bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost Analysis of a Novel Interdisciplinary Model for Advanced Illness Management
Authors: Hopp Faith P. , Trzcinski Eileen , Roth Roxanne , Deremo Dorothy , Fonger Evan , Chiv Sokchay , Paletta Michael 
Published: February 2014

Purpose: This research project evaluated cost outcomes for patients in the @HOMe Support program, a novel interdisciplinary home-based program for patients and caregivers facing advanced illness drawing on the Chronic Care Model. Methods: Cost analysis involved paired sample t-tests to examine pre–post differences in health care expenditures obtained from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) claims data for program participants. Results: Average 6-month costs per month significantly declined for patients older than 65 years of age from 1 HMO (US$9300-US$5900, P = .001). Evaluation of the second HMO showed that patients less than 65 years of age with lower preentry costs (<70 000) had a nonsignificant decline in total costs (US$18 787-US$13 781, P = .08). Conclusions: Study findings suggest @HOMe Support is associated with reductions in the use and cost for most health services over time.
First Metatarsocuneiform Joint Mobility
Authors: Doty Jesse F. , Coughlin Michael J. , Hirose Christopher , Stevens Faustin , Schutt Shane , Kennedy Michael , Grebing Brett , Smith Bertil , Cooper Truitt , Golanó Pau , Viladot Ramon , Remington Richard 
Published: February 2014

Background: The first metatarsocuneiform joint is involved in first ray biomechanics and related forefoot pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first metatarsocuneiform joint radiographic findings in relation to angular position of the radiographic beam, and to assess the joint mobility as it relates to the anatomic orientation of the facets on both radiographic imaging and gross anatomic dissection. Methods: Thirty-nine cadaveric lower extremity limbs were stratified as normal, mild, moderate, or severe hallux valgus deformity. Mobility of the first metatarsocuneiform joint for each specimen was assessed using the Klaue device. The medial inclination angle (obliquity) of the first metatarsocuneiform joint was determined on both 10-degree and 20-degree anteroposterior radiographs. The lateral inclination angle of both the dorsal and plantar facets was determined on lateral radiographs. Each specimen was then dissected to directly inspect the metatarsocuneiform joint. Results: The metatarsocuneiform joint mean height was 28.3 mm and the mean width was 13.1 mm. Twenty-three feet demonstrated a continuous cartilaginous surface, 15 feet demonstrated a bilobed cartilaginous surface, and 1 foot demonstrated completely separated facets. Dorsal facets were curved in 37 specimens and flat 2 specimens. Plantar facets were flat in 30 specimens and curved in 9 specimens. The medial inclination angle measured 15.8 degrees on the 10-degree radiograph and 2.6 degrees on the 20-degree radiograph. We were unable to establish any correlations of metatarsocuneiform joint angles or facet contour with mobility measured by the Klaue device. Conclusions: The metatarsocuneiform joint has a height to width ratio of nearly 2:1. Continuous and bilobed facets are both very common anatomic variants. The contour of the dorsal facet was predominantly curved and the contour of the plantar facet was predominantly flat. First metatarsocuneiform joint mobility does not appear to be dependent on the contour of the facets or the degree of medial inclination of the joint. Clinical Relevance: Anatomic and radiographic findings with regard to mobility of the first metatarsocuneiform joint may assist the surgeon in interpreting the joint’s relationship to hallux valgus deformity and to aid in clinical decision making. Our findings suggest that radiographic interpretation of medial inclination is unreliable and should not be used to determine the appropriateness of specific operative procedures.
What patients want from the treatment of Dupuytren’s disease — is the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale relevant?
Authors: Rodrigues J. N. , Zhang W. , Scammell B. E. , Davis T. R. C. 
Published: February 2014

Patients awaiting surgery for Dupuytren’s contractures listed the problems from their Dupuytren’s disease that had led them to request surgery and their relative priorities of the results of surgery. The listed problems were compared with the nine items comprising the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) Dupuytren’s disease-specific outcome measure. One hundred and ten patients reported 278 problems. Ninety-four different combinations of problems were provided by patients, and over half (55%) of the problems were not captured by items in the URAM scale. The long-term outcome from surgery was relatively more important to patients than speed of recovery. The URAM tool may not be relevant to patients in the UK, and further assessment of its face validity is required before it is used. Level of evidence: III
Real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of amlodipine/valsartan or amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide single-pill combination in patients with hypertension from Pakistan
Authors: Khan Waheed , Moin Nasir , Iktidar Somia , Sakrani Javed , Abid Rizwan , Afzal Javed , Maheshwary Neeta , Kumar Kishore , Siddiqi Ahson , Qadir Murad 
Published: February 2014

