the care of children with complicated mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Participants:
A total of 3500 pediatricians randomly selected from the American Medical Association Master File.

Design:
It was a cross-sectional survey.

Main Measures:
A survey developed to assess pediatricians' attitudes toward following children with complicated mild TBI for cognitive and behavioral sequelae; their knowledge of TBI sequelae; and their usual evaluation and management of children after TBI.

Results:
There were 576 (16.5%) completed responses. Most pediatricians (51%) see 1 or 2 patients with complicated mild TBI annually. Most do not think that pediatricians are the correct clinician group to be primarily responsible for following children with complicated mild TBI for cognitive (74%) or behavioral sequelae (54%). Pediatricians report difficulty referring children for cognitive (56%) and behavioral (48%) specialty services. Pediatricians have good knowledge of short-term complications of complicated mild TBI.

Conclusion:
Pediatricians do not think they are the clinicians that should primarily care for children after hospitalization for complicated mild TBI; however, other clinicians are frequently not accessible. Pediatricians need educational and referral support to provide surveillance for injury sequelae in this group of children.
LONG-TERM RESULTS OF TOTAL RETINECTOMY IN CASES WITH ADVANCED PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY
Authors: Karacorlu Murat , Sayman Muslubas Isil , Hocaoglu Mumin , Arf Serra , Ersoz Mehmet Giray 
Published: November 2016

Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term results of total retinectomy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Methods:
Seven eyes of 7 patients had pars plana vitrectomy, with or without pars plana lensectomy, and total retinectomy, with or without silicone oil tamponade, for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (Grade D1–3) after previous complex vitreoretinal surgery procedures. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, details of previous operations, and development of complications were evaluated retrospectively.

Results:
Five eyes had a history of penetrating eye trauma, one had persistent fetal vasculature, and one had Coats disease. Patients were all male, with a mean age of 15 ± 11 years (range, 2–31). The mean follow-up was 49.7 ± 50.2 months (range, 12–132). In 3 eyes (42%), enucleation and evisceration were avoided over a mean 100 ± 30.2 month follow-up. All 7 eyes had corneal opacity and band keratopathy after a mean 4.4 ± 3.2 months. Four eyes had phthisis bulbi after a mean 7 ± 4.2 months. No patients developed rubeosis iridis related to the total retinectomy.

Conclusion:
Total retinectomy may be a last option to preserve the eyeball in cases with massive fibrosis and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, despite previous complex surgical treatments.
CORRELATION OF MICROVASCULAR STRUCTURES ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY WITH VISUAL ACUITY IN RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: Kang Joon-Won , Yoo Romi , Jo Youn Hye , Kim Hyung Chan 
Published: November 2016

Purpose:
To analyze the correlation of superficial and deep capillary plexuses using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography with visual acuity in eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO; branch retinal vein occlusion in 21 patients, central retinal vein occlusion in 12 patients) and included 33 healthy subjects as a control group, who were evaluated by OCT angiography. The OCT angiography was performed on a 3 mm × 3-mm region centered on the fovea and parafoveal area. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and foveal and parafoveal vascular density (VD) in superficial and deep vascular plexuses were analyzed using OCT angiography.

Results:
The area of superficial and deep FAZ in eyes with RVO were larger than those in fellow eyes and control eyes (P = 0.034, P = 0.018). The superficial and deep parafoveal VDs in eyes with RVO were significantly lower than those in fellow eyes and control eyes (P = 0.001, P< 0.001). The area of superficial FAZ was negatively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity, and the superficial and deep parafoveal VDs were positively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity. Eighteen of the total 21 eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (85.7%) showed a high concordance rate with respect to the location of branch retinal vein occlusion and the lowest parafoveal VD area. The multivariate analysis showed that the deep parafoveal VD was associated with best-corrected visual acuity.

Conclusion:
The OCT angiography allows to detect FAZ enlargement, increased parafoveal capillary nonperfusion, and decreased parafoveal VD in eyes with RVO. The area of superficial FAZ and the parafoveal VD are correlated with best-corrected visual acuity in eyes with RVO.
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN IN THE TREATMENT OF JUVENILE RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA–ASSOCIATED CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA AND UVEITIS
Authors: Ediriwickrema Lilangi S. , Chhadva Priyanka , Rodger Damien C. , Ameri Hossein , Rao Narsing A. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of cystoid macular edema and uveitis caused by juvenile retinitis pigmentosa in a woman interested in planning a pregnancy.

