bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of an extensive anterior skull base defect using a muscle‐sparing rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in a 1‐year‐old infant
Authors: Iida Takuya , Mihara Makoto , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Hara Hisako , Koshima Isao , Kawai Kensuke , Tsuchiya Tsukasa , Asakage Takahiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDespite the recent advances in microsurgical techniques, reconstruction of extensive skull base defects using free flaps in pediatric patients presents a surgical challenge, and reports on skull base reconstruction in infants is quite limited. We present a case of reconstruction of an extensive anterior skull base defect using a rectus abdominis (RA) myocutaneous flap in a 1 year‐old (14 months) infant. Sufficient coverage of the intracranial contents, good aesthetic results, and minimal growth disturbance at the donor site were achieved by the muscle‐sparing RA flap transfer. To the best of our knowledge, this was among the youngest case of skull base reconstruction using a free flap. The feasibility of free flap transfer and flap selection in pediatric skull base reconstruction is discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of wrist arthroplasty using a free vascularized fibular head graft for Enneking stage II giant cell tumors of the distal radius
Authors: Chung Duke Whan , Han Chung Soo , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Sang Gil 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes of wrist arthroplasty with a free vascularized fibular head graft (FVFHG) and to highlight some considerations that may affect outcomes. FVFHG was performed on 12 patients with giant cell tumors of the distal radius between April 1984 and July 2005. The mean age of patients was 33 years. All 12 patients were classified as Enneking stage 2. Outcomes were evaluated with radiographic and functional assessments, including the scale of Enneking. The mean follow‐up period was 6.26 years. Bone union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 15.7 weeks after surgery. Skin grafting was performed at the recipient site in 5 patients and had good skin healing. Subluxation in the wrist joint was observed in 5 patients and was related to the length of the transplanted fibula. The 5 patients with subluxation experienced considerable osteoarthritic change. The mean arc of flexion‐extension and rotation of the wrist joint was 73.1° and 102.9°, respectively. The mean grip strength was 57.25% of the contralateral side. The mean functional score was 26.4 points. Wrist arthroplasty with a FVFHG is a useful option to treat Enneking stage 2 giant cell tumors of the distal radius. We believe that wrist instability is not determined by the choice of laterality of the fibula, which can be minimized by transplanting a short fibula with the anterior tibial artery as a donor artery. The recipient sites can be successfully resurfaced by skin grafting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Microsurgery, 2013.
Epigallocatechin gallate affects survival and metabolism of human sperm
Authors: De Amicis Francesca , Santoro Marta , Guido Carmela , Russo Alessandra , Aquila Saveria 
Published: September 2012

ScopeGreen tea and its major constituent epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been extensively studied as potential treatment for a variety of diseases. We assessed the influence of EGCG on male fertilizing potential by analyzing different features of human sperm involved in capacitation process.Methods and resultsUsing human normozoospermic samples, we evaluated the effect of EGCG (2 μM, 20 μM, 60 μM) on sperm activities. Our results showed that lower doses of EGCG (from 2 to 20 μM) increased cholesterol efflux and tyrosine phosphorylation through the estrogen receptor (ER), since ICI 182,780, a specific ER antagonist, abrogated 20 μM EGCG effects. Besides, we evidenced that EGCG at similar concentrations, increased sperm motility, viability, and phosphorylation of proteins controlling cell survival such as Bcl2, Akt, and Src, via ER. Furthermore, we observed reduction of triglycerides content, induction of lipase, as well as the G6PDH activity. These results address to an increase in energy expenditure. On the contrary, treatment of 60 μM EGCG produced opposite effects that still appear after ICI cotreatment.ConclusionThese results provide a novel mechanism involving ERs through which low doses of EGCG exerted benefits to sperm physiology, also detected data evidence the adverse action of high EGCG concentrations probably related to its prooxidant and antiestrogenic potential.
Improving Transitions of Care From Hospital to Home: What Works?
