bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Book Review: Rohith Vemula, #Caste Is Not a Rumour: The Online Diary of Rohith Vemula and Kanhaiya Kumar, From Bihar to Tihar
Authors: Apoorvanand  
Published: December 2017

Rohith Vemula, #Caste Is Not a Rumour: The Online Diary of Rohith Vemula. New Delhi: Juggernaut, 2016, E-book, 268 pp., ₹250. Kanhaiya Kumar, From Bihar to Tihar. New Delhi: Juggernaut, 2016, 200 pp., ₹250, ISBN: 978-8193237274 (Paperback).
Sharpening randomization-based causal inference for 22 factorial designs with binary outcomes
Authors: Lu Jiannan 
Published: December 2017

In medical research, a scenario often entertained is randomized controlled 22 factorial design with a binary outcome. By utilizing the concept of potential outcomes, Dasgupta et al. proposed a randomization-based causal inference framework, allowing flexible and simultaneous estimations and inferences of the factorial effects. However, a fundamental challenge that Dasgupta et al.’s proposed methodology faces is that the sampling variance of the randomization-based factorial effect estimator is unidentifiable, rendering the corresponding classic “Neymanian” variance estimator suffering from over-estimation. To address this issue, for randomized controlled 22 factorial designs with binary outcomes, we derive the sharp lower bound of the sampling variance of the factorial effect estimator, which leads to a new variance estimator that sharpens the finite-population Neymanian causal inference. We demonstrate the advantages of the new variance estimator through a series of simulation studies, and apply our newly proposed methodology to two real-life datasets from randomized clinical trials, where we gain new insights.
A Plea for Uniform Lot Numbers
Authors: Whitney H. A. K. , Lomonte V. A. 
Published: December 2017

The practicing pharmacist must have some means of determining the age of the products he purchases and dispenses in order to assist him in providing the patient with drugs which are not deteriorated. If the pharmacist could determine the date of manufacture from the lot number, this problem could be alleviated.This paper reports a study of the lot numbering systems of 166 pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers. The manufacturers were asked to explain the meaning of their numbers if it was not confidential. They were also asked if they would be amenable to a standard system of assigning lot numbers to be utilized by all manufacturers. Of the 138 replies, 84 (61 percent) did not consider their number information confidential. Eighty-eight (64 percent) of the manufacturers stated that the date of manufacture could be determined from the lot number. Fifty-six (41 percent) of the respondents favored a standard system of assigning lot numbers. The means of identifying the date of production from the lot number are revealed for over fifty manufacturers. It is recommended that manufacturers adopt a standard system of assigning lot numbers.
Environment for Sterile Dosage Formulation & Control
Authors: Gallelli Joseph F. , Skolaut Milton W. 
Published: December 2017

The need for removal of particulates, either biological or inert, in clean rooms of hospitals involved in preparation and control of sterile dosage formulations and intravenous additive solutions, prompted an investigation of the methods used to aid in controlling contamination. This was accomplished in large part by the use of laminar flow hoods in clean rooms. Evaluation of laminar flow hoods and clean room ultraviolet hoods, along with advantages and disadvantages of each, is reported. Selection of equipment for specific operations is discussed.
Diffusion of Drugs through the Cuprophane Membrane
Authors: Kowal Nathan H. , Sandler Alan I. , Davis Arthur J. 
Published: December 2017

This paper describes the in vitro diffusion, through the cuprophane membrane, of a significant number of drugs currently being administered to patients who are undergoing hemodialysis. The diffusion potentials of the drug molecules through the cuprophane membrane, the dialyzing membrane which separates the blood and the dialysate during the dialysis exchange must be accurately determined to establish the relationship between dosage administration and the quantities of the drug remaining in the patient during the dialysis procedure and in the immediate postdialysis period. The results of this study will provide the prescribing physician with the information that will be useful in selecting the proper therapeutic agent and the dosage needed to assure adequate blood levels while the patient is undergoing hemodialysis.
A Practical Method of Sterility Monitoring of IV Admixtures and a Method of Implementing a Routine Sterility Monitoring Program
Authors: Buth J.A. , Coberly R.W. , Eckel F.M. 
Published: December 2017