Methods:
Descriptive case report. A 25-year-old woman with retinitis pigmentosa presented with decreased visual acuity, interested in a second opinion.

Results:
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was begun at 2-week intervals. Visual acuity improved from 20/100 to 20/70 by 6 weeks, where it stabilized for the remaining year. Serial optical coherence tomography imaging revealed marked improvement in cystoid macular edema after 2 treatments of intravenous immunoglobulin at 2 weeks of follow-up, with complete resolution noted at 4 months, a finding that persisted at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion:
Our findings support the use of intravenous immunoglobulin as a therapeutic option for the resolution of cystoid macular edema and management of uveitis secondary to juvenile retinitis pigmentosa.
The Association of Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Insurance on Trauma Mortality
Authors: Mikhail Judy N. , Nemeth Lynne S. , Mueller Martina , Pope Charlene , NeSmith Elizabeth G. , Wilson Kenneth L. , McCann Michael , Fakhry Samir M. 
Published: November 2016

Background:
Although race, socioeconomic status, and insurance individually are associated with trauma mortality, their complex interactions remain ill defined.

Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study from a single Level I center in a racially diverse community was linked by socioeconomic status, insurance, and race from 2000 to 2009 for trauma patients aged 18–64 years with an injury severity score more than 9. The outcome measure was inpatient mortality. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate confounding variables known to predict trauma mortality.

Results:
A total of 4,007 patients met inclusion criteria. Individually, race, socioeconomic status, and insurance were associated with increased mortality rate; however, in multivariate analysis, only insurance remained statistically significant and varied by insurance type with age. Odds of death were higher for Medicare (odds ratio [OR] = 3.63, p = .006) and other insurance (OR = 3.02, p = .007) than for Private Insurance. However, when grouped into ages 18–40 years versus 41–64 years, the insurance influences changed with Uninsured and Other insurance (driven by Tricare) predicting mortality in the younger age group, while Medicare remained predictive in the older age group.

Conclusions:
Insurance type, not race or socioeconomic status, is associated with trauma mortality and varies with age. Both Uninsured and Tricare insurance were associated with mortality in younger age trauma patients, whereas Medicare was associated with mortality in older age trauma patients. The lethality of the Tricare group warrants further investigation.
Using sperm morphometry and multivariate analysis to differentiate species of gray
Mazama
Authors: Cursino Marina Suzuki , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti 
Published: November 2016

