bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can primary care nurse administered pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) be implemented for the prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence? A study protocol
Authors: Child Sue , Bateman Alice , Shuttleworth Joanna , Gericke Christian , Freeman Robert 
Published: May 2013

Background: We aim to evaluate if Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT) delivered in primary care results in fewer referrals to secondary care for urinary incontinence (UI), thereby reducing the number and associated costs of surgical procedures for UI.Methods / design: The study will consist of two populations – a prevention group and a treatment group who will both be offered PFMT in primary care. The prevention group will consist of parous women aged 25-64 attending for a routine cervical smear. Their pelvic floor will be assessed using the Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) and a baseline data form will be completed that asks about the frequency and associated bother of urine leakage. From the answers given, the group will be subdivided into two groups. The first (prevention) group will be subdivided into a primary prevention arm (no symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor strength ≤2 on MOS) and a secondary prevention arm (women reporting symptoms of urine leakage irrespective of MOS). The second (treatment) group will be women of any age who may or may not have had a vaginal birth presenting to their GP with UI. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews will be conducted with a subset of patients and staff with the aim of identifying barriers and facilitators in delivering PFMT in primary care.Discussion: A recently completed community study showed good outcomes with practice nurse delivery of PFMT. We suggest if this were to be implemented more widely it would reduce the need for referral to secondary care. We believe that this study will show whether implementing a package of PFMT delivered in primary care can treat as well as prevent UI and will also be helpful in exploring the benefits / drawbacks of such implementation, thus providing lessons for implementation in other Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).
Inpatients’ opinions on a hospital in Portugal
Authors: Silva Carina C , Oliveira Agripino 
Published: May 2013

Background: Little is known about the relationship between the opinions of inpatients and the degree to which hospitals are improving in performance over time. The aim of this study was to determine the personal assessment level of inpatients or their representatives regarding aspects of health care in an internal medicine ward.Methods: We carried out a questionnaire in September 2011 with 284 discharged patients and patient representatives, focusing on their opinions about the department, health professionals and amenities, with response options ranging from 1 (very bad) to 5 (very good). The relationships between domains from the questionnaire and socio-demographic factors were examined using a t-test and one-way ANOVA.Results: The response rate was 78%. The patients showed a slightly higher mean score (m) for factors in the medical care domain than did the patient representatives (m = 4.51 vs. m = 4.27; p = 0.014). The mean score of all the items in all domains was 4.24; this allowed us to determine the difference from the overall mean (DIFM) for medical care (DIFM = 0.18; p = 0.000), foods (DIFM = –0.31; p = 0.000), diagnostic tests (DIFM = –0.15; p = 0.036) and transport (DIFM = –0.41; p = 0.000). Respondents with a medium or higher educational level gave lower scores to the domains food (m = 3.74; p = 0.004), diagnostic tests (m = 3.72; p = 0.04) and transport (m = 3.62; p = 0.025) than those with lower educational levels. The domains facilities (m = 2.4; p = 0.04) and diagnostic tests (m = 3.63; p = 0.009) were given lower scores by those aged <50 years compared with older respondents.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the evaluation of the responders will allow the hospital management to make improvements in the quality of care.
Is gastroenterology research in decline? A comparison of abstract publication rates from The British Society of Gastroenterology meetings between 1995 and 2005
Authors: Prendergast Sarah , Mattishent Katharina , Broughton Tom , Beales Ian 
Published: May 2013

Background: Reports have suggested that academic medicine may be in decline within the UK. Further evidence suggests that rates of subsequent full publication of abstracts presented at major scientific meetings are low and may be declining. We have compared the publication rates of abstracts presented at meetings of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) between 1995 and 2005 and examined factors associated with full paper publication. Methods: Abstracts presented at BSG meetings in 1995 and 2005 were assessed by cross-referencing with multiple databases. Abstract characteristics associated with publication were analysed.Results: There were no differences in overall publication rates, impact factors or time to publication between 1995 and 2005. Overall, basic-science abstracts were twice as likely to achieve full publication than non-basic science. There was a significant fall in the publication rates for case series and audits, and significantly increased rates for fundamental/basic-science abstracts over the study period. There were non-significant increases in publication rates for controlled trials and systematic reviews. In general, publication rates for all predominantly clinically orientated abstracts reduced between the two periods with the most notable fall occurring in nutrition. Conclusions: There was no evidence of a decline in overall abstract publication rates between 1995 and 2005. There seemed to be trend for increased publication rates of abstracts using perceived high-quality study methodologies with a corresponding decrease in those with lower quality methods. The proportion of basic-science abstracts is likely to be a determinant of overall full publication rates following scientific meetings.
Effect of postoperative anemia on functional outcome and quality of life after hip and knee arthroplasties: a long term follow-up
Authors: Cormier-Lavoie Alex , Ruel Monique , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Hardy Jean-François 
Published: May 2013

