bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensity cut-points for the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale
Authors: Campbell Margaret L , Templin Thomas N 
Published: January 2015

Background: The Respiratory Distress Observation Scale© is an innovative solution to assessment when a dyspnea report cannot be elicited. The Respiratory Distress Observation Scale has acceptable reliability and validity psychometrics. Aim: To identify distress-intensity cut-points of the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale. Design: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted with inpatients stratified by four levels of respiratory distress—none, mild, moderate, or severe. Patients provided three self-report measures of dyspnea: dichotomous (yes/no); a ranking of none, mild, moderate, or severe; and a numerical rating scale. Respiratory distress was assessed using the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale instrument. Setting/participants: Participants were 136 adult inpatients, mean age 61.8 years (standard deviation = 13.18 years), 89.7% African American, and 56.6% female, who were recruited from an urban, tertiary care hospital in the Midwest of the United States. Results: In all, 47% ( n = 64) self-reported dyspnea (yes/no). Ranking was distributed as follows: none = 36, mild = 35, moderate = 40, and severe = 25. Numerical rating scale scores ranged from 0 to 10, mean = 4.99 (standard deviation = 2.9). Respiratory Distress Observation Scale scores ranged from 0 to 7, median (interquartile range) = 2 (1–3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis–determined Respiratory Distress Observation Scale score of 0–2 suggests little or no respiratory distress; score ≥3 signified moderate to severe distress. Conclusion: A Respiratory Distress Observation Scale score ≥3 signifies a patient’s need for palliation of respiratory distress. An end-point for identifying responsiveness to treatment, in other words, respiratory comfort, is Respiratory Distress Observation Scale <3. Because patients with imminent respiratory failure, as typified by dying patients, were not represented yielding lower than expected Respiratory Distress Observation Scale scores, further substantiation is needed to determine moderate or severe cut-points.
Do repeated assessments of performance status improve predictions for risk of death among patients with cancer? A population-based cohort study
Authors: Su Jiandong , Barbera Lisa , Sutradhar Rinku 
Published: January 2015

Background: Prior work has utilized longitudinal information on performance status to demonstrate its association with risk of death among cancer patients; however, no study has assessed whether such longitudinal information improves the predictions for risk of death. Aim: To examine whether the use of repeated performance status assessments improve predictions for risk of death compared to using only performance status assessment at the time of cancer diagnosis. Design: This was a population-based longitudinal study of adult outpatients who had a cancer diagnosis and had at least one assessment of performance status. To account for each patient’s changing performance status over time, we implemented a Cox model with a time-varying covariate for performance status. This model was compared to a Cox model using only a time-fixed (baseline) covariate for performance status. The regression coefficients of each model were derived based on a randomly selected 60% of patients, and then, the predictive ability of each model was assessed via concordance probabilities when applied to the remaining 40% of patients. Results: Our study consisted of 15,487 cancer patients with over 53,000 performance status assessments. The utilization of repeated performance status assessments improved predictions for risk of death compared to using only the performance status assessment taken at diagnosis. Conclusion: When studying the hazard of death among patients with cancer, if available, researchers should incorporate changing information on performance status scores, instead of simply baseline information on performance status.
Sleep disturbances among pregnant women with history of migraines: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Qiu Chunfang , Frederick Ihunnaya O , Sorensen Tanya , Aurora Sheena K , Gelaye Bizu , Enquobahrie Daniel A , Williams Michelle A 
Published: January 2015

Background Migraine is associated with sleep disturbances in men and non-pregnant women. However, relatively little is known about sleep disturbances among pregnant migraineurs. We investigated sleep disturbances among pregnant women with and without history of migraine. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1324 women who were recruited during early pregnancy. Migraine diagnoses were based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to evaluate sleep-related characteristics including sleep duration, sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep traits. Multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Migraineurs were more likely than non-migraineurs to report short sleep duration (<6.5 hours) (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.07–2.02), poor sleep quality (PSQI>5) (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.35–2.23), and daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.12–2.02). Migraineurs were also more likely than non-migraineurs to report taking sleep medication during pregnancy (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.20–2.42). Associations were generally similar for migraine with or without aura. The odds of sleep disturbances were particularly elevated among pre-pregnancy overweight migraineurs. Conclusion Migraine headache and sleep disturbances are common comorbid conditions among pregnant women.
A new method for meniscus repair using type I collagen scaffold and infrapatellar fat pad
Authors: Oda Shuhei , Otsuki Shuhei , Kurokawa Yoshitaka , Hoshiyama Yoshiaki , Nakajima Mikio , Neo Masashi 
Published: January 2015