A practical procedure for sterility testing of intravenous admixtures contained in plastic bags using membrane filtration was developed. This technique was then evaluated in a pilot study involving 140 (18 percent) of the large volume intravenous admixtures prepared during June, 1972, by a central pharmacy admixture program. The technique was effective in detecting all of the positive controls, intentionally contaminated, in the pilot study. The pilot study furnished the necessary data to statistically determine a monthly sample size of intravenous admixtures to be cultured, which would represent the entire population at a 95 percent confidence level with a 5 percent allowable error of the mean, and to implement a program of routine sterility monitoring by the hospital's Epidemiology Department. Procedures involved in maintaining sterility in a centralized intravenous admixture program were also implemented and are discussed. Results of this study indicate that a program of routine sterility monitoring of a hospital pharmacy intravenous admixture program can be implemented simply and practically. The program would monitor potential contamination from both the pharmacy and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Factors Involved in Monitoring IV Therapy — a Study of Microbial Growth in IV Fluids
Authors: Pierpaoli Paul G. , Palmer Henry A. , Codino Rudolph J. 
Published: December 2017

A Study of Microbial Growth in Intravenous Solutions A study of the growth potential of five microorganisms in 18 different intravenous fluids was made. It has been shown that with the exception of 2 organisms (Enterobacter cloacae and Erwinia species) growth after 24-hours is suppressed in solutions which do not contain nitrogen supplied by amino acids. These data indicate that microbial monitoring studies of intravenous fluids should be carried out by running sterility test procedures immediately after the likelihood of contamination occurs, (i.e. admixture preparation, administration set insertion, and administration to patient). Negative results obtained from surveillance samples more than 24-hours old may not be truly indicative of the initial level of microbial contamination. Such monitoring could therefore lead to a false sense of security relative to in-house techniques for intravenous solution preparation, handling and administration.
Amiodarone for Tachyarrhythmias: Pharmacology, Kinetics, and Efficacy
Authors: Canada Andrew T. , Lesko Lawrence J. , Haffajee Charles I. , Johnson Brian , Asdourian George K. 
Published: December 2017

Amiodarone, although widely studied in Europe, is a recent addition to the investigational antiarrhythmics being used in the U.S. Pharmacologically, its primary cardiac effects are to increase coronary artery blood flow, increase the effective refractory period, and produce an atropine-resistant bradycardia. Amiodarone is incompletely (~ 50 percent) and slowly (peak serum concentration ~ 6 h) absorbed. With chronic administration, it deposits both in adipose tissue and in organs with high blood perfusion. It has an apparent elimination half-life of 15–45 days, which presents unique dosing problems. The apparent therapeutic range is 0.6-3 μg/ml. Amiodarone is 85–95 percent effective in the treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias and 70–80 percent effective in ventricular tachyarrhythmias. It appears to be of particular value in chronic atrial fibrillation/flutter because it may be able to maintain sinus rhythm after cardioversion. Side effects, although uncommon, may prevent the drug from becoming a standard of therapy. Drug interactions, particularly with warfarin and digoxin, as well as pulmonary fibrosis are of concern.
β-Blockers and Glucose Control
Authors: Mills Gregory A. , Horn John R. 
Published: December 2017

Literature on the effects of β-blockers on blood glucose is reviewed. Data are presented regarding the adrenergic influences on glucose regulation and the effects of β-blockade during hypo- and hyperglycemia in normal and diabetic individuals. β-adrenergic stimulation enhances insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as glycogenosis, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis. α-adrenergic stimulation inhibits insulin secretion and may inhibit glucagon secretion and enhance liver glycogenolysis. In nondiabetics, β-blockers represent minimal risk of affecting glucose control. In insulin-dependent diabetics, β-blockers can prolong, enhance, or alter the symptoms of hypoglycemia, while hyperglycemia appears to be the major risk in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. β-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.
The Role of the Pharmacist in Home Health Care
Authors: McAllister James C. 
Published: December 2017