Background: Postoperative anemia is frequent in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. While it is legitimate to think that anemia could decrease postoperative vigor and, consequently, limit the patient’s rehabilitation, our previous study showed that anemia does not impair functional recovery in patients during the immediate postoperative period (10 days). Here we investigate the possible relationship between the postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and long-term (6 months or more) functional recovery and quality of life (QoL) in patients.Study design and methods: A follow-up, observational study was conducted in the 305 patients 60 years and older who underwent major hip or knee arthroplasty and participated in the Transfusion Requirements in Orthopedic Surgery (TRIOS) study (phase 2). The relationship between postoperative Hb concentration (or variation thereof) and primary outcomes (Functional Status Index (FSI) score, scores in the two categories of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) test and adverse events) was established by linear regression.Results: 160 patients responded to long-term follow-up. There were no significant correlations between the postoperative Hb concentration (or the variation in perioperative Hb) and either the FSI or SF-36 scores or adverse events. Consequently, moderate postoperative anemia does not appear to affect long-term (6 months or more after surgery) functional recovery or QoL in patients undergoing a major arthroplasty.Conclusion: Our results confirm the lack of longer-term effects of anemia on functional recovery observed in the immediate postoperative period in the TRIOS phase 2 study.
Trading green backs for green crabs: evaluating the commercial shellfish harvest at risk to European green crab invasion
Authors: Mach Megan E , Chan Kai MA 
Published: May 2013

Nonnative species pose a threat to native biodiversity and can have immense impacts on biological communities, altering the function of ecosystems. How much value is at risk from high-impact invasive species, and which parameters determine variation in that value, constitutes critical knowledge for directing both management and research, but it is rarely available. We evaluated the value of the commercial shellfish harvest that is at risk in nearshore ecosystems of Puget Sound, Washington State, USA, from the invasive European green crab,Carcinus maenas. We assessed this value using a simple static ecological model combined with an economic model using data from Puget Sound’s shellfish harvest and revenue and the relationship betweenC. maenasabundance and the consumption rate of shellfish. The model incorporates a range inC. maenasdiet preference, calories consumed per year, and crab densities.C. maenasis likely to prey on commercially harvested hardshell clams, oysters, and mussels, which would likely reduce additional revenue from processing and distribution, and the number of jobs associated with these fisheries.The model results suggest possible revenue losses of these shellfish ranging from $1.03-23.8 million USD (2.8-64% losses), with harvesting and processing losses up to $44 million USD (40%) and 303 job positions each year associated with a range of plausible parameter values. The broad range of values reflects the uncertainty in key factors underlying impacts, factors that are highly variable across invaded regions and so not knowablea priori. However, future research evaluating species invasions can reduce the uncertainty of impacts by characterizing several key parameters: density of individuals, number of arrivals, predation and competition interactions, and economic impacts. This study therefore provides direction for research to inform more accurate estimates of value-at-risk, and suggests substantial motivation for strong measures to prevent, monitor, and manage the possible invasion ofC. maenas.
Using Akaike’s information theoretic criterion in population analysis: a simulation study
Authors: Olofsen Erik , Dahan Albert 
Published: May 2013