Authors: Abrashkin Karen A. , Cho Hyung J. , Torgalkar Sohita , Markoff Brian 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAs the cost of care rises and fragmentation of health care increases, care transitions have become critical parts of the health care system. Physicians and other inpatient providers have the responsibility to communicate to subsequent providers, but such communication occurs far less than is optimal. Timely discharge summaries for the next‐level provider, postdischarge phone calls to patients, and postdischarge follow‐up appointments with primary‐care physicians or inpatient providers may improve postdischarge health care utilization. Pharmacists may also reduce medication errors, adverse medication events, and even readmissions. The most promising data, however, come from studies of multidisciplinary approaches, some of which have shown large reductions in postdischarge utilization and costs. More study is needed to pinpoint the most cost‐effective and efficient strategies to improve transitions from the inpatient setting to other settings. Mt Sinai J Med 79:535–544, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Personal Health Records: Meaningful Use, But for Whom?
Authors: Kannry Joseph , Beuria Pratharna , Wang Emily , Nissim Julie 
Published: September 2012

AbstractProviders and hospitals have received more than $5 billion from the federal government for meaningfully using electronic health records as of April 2012. Meaningful Use stage 1 makes adoption of the personal health record optional. The proposed Meaningful Use stage 2 regulations make personal health record use mandatory. There is peer‐reviewed literature to support a personal health record adoption rate of 10%, which is optional in stage 1 and required in stage 2. The literature also supports the use of secure messaging required in stage 2. However, there is little evidence to support other stage 2 personal health record requirements and dependencies. Further study is urgently needed to ensure that Meaningful Use stage 2 is meaningful for both patients and providers. Mt Sinai J Med 79:593–602, 2012 © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Primary Care and Health Reform
Authors: Calman Neil S. , Golub Maxine , Shuman Saskia 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSkyrocketing health care costs are burdening our people and our economy, yet health care indicators show how little we are achieving with the money we spend. Federal and state governments, along with public‐health experts and policymakers, are proposing a host of new initiatives to find solutions. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is designed to address both the quality and accessibility of health care, while reducing its cost. This article provides an overview of models supported by the Affordable Care Act that address one or more goals of the “Triple Aim”: better health care for individuals, better health outcomes in the community, and lower health care costs. The models described below rely on the core principles of primary care: comprehensive, coordinated and continuous primary care; preventive care; and the sophisticated implementation of health information technology designed to promote communication between health care providers, enhance coordination of care, minimize duplication of services, and permit reporting on quality. These models will support better health care and reduced costs for people who access health care services but will not address health outcomes in the community at large. Health care professionals, working in concert with community‐based organizations and advocates, must also address conditions that influence health in the broadest sense to truly improve the health of our communities and reduce health care costs. Mt Sinai J Med 79:527–534, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Evidence‐Based Medicine and Primary Care: Keeping Up Is Hard to Do
Authors: Zipkin Daniella A. , Greenblatt Lawrence , Kushinka Jeffrey T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPrimary‐care physicians feel pressure to be knowledgeable, efficient, comprehensive, and compassionate while delivering evidence‐based medical care. Incorporating evidence‐based medicine into practice requires training in the skills of finding and applying good evidence to patients, and, increasingly, infrastructure that supports the incorporation of evidence into electronic health records. Physicians cite many barriers to the use of evidence‐based medicine in practice. In this review, we examine evidence of the value of evidence‐based medicine in clinical practice, discuss the interface of evidence and shared decision‐making, suggest tools and approaches for incorporating evidence‐based medicine into practice, and discuss the impact of recent health insurance reform on expectations and incentives for physicians with respect to evidence‐based practice. Mt Sinai J Med 79:545–554, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Integrating Palliative Care Into Primary Care
