bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Telehealth Service for COPD and HF patients: Clinical outcome and patients’ perceptions
Authors: Odeh Bassel , Kayyali Reem , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen , Philip Nada , Robinson Patricia , Wallace Catherine Russell 
Published: March 2015

NHS Croydon Health Services and NHS Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group have been providing telehealth services for the past 36 months. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of telehealth when implemented as a service within a standard patient care pathway. To measure the clinical outcomes, the number of A&E visits and hospital admissions, recorded on the NHS Secondary Uses Service database, were compared before and after the implementation of the telehealth service. The number of all events despite its cause and the number of events related to the patients’ diagnosed condition were collected. To elicit patients’ perceptions about the telehealth service, a cross sectional survey of patients registered on the triage manager database was used to explore their perceptions, concerns and general satisfaction with the telehealth service via a 4 point likert scale questionnaire. The data of 48 patients were collected and telehealth reduced the number of both A&E and hospital admission due to all causes by 13% (P = 0.42) and 22% (P = 0.048), respectively. When only the events directly related to the patient’s diagnosed condition were considered, a reduction by 36% (P = 0.03) and 28% (P = 0.02) was recorded for A&E visits and hospital admission respectively. 27 patients consented to participate in the survey. Overall, patients were very satisfied with telehealth services. Patients agreed that telehealth had improved their health, it was a convenient form of health care delivery for them and they were more involved in the decisions about their care or treatment. In addition, since being on telehealth, patients’ confidence in managing their health increased from somewhat confident to confident. Telehealth, when provided as a service within a standard care pathway, seems to decrease hospital admissions and A&E visits. Good patient satisfaction suggests that the current service is accepted and it could be further expanded to include a larger number of patients.
Characterization of diastolic dysfunction heart failure following an acute hospitalization for heart failure in an urban, underserved population
Authors: Wobeter Brooke R. , Anderson Sarah L. , Marrs Joel C. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diastolic dysfunction heart failure (DHF) in a safety-net institution. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics for adults with DHF hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2010. Results: Of 483 patients with an ADHF-related admission, only 83 (17.2%) had pure DHF. Mean age was 59.6 ± 13.1 years old, with nearly equal proportions of male and female patients. Hypertension (89.2%), coronary artery disease (74.7%), and diabetes (63.9%) comorbidities were most common. Diuretics (91.6%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (69.9%), and β blockers (60.3%) were most frequently prescribed on discharge. Conclusion: In our population, DHF is more prevalent in younger patients of any ethnicity, especially Hispanic/Latino and black ethnicities, compared with nationwide estimates. Our patients with DHF had higher ejection fractions and were prescribed higher rates of traditional heart failure medications.
The AMPA receptor antagonist perampanel in the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures: clinical trial evidence and experience
Authors: Steinhoff Bernhard J. 
Published: March 2015

More than 20 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are currently available for the medical treatment of epilepsies. However, still about 30% of all epilepsies have a drug-resistant course. Even worse, in the case of some epilepsy syndromes, freedom from seizures is almost never achieved. Therefore, new treatment options are still necessary, especially if theoretical concepts such as a new mode of action offer new horizons. Perampanel is the first-in-class orally active, selective, noncompetitive antagonist of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. The pharmacokinetic profile offers once-daily dosing in the evening as the best route of administration. According to the results of three pivotal placebo-controlled, double-blind phase III trials that investigated perampanel as an adjunctive AED in adult and adolescent patients from age 12 years who had ongoing focal epileptic seizures despite receiving one to three AEDs, perampanel has been widely licensed and introduced. Phase III trials showed superiority of adjunctive perampanel over placebo consistently in the range between 4 and 12 mg. Dizziness and somnolence were by far the leading adverse events. This review covers the clinical trial evidence but also clinical experience with perampanel after launch according to observational studies.
Indoor air quality, ventilation and respiratory health in elderly residents living in nursing homes in Europe
Authors: Bentayeb Malek , Norback Dan , Bednarek Micha , Bernard Alfred , Cai Guihong , Cerrai Sonia , Eleftheriou Konstantinos Kostas , Gratziou Christina , Holst Gitte Juel , Lavaud François , Nasilowski Jacek , Sestini Piersante , Sarno Giuseppe , Sigsgaard Torben , Wieslander Gunilla , Zielinski Jan , Viegi Giovanni , Annesi-Maesano Isabella 
Published: March 2015

