bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a specialty pharmacy case management service on adherence in patients receiving oral antineoplastic agents
Authors: Middendorff Grant , Elsey Rachel , Lounsbery Brian , Chadwell Roxanne 
Published: May 2017

Background Patients receiving treatment with oral antineoplastic agents encounter several barriers to adherence, which may include high medication costs, limited access to specialty medications, severe adverse effects, complex medication regimens, and special handling precautions. Medication nonadherence not only reduces the efficacy of drug therapy but also has the potential to increase healthcare expenditures due to disease-related hospitalizations. Although several previous studies have examined patient adherence to oral antineoplastic agents, few have examined the impact of a specialty pharmacy case management service. Methods Patient adherence to oral antineoplastic agents was evaluated through a retrospective analysis of pharmacy claims data and medical chart reviews. The medication possession ratio (MPR) was used to quantitatively measure adherence during two 6-month intervals, prior to and following the implementation of a case management service. Patients with an MPR greater than or equal to 0.8 were categorized as adherent, while those with an MPR less than 0.8 were categorized as non-adherent. Results During the first 6-month interval prior to implementation of the case management service (n = 40), a cumulative average MPR of 0.922 was observed. Following implementation of the case management service (n = 56), a non-statistically significant (p = 0.199) increase in MPR to 0.941 was identified. For patients categorized as non-adherent, a nonstatistically significant (p = 0.214) decrease from 15% to 7% was identified following the introduction of the case management service. Conclusion Study results from this retrospective review indicate that case management services provided through an outpatient specialty pharmacy may have the potential to improve patient adherence to oral antineoplastic agents.
The impact of pharmacist telephone calls after discharge on satisfaction of oncology patients: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Salmany Sewar S , Ratrout Lujeen , Amireh Abdallah , Agha Randa , Nassar Noor , Mahmoud Nour , Rimawi Dalia , Nazer Lama 
Published: May 2017

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the impact of telephone follow-up calls on satisfaction in oncology patients after hospital discharge. Method A randomized controlled study, in which patients were randomized into two groups: The experimental group with the telephone follow-up (TFU) calls (intervention) and the control group (no intervention). The telephone follow-up call was conducted within 72 h after discharge. During the call, patients were asked about their medications, namely, whether they received them, understood how to take them, and whether they developed any medication-related adverse effect. Both groups were contacted by phone two weeks later to assess their satisfaction with the discharge medication instructions and the provided pharmaceutical services, using the 5-point Likert scale. In addition, hospital records were reviewed for emergency room visits and hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Results There was no difference in the percentage of patients who reported being very satisfied between both the intervention and the control groups (45% intervention vs. 48% control, P = 0.68). The mean time of the intervention phone call was 3 ± 1.7 (SD) min. During the telephone follow-up call, medication-related problems were identified in 20% of the patients. There was no significant difference in emergency room visits and hospital readmissions in the intervention group vs. control (44% vs. 53%, P = 0.123) and (37% vs. 43%, P = 0.317), respectively. Conclusion Telephone follow-up calls conducted by a pharmacist to discharged oncology patients did not improve patients' satisfaction, emergency room visits or hospital readmissions; however, they helped to identify medication-related adverse effects in the oncology patients.
Atherosclerotic vascular diseases have really the same risk factors? Comparison between large abdominal aortic aneurysm and obstructive non-coronary arterial disease
Authors: Tsialtas Dimitri , Bolognesi Maria Giulia , Volpi Riccardo , Bolognesi Roberto 
Published: May 2017

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences among clinical conditions and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors between patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysm and those with occlusive non-coronary arterial disease. Methods We clinically examined 519 patients with asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm and 672 with severe obstructive arterial diseases before surgical repair. Results In patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm, we identified a clear predominance of males ( p < 0.001), more alcohol consumers ( p < 0.05), higher values of diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.05), higher values of serum creatinine ( p < 0.005), more hyperuricemic patients ( p < 0.005) and less diabetics ( p < 0.001). In patients with occlusive atherosclerotic vasculopathies, we observed more smokers ( p < 0.05), higher systolic blood pressure and more hypertensives ( p < 0.05 respectively) and a prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm were mostly males with diastolic hypertension, impaired renal function and less diabetics, while patients with occlusive arteriopathy were more smokers, hypertensives and more hypertriglyceridemics.
Arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet: an easy and reproducible technique for improving the accuracy of graft and screw placement
Authors: Taverna Ettore , Guarrella Vincenzo , Cartolari Roberto , Ufenast Henri , Broffoni Laura , Barea Christophe , Garavaglia Guido 
Published: May 2017