Objective: EXCITE (clinical EXperienCe of amlodIpine and valsarTan in hypErtension) evaluated the real-life effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of single-pill combinations (SPCs) of amlodipine/valsartan (Aml/Val) and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Aml/Val/HCTZ) in patients with hypertension from 13 countries in the Middle East and Asia. Here, we present data from Pakistan. Methods: This was a 26-week observational, multicenter, prospective, open-label study. At week 26, change from baseline in mean sitting systolic (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) and the proportion of patients achieving BP goal (SBP/DBP <140/90 mmHg; <130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes) and response rates (SBP <140 mmHg [130 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥20 mmHg; DBP <90 mmHg [80 mmHg for patients with diabetes] or reduction of ≥10 mmHg), were evaluated. Incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) was recorded as safety variables. Subjective assessment of effectiveness, compliance and tolerability was done by the physician. Results: A total of 500 patients with hypertension (mean age of 48 years) were prescribed Aml/Val ( n = 471, 94%) or Aml/Val/HCTZ ( n = 29, 6%); 439 (87.8%) patients completed the study. At week 26, the mean BP decreased from 153.4/91.1 mmHg at baseline to 128.9/78.4 mmHg in the Aml/Val cohort (−24.5/−12.7 mmHg; p < 0.0001) and from 171.6/99.3 mmHg at baseline to 127.7/77.4 mmHg (−43.9/−21.9 mmHg; p < 0.0001) in the Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort. BP goals were achieved by 57% and 55.2% of patients in the Aml/Val and Aml/Val/HCTZ cohorts, respectively. A total of 40 (8%) patients reported at least one AE during the study period. Most common AEs included nausea (1.6%), headache (1.2%), vomiting (1.2%), and edema (1.2%). Most patients in Aml/Val cohort and all patients in Aml/Val/HCTZ cohort rated the effectiveness, compliance and tolerability as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Conclusions: Aml/Val with or without HCTZ in a SPC was effective and well-tolerated for BP reduction in this cohort of patients with hypertension from Pakistan.
The effect of smoking on DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from African American women
Authors: Dogan Meeshanthini V , Shields Bridget , Cutrona Carolyn , Gao Long , Gibbons Frederick X , Simons Ronald , Monick Martha , Brody Gene H , Tan Kai , Beach Steven RH , Philibert Robert A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundRegular smoking is associated with a wide variety of syndromes with prominent inflammatory components such as cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Heavy regular smoking is also associated with changes in the DNA methylation of peripheral mononuclear cells. However, in younger smokers, inflammatory epigenetic findings are largely absent which suggests the inflammatory response(s) to smoking may be dose dependent. To help understand whether peripheral mononuclear cells have a role in mediating these responses in older smokers with higher cumulative smoke exposure, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation in a group of well characterized adult African American subjects informative for smoking, as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) levels. In addition, complementary bioinformatic analyses were conducted to delineate possible pathways affected by long-term smoking.ResultsGenome-wide DNA methylation analysis with respect to smoking status yielded 910 significant loci after Benjamini-Hochberg correction. In particular, two loci from theAHRRgene (cg05575921 and cg23576855) and one locus from theGPR15gene (cg19859270) were identified as highly significantly differentially methylated between smokers and non-smokers. The bioinformatic analyses showed that long-term chronic smoking is associated with altered promoter DNA methylation of genes coding for proteins mapping to critical sub-networks moderating inflammation, immune function, and coagulation.ConclusionsWe conclude that chronic regular smoking is associated with changes in peripheral mononuclear cell methylation signature which perturb inflammatory and immune function pathways and may contribute to increased vulnerability for complex illnesses with inflammatory components.
The impact of patient preference on dialysis modality and hemodialysis vascular access
Authors: Keating Patrick T , Walsh Michael , Ribic Christine M , Brimble Kenneth Scott 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Home-based dialysis, including peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD), is associated with improved health related quality of life and reduced health resource costs. It is uncertain to what extent initial preferences for dialysis modality influence the first dialysis therapy actually utilized. We examined the relationship between initial dialysis modality choice and first dialysis therapy used.

Methods
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from a single centre who started dialysis after receiving modality education were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess the independent association of patient characteristics and initial dialysis modality choice with actual dialysis therapy used and starting hemodialysis (HD) with a central venous catheter (CVC).

