bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Opioid Rotation Ratio of Hydrocodone to Strong Opioids in Cancer Patients
Authors: Reddy Akhila , Yennurajalingam Sriram , Desai Hem , Reddy Suresh , Cruz Maxine , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Rodriguez Eden Mae , Waletich Jessica , Shin Seong Hoon , Gayle Vicki , Patel Pritul , Dalal Shalini , Vidal Marieberta , Tanco Kimberson , Arthur Joseph , Tallie Kimmie , Williams Janet , Silvestre Julio , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurpose.Cancer pain management guidelines recommend initial treatment with intermediate-strength analgesics such as hydrocodone and subsequent escalation to stronger opioids such as morphine. There are no published studies on the process of opioid rotation (OR) from hydrocodone to strong opioids in cancer patients. Our aim was to determine the opioid rotation ratio (ORR) of hydrocodone to morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) in cancer outpatients.Patients and Methods.We reviewed the records of consecutive patient visits at our supportive care center in 2011–2012 for OR from hydrocodone to stronger opioids. Data regarding demographics, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), and MEDD were collected from patients who returned for follow-up within 6 weeks. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the ORR between hydrocodone and MEDD. Successful OR was defined as 2-point or 30% reduction in the pain score and continuation of the new opioid at follow-up.Results.Overall, 170 patients underwent OR from hydrocodone to stronger opioid. The median age was 59 years, and 81% had advanced cancer. The median time between OR and follow-up was 21 days. We found 53% had a successful OR with significant improvement in the ESAS pain and symptom distress scores. In 100 patients with complete OR and no worsening of pain at follow-up, the median ORR from hydrocodone to MEDD was 1.5 (quintiles 1–3: 0.9–2). The ORR was associated with hydrocodone dose (r = −.52; p &lt; .0001) and was lower in patients receiving ≥40 mg of hydrocodone per day (p &lt; .0001). The median ORR of hydrocodone to morphine was 1.5 (n = 44) and hydrocodone to oxycodone was 0.9 (n = 24).Conclusion.The median ORR from hydrocodone to MEDD was 1.5 and varied according to hydrocodone dose.
Low Socioeconomic Status Is Associated With More Aggressive End-of-Life Care for Working-Age Terminal Cancer Patients
Authors: Chang Chun-Ming , Wu Chin-Chia , Yin Wen-Yao , Juang Shiun-Yang , Yu Chia-Hui , Lee Ching-Chih 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Background.
The relationship between low socioeconomic status (SES) and aggressiveness of end-of-life (EOL) care in cancer patients of working age (older than 18 years and younger than 65 years) is not clear. We assessed the association between aggressiveness of EOL care and differences in SES among working-age terminal cancer patients from Taiwan between 2009 and 2011.

Methods.
A total of 32,800 cancer deaths were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The indicators of aggressive EOL care (chemotherapy, more than one emergency room [ER] visit or hospital admission, more than 14 days of hospitalization, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, and death in an acute care hospital) in the last month of life were examined. The associations between SES and the indicators were explored.

Results.
Up to 81% of the cancer deaths presented at least one indicator of aggressive EOL care. Those who were aged 35–44 years and male, had low SES, had metastatic malignant disease, lived in urban areas, or were in hospitals with more abundant health care resources were more likely to receive aggressive EOL care. In multilevel logistic regression analyses, high-SES cancer deaths had less chemotherapy (p &lt; .001), fewer ER visits (p &lt; .001), fewer ICU admissions (p &lt; .001), and lower rates of dying in acute hospitals (p &lt; .001) compared with low-SES cancer deaths.