Authors: McCormick Elizabeth , Chai Emily , Meier Diane E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPatients with serious illnesses are living longer and with greater disabilities. Palliative‐care interventions have been shown to increase quality of life, lower costs, and improve survival. In order to meet the palliative‐care needs of patients, it is crucial for primary‐care clinicians to understand how they can provide primary palliative care and when they should refer to palliative‐care specialists. By working together, many more patients and families will receive the comprehensive, individualized, coordinated care and support that both primary care and palliative care offers to patients. This article will review literature illustrating the benefits of palliative care; discuss why primary‐care clinicians are ideally suited to incorporate palliative care into their practice; and provide guidance to primary‐care clinicians regarding how and when to access palliative‐care specialist services, how to gain more training in palliative care, and how to be reimbursed for palliative‐care visits. Mt Sinai J Med 79:579–585, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Health Care for Homeless and Unstably Housed: Overcoming Barriers
Authors: Rabiner Mark , Weiner Amy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe causes of homelessness are complex and multifactorial and the solutions equally complex. Though homelessness is not a disease process, it is directly linked to poor health outcomes. It is thus incumbent on health care professionals to know the various definitions of homelessness, the ramifications of unstable housing, and the specific living conditions of each homeless patient. These factors needed to be accounted for when designing treatment plans in a way that will increase access to care and promote adherence. Increasing compliance and addressing barriers to care will improve outcomes and may reduce overall health expenditures. Mt Sinai J Med 79:586–592, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Health Maintenance in Older Adults: Combining Evidence and Individual Preferences
Authors: Gestuvo Maria Kristina 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThere is increasing interest in maintaining health and delaying disability for older adults as this population segment expands. And instead of focusing on a traditional disease‐specific approach to health maintenance, there is an ongoing shift to a patient‐centered approach, and defining outcomes based on the older adults' goals. In this approach, their goals and preferences are central, and other factors such as their health status and prognosis help determine which goals may be realistic. These subjective goals and objective characteristics are then balanced with the risks, benefits, and harms of established evidence‐driven health‐maintenance recommendations. Hence, older adults share their goals and preferences with clinicians; while clinicians share information on risks, benefits, harms, and uncertainties of existing health‐maintenance recommendations, and help guide the older adult through how existing evidence can respond to their health goals and preferences. In this article, the concept of patient‐centered care in the context of health maintenance for older adults is discussed; and health maintenance recommendations for older adults are reviewed. Mt Sinai J Med 79:560–578, 2012. © 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
A new model for the vibration isolation via pile rows consisting of infinite number of piles
Authors: Lu Jian‐Fei , Jeng Dong‐Sheng , Wan Jian‐Wei , Zhang Ji‐Sheng 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYIn this study, on the basis of the Floquet transform method, a numerical model for the simulation of the vibration isolation via multiple periodic pile rows with infinite number of piles is established. By means of the fictitious pile method due to Muki and Sternberg, the second kind of Fredholm integral equations for the pile rows are developed by using the fundamental solutions for the half‐space and the compatibility conditions between the piles and half‐space. Employing the Floquet transform method, integral equations for the pile rows in the wavenumber domain are then derived. Solution of the integral equations yields the wavenumber domain solution for the pile rows. The space domain solution can then be retrieved by inversion of the Floquet transform. Numerical results show that the proposed model with the Floquet transform method is in a good agreement with those of the conventional direct superposition method. On the basis of the new model, influences of the spacing between neighboring piles, the Young's modulus of the piles, and the pile length on the vibration isolation effect of the pile rows are investigated. Numerical simulations conducted in this study show that compared with the direct superposition method, the efficiency of the proposed model for simulation of the vibration isolation via pile rows is very high. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraneural ependymoma: Distant bone, lung, liver, and lymph node metastases following bevacizumab