Akaike’s information-theoretic criterion for model discrimination (AIC) is often stated to “overfit”, i.e., it selects models with a higher dimension than the dimension of the model that generated the data. However, when no fixed-dimensional correct model exists, for example for pharmacokinetic data, AIC, or its bias-corrected version (AICc) might be the selection criterion of choice if the objective is to minimize prediction error. The present simulation study was designed to assess the behavior of AICc when applying it to the analysis of population data, for various degrees of interindividual variability. The simulation study showed that, at least in a relatively simple mixed effects modeling context, minimal mean AICc corresponded to best predictive performance even in the presence of large interindividual variability.
Efficacy, Safety, and Medication Errors Associated with the Use of Inhaled Epoprostenol for Adults with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dunkley Kisha A , Louzon Patricia R , Lee Jinjoo , Vu Steve 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of hypoxic respiratory failure that results from ventilation and perfusion mismatching. Inhaled epoprostenol induces relaxation of smooth muscle in pulmonary vasculature, leading to improved oxygenation. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of inhaled epoprostenol produced a 10% or greater increase in the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in ARDS patients and to review adverse events and medication errors. METHODS: An observational chart review was performed based on a report generated from the electronic medical record system. Patients who received at least 1 dose of inhaled epoprostenol from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, at any hospital within the Florida Hospital Health System were considered for inclusion. Demographics, dose, duration of therapy, adverse effects, medication errors, and outcomes data were collected. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included in the study. Oxygenation improved by 10% or more in 62.5% (10/16) of the patients, with an initial (within the first 4 hours) median increase of 44.5% in PaO2/FiO2. The mean (SD) starting dose was 30 (10) ng/kg/min. Medication errors were observed in 25% (4/16) of patients. Hypotension was the most frequently observed adverse event, with a rate of 18.8% (3/16). CONCLUSIONS: Based on study findings, inhaled epoprostenol may improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS, with findings suggesting a 62.5% response to therapy. The significance of these effects on improving survival remains unknown. The frequency of medication errors observed in this study poses a significant concern regarding the administration of epoprostenol. Further controlled prospective studies are needed to determine the role of inhaled epoprostenol in improving survival in patients with ARDS.
FOLFIRINOX in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Experience
Authors: Faris Jason E. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , McDermott Shaunagh , Guimaraes Alexander R. , Szymonifka Jackie , Huynh Mai Anh , Ferrone Cristina R. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Allen Jill N. , Dias Lauren E. , Kwak Eunice L. , Lillemoe Keith D. , Thayer Sarah P. , Murphy Janet E. , Zhu Andrew X. , Sahani Dushyant V. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Ryan David P. , Hong Theodore S. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The objective of our retrospective institutional experience is to report the overall response rate, R0 resection rate, progression-free survival, and safety/toxicity of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil [5-FU], oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and leucovorin) and chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Patients with LAPC treated with FOLFIRINOX were identified via the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center pharmacy database. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and safety/tolerability data were compiled. Formal radiographic review was performed to determine overall response rates (ORRs). Twenty-two patients with LAPC began treatment with FOLFIRINOX between July 2010 and February 2012. The ORR was 27.3%, and the median progression-free survival was 11.7 months. Five of 22 patients were able to undergo R0 resections following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and chemoradiation. Three of the five patients have experienced distant recurrence within 5 months. Thirty-two percent of patients required at least one emergency department visit or hospitalization while being treated with FOLFIRINOX. FOLFIRINOX possesses substantial activity in patients with LAPC. The use of FOLFIRINOX was associated with conversion to resectability in &gt;20% of patients. However, the recurrences following R0 resection in three of five patients and the toxicities observed with the use of this regimen raise important questions about how to best treat patients with LAPC.
Effect of Glycemic Control on Self‐Perceived Oral Health, Periodontal Parameters, and Alveolar Bone Loss Among Patients With Prediabetes
Authors: Javed Fawad , Thafeed AlGhamdi Ali Saad , Mikami Toshinari , Mehmood Abid , Ahmed Hameeda Bashir , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Tenenbaum Howard C. 
Published: May 2013

Background: The effect of glycemic control on severity of periodontal inflammatory parameters in patients with prediabetes is unknown. The aim of the present study is to assess the effects of glycemic control on self‐perceived oral health, periodontal parameters, and marginal bone loss (MBL) in patients with prediabetes.Methods: A total of 303 individuals were included. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels (FBGLs) were recorded. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) group A: 75 patients with prediabetes (FBGLs = 100 to 125 mg/dL [HbA1c ≥5%]); 2) group B: 78 individuals previously considered prediabetic but having FBGLs <100 mg/dL (HbA1c <5%) resulting from dietary control; and 3) control group: 150 medically healthy individuals. Self‐perceived oral health, socioeconomic status, and education status were determined using a questionnaire. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (AL) were recorded. Premolar and molar MBLs were measured on panoramic radiographs.Results: Periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, PD, and AL) (P <0.01) and MBL (P <0.01) were worse among individuals in group A than those in group B. Self‐perceived gingival bleeding (P <0.001), pain on chewing (P <0.001), dry mouth (P <0.001), and oral burning sensations (P <0.05) were worse among patients in group A than those in group B. There was no difference in periodontal parameters, MBL, and self‐perceived oral symptoms among patients with prediabetes in group B and healthy controls.Conclusions: Self‐perceived oral health, severity of periodontal parameters, and MBL are worse in patients with prediabetes than controls. Glycemic control significantly reduces the severity of these parameters as well as the state of prediabetes in affected individuals.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 Levels Predict Treatment Outcome Among Smokers With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Leppilahti Jussi M. , Kallio Mikko A. , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Mäntylä Päivi 
Published: May 2013