Conclusion.
Working-age terminal cancer patients in Taiwan received aggressive EOL care. EOL cancer care was even more aggressive in those with low SES. Public health strategies should continue to focus on low-SES patients to provide them with better EOL cancer care.
Una experiencia de simulación empresarial para el desarrollo de competencias profesionales
Authors: Peña Miguel Noemi , Sedano Hoyos Máximo 
Published: October 2014

Los simuladores empresariales permiten transmitir contenidos, potenciar habilidades y competencias en gestión empresarial como herramientas formativas y educativas. En inglés son conocidos bajo el nombre de business games, los que a su vez son una modalidad deserious games. El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la potencialidad de un simulador empresarial como herramienta no solo formativa para promover el aprendizaje, sino también para potenciar capacidades y habilidades. En este sentido, la metodología utilizada se fundamenta en el análisis de una experiencia concreta de éxito en el uso de este simulador para el ámbito formativo como elemento dinamizador y catalizador para trabajar competencias en el entorno e-learning. En este análisis se detallará cómo se pueden trabajar dichas competencias en cada una de las fases de toma de decisiones del simulador empresarial llamado “Fórmula i”. El usuario debe gestionar una escudería de Fórmula 1 tratando de obtener los mejores resultados deportivos posibles a partir de una serie de decisiones tanto estratégicas como operativas. Finalmente, a través de un modelo econométrico de regresión de elaboración propia, se analizan los resultados obtenidos en su primera puesta en práctica para evaluar la influencia de esta metodología en la evaluación de la gestión de competencias de los recursos humanos en la empresa.
Mapping Net Blotch Resistance in ‘Nomini’ and CIho 2291 Barley
Authors: O'Boyle P. D. , Brooks W. S. , Barnett M. D. , Berger G. L. , Steffenson B. J. , Stromberg E. L. , Maroof M. A. Saghai , Liu S.Y. , Griffey C. A. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTNet blotch (Pyrenophora teres) is one of the most devastating diseases of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) worldwide. Identification of diagnostic molecular markers associated with genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for net blotch resistance will facilitate pyramiding of independent genes. Linkage mapping was used to identify chromosomal locations of the independent, dominant genes conditioning net blotch resistance in the winter barley ‘Nomini’ (PI 566929) and spring barley CIho 2291. The F2 populations of 238 and 193 individuals, derived from crosses between the susceptible spring barley parent ‘Hector’ (CIho 15514) and the resistant parents Nomini and CIho 2291, respectively, were used to map the genes governing resistance in the resistant parents. The dominant gene governing resistance in Nomini, temporarily designated Rpt‐Nomini, was mapped to a 9.2‐cM region of barley chromosome 6H between the flanking microsatellite markers Bmag0344a (r2 = 0.7) and Bmag0103a (r2 = 0.9), which were 6.8 and 2.4 cM away from Rpt‐Nomini, respectively. The dominant gene governing resistance in CIho 2291, temporarily designated Rpt‐CIho2291, was mapped to a 34.3‐cM interval on the distal region of barley chromosome 6H between the flanking microsatellite markers Bmag0173 (r2 = 0.65) and Bmag0500 (r2 = 0.26), which were 9.9 and 24.4 cM away from Rpt‐CIho2291, respectively. Identification of the chromosomal location of Rpt‐Nomini and Rpt‐CIho2291 will facilitate efforts in pyramiding multiple genes for net blotch resistance.
Diallel Analysis of Diverse Maize Germplasm Lines for Agronomic Characteristics
Authors: Henry W. Brien , Blanco Michael H. , Rowe Dennis E. , Windham Gary L. , Murray Seth C. , Williams W. Paul 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTDiverse, novel maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm from the Genetic Enhancement of Maize (GEM) Project and aflatoxin‐resistant and aflatoxin‐susceptible maize lines were used as parents to produce a diallel cross. This manuscript documents the agronomic performance of the progeny of the diallel cross. Nine GEM germplasm lines and six known resistant and susceptible lines were selected as parents of a diallel cross that was evaluated over 2 yr at Mississippi State, MS, and 1 yr at College Station, TX. Mp317, Mp494, NEI9008, and GEMN‐0130 had positive and significant GCA effects for yield in at least two of the three environments. This is especially useful because prior research suggested that both Mp494 and GEMN‐0130 also reduce aflatoxin accumulation. Of the GEM lines evaluated, NEI9008 was the best source for enhanced yield with significant and positive GCA values across all three environments. Mp313E × GEMN‐0157 yielded well across all environments with an additional benefit of relatively low aflatoxin accumulation in the Mississippi environments. Because the GEM lines evaluated in this diallel cross have a distinctly different genetic background than the aflatoxin‐resistant Mississippi inbreds, NEI9008 and GEMN‐0130 (improved yield), GEMS‐0002 and GEMS‐0074 (earlier maturity by 3 to 4 d), CUBA117, GEMS‐0030, GEMN‐0071, GEMS‐0100 (reduced plant height 0.1 to 0.2 m), GEMN‐0157, NEI9008, GEMS‐0002, and GEMS‐0074 (reduced height by 0.3 to 0.4 m) should be useful sources of alleles for pyramiding improved yield, earlier maturity, and shorter plant heights into improved breeding lines.