Results
Of 299 eligible patients, 175 (58.5%) initially chose a home-based therapy and 102 (58.3%) of these patients’ first actual dialysis was a home-based therapy. Of the 89 patients that initially chose facility-based HD, 84 (94.4%) first actual dialysis was facility-based HD. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for first actual dialysis as a home-based therapy was 29.0 for patients intending to perform PD (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7-78.8; p < 0.001) and 12.4 for patients intending to perform HHD (95% CI 3.29-46.6; p < 0.001). Amongst patients whose first actual dialysis was HD, an initial choice of PD or not choosing a modality was associated with an increased risk of starting dialysis with a CVC (adjusted OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.51-9.21; p = 0.004 and 4.58, 95% CI 1.53-13.7; p = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions
Although initially choosing a home-based therapy substantially increases the probability of the first actual dialysis being home-based, many patients who initially prefer a home-based therapy start with facility-based HD. Programs that continually re-evaluate patient preferences and reinforce the values of home based therapies that led to the initial preference may improve home-based therapy uptake and improve preparedness for starting HD.
Is the relationship between the built environment and physical activity moderated by perceptions of crime and safety?
Authors: Bracy Nicole L , Millstein Rachel A , Carlson Jordan A , Conway Terry L , Sallis James F , Saelens Brian E , Kerr Jacqueline , Cain Kelli L , Frank Lawrence D , King Abby C 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Direct relationships between safety concerns and physical activity have been inconsistently patterned in the literature. To tease out these relationships, crime, pedestrian, and traffic safety were examined as moderators of built environment associations with physical activity.

Methods
Exploratory analyses used two cross-sectional studies of 2068 adults ages 20–65 and 718 seniors ages 66+ with similar designs and measures. The studies were conducted in the Baltimore, Maryland-Washington, DC and Seattle-King County, Washington regions during 2001–2005 (adults) and 2005–2008 (seniors). Participants were recruited from areas selected to sample high- and low- income and walkability. Independent variables perceived crime, traffic, and pedestrian safety were measured using scales from validated instruments. A GIS-based walkability index was calculated for a street-network buffer around each participant’s home address. Outcomes were total physical activity measured using accelerometers and transportation and leisure walking measured with validated self-reports (IPAQ-long). Mixed effects regression models were conducted separately for each sample.

Results
Of 36 interactions evaluated across both studies, only 5 were significant (p < .05). Significant interactions did not consistently support a pattern of highest physical activity when safety was rated high and environments were favorable. There was not consistent evidence that safety concerns reduced the beneficial effects of favorable environments on physical activity. Only pedestrian safety showed evidence of a consistent main effect with physical activity outcomes, possibly because pedestrian safety items (e.g., crosswalks, sidewalks) were not as subjective as those on the crime and traffic safety scales.

Conclusions
Clear relationships between crime, pedestrian, and traffic safety with physical activity levels remain elusive. The development of more precise safety variables and the use of neighborhood-specific physical activity outcomes may help to elucidate these relationships.
Incomplete recovery of mechanical and endocrine left atrial functions one month after electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation: a pilot study
Authors: Bernard-Brunet Anne , Saint Etienne Christophe , Piver Eric , Zannad Noura , Pagés Jean-Christophe , Fauchier Laurent , Babuty Dominique 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Restoration of the mechanical and endocrine functions of the left atrium remains controversial after electrical cardioversion treatment for persistent atrial fibrillation. The objective of the prospective study was to describe the recovery of the endocrine and mechanical functions of the left atrium.

Methods
Evaluation of left atrium recovery after electrical cardioversion by the new speckle-tracking echocardiography technique and proANP measurement.

Results
Twenty patients suffering from persistent atrial fibrillation with no alteration of left ventricular ejection fraction were prospectively evaluated at baseline and then one month later by echocardiography, measuring left atrial volume and left atrial deformation (MPALS), as well as the proANP and BNP concentrations. One month after cardioversion 10 patients remained in sinus rhythm and 10 showed recurrent atrial fibrillation. No significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical, echocardiographic and endocrine parameters were observed at baseline evaluation. We observed a significant reduction of left atrial volume only in the sinus group, whereas restoration of the left atrial deformation was only partial (18%) in that group. By contrast, we registered no significant changes in ANP concentration at one month in either the sinus or the atrial fibrillation groups.