There is genetic evidence that the two species of Brazilian gray
Mazama
,
Mazama gouazoubira
and
Mazama nemorivaga
, belong to different genera. This study identified significant differences that separated them into distinct groups, based on characteristics of the spermatozoa and ejaculate of both species. The characteristics that most clearly differentiated between the species were ejaculate colour, white for
M. gouazoubira
and reddish for
M. nemorivaga
, and sperm head dimensions. Multivariate analysis of sperm head dimension and format data accurately discriminated three groups for species with total percentage of misclassified of 0.71. The individual analysis, by animal, and the multivariate analysis have also discriminated correctly all five animals (total percentage of misclassified of 13.95%), and the canonical plot has shown three different clusters: Cluster 1, including individuals of
M. nemorivaga
; Cluster 2, including two individuals of
M. gouazoubira
; and Cluster 3, including a single individual of
M. gouazoubira
. The results obtained in this work corroborate the hypothesis of the formation of new genera and species for gray
Mazama
. Moreover, the easily applied method described herein can be used as an auxiliary tool to identify sibling species of other taxonomic groups.
Exploiting expression patterns across multiple gene isoforms to identify radiation response biomarkers in early-stage breast cancer patients
Authors: Acharya Chaitanya R. , Owzar Kouros , Horton Janet K. , Allen Andrew S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn an effort to understand the underlying biology of radiation response along with whole transcriptome effects of preoperative radiotherapy in early-stage breast tumors, we propose two efficient score-based statistical methods that exploit gene expression patterns across all available gene transcript isoforms and identify potential biomarkers in the form of differentially expressed genes and differentially enriched gene-sets. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these two methods using extensive simulation studies that show that both of our methods give improved performance, in terms of statistical power, over the most commonly used methods. By exploiting radiation-induced changes in all available gene transcript isoforms, we identified several statistically significant differentially expressed genes related to PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT signaling pathways along with radiation-induced oncogenic signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment gene signatures that could be potential targets to improve response to radiotherapy in breast tumors.
ploidyNGS: Visually exploring ploidy with Next Generation Sequencing data
Authors: Santos Renato Augusto Corrêa dos , Goldman Gustavo Henrique , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSummaryploidyNGSis a model-free, open source tool to visualize and explore ploidy levels in a newly sequenced genome, exploiting short read data. We testedploidyNGSusing both simulated and real NGS data of the model yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae.ploidyNGSallows the identification of the ploidy level of a newly sequenced genome in a visual way.Availability and implementationploidyNGSis available under the GNU General Public License (GPL) athttps://github.com/diriano/ploidyNGS.ploidyNGSis implemented in Python and R.Contactdiego.riano@bioetanol.org.br
A Critical-like Collective State Leads to Long-range Cell Communication inDictyostelium discoideumAggregation
Authors: De Palo Giovanna , Yi Darvin , Endres Robert G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe transition from single-cell to multicellular behavior is important in early development but rarely studied. The starvation-induced aggregation of the social amoebaDictyostelium discoideuminto a multicellular slug is known to result from single-cell chemotaxis towards emitted pulses of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). However, how exactly do transient short-range chemical gradients lead to coherent collective movement at a macroscopic scale? Here, we developed a multiscale model verified by quantitative microscopy to describe wide-ranging behaviors from chemotaxis and excitability of individual cells to aggregation of thousands of cells. To better understand the mechanism of long-range cell-cell communication and hence aggregation, we analyzed cell-cell correlations, showing evidence of self-organization at the onset of aggregation (as opposed to following a leader cell). Surprisingly, cell collectives, despite their finite size, show features of criticality known from phase transitions in physical systems. By comparing wild-type and mutant cells with impaired aggregation, we found the longest cellcell communication distance in wild-type cells, suggesting that criticality provides an adaptive advantage and optimally sized aggregates for the dispersal of spores.Author SummaryCells are often coupled to each other in cell collectives, such as aggregates during early development, tissues in the developed organism, and tumors in disease. How do cells communicate over macroscopic distances much larger than the typical cell-cell distance to decide how they should behave? Here, we developed a multiscale model of social amoeba, spanning behavior from individuals to thousands of cells. We show that local cell-cell coupling via secreted chemicals may be tuned to a critical value, resulting in emergent long-range communication and heightened sensitivity. Hence, these aggregates are remarkably similar to bacterial biofilms and neuronal networks, all communicating in a pulse-like fashion. Similar organizing principles may also aid our understanding of the remarkable robustness in cancer development.
Agribusiness development and the role of value chain business associations
Authors: Ndyetabula Daniel Wilson , Sørensen Olav Jull , Temu Anna A. 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale for value chain business associations and construct a conceptual framework for establishing and managing a value chain association, using the value chain for dried fruits and vegetables in Tanzania as the empirical basis.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objectives of the paper, a conventional approach involving literature review, framework development, and data collection and analysis was used to conceptualise the organisation of a value chain association in a developing country context.FindingsThe study finds rationale for a value chain-based business association based on the literature review, observations and discussions from the stakeholder workshop.Research limitations/implicationsIt has been suggested that upgrading the currently fragmented dried fruit and vegetable value chain to encompass all value chain actors might have implications towards “creativity”, “innovation” and “entrepreneurial abilities” along the value chain, i.e. resources and competences that could enhance the value of the market offer and thus the competitiveness of the whole value chain. A value chain-based business association might be one of the stepping-stones to enhance innovative and entrepreneurial abilities for strong and competitive value chain activities.Originality/valueIf the literature has been relatively silent on business associations understood primarily as industry associations, it has been completely silent on value chain associations. This paper therefore makes explicit contribution on the conceptualization of value chain association with a particular focus on the developing country setting.
Nonperforming loans and bank profitability: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Laryea Esther , Ntow-Gyamfi Matthew , Alu Angela Azumah 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of nonperforming loans (NPLs) as well as the impact of NPLs on bank profitability.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 22 Ghanaian banks over the period 2005-2010, the study employs a fixed effect panel model in estimating three different empirical models.FindingsThe study finds new evidence of bank-specific factors as well as macroeconomic factors determining NPLs. Inflation and industry concentration are not significant in determining NPLs, although both are positively related to NPLs.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have important implications for policy makers and bank managers.Originality/valueThe paper offers significant value in shaping and improving the banking sector of emerging markets.