Genotypic Association of Parameters Commonly Used to Predict Canning Quality of Dry Bean
Authors: Khanal R. , Burt A.J. , Woodrow L. , Balasubramanian P. , Navabi A. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTTo select dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties suitable for the canning and processing industry, it is essential to understand the genetic and environmental effects on the quality parameters as well as their associations. A dataset of 6 yr of dry bean quality evaluations in the multi‐location provincial registration trials in Ontario, Canada, with data for parameters routinely used by breeding programs to predict the final canning quality of breeding materials was used. Genetic, environmental, and genotype (G) × environmental effects and multi‐variable associations were studied using the estimates of the genotypic least squared means for the balanced yearly data and the best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) for the overall unbalanced data. Genetic effects, accounting for 35 to 76% of the variation in navy bean and 38 to 88% of the variation in large‐seeded bean, followed by location (L) effects, accounting for 11 to 66% of the variation in navy bean and 11 to 64% of the variation in large‐seeded bean, were more important than the genotype × location (GL) interaction effects for seed composition parameters. This was not the case for physical and texture parameters, where GL interaction effects were often most important. Positive associations were observed among hydration coefficient, can yield, and protein content in the yearly analyses as well as in the multi‐year analysis. The negative association between percent washed‐drain solids and bean texture after processing was also repeatedly observed over years. The associations reported here may guide further selection efforts in bean breeding programs.
Origin of Ladino White Clover as Inferred from Patterns of Molecular and Morphophysiological Diversity
Authors: Annicchiarico Paolo , Carelli Maria 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThe Ladino type of white clover (Trifolium repensL.) evolved in the Lombardy plain and has largely been used for cultivation and breeding. Different authors hypothesized its origin from Dutch white clover (domesticated in the 16th century) rather than indigenous wild populations. This study aimed to provide insight into the origin of Ladino, as well as assessing the consistency between morphophysiological and simple sequence repeats (SSR) marker information and the extent of among‐population and within‐population genetic variation in white clover. One landrace and one wild population of Ladino, four Italian non‐Ladino wild populations collected along a latitudinal gradient at different elevations, and one Fries–Groninger (Dutch) landrace, were evaluated for 10 morphophysiological traits. Twenty‐five individuals per population were genotyped by 32 well‐distributed SSR markers. Population ordination and classification of molecular diversity based on Nei's (1972) or Reynolds’ distance, and structure analysis, did not support the origin of Ladino from Dutch germplasm. Molecular marker‐based ordination of the Italian wild populations reflected the geographical and altitudinal similarity of their collecting sites. Within‐population molecular variation did not differ among populations, and was about 10‐fold greater than among‐population variation. Morphophysiological diversity of the populations was substantially unrelated to molecular diversity, while reflecting evolutionary adaptation to environments of origin.
A comparative study between currently used methods and Small Volume-Cone Beam Tomography for surgical placement of mini implants
Authors: Landin Melissa , Jadhav Aniket , Yadav Sumit , Tadinada Aditya 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To compare the outcome of mini implant placement by four different methods: blind placement, a single periapical radiograph (PA), a single panoramic radiograph, and a small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (SV-CBCT). Our hypothesis was that SV-CBCT, with its high resolution, low radiation dose, and three-dimensional depiction of area of interest would yield superior diagnostic information in assessing the potential anchorage site compared to currently used methods that often result in undesired root perforations.