Home infusion services, a new facet of home health care (HHC) delivery, have created many new opportunities for hospital pharmacists to participate more actively in patient care. These opportunities can create new roles for the pharmacist as an educator, clinician, and administrator. Early efforts must be made to educate hospital administrators, physicians, and other allied health personnel regarding the advantages and disadvantages of providing HHC—from the perspective of both patients and institutions. The pharmacist can also collect data to assist in determining the extent to which the institution should participate in HHC delivery, and should coordinate the hospital's efforts to initiate home infusion services. Pharmacists should play an active role in screening, selecting, and training patients for HHC before discharge. The input of pharmacists in drug product selection and assistance in product compounding can ensure optimal patient outcomes and minimize costs. Clinical monitoring activities conducted by the pharmacist can include telephone interviews with patients at home and assessment of clinical progress during scheduled return visits to the clinic.
Pitfalls in the Delivery of Outpatient Intravenous Therapy
Authors: Goldenberg Robin I. 
Published: December 2017

Recent articles promoting the advantages of intravenous antibiotic therapy and total parenteral nutrition for use in home health care patients have spawned a multitude of commercial and hospital-based programs dedicated to providing such therapies in outpatient settings. Only since the establishment of these programs has there evolved an increasing familiarity with adverse experiences and pitfalls in the provision of outpatient care. Significant errors have been made in the areas of patient and disease admission criteria, antibiotic regimens, medicolegal concepts, medical and hospital politics, and financial reimbursement.This article explores the pitfalls intrinsic to the delivery of outpatient parenteral therapies and focuses on the need for diligence in program coordination, multidisciplinary involvement, and education in averting those pitfalls.
Interventions in Health Settings for Male Perpetrators or Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Tarzia Laura , Forsdike Kirsty , Feder Gene , Hegarty Kelsey 
Published: December 2017

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common in patients attending health-care services and is associated with a range of health problems. The majority of IPV perpetrators are men, and a substantial minority of men are victims, yet health-care professionals have little evidence or guidance on how to respond to male patients who perpetrate or experience violence in their intimate relationships. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to determine the effectiveness of interventions for male perpetrators or victims of IPV in health settings. Online databases, reference lists, Google Scholar, and gray literature were searched, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. Narrative synthesis methods were used due to the heterogeneity of study types and outcome measures. Results: Fourteen studies describing 10 interventions met our inclusion criteria: nine randomized controlled trials, four cohort studies, and one case-control study. Interventions were predominantly therapeutic in nature and many were conducted in alcohol treatment settings. Conclusion: Overall, the evidence for effectiveness of interventions in health-care settings was weak, although IPV interventions conducted concurrently with alcohol treatment show some promise. More work is urgently needed in health-care services to determine what interventions might be effective, and in what settings, to improve the response to male perpetrators or victims of IPV.
Association between short and long sleep durations and cardiovascular outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Krittanawong Chayakrit , Tunhasiriwet Anusith , Wang Zhen , Zhang HongJu , Farrell Ann M , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin , Sun Tao , Kitai Takeshi , Argulian Edgar 
Published: December 2017