Background The effectiveness of the Latarjet largely depends on accurate graft placement, as well as on proper position and direction of the screws. We present our technique for an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet comparing radiological results with the open technique. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative computed tomography scans of 38 patients who underwent a Latarjet procedure. For 16 patients, the procedure was performed with the open technique and, for 22 patients, it was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted technique. An independent radiologist evaluated graft and hardware position, as well as graft integration or resorption. Postoperative complications were also documented. Results The graft was correctly placed in only 18.8% of cases in the open group and 72.7% of cases in the arthroscopically-assisted group. There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopically-assisted group, whereas one patient had a recurrence and two required hardware removal in the open group. Conclusions The Latarjet procedure is a challenging procedure for which a key point is the correct placement of the coracoid graft onto the glenoid neck and correct position of the screws. The present study substantiates a clear benefit for the use of a guide with an arthroscopically-assisted technique in terms of graft and hardware placement. At short-term follow-up, there appears to be a benefit for graft integration and avoidance of resorption.
Effect of Preoperative Anemia on the Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Phan Kevin , Wang Nelson , Kim Jun S. , Kothari Parth , Lee Nathan J. , Xu Joshua , Cho Samuel K. 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: Preoperative anemia has been associated with an increased need for blood transfusions and postoperative complications. The effects of anemia on the outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have not been explored. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative anemia and 30-day complications following ACDF surgery. Methods: Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2005-2012) was used. Preoperative anemia was defined as hematocrit <39% for males and <36% for females. A bivariate analysis was performed on demographic and perioperative variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for patient variables, to identify independent risk factors for complications. Results: A total of 3500 patients were included of which 444 (12.7%) were anemic patients. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify the predictive power of anemia on key postoperative outcomes, while controlling for the other statistically significant. Preoperative anemia was found to be a statistically significant predictor of any complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.853; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17-2.934; P = .0086), pulmonary complications (OR = 3.269; 95% CI = 1.745-6.126; P = .0002), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 4.364; 95% CI = 1.48-12.866; P = 0.0076), return to operating theatre (OR = 2.655; 95% CI = 1.539-4.582; P = .0005), and length of hospital stay more than 5 days (OR = 2.151; 95% CI = 1.499-3.085; P < .0001). Conclusion: Preoperative anemia appears to be a significant predictor of perioperative complications, reoperation, and extended length of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective ACDF. Future studies should explore outcomes of treatment of preoperative anemia prior to surgery to determine the optimal management strategy.
Frailty Is Predictive of Adverse Postoperative Events in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Leven Dante M. , Lee Nathan J. , Kim Jun S. , Kothari Parth , Steinberger Jeremy , Guzman Javier , Skovrlj Branko , Shin John I. , Phan Kevin , Caridi John M. , Cho Samuel K. 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Objective: To analyze the modified frailty index (mFI) as a predictor of adverse postoperative events following posterior lumbar fusion. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database including all adult patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion between 2005 and 2012. Outcomes measured included mortality, postoperative complications, length of stay, reoperations, and readmissions. The previously described mFI was calculated, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze risk factors associated with morbidity, mortality, and adverse postoperative events. This study was qualified as exempt by the Mount Sinai Hospital Institutional Review Board. Results: A total of 6094 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean mFI was 0.087(0-0.545). Increasing mFI score was associated with increased complications, reoperations, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and morbidity ( P < .05). As the mFI score increased from 0.27 (3/11 variables present) to ≥0.36 (4/11), the rate of any complication increased from 26.8% to 35% ( P < .0001), sepsis 2.4% to 5.2% ( P < .0001), wound complications 4.4% to 6.5% ( P < .0001), unplanned readmissions 4.7% to 20% ( P = .02), and urinary tract infection 4.1% to 10.4% ( P < .0001). An mFI of ≥0.36 was an independent predictor of any complication (odds ratio [OR]= 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-3.7), sepsis (OR = 6.3, 95%, CI = 1.8-21), wound complications (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-8.2), prolonged LOS (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4-3.7), and readmission (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.5-12.7). Conclusion: Patients with higher mFI scores (≥ 4/11 variables) are at a significantly higher risk of major complications, readmissions, and prolonged LOS following lumbar fusion.
Postoperative Day 1 Discharge Following Elective Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Onsen Leonard Tiger , Rivers Marie , Cheski Rebecca , Izquierdo Rolando 
Published: May 2017

