bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with first‐line idelalisib plus rituximab after cessation of treatment for toxicity
Authors: Thompson Philip A. , Stingo Francesco , Keating Michael J. , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Burger Jan A. , Wierda William G. , Kadia Tapan M. , O'Brien Susan M. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDMore active therapies are needed for older and unfit patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who are not eligible for chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. The phosphyotidylinositol‐3‐kinase δ inhibitor idelalisib is effective in patients with treatment‐naive and relapsed/refractory CLL as monotherapy and in combination with rituximab, but it can be associated with treatment‐limiting adverse events, particularly diarrhea/colitis. The outcomes for patients who cease treatment for adverse events have not been previously described.METHODSThe authors analyzed long‐term follow‐up data from 40 treatment‐naïve patients aged ≥65 years who received treatment at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center on a phase 2 study of idelalisib plus rituximab for CLL.RESULTSIn patients who permanently ceased treatment because of toxicity, the time to subsequent disease progression was analyzed according to baseline characteristics. Fifteen patients permanently ceased therapy (PCT) because of toxicity (PCTTOX), most commonly diarrhea/colitis (n = 7), at a median of 11 months after commencing treatment. PCTTOX was associated with a higher risk of subsequent disease progression (hazard ratio, 6.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.77‐16.15) relative to that observed in patients who remained on therapy. Ten patients subsequently progressed, and 7 required salvage therapy; 5 patients remained progression‐free at a median of 23.3 months (range, 8.5‐28.6 months). Patients who were positive for ζ‐associated protein‐70 had more rapid disease progression after treatment cessation (P = .048). There were no CLL‐related deaths.CONCLUSIONSPCTTOX is the major determinant of PFS in patients who receive first‐line idelalisib‐based treatment. However, a subgroup of patients with favorable biologic characteristics has prolonged PFS, even after PCTTOX. The absence of CLL‐related deaths indicates that salvage treatment is generally successful after PCTTOX. Cancer 2016;122:2505–11. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A Review of Evidence Presented in Support of Three Key Claims in the Validity Argument for the TextEvaluator® Text Analysis Tool
Authors: Sheehan Kathleen M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe TextEvaluator® text analysis tool is a fully automated text complexity evaluation tool designed to help teachers and other educators select texts that are consistent with the text complexity guidelines specified in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This paper provides an overview of the TextEvaluator measurement approach and summarizes evidence related to three key claims in the TextEvaluator validity argument: (a) TextEvaluator has succeeded in expanding construct coverage beyond the two dimensions of text variation that are traditionally assessed by readability metrics; (b) the TextEvaluator strategy of estimating distinct prediction models for informational, literary, and mixed texts has succeeded in generating text complexity predictions that exhibit little, if any, genre bias; and (c) TextEvaluator scores are highly correlated with text complexity judgments provided by human experts, including judgments generated via the inheritance method and judgments generated via the exemplar method. Implications with respect to the goal of helping teachers and other educators select texts that are closely aligned with the accelerated text complexity exposure trajectory outlined in the CCSS are discussed.
Development of the Mission Skills Assessment and Evidence of Its Reliability and Internal Structure
Authors: Petway Kevin T. , Rikoon Samuel H. , Brenneman Meghan W. , Burrus Jeremy , Roberts Richard D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Mission Skills Assessment (MSA) is an online assessment that targets 6 noncognitive constructs: creativity, curiosity, ethics, resilience, teamwork, and time management. Each construct is measured by means of a student self‐report scale, a student alternative scale (e.g., situational judgment test), and a teacher report scale. Use of the MSA provides schools with the opportunity to examine and monitor development of noncognitive skills in their students from Grade 6 to Grade 8. The use of the MSA has facilitated changes to curricula and more targeted instruction. The MSA scales exhibited meaningful relationships with standardized test scores and absenteeism, suggesting that these constructs play an important role in student behaviors and academic performance. This report presents reliability and factor analysis evidence for the student self‐report and teacher report scales of the MSA to highlight its ability to measure the 6 constructs.
