bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential for community-based health information exchange systems to reduce hospital readmissions
Authors: Vest Joshua R , Kern Lisa M , Silver Michael D , Kaushal Rainu ,   for the HITEC investigators
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background Hospital readmissions are common, costly, and offer opportunities for utilization reduction. Electronic health information exchange (HIE) systems may help prevent readmissions by improving access to clinical data by ambulatory providers after discharge from the hospital.
Objective We sought to determine the association between HIE system usage and 30-day same-cause hospital readmissions among patients who consented and participated in an operational community-wide HIE during a 6-month period in 2009–2010.
Methods We identified a retrospective cohort of hospital readmissions among adult patients in the Rochester, New York area. We analyzed claims files from two health plans that insure more than 60% of the area population. To be included in the dataset, patients needed to be continuously enrolled in the health plan with at least one encounter with a participating provider in the 6 months following consent to be included in the HIE system. Each patient appeared in the dataset only once and each discharge could be followed for at least 30 days.
Results We found that accessing patient information in the HIE system in the 30 days after discharge was associated with a 57% lower adjusted odds of readmission (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.70). The estimated annual savings in the sample from averted readmissions associated with HIE usage was $605 000.
Conclusions These findings indicate that usage of an electronic HIE system in the ambulatory setting within 30 days after hospital discharge may effectively prevent hospital readmissions, thereby supporting the need for ongoing HIE efforts.
Hymenoptera venom allergy: work disability and occupational impact of venom immunotherapy
Authors: Paolocci Giulia , Folletti Ilenia , Torén Kjell , Muzi Giacomo , Murgia Nicola 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesLittle is known about the Hymenoptera venom allergy impact on work ability and the effect of venom immunotherapy (VIT) on work. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of work disability in patients treated with VIT and the effects of VIT on occupational functioning.Methods181 patients, aged 18–71 years, treated with VIT while working, were investigated by questionnaire. Participants were classified into employed and self-employed and, based on work exposure to Hymenoptera, into three risk categories: high risk, occasionally high risk and low risk. Work disability was defined as having to have changed jobs/tasks and/or suffered economic loss because of Hymenoptera venom allergy. Predictors of work disability were assessed in logistic regression models.Results31 (17%) patients reported work disability. Being self-employed and having the severe reaction at work were associated with work disability (p<0.01). Having a high-risk job for exposure to Hymenoptera was a significant predictor of work disability (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.04 to 6.75). 24% of patients referred a positive effect of VIT on work. Determinants of the positive effect of VIT on work were having a high-risk job for exposure to hymenoptera (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.52 to 8.51) and having already concluded VIT (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.30 to 6.14).ConclusionsHymenoptera venom allergy could determine work disability. Patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy having a high-risk job for exposure to Hymenoptera seem to have higher risk of work disability and refer more frequently a positive effect of VIT on work.
Role of early repeated renal biopsies in lupus nephritis
Authors: Zickert A , Sundelin B , Svenungsson E , Gunnarsson I 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesA renal biopsy is generally recommended for diagnosis and is necessary for classification of lupus nephritis (LN), but second biopsies after immunosuppressive therapy are seldom a routine procedure. We investigated how repeat biopsies contribute to the evaluation of treatment response and long-term outcome in LN.MethodsSixty-seven patients with active LN were included. Renal biopsies were performed at diagnosis and after standard induction immunosuppressive therapy in all patients (median 8 months), regardless of clinical outcome. Biopsies were evaluated according to the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification. Clinical response was defined as complete (CR), partial (PR) or non-response (NR) according to recent definitions. Histological response (HR) was defined as Class I, II or III/IV-C on repeat biopsies. Long-term renal outcome was determined in 55 patients after a median of 10 years.ResultsCR was demonstrated in 25%, PR in 27% and NR in 48% of patients. HR was shown in 42% and histopathological non-response (HNR) in 58% of patients. Twenty-nine per cent of CR and 61% of patients with PR had active lesions on repeat biopsies, that is, were HNR. Poor long-term renal outcome was associated with high chronicity index at repeated biopsies, but not with clinical or histological response.ConclusionsDespite apparent clinical response to immunosuppressive therapy, repeated biopsies revealed persisting active nephritis in almost half of the patients, thus providing additional information to clinical response criteria. Repeated renal biopsies may be a tool to improve the evaluation of treatment response in LN.