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate a new method for meniscal repair by combinative transplantation with type I collagen scaffold and infrapatellar fat pad. Methods Two-mm cylindrical defects at the anterior part of bilateral medial menisci were prepared in nine Japanese white rabbits. The 18 knees were equally divided into three groups: I, no treatment; II, collagen scaffold transplantation; and III, collagen scaffold and infrapatellar fat pad transplantation. Another three rabbits (six knees) underwent sham surgery and served as controls. Rabbits were sacrificed at eight weeks after transplantation. Surface area of the medial meniscus was evaluated using macrophotographs. Ishida score for meniscal regeneration was used for assessment. To evaluate the composition of regenerated tissue, immunohistochemistry was analyzed with anti-type I and anti-type II collagen antibodies, and anti-Ki67 antibody. To investigate the effects of collagen scaffold on human meniscus, cells were isolated from human meniscus and infrapatellar fat pad, and cultured with collagen scaffold for three weeks. After that, gene expression was evaluated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results In group I, the meniscus shrank anterior to posterior, and the surface area was significantly less than that of normal meniscus. However, the surface area was maintained in group III. Ishida score and Ki67-positive cell ratio in group III were significantly higher than that in any other group, and staining with type I and type II collagen was similar to that of the control. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase was significantly lower in cocultures of collagen scaffold, meniscus cell, and infrapatellar fat pad cell than in monocultured meniscus cell, and expression of interleukin-1β was not increased. Conclusion: This new method for meniscal repair by combinative transplantation with type I collagen scaffold and infrapatellar fat pad showed meniscal regeneration and potential for suppressing inflammation.
Enhanced osteogenesis on titanium implants by UVB photofunctionalization of hydrothermally grown TiO2 coatings
Authors: Lorenzetti Martina , Dakischew Olga , Trinkaus Katja , Susanne Lips Katrin , Schnettler Reinhard , Kobe Spomenka , Novak Saša 
Published: January 2015

Even though Ti-based implants are the most used materials for hard tissue replacement, they may present lack of osseointegration on the long term, due to their inertness. Hydrothermal treatment (HT) is a useful technique for the synthesis of firmly attached, highly crystalline coatings made of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2), providing favorable nanoroughness and higher exposed surface area, as well as greater hydrophilicity, compared to the native amorphous oxide on pristine titanium. The hydrophilicity drops even more by photofunctionalization of the nanostructured TiO2-anatase coatings under UV light. Human mesenchymal stem cells exhibited a good response to the combination of the positive surface characteristics, especially in respect to the UVB pre-irradiation. The results showed that the cells were not harmed in terms of viability; even more, they were encouraged to differentiate in osteoblasts and to become osteogenically active, as confirmed by the calcium ion uptake and the formation of well-mineralized, bone-like nodule structures. In addition, the enrichment of hydroxyl groups on the HT-surfaces by UVB photofunctionalization accelerated the cell differentiation process and greatly improved the osteogenesis in comparison with the nonirradiated samples. The optimal surface characteristics of the HT-anatase coatings as well as the high potentiality of the photo-induced hydrophilicity, which was reached during a relatively short pre-irradiation time (5 h) with UVB light, can be correlated with better osseointegration ability in vivo; among the samples, the superior biological behavior of the roughest and most hydrophilic HT coating makes it a good candidate for further studies and applications.
A Pharmacist’s Impact on 30-Day Readmission Rates When Compared to the Current Standard of Care Within a Patient-Centered Medical Home
Authors: Tedesco Gary W. , McConaha Jamie L. , Skomo Monica L. , Higginbotham Suzanne K. 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To evaluate the effect transition of care follow-up and counseling performed by a pharmacist, within a physician’s practice, can have on 30-day hospital readmissions among Medicare patients when compared to the current standard of care Methods: A pharmacist telephonically contacted patients ≥65 years with Medicare insurance following hospital discharge to perform medication reconciliation, review discharge instructions, and schedule a follow-up appointment (n = 34). At this follow-up appointment, the pharmacist reviewed the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR) and communicated recommendations to the physician. The current standard of care, which does not involve a pharmacist, at a similar local physician practice was used as a comparative group (n = 45) Results: The difference in 30-day readmission rates did not reach statistical significance ( P = .27); however, there was a trending decrease in the percentage of patients readmitted between the control and the intervention groups (26.7% vs 14.7%). Additionally, there was nearly a statistically significant decrease in readmission rates for those patients who interacted with the pharmacist face to face versus only telephonically ( P = .05) Conclusions: These results impact the decision to continue and expand the pilot program and demonstrate that pharmacists in the ambulatory setting based within a patient-centered medical home have a potential role in decreasing 30-day hospital readmissions.
Increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in cutaneous lupus lesions
Authors: Schmitz M K , Botte D A , Sotto M N , Borba E F , Bonfa E , de Mello S B V 
Published: January 2015