Few data exist on respiratory effects of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the elderly. In the context of the GERIE study, we investigated for the first time the relationships of these factors to respiratory morbidity among elderly people permanently living in nursing homes in seven European countries.600 elderly people from 50 nursing homes underwent a medical examination and completed a standardised questionnaire. Air quality and comfort parameters were objectively assessedin situin the nursing home. Mean concentrations of air pollutants did not exceed the existing standards.Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio was highly significantly related to elevated levels of particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of <0.1 µm (PM0.1) (adjusted OR 8.16, 95% CI 2.24–29.3) and nitrogen dioxide (aOR 3.74, 95% CI 1.06–13.1). Excess risks for usual breathlessness and cough were found with elevated PM10(aOR 1.53 (95% CI 1.15–2.07) and aOR 1.73 (95% CI 1.17–10.3), respectively) and nitrogen dioxide (aOR 1.58 (95% CI 1.15–2.20) and aOR 1.56 (95% CI 1.03–2.41), respectively). Excess risks for wheeze in the past year were found with PM0.1(aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.15–7.02) and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exhaled carbon monoxide with formaldehyde (aOR 3.49 (95% CI 1.17–10.3) and aOR 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.55), respectively). Breathlessness and cough were associated with higher carbon dioxide. Relative humidity was inversely related to wheeze in the past year and usual cough. Elderly subjects aged ≥80 years were at higher risk. Pollutant effects were more pronounced in the case of poor ventilation.Even at low levels, indoor air quality affected respiratory health in elderly people permanently living in nursing homes, with frailty increasing with age. The effects were modulated by ventilation.
A flexible transparent gas barrier film employing the method of mixing ALD/MLD-grown Al2O3 and alucone layers
Authors: Xiao Wang , Hui Duan Ya , Zheng Chen , Yu Duan , Qiang Yang Yong , Ping Chen , Xiang Chen Li , Yi Zhao 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been widely reported as a novel method for thin film encapsulation (TFE) of organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaic cells. Both organic and inorganic thin films can be deposited by ALD with a variety of precursors. In this work, the performances of Al2O3 thin films and Al2O3/alucone hybrid films have been investigated. The samples with a 50 nm Al2O3 inorganic layer deposited by ALD at a low temperature of 80°C showed higher surface roughness (0.503 ± 0.011 nm), higher water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) values (3.77 × 10−4 g/m2/day), and lower transmittance values (61%) when compared with the Al2O3 (inorganic)/alucone (organic) hybrid structure under same conditions. Furthermore, a bending test upon single Al2O3 layers showed an increased WVTR of 1.59 × 10−3 g/m2/day. However, the film with a 4 nm alucone organic layer inserted into the center displayed improved surface roughness, barrier performance, and transmittance. After the bending test, the hybrid film with 4 nm equally distributed alucone maintained better surface roughness (0.339 ± 0.014 nm) and barrier properties (9.94 × 10−5 g/m2/day). This interesting phenomenon reveals that multilayer thin films consisting of inorganic layers and decentralized alucone organic components have the potential to be useful in TFE applications on flexible optical electronics.
Highly cadmium tolerant fungi: their tolerance and removal potential
Authors: Mohammadian Fazli Mehran , Soleimani Negin , Mehrasbi Mohammadreza , Darabian Sima , Mohammadi Jamshid , Ramazani Ali 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Soil and effluent of lead and zinc industries contain high concentration of cadmium. The present study was conducted to isolate tolerant fungal strains from cadmium -polluted sites in Zanjan province, Iran.