Pronghorn and mule deer use of underpasses and overpasses along U.S. Highway 191
Authors: Sawyer Hall , Rodgers Patrick A. , Hart Thomas 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe seasonal migrations of ungulates are increasingly threatened by various forms of anthropogenic disturbance, including roads, fences, and other infrastructure. Although roadway impacts (e.g., wildlife–vehicle collisions and landscape permeability) to species such as mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) can largely be mitigated with underpasses and continuous fencing, similar mitigation may not be effective for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) or other ungulate species that are reluctant to move through confined areas. The Wyoming Department of Transportation recently installed 6 underpasses and 2 overpasses along 20 km of U.S. Highway 191 in western Wyoming, USA, where we evaluated species‐specific preferences by documenting the number of migratory mule deer and pronghorn that used adjacent overpasses and underpasses for 3 years (autumn 2012 to spring 2015) following construction. We also measured the amount of back‐and‐forth movement across the highway for each species through time. We documented 40,251 crossings of the highway by mule deer and 19,290 crossings by pronghorn. Of those highway crossings, 79% of mule deer moved under, whereas 93% of pronghorn moved over the highway. These strong species‐specific differences were evident at both sites and support the notion that overpasses are more amenable to pronghorn than underpasses. Concurrently, we documented a 64–306% increase in the amount of back‐and‐forth movement of mule deer and pronghorn across the highway during migration periods. Such movement flexibility is presumed to improve their ability to respond to changing environmental conditions by easily accessing habitats on either side of the highway. Our results highlight that species‐specific preferences are an important consideration when mitigating roadway impacts with wildlife crossing structures. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Blood Transfusion is an Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Serious Infectious Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Liao Quan , Zhang Taiping , Dai Menghua , Zhao Yupei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground/purposeBlood transfusionhas been considered as a risk factor for postoperative infection after major surgery. However, the relationship between perioperative blood transfusion and the development of serious infections after pancreaticoduodenectomy remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors associated with postoperative serious infections following pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 212 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy during past 2 years and assessed the risk factors for serious infectious complications.ResultsSerious infections developed in 61 patients (29 %) including 47 cases of surgical site infection (SSI), 19 cases of bacteremia, and 13 cases of pneumonia. One patient died of severe septic shock. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of perioperative factors identified that pancreatic fistula (P < 0.01, OR = 9.763) and blood transfusion (P < 0.01, OR = 3.216) were significant risk factors for serious infections. After excluding 46 patients with pancreatic fistula, blood transfusion continued to be an independent risk factor for serious infections (P < 0.01, OR = 5.831).ConclusionBlood transfusion was the strongest independent factor for serious infections after pancreaticoduodenectomy, which should be considered a quality indicator for the performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates the cytotoxicity of mutant huntingtin and increases the activity of AKT
Authors: Fang Fang , Peng Ting , Yang Shiming , Wang Weixi , Zhang Yinong , Li He 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that is caused by the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the gene encoding huntingtin (Htt). Reduced AKT phosphorylation and inhibited AKT activity have been shown to be involved in mutant Htt (mHtt)‐induced cell death. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), the main bioactive component of Lycium barbarum, reportedly has neuroprotective roles in neural injuries, including neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we report that treatment with LBP can increased the viability of HEK293 cells that stably expressed mHtt containing 160 glutamine repeats and significantly improved motor behavior and life span in HD‐transgenic mice. Furthermore, we found that in LBP‐treated HEK293 cells expressing mHtt, mHtt levels were reduced and the phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473 (p‐AKT‐Ser473) was significantly increased. We also found that treatment with LBP increased p‐AKT‐Ser473 and decreased mHtt in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum in HD‐transgenic mice. The level of phosphorylation of p‐GSK3β‐Ser9 remained unchanged in both cultured cells and HD‐transgenic mice. Our findings suggest that LBP alleviates the cytotoxicity of mHtt by activating AKT and reducing mHtt levels, indicating that LBP may be potentially useful for treating HD.
Comparison of stillbirth rates by cause among Haitians and non‐Haitians in Canada
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Costopoulos André , Naimi Ashley I. , Bellingeri Fulvia , Vecchiato Léa , Fraser William D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare rates of stillbirth among Haitians and non‐Haitians in Canada.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using data on all stillborn and live‐born singletons weighing at least 500 g in the province of Quebec, Canada, from 1981 to 2010. Stillbirth rates were computed, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for Haitians relative to non‐Haitians. The main outcome measure was stillbirth by cause of death.ResultsData for 9657 stillbirths (124 Haitian) and 2 414 751 live births (17 165 Haitian) were included. Stillbirth rates were higher for Haitians than non‐Haitians (7.17 [95% CI 5.91–8.43] vs 3.96 [95% CI 3.88–4.04] per 1000 births), particularly for cord prolapse (adjusted HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.10–3.18) and placental abruption (adjusted HR 2.84, 95% CI 1.95–4.15). Haitians had higher risks of stillbirth due to cord prolapse and abruption at every week of pregnancy. Risks were not elevated for stillbirth due to congenital anomaly, a cause less responsive to urgent intervention.ConclusionStillbirth rates among Haitians are disproportionately high in Canada, particularly fetal death due to cord prolapse and placental abruption. The potential to reduce stillbirth rates through optimal emergency care in vulnerable minorities requires further investigation.