Background The number of shoulder arthroplasty procedures performed has greatly increased in recent years and this trend is expected to continue. However, accelerated recoveries by way of reduced postoperative hospital stays have not been studied for this patient population as extensively as in the hip and knee arthroplasty literature. The average length of stay for shoulder arthroplasty patients has consistently been found to be between 2 and 2.5 days. We conducted a study to determine whether postoperative day 1 (POD1) discharge would put patients at increased risk for complications and readmission following elective shoulder arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty (reverse or anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty) performed by one surgeon at one institution from 2008 to 2015 was conducted. All elective primary shoulder arthroplasty patients were included. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, humeral head replacement, humeral head resurfacing, and arthroplasty for fracture. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, postoperative length of stay, hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge, and reason for readmission were collected. The 30-day readmission rate was the primary outcome used in determination of the safety of this practice. Results A total of 353 patients were found to meet our criteria, of which 205 (58.1%) were discharged on POD1. A total of 83 patients were discharged on postoperative day 2 or 3 (POD2-3) from 2008 to 2011. Of those discharged on POD1, 8 were found to have been readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of original discharge to give an overall readmission rate of 3.90%. The most common reason for readmission was dyspnea (3/8, 37.5%). No risk factors were found to be associated with increased likelihood of readmission in this patient group. There were 4 readmissions in the POD2-3 discharge group to give an overall readmission rate of 4.82% (4/83). No statistically significant difference was found between 30-day readmission rates of POD1 and POD2-3 discharge elective shoulder arthroplasty patients in this study or shoulder arthroplasty patients in general from other studies ( P > .100). Conclusion POD1 discharge following elective shoulder arthroplasty does not increase the risk for postoperative complications requiring hospital readmission. With shorter hospital stays, POD1 discharge following elective shoulder arthroplasty could provide a method to reduce healthcare expenditures.
Biochemical composition of the Australasian sea cucumber, Australostichopus mollis, from a nutritional point of view
Authors: Liu Feng , Zamora Leonardo , Jeffs Andrew , Quek Siew Young 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Background
Sea cucumbers are highly prized seafood in Asia, where the demand for them has increased dramatically in recent years. However, nutritional information is only available for only a few of the commercially traded species.

Methods
In this study, the biochemical composition of the sea cucumber Australostichopus mollis was evaluated in terms of the major functional components: collagen, amino acid and fatty acid content using standard analytical procedures.

Results
The collagen, mostly type I, formed a homogeneously clustered network constituting 1.4% of the wet weight of adult A. mollis which is lower than for some other species of sea cucumber. The collagen consisted of α1 and α2 chains (around 116 kDa), α chain dimers, β chains (around 212 kDa), and small amounts of γ components. The most abundant amino acids were glycine, alanine, threonine, serine and proline (lysine/arginine ratio of 0.1). Threonine was the most abundant essential amino acid, followed by methionine and valine, while glycine was the dominant non-essential amino acid. The sea cucumbers had a low lipid content (0.2 and 0.1% of wet weight for the viscera and body wall, respectively) which is below the range reported for most other species of sea cucumber. The lipid contained high levels of PUFA (54%) compared to MUFA (23%) and SFA (24%). The dominant PUFA was arachidonic acid in both the body wall and viscera, followed by eicosapentaenoic acid.

Conclusions
Overall, the Australasian sea cucumber has strong potential as a functional food due to its high levels of PUFA and essential amino acids, comparing favourably with the most commercially valuable sea cucumbers.
REFLEXIONES TEÓRICAS O METODOLÓGICAS: Las políticas públicas y la implementación de las TIC en las clases de Ciencias Naturales
Authors: Larraburu Sandra R. , Chapani Daisi T. , Garcia Romano Leticia , Farré Andrea 
Published: May 2017

En este artículo se analizan las Políticas Públicas argentinas implementadas a favor del uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) en la educación. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, donde se recopilaron datos de la Ley Nacional de Educación 26206/06, los diseños curriculares de la Provincia de Santa Fe, y diversos programas deimplementación de TIC en el aula. Se realiza un breve recorrido de la situación en América Latina y se focaliza en Argentina desde el año 2005 en adelante.
REFLEXIONES TEÓRICAS O METODOLÓGICAS: Gravidez na adolescência, questão feminina? Uma reflexão sobre o papel paterno
Authors: Duarte Josmar B. , Duarte Ana C. S. 
Published: May 2017

A gravidez, a maternidade e a paternidade não planejada entre adolescentes são assuntos que vêm preocupando, nas últimas décadas, especialistas e governantes das áreas dos direitos humanos, bem como pesquisadores e acadêmicos. Este estudo pretendeu colaborar para a sistematização do conhecimento científico e acadêmico sobre a paternidade adolescente e o exercício da função paterna. Temática que ainda é pouco explorada no Brasil. O presente estudo, ganha relevância, por se propor a produzir conhecimento sobre a paternidade na adolescência, contribuindo à ampliação do marco teórico de referência no Brasil. Para desenvolvimento deste artigo, valeu-se da metodologia descritiva alicerçada em pesquisa bibliográfica, abordando, inicialmente, a questão da adolescência, a sexualidade e a gravidez e em seguida o papel do pai adolescente. A gravidez na adolescência não é uma questão apenas feminina, pois o pai adolescente faz parte deste fato, na sua dimensão bio-psico-social, e deve ter responsabilidades e envolvimento sócio-afetivo desde a concepção do filho. Portanto, para que o adolescente pai possa assumir a paternidade na perspectiva integral e responsável é necessário que ele receba informação, orientação e apoio, tanto da família como do Poder Público, por meio de políticas públicas, como suporte ao exercício da paternidade.
INVESTIGACIONES EDUCATIVAS 87: La enseñanza de la matemática. La resolución de problemas en el aula universitaria
Authors: Vaira Stella , Taborda Liliana , Manni Diego 
Published: May 2017