Methods
Cadmium tolerance and bioremediation capacity of seven isolates including Aspergilus versicolor, Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces sp.9, Paecilomyces sp.G, Terichoderma sp, Microsporum sp,Cladosporium sp were determined.

Results
Minimum inhibitory concentration values among 1,000-4,000 mg lˉ1proved great ability of isolated strains to survive in cadmium polluted environments. The most tolerant fungi, Aspergilus versicolor, showed tolerance index of 0.8 in 100 mg lˉ1 cadmium agar media. Fungal resistance against cadmium is depended directly on strain’s biological function.

A. versicolor was found to bioaccumulate over7 mg of cadmium per 1 g of mycelium, followed by 5.878, 5.243, and 5.075, 4.557 by Paecilomyces sp, Aspergilus fumigatus, Microsporum sp and Terichoderma sp, respectively.

Conclusion
It can be noted that tolerance of the strains appears to be independent from bioaccumulation capacity. Finally, the results indicated that A. versicolor could be a prospective candidate for bioremediation processes.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Copeptin in the Differential Diagnosis of the Polyuria-polydipsia Syndrome: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Timper Katharina , Fenske Wiebke , Kühn Felix , Frech Nica , Arici Birsen , Rutishauser Jonas , Kopp Peter , Allolio Bruno , Stettler Christoph , Müller Beat , Katan Mira , Christ-Crain Mirjam 
Published: March 2015

Context:
The polyuria-polydipsia syndrome comprises primary polydipsia (PP) and central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). Correctly discriminating these entities is mandatory, given that inadequate treatment causes serious complications. The diagnostic “gold standard” is the water deprivation test with assessment of arginine vasopressin (AVP) activity. However, test interpretation and AVP measurement are challenging.

Objective:
The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of copeptin, a stable peptide stoichiometrically cosecreted with AVP, in the differential diagnosis of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome.

Design, Setting, and Patients:
This was a prospective multicenter observational cohort study from four Swiss or German tertiary referral centers of adults &gt;18 years old with the history of polyuria and polydipsia.

Measurements:
A standardized combined water deprivation/3% saline infusion test was performed and terminated when serum sodium exceeded 147 mmol/L. Circulating copeptin and AVP levels were measured regularly throughout the test. Final diagnosis was based on the water deprivation/saline infusion test results, clinical information, and the treatment response.

Results:
Fifty-five patients were enrolled (11 with complete central DI, 16 with partial central DI, 18 with PP, and 10 with nephrogenic DI). Without prior thirsting, a single baseline copeptin level &gt;21.4 pmol/L differentiated nephrogenic DI from other etiologies with a 100% sensitivity and specificity, rendering a water deprivation testing unnecessary in such cases. A stimulated copeptin &gt;4.9 pmol/L (at sodium levels &gt;147 mmol/L) differentiated between patients with PP and patients with partial central DI with a 94.0% specificity and a 94.4% sensitivity. A stimulated AVP &gt;1.8 pg/mL differentiated between the same categories with a 93.0% specificity and a 83.0% sensitivity.

Limitation:
This study was limited by incorporation bias from including AVP levels as a diagnostic criterion.

Conclusion:
Copeptin is a promising new tool in the differential diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, and a valid surrogate marker for AVP.

Primary Funding Sources:
Swiss National Science Foundation, University of Basel.
Aromatic C–H Borylation by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Hua , Hagihara Shinya , Itami Kenichiro 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The first nickel-catalyzed aromatic C–H borylation is described. In the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ni(cod)2], tricyclopentylphosphine, and CsF, benzene and indole derivatives can be borylated with B2pin2. The N-heterocyclic carbene IPr was also found to be an effective ligand. Kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that C–H cleavage is likely involved in the rate-determining step.
Dehydrated human amnion/chorion tissue in difficult–to-heal DFUs: a case series
Authors: Penny H. , Rifkah M. , Weaver A. , Zaki P. , Young A. , Meloy G. , Flores R. 
Published: March 2015