Materials and Methods:
Potential mini implant sites of 20 dentate or partially dentate human skulls were imaged using three different imaging modalities: PA, panoramic radiograph, and SV-CBCT. Mini implants were placed in 10 maxillary and 10 mandibular randomized sites blindly and using each of the three imaging modalities. Large-volume CBCT scans done postoperatively were used to detect root perforation. Two oral radiologists analyzed the images for perforation of root structures at each site.

Results:
There was significantly (P &lt; .05) less root perforation with SV-CBCT when compared with other imaging modalities. Fifty-five percent of mini implants placed blindly, 60% of mini implants placed using PA, and 50% of mini implants placed using a panoramic radiograph perforated a root structure, whereas only 5% of mini implants placed using SV-CBCT perforated a root structure.

Conclusions:
Preoperative evaluation of potential mini implant insertion sites using SV-CBCT aids in predictable placement and results in the least amount of root perforation.
The influence of text messaging on oral hygiene effectiveness
Authors: Brent Bowen T. , Rinchuse Daniel J. , Zullo Thomas , DeMaria Mark E. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate whether text message reminders regarding oral hygiene have an effect on plaque removal in orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods:
In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 50 orthodontic patients were assigned to either a text message or control group. Patients in the text message group received 12 text messages over the course of 4 weeks and one text message for 8 weeks thereafter. Photos were taken at baseline (T0), at 4 weeks after baseline (T1), and at 12 weeks after baseline (T2). For each subject, photos of eight teeth were taken and then the area of the tooth and amount of plaque were measured using planimetry.

Results:
There was a statistically significant difference in plaque coverage between baseline and both T1 and T2 in the text message group as measured using planimetry. This was demonstrated by comparing the average measurements of the control group and the treatment group.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that the use of automated text message reminders sent from an orthodontic office was effective in improving oral hygiene compliance in orthodontic patients.
Increases in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation via pulsed electromagnetic fields in the healthy rat brain
Authors: Bragin Denis E. , Statom Gloria L. , Hagberg Sean , Nemoto Edwin M. 
Published: October 2014

OBJECT
High-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation is an emerging noninvasive therapy being used clinically to facilitate bone and cutaneous wound healing. Although the mechanisms of action of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are unknown, some studies suggest that its effects are mediated by increased nitric oxide (NO), a well-known vasodilator. The authors hypothesized that in the brain, PEMF increase NO, which induces vasodilation, enhances microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation, and may be a useful adjunct therapy in stroke and traumatic brain injury. To test this hypothesis, they studied the effect of PEMF on a healthy rat brain with and without NO synthase (NOS) inhibition.

METHODS
In vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) was used on the parietal cortex of rat brains to measure microvascular tone and red blood cell (RBC) flow velocity in microvessels with diameters ranging from 3 to 50 μm, which includes capillaries, arterioles, and venules. Tissue oxygenation (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide [NADH] fluorescence) was also measured before and for 3 hours after PEMF treatment using the FDA-cleared SofPulse device (Ivivi Health Sciences, LLC). To test NO involvement, the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was intravenously injected (10 mg/kg). In a time control group, PEMF were not used. Doppler flux (0.8-mm probe diameter), brain and rectal temperatures, arterial blood pressure, blood gases, hematocrit, and electrolytes were monitored.

RESULTS
Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation significantly dilated cerebral arterioles from a baseline average diameter of 26.4 ± 0.84 μm to 29.1 ± 0.91 μm (11 rats, p < 0.01). Increased blood volume flow through dilated arterioles enhanced capillary flow with an average increase in RBC flow velocity by 5.5% ± 1.3% (p < 0.01). Enhanced microvascular flow increased tissue oxygenation as reflected by a decrease in NADH autofluorescence to 94.7% ± 1.6% of baseline (p < 0.05). Nitric oxide synthase inhibition by L-NAME prevented PEMF-induced changes in arteriolar diameter, microvascular perfusion, and tissue oxygenation (7 rats). No changes in measured parameters were observed throughout the study in the untreated time controls (5 rats).