Background: A shorter sleep duration has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality. It has been hypothesized that a short sleep duration may be linked to changes in ghrelin and leptin production, leading to an alteration of stress hormone production. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the potential relationship between a sleep duration and cardiovascular disease mortality. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of Ovid Medline In-Process and other non-indexed citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus from database inception to March 2017. Observational studies were included if the studies reported hazard ratios or odds ratios of the associations between sleep durations (short and long) and cardiovascular disease mortality. Data were extracted by a reviewer and then reviewed by two separate reviewers. Conflicts were resolved through consensus. Using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects models, we calculated pooled hazard ratios and pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The quality of the included studies and publication bias were assessed. Results: In total, our meta-analysis included 19 studies (31 cohorts) with a total of 816,995 individuals with 42,870 cardiovascular disease mortality cases. In pooled analyses, both short (risk ratio 1.19; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.26, P<0.001, I2=30.7, Pheterogeneity=0.034), and long (risk ratio 1.37; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.52, P<0.001, I2=79.75, Pheterogeneity<0.001) sleep durations were associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. Conclusions: Both short (<7 hours) and long sleep durations (>9 hours) can increase the risk of overall cardiovascular disease mortality, particularly in Asian populations and elderly individuals. Future epidemiological studies would ideally include objective sleep measurements, rather than self-report measures, and all potential confounders, such as genetic variants.
Five years of a community pain service solution-focused pain management programme: extended data and reflections
Authors: Simm Rebecca , Barker Chris 
Published: December 2017

1. This article aims to provide a long-term update 2 years on from our initial paper and summarises service evaluation data collected from 21 pain management programmes, using a solution-focused approach in a community pain service. 2. An examination of the larger baseline and subsequent follow-up data suggests an improvement in participants’ function, pain self-efficacy and mental well-being following CPS PMP, and corroborates the findings of the earlier dataset. 3. Additional findings suggest that CPS PMP may help pain interfere less in participants’ lives (post-PMP and at 10-week follow-up) and that improvements in mental well-being and self-efficacy are maintained on a long-term basis (at 6- and 12-month follow-up). Limitations of the data are discussed. 4. The article also discusses the nature of community healthcare services for chronic pain, including how we view PMP treatment intensity, deliver cost effectiveness, measure outcomes and support patients post-PMP. 5. It is suggested that effective, meaningful PMPs can be facilitated successfully by multi-professional teams in the community, at arguably lower cost than secondary/tertiary settings, while enabling convenient and long-lasting integration of self-management into people’s lives.
The safety of electrical stimulation in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A systematic review
Authors: Badger James , Taylor Paul , Swain Ian 
Published: December 2017

Introduction A number of patients are excluded from electrical stimulation treatment because there is concern that electrical stimulation could cause electromagnetic interference with pacemakers and implanted cardioverter defibrillators. The decision to use electrical stimulation in these patients needs to be supported by an assessment of benefit and harm. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the risk of electromagnetic interference between electrical stimulation and pacemakers or implanted cardioverter defibrillators. We included the electronic databases MEDLINE and EMBASE in the time period between 1966 and 26 August 2016. Results 18 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria (eight safety studies and ten case studies). Although we were unable to accurately estimate the risk of electromagnetic interference, the studies revealed that patients having electrical stimulation of the lower limb are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Conclusions The results suggest that electrical stimulation could be used safely to help drop foot in patients with pacemakers or implanted cardioverter defibrillators. However, in order to obtain an accurate estimate of the risk of electromagnetic interference, a large, long-term, and intervention-specific safety study is required. Until such a study is undertaken, electrical stimulation should be used with caution in patients with pacemakers and implanted cardioverter defibrillators.
Arthroscopic management of posterior instability of the shoulder: A systematic review of predictive factors associated with poorer surgical outcomes
Authors: Jain Sachin Ramesh , Sayampanathan Andrew Arjun , Hwee Chye Tan Andrew 
Published: December 2017