External carotid stenting for symptomatic stenosis in a patient with patent EDAS for Moyamoya disease
Authors: Schmidt Eric , Parker Lindsey , Fraser Justin F 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundMoyamoya disease is characterized by progressive narrowing of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Symptomatic patients typically undergo cerebrovascular intervention via extracranial–intracranial (EC–IC) bypass, most often with the use of the superficial temporal artery. This case of Moyamoya disease is of particular interest as the patient presented with a unilateral atherosclerotic external carotid artery (ECA) stenosis after EC–IC bypass that eliminated the benefit of his original surgery, resulting in a symptomatic presentation.Clinical presentationA 53-year-old man presenting with Moyamoya disease and known left ICA occlusion had received a bilateral encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) bypass 10 years previously. He re-presented complaining of right-sided tingling, weakness, and numbness radiating up the arm. CT angiography indicated significant stenosis of the left ECA. ECA angioplasty and stenting with a distal protection device resulted in resolution of his symptoms.ConclusionsThis case illustrates that a patient presenting with Moyamoya disease and concurrent symptomatic ECA stenosis post-EDAS can be effectively and safely treated with ECA stenting.
Molecular Changes in Lobular Breast Cancers in Response to Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Arthur Laura M. , Turnbull Arran K. , Webber Victoria L. , Larionov Alexey A. , Renshaw Lorna , Kay Charlene , Thomas Jeremy S. , Dixon J. Michael , Sims Andrew H. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of breast carcinomas, and although it responds poorly to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, it appears to respond well to endocrine therapy. Pre- and on-treatment (after 2 weeks and 3 months) biopsies and surgical samples were obtained from 14 postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) histologically confirmed ILC who responded to 3 months of neoadjuvant letrozole and were compared with a cohort of 14 responding invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) matched on clinicopathologic features. RNA was extracted and processed for whole human genome expression microarray. Dynamic clinical response was assessed using periodic three-dimensional ultrasound measurements performed during treatment and defined as a reduction of &gt;70% in tumor volume by 3 months. Pretreatment profiles of ILC and IDC tumors showed distinctive expression of genes associated with E-cadherin signaling, epithelial adhesion, and stromal rearrangement. The changes in gene expression in response to letrozole were highly similar between responding ILC and IDC tumors; genes involved in proliferation were downregulated and those involved with immune function and extracellular matrix remodeling were upregulated. However, molecular differences between the histologic subtypes were maintained upon treatment. This is the first study of molecular changes in ILC in response to endocrine therapy to date. The genes that change on letrozole are highly consistent between ILC and IDC. Differences in gene expression between ILC and IDC at diagnosis are maintained at each time point on treatment. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5371–6. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of Contaminant Drag Reduction on the Onset and Evolution of Langmuir Circulations
Authors: Basovich A. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
A new mechanism of instability leading to development of Langmuir circulations is proposed and studied based on the hypothesis that the turbulence and, correspondingly, the eddy viscosity are reduced in regions of higher than average contaminant concentration. Here, bubbles are considered as the contaminant, although it is known that surfactants and some particles also are capable of turbulence reduction. The analysis shows that only a very small local decrease in eddy viscosity is needed to initiate the instability. Simplifications to the momentum and bubble turbulence models, as well as neglect of vertical advection, make it possible to analytically solve the perturbation equations and determine the characteristic scale with the maximum growth rate. The scale of the fastest-growing Langmuir circulations is found to be a function of the concentration of bubbles in the near-surface layer, the surface current shear (wind shear), the Stokes drift created by the surface waves, and the eddy viscosity. In contrast to the results of earlier models, the analysis predicts that the maximum change in the current velocity along the direction of the wind (the so-called jets and wakes) is at the surface, not below it. The ratio of perturbation of along-wind surface current and vertical velocity generated by circulations (the pitch) and the aspect ratio of the Langmuir rolls are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.
Sonographically Guided Therapeutic Injections in the Meniscoid Lesion in Patients With Anteromedial Ankle Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Jose Jean , Mirpuri Tarun , Lesniak Bryson , Kaplan Lee 
Published: August 2014