Conclusion
These results suggest that restoration of left atrium mechanical function is only partial one month after treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation by electrical cardioversion, whereas a significant reduction of left atrial volume was noted, explaining the remaining high level of ANP in the sinus group.
Circulating MMP11 and specific antibody immune response in breast and prostate cancer patients
Authors: Roscilli Giuseppe , Cappelletti Manuela , De Vitis Claudia , Ciliberto Gennaro , Di Napoli Arianna , Ruco Luigi , Mancini Rita , Aurisicchio Luigi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundTumor Associated Antigens are characterized by spontaneous immune response in cancer patients as a consequence of overexpression and epitope-presentation on MHC class I/II machinery. Matrix Metalloprotease 11 (MMP11) expression has been associated with poor prognosis for several cancer types, including breast and prostate cancer.MethodsMMP11 expression was determined by immunoistochemistry in breast and prostate cancer samples. Circulating MMP11 protein as well as the spontaneous immune responses against MMP11 were analyzed in a set of breast and prostate cancer patients.ResultsIn plasma samples MMP11 protein was present in 5/13 breast cancer patients and in 1/12 prostate cancer patients. An antibody response was observed in 7/13 breast cancer patients and in 3/12 prostate cancer patients.ConclusionsThese findings further suggest MMP11 as a promising biomarker for these tumor types and a suitable target for cancer immunotherapy strategies.
Structure fragmentation in Fe-based alloys by means of cyclic martensitic transformations of different types
Authors: Bondar Volodimir I , Danilchenko Vitalij Ie , Dzevin Ievgenij M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The effect of martensite transformations of different types on the misorientation of austenite crystalline lattice, which characterizes the degree of structure fragmentation, was investigated for Fe-Ni and Fe-Mn alloys. As a result of multiple face-centered cubic (f.c.c.)-body-centered cubic (b.c.c.)-f.c.c. transformations, an austenite single-crystalline specimen is transformed in a polycrystalline one due to progressive fragmentation. It was shown that the degree of fragmentation depends on the magnitude of volume change and the density of dislocations generated on martensitic transformations.
TiO2 micro-flowers composed of nanotubes and their application to dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Woong-Rae , Park Hun , Choi Won-Youl 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
TiO2 micro-flowers were made to bloom on Ti foil by the anodic oxidation of Ti-protruding dots with a cylindrical shape. Arrays of the Ti-protruding dots were prepared by photolithography, which consisted of coating the photoresists, attaching a patterned mask, illuminating with UV light, etching the Ti surface by reactive ion etching (RIE), and stripping the photoresist on the Ti foil. The procedure for the blooming of the TiO2 micro-flowers was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) as the anodizing time was increased. Photoelectrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were fabricated using TiO2 micro-flowers. Bare TiO2 nanotube arrays were used for reference samples. The short-circuit current (J
sc) and the power conversion efficiency of the DSCs based on the TiO2 micro-flowers were 4.340 mA/cm2 and 1.517%, respectively. These values of DSCs based on TiO2 micro-flowers were higher than those of bare samples. The TiO2 micro-flowers had a larger surface area for dye adsorption compared to bare TiO2 nanotube arrays, resulting in improved J
sc characteristics. The structure of the TiO2 micro-flowers allowed it to adsorb dyes very effectively, also demonstrating the potential to achieve higher power conversion efficiency levels for DSCs compared to a bare TiO2 nanotube array structure and the conventional TiO2 nanoparticle structure.
Commercialization of biopharmaceutical knowledge in Iran; challenges and solutions
Authors: Nassiri-Koopaei Nasser , Majdzadeh Reza , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas , Rashidian Arash , Yazdi Mojtaba Tabatabai , Nedjat Saharnaz , Nikfar Shekoufeh 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate the application of the university research findings or commercialization of the biopharmaceutical knowledge in Iran and determine the challenges and propose some solutions.

Results
A qualitative study including 19 in-depth interviews with experts was performed in 2011 and early 2012. National Innovation System (NIS) model was employed as the study design. Thematic method was applied for the analysis. The results demonstrate that policy making, regulations and management development are considered as fundamental reasons for current commercialization practice pattern. It is suggested to establish foundation for higher level documents that would involve relating bodies and provide them operational guidelines for the implementation of commercialization incentives.

Conclusions
Policy, regulations and management as the most influential issue should be considered for successful commercialization. The present study, for the first time, attempts to disclose the importance of evidence input for measures in order to facilitate the commercialization process by the authorities in Iran. Overall, the NIS model should be considered and utilized as one of the effective solutions for commercialization.
Evaluating the immune responses of mice to subcutaneous immunization with Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit
Authors: Sun Peng , Wang Jia-Qi , Zhang Yu-Tao , Zhao Sheng-Guo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterial pathogen that expresses a strong urease activity, is associated with the development of gastroduodenal disease. Urease B subunit, one of the two structural subunits of urease, was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit on the immune responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization.

Methods
The mice were immunized and boosted with Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit antigen subcutaneously three times with 2-wk intervals between the immunizations and boosters. The mice in the control group were immunized with PBS. The adjuvant group received PBS containing complete/incomplete freund’s adjuvant identical to antigen group without Helicobacter pylori urease B subunit antigen. Four weeks after the final booster, all the mice were sacrificed. Blood was collected on d 0, 14, 28 and 56 before immunization, booster and sacrifice, respectively. Immediately after sacrifice, gastric liquid and spleen were collected for antibody and cytokine analyses.

Results
Urease B subunit increased the concentrations of serum and gastric anti-urease B antigen specific IgG, and the levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-γ in splenocytes of the mice (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
This study demonstrated that recombinant urease B subunit can induce systemic and local immune responses in mice by subcutaneous immunization, which might be used as the effective component of vaccine against Helicobacter pylori.