Background: Molecular biomarkers are needed for diagnostic use in periodontal diseases. The aim of this study is to explore different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) patterns in smokers and non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) and test the utility of baseline GCF MMP‐8 levels in predicting categorically assessed treatment outcomes.Methods: The study population comprised 15 patients with CP (five non‐smokers and 10 smokers). GCF sampling of five to seven periodontal sites per patient was done at baseline, post‐treatment, and bimonthly during the maintenance period from 8 to 12 months. GCF MMP‐8 levels were measured with an immunofluorometric assay. MMP‐8 response patterns were explored by cluster analysis. The ability of baseline MMP‐8 levels to predict categorical treatment outcomes was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves.Results: GCF MMP‐8 response patterns could be clustered into two different site profiles among both smokers and non‐smokers. Smoker site profiles 1 and 2 had significantly different clinical attachment level and gingival recession changes by the end of the maintenance period. In smoker sites, baseline MMP‐8 levels significantly predicted the categorical treatment outcome.Conclusions: Baseline GCF MMP‐8 levels strongly predict how MMP‐8 levels behave during the maintenance period. In smoker sites, high baseline MMP‐8 levels indicate weak treatment response.
Stress balances of ice streams in a vertically integrated, higher-order formulation
Authors: Kyrke-Smith T.M. , Katz R.F. , Fowler A.C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractOne challenge in improving our understanding of ice-stream dynamics is to develop models of the spatial and temporal transition from ice-sheet to ice-stream flow. We address this with a new, vertically integrated, higher-order formulation for ice-sheet dynamics that captures the leading-order physics of low aspect ratio, viscous fluid flow, regardless of the amount of slip at the bed. The theory introduces a parameter,λ, which approximates the ratio of the basal stress to the shear stress scale, providing a measure of the relative importance of sliding and internal deformation. Our model is able to simultaneously describe the dynamics of both a slow-moving sheet and rapidly flowing ice streams. To test the formulation, we apply a triple-valued sliding law as the basal boundary condition and obtain numerical solutions that can be compared with previous work. We investigate the sensitivity of flow regimes and shear margin width to parameter variation, deriving a scaling for the latter. We also consider a double-valued sliding law, which enforces a constant, low basal stress beneath the ice stream. Comparisons of the resultant stress fields illustrate the different stress balances that can maintain ice-stream flow.
Observed and modelled ice temperature and velocity along the main flowline of East Rongbuk Glacier, Qomolangma (Mount Everest), Himalaya
Authors: Zhang Tong , Xiao Cunde , Colgan William , Qin Xiang , Du Wentao , Sun Weijun , Liu Yushuo , Ding Minghu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractKnowledge of present-day ice temperature and velocity is important in order to determine how fast a glacier will respond to present and future climate change. We apply a two-dimensional higher-order thermomechanical flowband model to simulate present-day ice temperature and velocity along the main flowline of East Rongbuk Glacier, Qomolangma (Mount Everest), Himalaya. We use recent (2005–11) observational data to validate the numerical model. Modelled and observed ice surface velocities exhibit good agreement. Modelled ice temperatures agree well with observed values in two shallow boreholes that are ∼18 m deep. The model suggests that the ablation zone of East Rongbuk Glacier, km 4 to km 10 from the glacier head, is underlain by temperate ice.
Sources of Medical Error in Refractive Surgery
Authors: Moshirfar Majid , Simpson Rachel G. , Dave Sonal B. , Christiansen Steven M. , Edmonds Jason N. , Culbertson William W. , Pascucci Stephen E. , Sher Neal A. , Cano David B. , Trattler William B. 
Published: May 2013

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the causes of laser programming errors in refractive surgery and outcomes in these cases.

METHODS:
In this multicenter, retrospective chart review, 22 eyes of 18 patients who had incorrect data entered into the refractive laser computer system at the time of treatment were evaluated. Cases were analyzed to uncover the etiology of these errors, patient follow-up treatments, and final outcomes. The results were used to identify potential methods to avoid similar errors in the future.

RESULTS:
Every patient experienced compromised uncorrected visual acuity requiring additional intervention, and 7 of 22 eyes (32%) lost corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of at least one line. Sixteen patients were suitable candidates for additional surgical correction to address these residual visual symptoms and six were not. Thirteen of 22 eyes (59%) received surgical follow-up treatment; nine eyes were treated with contact lenses. After follow-up treatment, six patients (27%) still had a loss of one line or more of CDVA. Three significant sources of error were identified: errors of cylinder conversion, data entry, and patient identification error.

CONCLUSION:
Twenty-seven percent of eyes with laser programming errors ultimately lost one or more lines of CDVA. Patients who underwent surgical revision had better outcomes than those who did not. Many of the mistakes identified were likely avoidable had preventive measures been taken, such as strict adherence to patient verification protocol or rigorous rechecking of treatment parameters.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(5):303–310.]