We describe a sonographically guided technique to perform therapeutic injections for anteromedial ankle impingement syndrome. Scans are carried out using a high-frequency small footprint linear array transducer, positioned along the anteromedial aspect of the tibiotalar joint. A 25 gauge needle is advanced under direct sonographic guidance into the “meniscoid lesion” (area of scarring), and a standardized therapeutic mixture is injected extra-articularly. Image-guided injections have a positive influence on clinical decision making by improving patient management, increasing the accuracy of diagnosis, and decreasing patient pain. Sonography allows confirmation of correct injection placement, resulting in increased accuracy and more successful patient outcomes. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V, Expert Opinion
Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain in Older Veterans
Authors: Dougherty Paul E. , Karuza Jurgis , Dunn Andrew S. , Savino Dorian , Katz Paul 
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is problematic in older veterans. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is commonly utilized for CLBP in older adults, yet there are few randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating SMT. Methods: The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of SMT to a sham intervention on pain (Visual Analogue Scale, SF-36 pain subscale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and physical function (SF-36 subscale, Timed Up and Go) by performing a randomized placebo-controlled trial at 2 Veteran Affairs Clinics. Results: Older veterans (≥ 65 years of age) who were naive to chiropractic were recruited. A total of 136 were included in the study with 69 being randomly assigned to SMT and 67 to sham intervention. Patients were treated 2 times per week for 4 weeks assessing outcomes at baseline, 5, and 12 weeks postbaseline. Both groups demonstrated significant decrease in pain and disability at 5 and 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in pain and a statistically significant decline in disability scores in the SMT group when compared to the sham intervention group. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the groups. Conclusions: The SMT did not result in greater improvement in pain when compared to our sham intervention; however, SMT did demonstrate a slightly greater improvement in disability at 12 weeks. The fact that patients in both groups showed improvements suggests the presence of a nonspecific therapeutic effect.
Platelet 12-LOX is essential for FcγRIIa-mediated platelet activation
Authors: Yeung Jennifer , Tourdot Benjamin E. , Fernandez-Perez Pilar , Vesci Joanne , Ren Jin , Smyrniotis Christopher J. , Luci Diane K. , Jadhav Ajit , Simeonov Anton , Maloney David J. , Holman Theodore R. , McKenzie Steven E. , Holinstat Michael 
Published: August 2014