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) occur as a result of multifactorial complications and are commonly found in the diabetic community. Underlying disease states such as neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease can slow healing rates, potentially leading to recurrence, amputation, and increased mortality. As with many other disease processes, DFUs have several treatment options, such as debriding agents, alginate seaweed extract, hydrocolloid gels, and amniotic membrane allografts. The presented cases all used a dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane allograft (dHACM; EpiFix) to aid the healing process. Human amniotic epithelial membranes have seen increased usage due to their ability to enhance the healing process and accelerate cellular regeneration. The DFUs healed in all of the five patients treated, and patients saw a full recovery in 2.5–11 weeks. In addition, the healing time decreased in spite of the non-adherence seen in three of the patients. These results suggest another possible use for dHACM; however, further studies are required to confirm these data. Declaration of interest: This project was self-funded and had no influences outside the fact that Dr Penny is a speaker for MiMedx.
Representations of violence in the first-person documentary: Archival footage and documentary consciousness
Authors: Hariharan Veena 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In this article, I argue that archival footage of the historical real constitutes the documentary’s unique truth claim and examine three instances of films (Amar Kanwar’s A Season Outside (1998), Mani Rathnam’s fictional Bombay (1995) and Rakesh Sharma’s testimonial documentary Final Solution (2004)) that use such archival footage in different visual economies of the indexical, iconic and symbolic, or in tension between them. As examples of films that represent communal violence in India, I compare their differing modes of invoking this footage aimed at activating a documentary consciousness that in turn addresses and creates a particular kind of embodied, ethical citizen/spectator.
Bei einem Glas guten Wein(es): Der Abbau des partitiven Genitivs und seine Reflexe im Gegenwartsdeutschen
Authors: Zimmer Christian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the loss of the partitive genitive (e. g.ein Glas Weines>ein Glas Wein) in German, focusing on the early stage of the decline, i. e. the ENHG period, and on variation in present-day German (e. g.einem Glas gutem Weinvs.einem Glas guten Wein). On the basis of data collected in a questionnaire study and in corpora (both contemporary and historic) it is proposed that formal properties of the inflectional suffixes involved are highly relevant for this language change phenomenon: Several observations concerning the diachronic and synchronic variation caused by the (incomplete) loss of the partitive genitive seem to be explicable by so-called ›signal strength‹, a concept which goes back to Köpcke (1993).
Adhesive strength of total knee endoprostheses to bone cement – analysis of metallic and ceramic femoral components under worst-case conditions
Authors: Bergschmidt Philipp , Dammer Rebecca , Zietz Carmen , Finze Susanne , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Bader Rainer 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEvaluation of the adhesive strength of femoral components to the bone cement is a relevant parameter for predicting implant safety. In the present experimental study, three types of cemented femoral components (metallic, ceramic and silica/silane-layered ceramic) of the bicondylar Multigen Plus knee system, implanted on composite femora were analysed. A pull-off test with the femoral components was performed after different load and several cementing conditions (four groups and n=3 components of each metallic, ceramic and silica/silane-layered ceramic in each group). Pull-off forces were comparable for the metallic and the silica/silane-layered ceramic femoral components (mean 4769 N and 4298 N) under standard test condition, whereas uncoated ceramic femoral components showed reduced pull-off forces (mean 2322 N). Loading under worst-case conditions led to decreased adhesive strength by loosening of the interface implant and bone cement using uncoated metallic and ceramic femoral components, respectively. Silica/silane-coated ceramic components were stably fixed even under worst-case conditions. Loading under high flexion angles can induce interfacial tensile stress, which could promote early implant loosening. In conclusion, a silica/silane-coating layer on the femoral component increased their adhesive strength to bone cement. Thicker cement mantles (>2 mm) reduce adhesive strength of the femoral component and can increase the risk of cement break-off.
Differential osteogenicity of multiple donor-derived human mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts in monolayer, scaffold-based 3D culture and in vivo
Authors: Quent Verena M.C. , Theodoropoulos Christina , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Reichert Johannes C. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