Supply chain risk management and hospital inventory: Effects of system affiliation
Authors: Zepeda E. David , Nyaga Gilbert N. , Young Gary J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this study we examine the effects of horizontal inter‐organizational arrangements on inventory costs for hospitals facing two key environmental conditions, namely the logistics services infrastructure where the hospital is located and the demand uncertainty for clinical requirements that a hospital experiences. Utilizing detailed data from hospitals in the State of California, we investigated the potential mitigating effects of affiliation with multi‐hospital systems while controlling for service performance. We argue that these arrangements potentially influence managers' confidence in their supply chains, which in turn impacts inventory accumulation. Results suggest that while affiliation with local, regional, and national systems has mitigating effects under weak logistics services infrastructure, the mitigating effect is greatest for affiliation in local systems. The results also point to potential for improved operating efficiency with system affiliation, a factor that is often not considered in policy discussions regarding hospital system formation. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Glacier naled evolution and relation to the subglacial drainage system based on water chemistry and GPR surveys (Werenskioldbreen, SW Svalbard)
Authors: Stachnik Łukasz , Yde Jacob C. , Kondracka Marta , Ignatiuk Dariusz , Grzesik Magdalena 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTGlacier naledi are extrusive ice masses that appear in front of glaciers as a consequence of refreezing of meltwater seepage during the accumulation season. These structures provide a unique opportunity to understand subglacial drainage activity during the accumulation season; however, only few detailed studies have previously focused on their characteristics. Here, we investigated glacier-derived naled assemblages in the proglacial zone of the polythermal glacier Werenskioldbreen (27.4 km2) in SW Svalbard. We determined the spatial distribution of naledi using ground penetrating radar surveys. The main subglacial drainage pattern was related to a channel under the medial moraine, and three sources are linked to a distributed subglacial drainage network. The relation between atmospherically-corrected (Ca2+ + Mg2+) and (SO42−) in sub-naled waters was closely related to sulphide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution (r = 0.99; slope = 1.6). This is consistent with the local lithology, which is dominated by schist containing carbonates. We also found high carbonate saturation indices in pale white ice layers within the naled. We conclude that sulphide oxidation coupled with carbonate dissolution is the dominant chemical weathering process in the subglacial drainage system of Werenskioldbreen during the accumulation season.
Assessing the Public Administration’s Intention in EU Economic Law: Chasing Ghosts or Dressing Windows?
Authors: SANCHEZ-GRAELLS Albert 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHere I reflect on the role of subjective or intentional elements in EU economic law prohibitions, particularly in relation to rules concerning public administration. From a normative perspective, it is desirable to suppress the need for an assessment of subjective intent and to proceed with an objectified enforcement of such prohibitions. With this in view, I consider public procurement and Member State aid rules as two examples of areas of EU economic law subjected to interpretative and enforcement difficulties due to the introduction – sometimes veiled – of subjective elements in their main prohibitions. I establish parallels with other areas of EU economic law – such as antitrust, non-discrimination law and the common agricultural policy – and seek benchmarks to support the main thesis that such intentional elements need to be ‘objectified’, so that EU economic law can be enforced against the public administration to an adequate standard of legal certainty. This mirrors the development of the doctrine of abuse of EU law, where a similar ‘objectification’ in the assessment of subjective elements has taken place.I draw on the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union to support such ‘objectification’ and highlight how the Court has been engaging in such interpretative strategy for some time. The paper explores the interplay between this approach and more general protections against behaviour of the public administration in breach of EU law: the right to good administration in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the doctrine of State liability for infringement of EU law. I conclude with the normative recommendation that the main prohibitions of EU economic law should be free from subjective elements focused on the intention of the public administration.
Emergency Department Visits after Diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Aboriginal People in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ospina Maria B. , Rowe Brian H. , Voaklander Donald , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Stickland Michael K. , King Malcolm 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis retrospective cohort study compared rates of emergency department (ED) visits after a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the three Aboriginal groups (Registered First Nations, Métis and Inuit) relative to a non-Aboriginal cohort.MethodsWe linked eight years of administrative health data from Alberta and calculated age- and sex-standardized ED visit rates in cohorts of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal individuals diagnosed with COPD. Rate ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a Poisson regression model that adjusted for important sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. Differences in ED length of stay (LOS) and disposition status were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 2,274 Aboriginal people and 1,611 non-Aboriginals were newly diagnosed with COPD during the study period. After adjusting for important sociodemographic and clinical factors, the rate of all-cause ED visits in all Aboriginal people (RR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.67, 1.77), particularly among Registered First Nations people (RR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.97, 2.08) and Inuit (RR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.35), were significantly higher than that in non-Aboriginals, while ED visit rates were significantly lower in the Métis (RR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98). The ED LOS in all Aboriginal groups were significantly lower than that of the non-Aboriginal group.ConclusionsAboriginal people with COPD use almost twice the amount of ED services compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts. There are also important variations in patterns of ED services use among different Aboriginal groups with COPD in Alberta.