Key PointsPlatelet 12-LOX modulates FcγRIIa signaling and presents a viable therapeutic target in the prevention of immune-mediated thrombosis. This novel therapeutic approach is supported by pharmacologic inhibition and genetic ablation of 12-LOX in human and mouse platelets.
Gastroenteritis due to typhoidal Salmonella: a decade of observation at an urban and a rural diarrheal disease hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Sumon Kumar , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Malek Mohammad Abdul , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Ferdous Farzana , Farzana Fahmida Dil , Das Jui , Shahunja KM , Afroze Farzana , Salam Mohammed Abdus , Ahmed Tahmeed , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Baker Peter John , Al Mamun Abdullah 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to compare the socio-demographic, host and clinical characteristics, seasonality and antimicrobial susceptibility of Typhoidal Salmonella (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi) (TS) with diarrhea between urban and rural Bangladesh.

Methods
Relevant information of 77/25,767 (0.30%) and 290/17,622 (1.65%) patients positive with TS (in stool) were extracted from the data archive of Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System of icddr,b (urban Dhaka and rural Matlab Hospitals respectively) during 2000–2012. Comparison group (diarrhea patients negative for TS) was randomly selected from the database (1:3 ratio). Two poisson regression models were investigated for modelling seasonal effects on the number of cases.

Results

Salmonella Typhi was more frequently isolated in Dhaka than Matlab (57% vs. 5%, p < 0.001); while Salmonella Paratyphi was more frequent in Matlab than Dhaka (96% vs. 43%; p < 0.001). Fever [adj. OR-5.86 (95% CI: 2.16, 15.94)], antimicrobial use at home [5.08 (2.60, 9.90)], and fecal red blood cells [2.53 (1.38, 4.64)] were significantly associated with detection of TS in stool of patient from Dhaka. For Matlab, the correlates were, vomiting [1.88 (1.35, 2.64)], fecal macrophage [1.89 (1.29, 2.74)] in addition to fever and duration of diarrhea and antimicrobial use. At Dhaka, all Salmonella Typhi isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone; while in Dhaka and Matlab however, for ciprofloxacin it was 45% and 91%, respectively. Susceptibility to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and nalidixic acid ranged from 12%-58%. Salmonella Paratyphi were susceptible to ceftriaxone (99%). A significant seasonal trend and year difference (before and after 2007) for Matlab was observed (p < 0.001 for all effects). Dhaka does not show significant year or seasonal effects (p = 0.07 for years and p = 0.81 and p = 0.18 for the cos and sin components, respectively). While not significant, two seasonal peaks were observed in Dhaka (January-February and September-November); while a single peak (August-November) was observed in Matlab.

Conclusions
Proportion of serovar distribution of TS and their clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility and seasonal pattern were different among diarrhea patients in urban Dhaka and rural Matlab of Bangladesh.
Unipolar resistive switching of ZnO-single-wire memristors
Authors: Huang Yong , Luo Ying , Shen Zihan , Yuan Guoliang , Zeng Haibo 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Well unipolar resistive switching (RS) behaviors were observed from Ag/ZnO single-microwire/Ag memristors. The reset voltages were larger than the set voltages, and all of them were less than 1 V. The resistance ratios of high-resistance state (HRS) to low-resistance state (LRS) reached 103. The bistable RS behaviors were entirely reversible and steady within 100 cycles. It was found that the dominant conduction mechanisms in LRS and HRS were ohmic behavior and space-charge-limited current (SCLC), respectively.
Medication in nursing homes in Alsace: a preferential list of drugs obtained by consensus
Authors: Hannou Sophia , Rousseau Amélie , Rybarczyk-Vigouret Marie-Christine , Michel Bruno 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In order to improve patient care, OMEDIT (Observatory of drugs, medical devices and therapeutic innovation) Alsace, conducted a study to develop a Preferential list of Drugs adapted to the Elderly (PDE list) in nursing homes. The study conducted from December 2011 to June 2012 was organized in 4 phases: 1) creation of a preliminary list of drugs from those currently used in nursing homes in Alsace, 2) application of a two-round Delphi process to evaluate the preliminary list involving mobilization of experts from different backgrounds (geriatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists …), 3) identification of molecules considered in literature as potentially inappropriate, 4) generation of a final PDE list, including information concerning proper use of drugs for prescription and administration. 53 experts participated in the study. In the first round, 338 drugs were on the preliminary list, 246 were considered as appropriate by experts and 28 as inappropriate. 64 drugs without consensus were submitted to a second round. 32 of them were considered as inappropriate and 32 others remained on the list with no consensus. These last 32 were evaluated by OMEDIT and 3 were considered as appropriate drugs for the elderly. Totally, 252 drugs constitute the final PDE list from our study. The PDE list constitutes a new guide for optimization of both prescription and administration of drugs in nursing homes and could help reduce misuses and poly-medication, which are constant preoccupations to avoid adverse drug reactions in elderly.