We set out to compare the osteogenicity of human mesenchymal stem (hMSCs) and osteoblasts (hOBs). Upon osteogenic induction in monolayer, hMSCs showed superior matrix mineralization expressing characteristic bone-related genes. For scaffold cultures, both cell types presented spindle-shaped, osteoblast-like morphologies forming a dense, interconnected network of high viability. On the scaffolds, hOBs proliferated faster. A general upregulation of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), osteoprotegrin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin (SOST), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) was observed for both cell types. Simultaneously, PTHrP, RANKL and DMP-1 expression decreased under osteogenic stimulation, while OPG and SOST increased significantly. Following transplantation into NOD/SCID mice, μCT and histology showed increased bone deposition with hOBs. The bone was vascularized, and amounts further increased for both cell types after recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 7 (rhBMP-7) addition also stimulating osteoclastogenesis. Complete bone organogenesis was evidenced by the presence of osteocytes and hematopoietic precursors. Our study results support the asking to develop 3D cellular models closely mimicking the functions of living tissues suitable for in vivo translation.
Opening the Market for Impact Investments: The Need for Adapted Portfolio Tools
Authors: Brandstetter Lisa , Lehner Othmar M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSocial and environmental impact investing as an activity as well as a concept has grown in recognition on a truly global scale. Yet, apart from anecdotal success stories of some specialized forms such as social-impact bonds, little is known about the field and the complex interplay between agents, instruments and regulations. Neither the rationales of the various participants in the field, nor the evaluation criteria for some of its instruments have been scrutinized in-depth so far. Especially the important constructs of risk and returns from a financial as well as a social impact perspective have so far been used in differing fashions, thus rendering the applied logic constructs incompatible to each other. Compatibility, however, is a pre-requisite for the inclusion of impact investments into the portfolios of traditional institutional investors. Much can be gained from this, not only would a huge inflow of capital improve the social and environmental sector, but early evidence shows that the overall performance of mixed portfolios might profit because the experienced low correlation of impact investments to traditional markets reduces portfolio risk and increases sustainability. In addition, more and more investors demand ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria to be considered when it comes to building portfolios because of the great opportunities provided.
Secure Spectrum Data Fusion with Presence of Massive Malicious Users
Authors: Yao Junnan , Zhu Hongbo , Liu Yan , Zhu Benyu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMalicious users are critical threats to the collaborative spectrum sensing (CSS) in cognitive radio networks. Especially with increasing number of malicious users, the performance of conventional malicious user detection (MUD) algorithms degrades fiercely. In this paper, we consider the secure CSS issue in the scenario that large number of malicious users exist in CSS system. We propose a new MUD algorithm, which detects the malicious users in a binary hypothesis test fashion. Based on the MUD, we provide a secure CSS approach. It is proved that the proposed secure CSS approach is insensitive with the number of malicious users, and it achieves a favorable performance even when a large number of malicious users are present.
Planar UWB Filter with Multiple Notched Band and Stopband with Improved Rejection Level
Authors: Ghazali Abu Nasar , Pal Srikanta 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAnalysis and realization of a microstrip-based planar ultra-wideband (UWB) filter with integrated multiple notch elimination property and simultaneously extended upper stopband is proposed. Initially, a UWB filter based on back-to-back microstrip-to-CPW technology is designed. Later, multiple spiral defected ground structures (DGS) are embedded to obtain multiple passband notches. Further, double equilateral U (DEU)-type DGS are used to improve upon the rejection level in upper stopband. The multiple passband notches are results of embedded spiral-shaped DGS (SDGS), while extended upper stopband is the outcome of suppressed higher-order spurious harmonics. The flexible dual-attenuation poles of DEU-shaped DGS suppress the stopband harmonics and widen the stopband. An approximate lumped equivalent circuit model of the proposed filter is modelled. The filter is compact and its layout measures 25.26 mm × 11.01 mm. The measured result is in good agreement with the full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation and circuit simulation.