Development and Evaluation of a Simulation-based Curriculum for Ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheterization
Authors: McGraw Robert , Chaplin Tim , McKaigney Conor , Rang Louise , Jaeger Melanie , Redfearn Damian , Davison Colleen , Ungi Tamas , Holden Matthew , Yeo Caitlin , Keri Zsuzsanna , Fichtinger Gabor 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a simulation-based curriculum for residents to learn ultrasound-guided (USG) central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, and to study the volume and type of practice that leads to technical proficiency.MethodsTen post-graduate year two residents from the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology completed four training sessions of two hours each, at two week intervals, where they engaged in a structured program of deliberate practice of the fundamental skills of USG CVC insertion on a simulator. Progress during training was monitored using regular hand motion analysis (HMA) and performance benchmarks were determined by HMA of local experts. Blinded assessment of video recordings was done at the end of training to assess technical competence using a global rating scale.ResultsNone of the residents met any of the expert benchmarks at baseline. Over the course of training, the HMA metrics of the residents revealed steady and significant improvement in technical proficiency. By the end of the fourth session six of 10 residents had faster procedure times than the mean expert benchmark, and nine of 10 residents had more efficient left and right hand motions than the mean expert benchmarks. Nine residents achieved mean GRS scores rating them competent to perform independently.ConclusionWe successfully developed a simulation-based curriculum for residents learning the skills of USG CVC insertion. Our results suggest that engaging residents in three to four distributed sessions of deliberate practice of the fundamental skills of USG CVC insertion leads to steady and marked improvement in technical proficiency with individuals approaching or exceeding expert level benchmarks.
Effect of Hurricane Sandy on Health Care Services Utilization Under Medicaid
Authors: Sharp Mark J. , Sun Mingzeng , Ledneva Tatiana , Lauper Ursula , Pantea Cristian , Lin Shao 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis investigation assessed changes in utilization of inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, and pharmacy services in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 8 counties in New York affected by the storm.MethodsMedicaid data for enrollees residing in 8 counties in New York were used to obtain aggregated daily counts of claims for 4 service types over immediate, 3-month, and 1-year periods following the storm. Negative binomial regression was used to compare service utilization in the storm year with the 2 prior years, within areas differentially affected by the storm.ResultsChanges in service utilization within areas inside or outside the storm zone were most pronounced over the 1-year effect period. Differences in service utilization by year were the same by storm zone designation over the immediate effect period for all services.ConclusionsResults are consistent with previous investigations demonstrating that some of the greatest effects of a disaster on health services utilization occur well beyond the initial event. One-year effects, combined with some 3-month effects, suggests that storm recovery, with its effect on health care services utilization, may have followed different paths in areas designated as inside or outside the storm zone. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:472–484)
Food and Waterborne Disease in the Greater New York City Area Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012
Authors: Bloom Michael S. , Palumbo Jillian , Saiyed Nazia , Lauper Ursula , Lin Shao 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate residence in evacuation areas (storm areas) as a risk factor for food and waterborne disease (FWBD) associated with Hurricane Sandy flooding.MethodsWe captured 9601 incident outpatient and inpatient FWBD hospital discharge diagnoses for residents of the greater New York City area. We used Poisson or negative binomial regression models to compare the covariate-adjusted risk for a FWBD diagnosis, pre-Sandy (10/28-11/09, 2001-2011) vs. post-Sandy (10/28-11/09, 2012), for residents of “storm” and “non-storm” areas.ResultsOutpatient FWBD risk was lower for storm area residents after Hurricane Sandy (risk ratio [RR]=0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.74), and varied by age, sex, and county. However, storm area residents 65 years of age or older experienced higher risk after Hurricane Sandy (RR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.11-4.19), albeit based on few cases. Inpatient FWBD risk was lower for non-storm area residents after Hurricane Sandy (RR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.95), and varied by age, race, and county, although there was no significant change for storm area residents (RR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.69-1.08). Those ≥65 years of age were also at lower risk for inpatient FWBD diagnosis, yet the effect was weaker for storm area (RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.67-1.18) than for non-storm area residents (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.89).ConclusionsHurricane preparation, mitigation, and response activities in the greater New York City area may have led to “protective” effects for FWBD. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:503–511)