Key points

● The study was carried out with the aim to create a Preferential list of Drugs adapted to the Elderly (PDE list) in nursing homes using a modified Delphi method.
● The PDE list constitutes a new guideline to harmonize practices in nursing homes and to help physicians and nurses to achieve best possible care management.
College Student Personality Traits Related to TOEIC and GEPT
Authors: Lin Chia-Hui 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Personality had been conceptualized from different theoretical perspectives. Many psychologists had divided language of personality as important and useful for daily interaction. Thus, personality traits seemed to be an important factor in achieving educational goals for students learning foreign languages. TOEIC and GEPT tests measured English proficiency for the international working environment and educational organizations. A number of colleges and universities also employed TOEIC and GEPT tests as tools for student placement, tracking progress, and program evaluation. This study quantitatively examined non-experimental relationships among personality traits, TOEIC, GEPT, foreign language classroom anxiety, classroom structure, and satisfaction. A total of 110 surveys were distributed, and 100 surveys were returned, with a return rate of 91%, with 9% missing data. Results showed that 3 of the 5 examined personality traits were statistically significant. Furthermore, TOEIC and GEPT tests did not influence personality traits, and GEPT participation had more statistical significance than TOEIC participation for student personality traits. The findings did not help statistical differences in foreign language classroom anxiety, and classroom structures for satisfaction and personality traits. The results of this research might influence educational organizations, government, and company decisions and strategies. Future studies should be enlarged to strengthen the generalizability of this research.
Rethinking Assessment of Thai EFL Learners' Speaking Skills
Authors: Sinwongsuwat Kemtong 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper reassesses the mainstream tasks used for evaluating Thai ELF learners' speaking skills: face-to-face interview and role-play. Based on final and preliminary findings from small-scale classroom research, it examines the capacity of these two tasks to assess the learners' conversation skills in particular and recommends a task that is more oriented towards features of natural conversation; i.e., non-scripted role-play. It is argued that if implemented with an appropriate rubric, this task should enable us to better assess the students' ability to converse in naturally-occurring communicative situations and with practice make it possible to develop students with better proficiency in English conversation. Some implications are also noted for English conversation teaching stemming from the proposed application of the assessment task in Thai EFL classroom contexts.
Mixed reality temporal bone surgical dissector: Mechanical design
Authors: Hochman Jordan Brent , Sepehri Nariman , Rampersad Vivek , Kraut Jay , Khazraee Milad , Pisa Justyn , Unger Bertram 
Published: August 2014

Objective The Development of a Novel Mixed Reality (MR) Simulation. An evolving training environment emphasizes the importance of simulation. Current haptic temporal bone simulators have difficulty representing realistic contact forces and while 3D printed models convincingly represent vibrational properties of bone, they cannot reproduce soft tissue. This paper introduces a mixed reality model, where the effective elements of both simulations are combined; haptic rendering of soft tissue directly interacts with a printed bone model. This paper addresses one aspect in a series of challenges, specifically the mechanical merger of a haptic device with an otic drill. This further necessitates gravity cancelation of the work assembly gripper mechanism. In this system, the haptic end-effector is replaced by a high-speed drill and the virtual contact forces need to be repositioned to the drill tip from the mid wand. Previous publications detail generation of both the requisite printed and haptic simulations. Method Custom software was developed to reposition the haptic interaction point to the drill tip. A custom fitting, to hold the otic drill, was developed and its weight was offset using the haptic device. The robustness of the system to disturbances and its stable performance during drilling were tested. The experiments were performed on a mixed reality model consisting of two drillable rapid-prototyped layers separated by a free-space. Within the free-space, a linear virtual force model is applied to simulate drill contact with soft tissue. Results Testing illustrated the effectiveness of gravity cancellation. Additionally, the system exhibited excellent performance given random inputs and during the drill's passage between real and virtual components of the model. No issues with registration at model boundaries were encountered. Conclusion These tests provide a proof of concept for the initial stages in the development of a novel mixed-reality temporal bone simulator.