Authors: Fischer Cheryl , Haque Sofia S. , Huse Jason T. , Blochin Elen , Souweidane Mark M. , Lis Eric , Khakoo Yasmin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractExtraneural metastases of ependymoma are rare, and have been reported in the lungs, lymph nodes, pleura, mediastinum, liver, diaphragmatic muscle, and bone. We report a case of anaplastic ependymoma with distant metastases to the vertebral bones, lungs, liver, and lymph nodes following treatment with bevacizumab. Recent research has hypothesized that angiogenic tumors may develop means of resistance to antiangiogenic therapies, and some evidence suggests potential for antiangiogenic therapies to promote additional means for cancer spread. Nevertheless, antiangiogenic therapies continue to demonstrate potential as potent therapies for the treatment of many cancers, and should continue to be researched for future uses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 143–145. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is there a role for carboplatin in the treatment of malignant germ cell tumors? A systematic review of adult and pediatric trials
Authors: Shaikh Furqan , Nathan Paul C. , Hale Juliet , Uleryk Elizabeth , Frazier Lindsay 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundWhile cisplatin is considered superior to carboplatin for the treatment of malignant germ cell tumors (MGCTs) in adults, pediatric oncology collaborative groups still remain concerned about the late effects of cisplatin in children.MethodsWe performed a literature search to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used carboplatin for MGCTs in adults. Since no RCTs were available in children, we identified cohort studies of pediatric MGCTs treated with carboplatin. We compared the adult and pediatric studies in terms of characteristics, doses of chemotherapy, and outcomes.ResultsOf 2,131 publications retrieved, five RCTs in adults (1,340 patients) and four cohort studies in children (219 patients) met criteria for inclusion. All adult RCTs evaluated carboplatin versus cisplatin regimens in men with good‐prognosis metastatic MGCTs. Carboplatin regimens had a higher risk of events (RR 2.51, P < 0.001) and of deaths (RR 2.21, P < 0.001) than cisplatin regimens. Across all five RCTs, 497/654 (76%) of adults who received carboplatin remained event‐free. Compared to the adult trials, three pediatric studies used carboplatin at a higher dose, frequency, and number of cycles. Across these three studies, 158/179 (88%) of children remained event‐free.ConclusionsCisplatin is superior to carboplatin at the studied doses for the treatment of adult metastatic MGCTs. However, we observe that carboplatin is associated with good outcomes for children with MGCT when used at the higher doses. We hypothesize that a risk‐adapted approach utilizing both platinum agents may achieve the optimal balance between cure and late effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 587–592. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab‐based therapy in children with recurrent low‐grade gliomas
Authors: Hwang Eugene I. , Jakacki Regina I. , Fisher Michael J. , Kilburn Lindsay B. , Horn Marianna , Vezina Gilbert , Rood Brian R. , Packer Roger J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundBecause definitive resection or radiotherapy for pediatric low‐grade gliomas (LGGs) may be associated with severe and permanent adverse effects, medical management has taken a significant role. Bevacizumab‐based therapy has demonstrated encouraging responses; however, longer‐term toxicity, response durability and alternative dosing regimens have not been evaluated.ProcedureThis was a retrospective review of children with multiply recurrent, progressive LGGs treated with bevacizumab‐based therapy and followed for at least 12 months after treatment completion. Toxicity was uniformly graded and imaging was centrally reviewed.ResultsAll fourteen patients had failed at least two prior treatment regimens; six had dissemination. Patients received initial bevacizumab‐based therapy at a median age of 5.3 years (range, 1–12 years). Median treatment duration was 12 months (range, 1–24 months). 12 patients had an objective response; 2 had stable disease. Median time to maximum response was 9 weeks (range, 7–17 weeks). No patients progressed on therapy, although 13/14 progressed after stopping bevacizumab at a median of 5 months. Four patients were re‐treated with bevacizumab and all again responded or stabilized. Alternative dosing strategies were effective, including bevacizumab monotherapy and prolonging the dosing interval to 3 weeks. High‐grade bevacizumab‐related toxicities consisted of grade 3 proteinuria (n = 2), primary inflammatory arthritis (n = 1), and somnolence (n = 1). Toxicities resolved within 6 months of treatment cessation except one case of hypertension.ConclusionsBevacizumab‐based therapy is successful at inducing rapid LGG response. Patients progressing off‐therapy may be successfully re‐treated with bevacizumab. Nearly all tumors progress once treatment is discontinued. Toxicities are not insignificant but usually reversible. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 776–782. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature‐dependent water vapour and oxygen permeation through different polymeric materials used in photovoltaic‐modules