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first demonstration of the acute effects of PEMF on cerebral cortical microvascular perfusion and metabolism. Thirty minutes of PEMF treatment induced cerebral arteriolar dilation leading to an increase in microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation that persisted for at least 3 hours. The effects of PEMF were mediated by NO, as we have shown in NOS inhibition experiments. These results suggest that PEMF may be an effective treatment for patients after traumatic or ischemic brain injury. Studies on the effect of PEMF on the injured brain are in progress.
Different magnetic resonance imaging patterns after transcranial magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus and anterior limb of the internal capsule in patients with essential tremor or obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Jung Hyun Ho , Chang Won Seok , Rachmilevitch Itay , Tlusty Tal , Zadicario Eyal , Chang Jin Woo 
Published: October 2014

OBJECT
The authors report different MRI patterns in patients with essential tremor (ET) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and discuss possible causes of occasional MRgFUS failure.

METHODS
Between March 2012 and August 2013, MRgFUS was used to perform unilateral thalamotomy in 11 ET patients and bilateral anterior limb capsulotomy in 6 OCD patients; in all patients symptoms were refractory to drug therapy. Sequential MR images were obtained in patients across a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS
For OCD patients, lesion size slowly increased and peaked 1 week after treatment, after which lesion size gradually decreased. For ET patients, lesions were visible immediately after treatment and markedly reduced in size as time passed. In 3 ET patients and 1 OCD patient, there was no or little temperature rise (i.e., < 52°C) during MRgFUS. Successful and failed patient groups showed differences in their ratio of cortical-to-bone marrow thickness (i.e., skull density).

CONCLUSIONS
The authors found different MRI pattern evolution after MRgFUS for white matter and gray matter. Their results suggest that skull characteristics, such as low skull density, should be evaluated prior to MRgFUS to successfully achieve thermal rise.
Unplanned readmissions and survival following brain tumor surgery
Authors: Dickinson Holly , Carico Christine , Nuño Miriam , Mukherjee Debraj , Ortega Alicia , Black Keith L. , Patil Chirag G. 
Published: October 2014

OBJECT
Research on readmissions has been influenced by efforts to reduce hospital cost and avoid penalties stipulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Less emphasis has been placed on understanding these readmissions and their impact on patient outcomes. This study 1) delineates reasons for readmission, 2) explores factors associated with readmissions, and 3) describes their impact on the survival of glioblastoma patients.

METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective review of 362 cases involving patients with glioblastoma undergoing biopsy or tumor resection at their institution between 2003 and 2011. Reasons for re-hospitalization were characterized according to whether or not they were related to surgery and considered preventable. Multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the effect of readmission on survival and determine factors associated with re-hospitalizations.

RESULTS
Twenty-seven (7.5%) of 362 patients experienced unplanned readmissions within 30 days of surgery. Six patients (22.2%) were readmitted by Day 7, 14 (51.9%) by Day 14, and 20 (74.1%) by Day 21. Neurological, infectious, and thromboembolic complications were leading reasons for readmission, accounting for, respectively, 37.0%, 29.6%, and 22.2% of unplanned readmissions. Twenty-one (77.8%) of the 27 readmissions were related to surgery and 19 (70.4%) were preventable. The adjusted hazard ratio of mortality associated with a readmission was 2.03 (95% CI 1.3–3.1). Higher-functioning patients (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.9–1.0) and patients discharged home (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.1–0.6) were less likely to get readmitted.

CONCLUSIONS
An overwhelming fraction of documented unplanned readmissions were considered preventable and related to surgery. Patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of surgery had twice the risk of mortality compared with patients who were not readmitted.