Se ha conseguido que la enseñanza de la Matemática conecte dominios: aritmética, geometría, álgebra, análisis, caos; pero siguen siendo escasos los trabajos interactivos de la matemática con otras disciplinas. Uno de los pilares de la Educación Superior es la docencia, la enseñanza de la Matemática en contexto se presenta como fortalecedora de estrategias y aprendizaje significativo para alumnos en carreras no matemáticas.¿Qué propone la enseñanza de la Matemática en contexto? Fortalecer el aprendizaje, sobre todo en los estudiantes universitarios que exhiben diferentes niveles de entendimiento, pero que les permitirá ir comprendiendo las ideas fundamentales asociadas con esta disciplina y los motivará hacia el estudio de otras Ciencias que conecta conceptos con ésta.Las carreras involucradas en el trabajo son: ioquímica, Licenciatura en Biotecnología de la Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (UNL). Este trabajo muestra los problemas, los objetivos planteados, la integración de conceptos, interpretación y los resultados obtenidos por los estudiantes universitarios.
The Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning Process in Online Education as Perceived by University Faculty and Instructional Technology Professionals
Authors: Singh Raghu Naath , Hurley David 
Published: May 2017

Objective of the study was to assess selected principles of effective online education. Elements of those principles were identified and ranked in terms of their relative importance through Delphi procedures. Research steps included (1) a review of relevant literature critically reporting challenges and credibility of online course delivery experienced in the higher education, (2) developing a list of major principles for online learning (efficacy, student empowerment, and academic integrity) based on the literature, (3) selecting a sample through a chain-referral technique of faculty members and supporting technology staff involved in online teaching at selected university campuses, (4) interviewing respondents in two rounds to rank goals and means of each of the three evaluative principles, and (5) analyzing data and subjecting them for reliability and validity analyses. The study found strong academic support in the matters of efficacy and student empowerment for online teaching; but also found some concerns respondents had about the issues of maintaining adequate integrity of online courses. Keywords: online education, teaching-learning process, identifying three effectiveness evaluation principles of efficacy, student empowerment and academic integrity; ranking goals and means for three principles through Delphi method, reliability, validity
Electrochemical investigation of the corrosion inhibition mechanism of Tectona grandis leaf extract for SS304 stainless steel in hydrochloric acid
Authors: Kadapparambil Sumithra , Yadav Kavita , Ramachandran Manivannan , Victoria Selvam Noyel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe use ofTectona grandisleaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for stainless steel 304 (SS304) in 2mhydrochloric acid was investigated using electrochemical techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization studies with different inhibitor concentrations showed that the inhibitor is of mixed type, which works by affecting both cathodic and anodic reactions. Adsorption analysis using the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy runs result in standard free energy of adsorption values between −20 kJ mol−1and −40 kJ mol−1, indicating a comprehensive adsorption, which is a mixture of both physisorption and chemisorptions processes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies show the appearance of new peaks and shift in peak positions at some locations with the use of an inhibitor, which indicates the interaction between the inhibitor molecules and metal surface. Contact angle analysis indicates the formation of hydrophobic film on the metal surface.
Nanocelluloses obtained by ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation of bleached kraft pulp (BKP) and bacterial cellulose (BC) and their application in biocomposite films together with chitosan
Authors: Vecbiskena Linda , Rozenberga Linda 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Bleached birch kraft pulp (BKP, Södra Cell AB, Sweden) and unmodified bacterial cellulose (BC) pellicles, biosynthesized by the bacterium Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, were converted to cellulose nanofibers via ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidation. Fiber dimensions were investigated in an atomic force microscope, and the crystallite size was calculated by Rietveld analysis. Saos-2 osteosarcoma cell line served to assess the in vitro cytocompatibility of the biocomposite films. Results showed that individual cellulose nanofibers with an average width of 80±15 nm and a length between 600 and 1200 nm are formed by APS oxidation. The obtained BC nanofibers can be promising constituents in nanocellulose films and in chitosan-matrix films with improved physical-mechanical and biological properties. Good cellular biocompatibility was found for chitosan/oxidized cellulose films; the viability of Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells was higher on chitosan/oxidized BC films compared to chitosan/oxidized BKP films.