Objective Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) axis activation leads to the production of hormones, such as adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Data regarding the role of these hormones in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are scarce. In the present study we aim to evaluate the participation of this axis in the cutaneous involvement of SLE. Methods Seventeen SLE patients were clinically evaluated, and biopsies from affected and unaffected skin of these patients were compared with 17 healthy control individuals. Immunohistochemical analyses for CRH, ACTH, α-MSH, and MC-1R were performed, and the serum levels of α-MSH, IL-1, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured. Results The affected skin of the SLE patients exhibited higher CRH expression in the deep dermis compared to the skin of the controls ( p = 0.024), whereas the tissue expression of ACTH, cortisol, α-MSH and its receptor MC-1R were comparable in SLE patients and controls. Higher serum levels of IFN-γ ( p = 0.041), TNF-α ( p = 0.001) and IL-6 ( p = 0.049) were observed in SLE patients compared with controls, while α-MSH levels were similar in both groups. Conclusion The novel finding of elevated CRH expression solely in the affected skin deep dermis supports the notion of a cutaneous local dysfunction of the CRH-POMC axis in the pathogenesis of cutaneous SLE lesions.
Cancer patients’ acceptability of incorporating an epidemiology questionnaire within a clinical trial
Authors: Cuffe Sinead , Hon Henrique , Tobros Kimberly , Espin-Garcia Osvaldo , Brhane Yonathan , Harland Luke , Fadhel Ehab , Eng Lawson , LaDelfa Anthony , Waldron John , Siu Lillian L , Chen Bingshu E , Xu Wei , Simmons Christine , Kassam Zahra , Montenegro Alexander , Parulekar Wendy R , Liu Geoffrey 
Published: January 2015

Background/aims Understanding the influence or impact of epidemiological factors on cancer outcomes in clinical trials can broaden our knowledge of disease, trial populations and therapeutic effects thus leading to improved patient care. However, there is a lack of data on cancer patients’ compliance with an epidemiology questionnaire in the context of a clinical trial. Patients and methods Cancer patients were provided with a hypothetical scenario and surveyed regarding their willingness and preferences to complete an epidemiology questionnaire if incorporated into a cancer therapy trial. Patient compliance with completing a voluntary epidemiology questionnaire and trial coordinators perceptions therein were separately determined in the NCIC Clinical Trials Group HN.6 clinical trial, an ongoing randomized phase III trial comparing two first-line treatment regimens in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer. Results Of 617 cancer patients from community, academic and tertiary cancer centres, the majority were willing to complete an epidemiology questionnaire either unconditionally (45%), or provided it did not inconvenience them (31%); 4% would refuse. Patients preferred shorter questionnaires of 30–50 questions requiring 10–20 min to complete, administered over 1–3 sessions. Patients were less willing, but still compliant, to answer questions relating to sexual history (71%) and annual household income (66%) relative to other questions (>90%). Eighteen percent thought that the questionnaire should be mandatory, with 31% believing that they may benefit personally from such research. In the HN.6 trial, compliance averaged 94.8% per question. Conclusions Cancer patients are very willing to complete epidemiology questions in clinical trials.
Critical care admissions in a cardiothoracic hospital: Mortality in patients aged over 80 years
Authors: Quarterman Clare , Kirmani Bilal H , Al-Rawi Omar 
Published: January 2015