Introduction: We aimed to perform a systematic review to identify factors that may lead to poorer outcomes in arthroscopic surgery for posterior shoulder instability. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for 757 unique articles. We eventually included 22 articles. Data were analysed using Review Manager 5.3. Results: The presence of chondral damage was associated with poorer outcomes as reflected in a higher post-operative Quick Disabilities of theArm, Shoulder and Hand score (mean difference (MD) = 17.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.82–31.4; p = 0.02), higher WesternOntario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) index (MD = 468.0; 95% CI = 136.5–799.5; p = 0.006), lower Simple Shoulder Test score (MD = −2.40; 95% CI = −4.34 to −0.46; p = 0.02) and a lower Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (MD = −15.4; 95% CI = −30.6 to −0.23; p = 0.05). The presence of previous shoulder surgery was associated with poorer outcomes as depicted by a lower American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score (MD = −93.1; 95% CI = −96.9 to −89.3; p < 0.0001). The availability of workers’ compensation was associated with poorer outcomes as revealed by a lower rate of return to work (odds ratio (OR) = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.00–0.20; p = 0.0008). The presence of additional procedures while performing surgery for posterior shoulder instability was associated with poorer outcomes as reflected by lower ASES scores (MD = −6.70; 95% CI = −8.64 to −4.76; p < 0.0001), higher WOSI index (MD = 63.4; 95% CI = 33.0–93.8; p < 0.0001), lower University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores (MD = −2.30; 95% CI = −2.81 to −1.79; p < 0.0001), higher pain scores (MD = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.39–1.05; p < 0.0001) and higher post-operative instability (MD = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.57–1.03; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The presence of chondral damage, previous shoulder surgery, concomitant surgery and workman’s compensation was associated with poorer outcomes for arthroscopic repair of posterior shoulder instability. Further studies should be done to further validate these factors.
Prognostic miRNA classifier in early-stage mycosis fungoides: development and validation in a Danish nationwide study
Authors: Lindahl Lise M. , Besenbacher Søren , Rittig Anne H. , Celis Pamela , Willerslev-Olsen Andreas , Gjerdrum Lise M. R. , Krejsgaard Thorbjørn , Johansen Claus , Litman Thomas , Woetmann Anders , Odum Niels , Iversen Lars 
Published: December 2017

Key Points
A validated 3-miRNA classifier can effectively predict progression from early- to advanced-stage MF and survival at time of diagnosis. This classifier outperforms existing clinical prognostic factors and paves the way for implementation of personalized treatment in MF.
Myosin IIa is critical for cAMP-mediated endothelial secretion of von Willebrand factor
Authors: Li Pin , Wei Guoqin , Cao Yang , Deng Qiuping , Han Xiaofan , Huang Xiaoshuai , Huo Yingqing , He Yulong , Chen Liangyi , Luo Jincai 
Published: December 2017

Key Points
Myosin IIa is required for cAMP-mediated endothelial VWF secretion critical for hemostasis and thrombosis. Myosin IIa regulates mature WPB positioning and facilitates WPB exocytosis via zyxin-mediated actin framework formation before fusion.
Optimal combination of wage cuts and layoffs—the unexpected side effect of a performance-based payment system
Authors: Yokoyama Izumi , Obara Takuya 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study analyzes the trade-off relationship between layoffs and wage cuts. If the introduction of a performance-based payment system stimulates workers’ pecuniary-motivated minds, their morale can be damaged more severely by wage cuts than prior to the introduction thereof. Utilizing this idea, we demonstrate theoretically that the more heavily wages are based on performance, the more firms, fearing that workers’ morale will be damaged by wage cuts, try to avoid wage cuts and instead prefer layoffs. Next, we show empirically the trend whereby firms with performance-based payment systems are unlikely to implement wage cuts. Given this first-stage regression, the status of a performance-based payment system, based on the firm’s past decision and assured to be exogenous, is employed as an instrumental variable (IV) for wage cuts in a layoff regression model to overcome simultaneous bias. In the second-stage regression, the IV estimates for the impact of wage cuts on layoffs are significantly negative: if a firm implements wage cuts, it will reduce the probability of layoffs by 0.172. This supports the theoretical implication that implementing wage cuts can be a potential device for reducing layoffs. These results may imply an unexpected side effect of the increasing use of performance-based payment systems: as such systems become more widespread, layoffs will increase because firms will become less likely to impose wage cuts, thus potentially resulting in high unemployment.