Authors: Hülsmann Philip , Weiß Karl‐Anders , Köhl Michael 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTMost photovoltaic (PV)‐modules have polymeric materials as encapsulants and back sheets. Usually these materials are not water vapour‐tight and air‐tight, but allow permeation of gases from the ambient atmosphere, especially oxygen and water vapour, which could contribute to degradation of the PV‐modules.This work gives a short overview on how the permeation process through polymers takes place and how it is influenced by the material properties and ambient conditions. Results of permeation and diffusion measurements for water vapour as well as oxygen are shown for various encapsulation and back sheet materials with special focus on temperature dependence. The results demonstrate differences in permeability and temperature dependence for the investigated materials, but also show similarities for material groups. All investigated materials feature a Fickian behaviour within the measurement conditions even when crossing glass temperature or melting temperature. With these results, an Arrhenius‐model was fitted to extrapolate permeation and diffusion values to a temperature range the PV‐modules can be exposed to during lifetime. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H2 plasma treatment at the p/i interface of a hydrogenated amorphous Si absorption layer for high‐performance Si thin film solar cells
Authors: Lee Czang‐Ho , Kim Byoung‐June , Shin Myunghun 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTPlasma treatment (PT) of the buffer layer for highly H2‐diluted hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) absorption layers is proposed as a technique to improve efficiency and mitigate light‐induced degradation (LID) in a‐Si:H thin film solar modules. The method was verified for a‐Si:H single‐junction and a‐Si:H/microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) tandem modules with a size of 200 × 200 mm2 (aperture area of 382.5 cm2) under long‐term light exposure. H2 PT at the p/i interface was found to eliminate non‐radiative recombination centers in the buffer layer, and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition at low radio‐frequency power was found to suppress the generation of defects during the growth of a‐Si:H absorption layers on the treated buffer layers. With optimized H2 PT of the a‐Si:H single‐junction module, the stabilized short circuit current and fill factor increased, and the stabilized open circuit voltage moves beyond its initial value. The results demonstrate 7.7% stabilized efficiency and 10.5% LID for the a‐Si:H single‐junction module and 10.82% stabilized efficiency and 7.76% LID for the a‐Si:H/µc‐Si:H tandem module. Thus, the growth of an a‐Si:H absorption layer on a H2 PT buffer layer can be considered as a practical method for producing high‐performance Si thin film modules. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Periglacial Processes in Epikarst Morphogenesis: A Case Study from Chełm Chalk Quarry, Lublin Upland, Eastern Poland
Authors: Dobrowolski Radosław , Bieganowski Andrzej , Mroczek Przemysław , Ryżak Magdalena 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTPocket forms several decimetres in diameter, 0.5–1.5 m deep and infilled mainly with glaciogenic sands, silts and clays of Saalian age are commonly developed on the top of the karstified chalk massif of the Lublin Upland, eastern Poland. Analysis of lithofacies, particle‐size distribution and micromorphology of three pocket infills in the Chełm chalk quarry reveals a prominent clay cortex between the host chalk and the glaciogenic infill and suggests that periglacial processes have played a considerable role in the formation of the pockets and in the redistribution of their primary glaciogenic infill. A conceptual model for epikarst morphogenesis for the chalk karst of Lublin Upland is proposed, involving three stages. Stage I: In the absence of permafrost, precipitation water infiltrates unconsolidated glaciogenic deposits. Stage II: Periglacial transformation with underlying permafrost. Primary cryoturbation structures became protokarst forms, and then epikarst forms. Stage III: Degradation of the permafrost, with increased carbonate dissolution and development of a clay karst cortex. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.