Background Cardiac surgery is increasingly performed on patients aged 80 years and over. Previous studies have shown an associated longer length of hospital stay and higher morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to establish whether an increased mortality was demonstrated in patients aged over 80 undergoing surgery in our centre, and the impact of age upon critical care and hospital stay, and 30-day and 6-month survival. Methods Over a 12-month period, 2042 critical care episodes were examined collectively and divided into those undergoing thoracic and cardiac surgery. Propensity matching of 216 patients who underwent cardiac surgery was performed for parameters including Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre score. Results Of the admissions studied, 1784 were of patients under 80 years of age, and 258 over 80. Thirty-day mortality of those aged over 80 was significantly higher (8.9% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001), although the number of days of each level of organ support and total duration of critical care stay was not significantly different. Propensity matching of cardiac surgery patients indicated a longer length of hospital stay in those aged over 80, but no significant difference in length of critical care stay or mortality at six months. Conclusions As previously demonstrated, we found an increased mortality in the older patient group. Following propensity matching, there was no significant difference in 30-day or 6-month mortality. Older patients must be fitter than their younger peers to compensate for the effects of age on APACHE II score. Even when this is taken into consideration, cardiothoracic operations appear to be safe in patients aged over 80.
Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: a systematic review
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Bateman Marcus , Clark David , Selfe James , Watkinson Duncan , Walton Mike , Funk Lennard 
Published: January 2015

Background The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes following surgical repair of the rotator cuff with emphasis upon length of immobilisation and timing of introduction of load. Methods An electronic search of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and PEDro was undertaken to August 2014 and supplemented by hand searching. Randomised controlled trials were included, quality appraised using the PEDro scale and synthesised via meta-analysis or narrative synthesis, based upon levels of evidence, where appropriate. Results Twelve studies were included. There is strong evidence that early initiation of rehabilitation does not adversely affect clinical outcome but there is a marginally higher, statistically non-significant, incidence of tendon re-tear (OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.72 to 2.2). There is strong evidence that initiation of functional loading early in the rehabilitation programme does not adversely affect clinical outcome. Discussion Concern about early initiation of rehabilitation and introduction of gradual functional load does not appear warranted but this should be considered in a context of potential for Type II error. There is further need to evaluate approaches that foster early initiation of rehabilitation and gradual introduction of functional load as well as considering key outcomes such as return to work.
miR-29a maintains mouse hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal by regulating Dnmt3a
Authors: Hu Wenhuo , Dooley James , Chung Stephen S. , Chandramohan Dhruva , Cimmino Luisa , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Mason Christopher E. , de Strooper Bart , Liston Adrian , Park Christopher Y. 
Published: January 2015

Key Points
miR-29a maintains HSC function by targeting Dnmt3a.
Successful treatment of severe sepsis and diarrhea after vagotomy utilizing fecal microbiota transplantation: a case report
Authors: Li Qiurong , Wang Chenyang , Tang Chun , He Qin , Zhao Xiaofan , Li Ning , Li Jieshou 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota likely plays an important role in the development of gut-derived infections, making it a potential therapeutic target against sepsis. However, experience with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of sepsis and knowledge of the underlying mechanisms are extremely lacking. In this article, we describe a case of a patient who developed sepsis after a vagotomy and later received an infusion of donor feces microbiota, and we report our findings.

Methods
A 44-year-old woman developed septic shock and severe watery diarrhea 4 days after undergoing a vagotomy. Antibiotics, probiotics and supportive treatment strategies were used for about 30 day after surgery, but the patient’s fever, bacteremia and watery diarrhea persisted. Considering the possibility of intestinal dysbiosis, we evaluated the structure and composition of the patient’s fecal microbiota using 16S rDNA-based molecular techniques. As expected, the gut microbiota was extensively disrupted; therefore, a donor fecal suspension was delivered into the patient by nasoduodenal tube. The patient’s clinical outcomes and shifts of the gut microbiota following the treatment were also determined.

Results
Dramatically, the patient’s septic symptoms and severe diarrhea were successfully controlled following FMT. Her stool output markedly declined after 7 days and normalized 16 days after FMT. A significant modification in her microbiota composition was consistently seen, characterized by a profound enrichment of the commensals in Firmicutes and depletion of opportunistic organisms in Proteobacteria. Furthermore, we identified a reconstituted bacterial community enriched in Firmicutes and depleted of Proteobacteria members that was associated with fecal output, plasma markers of inflammation and T helper cells.

Conclusions
In this report, we describe our initial experience with FMT, in which we successfully used it in the treatment of a patient with sepsis and severe diarrhea after a vagotomy. Our data indicate an association between repaired intestinal microbiota barrier and improvement of clinical outcomes. Our patient’s surprising clinical benefits from FMT demonstrate the role of intestinal microbiota in modulating immune equilibrium. It represents a breakthrough in the clinical management of sepsis and suggests new therapeutic avenues to pursue for microbiota-related indications.