bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving patient satisfaction through physician education, feedback, and incentives
Authors: Banka Gaurav , Edgington Sarah , Kyulo Namgyal , Padilla Tony , Mosley Virgie , Afsarmanesh Nasim , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ong Michael K. 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUNDPatient satisfaction has been associated with improved outcomes and become a focus of reimbursement.OBJECTIVEEvaluate an intervention to improve patient satisfaction.DESIGNNonrandomized, pre‐post study that took place from 2011 to 2012.SETTINGLarge tertiary academic medical center.PARTICIPANTSInternal medicine (IM) resident physicians, non‐IM resident physicians, and adult patients of the resident physicians.INTERVENTIONIM resident physicians were provided with patient satisfaction education through a conference, real‐time individualized patient satisfaction score feedback, monthly recognition, and incentives for high patient‐satisfaction scores.MAIN MEASURESPatient satisfaction on physician‐related and overall satisfaction questions on the HCAHPS survey. We conducted a difference‐in‐differences regression analysis comparing IM and non‐IM patient responses, adjusting for differences in patient characteristics.KEY RESULTSIn our regression analysis, the percentage of patients who responded positively to all 3 physician‐related Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) questions increased by 8.1% in the IM and 1.5% in the control cohorts (absolute difference 6.6%,P = 0.04). The percentage of patients who would definitely recommend this hospital to friends and family increased by 7.1% in the IM and 1.5% in the control cohorts (absolute difference 5.6%,P = 0.02). The national average for the HCAHPS outcomes studied improved by no more than 3.1%.LIMITATIONSThis study was nonrandomized and was conducted at a single site.CONCLUSIONTo our knowledge, this is the first intervention associated with a significant improvement in HCAHPS scores. This may serve as a model to increase patient satisfaction, hospital revenue, and train resident physicians.Journal of Hospital Medicine2015;10:497–502. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Corticosteroids and low bone mineral density affect hip cartilage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Quantitative T2 mapping
Authors: Hagiwara Shigeo , Nakamura Junichi , Watanabe Atsuya , Kishida Shunji , Ohtori Seiji , Omae Takanori , Miyamoto Shuichi , Orita Sumihisa , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe purpose of this diagnostic study was to quantify the effect of high‐dose corticosteroid treatment on hip joint cartilage degeneration in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with and without osteonecrosis, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsT2 mapping, with a 3.0 Tesla Discovery MR750 (GE Healthcare) MRI scanner, was performed in 12 volunteers without hip pathology (control group, 12 hips), in 11 patients with SLE without osteonecrosis, who were receiving corticosteroid therapy (corticosteroid‐ON group, 17 hips), and in 15 patients with SLE receiving corticosteroids, who had noncollapsed and asymptomatic osteonecrosis (corticosteroid+ON group, 26 hips). The distribution of T2 values in the femoral head and acetabular cartilage were compared among the three groups. Step‐wise multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the prognostic factors for T2 values indicative of femoral head cartilage degeneration.ResultsMean T2 values of femoral head cartilage were significantly higher in the corticosteroid‐ON (40.3 ms) and corticosteroid+ON (35.2 ms) groups than in the control group (30.1 ms, P = 0.001). T2 values of acetabular cartilage were significantly higher in the corticosteroid‐ON group (41.8 ms) versus the control (33.4 ms) and the corticosteroid+ON groups (37.0 ms; P = 0.001). Low bone mineral density was a significant prognostic factor for high T2 values of cartilage at the femoral head in patients treated with corticosteroids, regardless of whether they had osteonecrosis.ConclusionT2 mapping suggests that corticosteroid therapy and osteoporosis are independent risk factors for cartilage degeneration at the femoral head in patients with SLE. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1524–1531.
Cartilage repair by human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells with different hydrogels in a rat model
Authors: Park Yong‐Beom , Song Minjung , Lee Choong‐Hee , Kim Jin‐A , Ha Chul‐Won 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study was carried out to assess the feasibility of human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB‐MSCs) in articular cartilage repair and to further determine a suitable delivering hydrogel in a rat model. Critical sized full thickness cartilage defects were created. The hUCB‐MSCs and three different hydrogel composites (hydrogel A; 4% hyaluronic acid/30% pluronic (1:1, v/v), hydrogel B; 4% hyaluronic acid, and hydrogel C; 4% hyaluronic acid/30% pluronic/chitosan (1:1:2, v/v)) were implanted into the experimental knee (right knee) and hydrogels without hUCB‐MSCs were implanted into the control knee (left knee). Defects were evaluated after 8 weeks. The hUCB‐MSCs with hydrogels composites resulted in a better repair as seen by gross and histological evaluation compared with hydrogels without hUCB‐MSCs. Among the three different hydrogels, the 4% hyaluronic acid hydrogel composite (hydorgel B) showed the best result in cartilage repair as seen by the histological evaluation compared with the other hydrogel composites (hydrogel A and C). The results of this study suggest that hUCB‐MSCs may be a promising cell source in combination with 4% hyaluronic acid hydrogels in the in vivo repair of cartilage defects. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1580–1586, 2015.
Impact of laryngologist and speech pathologist coassessment on outcomes and billing revenue
Authors: Litts Juliana K. , Gartner‐Schmidt Jackie L. , Clary Matthew S. , Gillespie Amanda I. 
Published: May 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThis study investigated financial and treatment implications of a speech‐language pathologist (SLP) performing a voice evaluation at the initial laryngologic visit.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsMedical records from 75 consecutive adult voice therapy patients during a 3‐month period were categorized into two groups: group 1 (n = 37) represented patients who underwent a medical speech evaluation (MSE) at the initial voice assessment with the laryngologist (+SLP), and group 2 (n = 38) represented patients who did not receive an MSE (−SLP). Data collected included age, gender, voice diagnosis, number of therapy sessions attended and cancelled, reason for discharge, and pre– and post–voice therapy Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) scores.ResultsPatients in the +SLP group had fewer cancellations (P = 0.001), greater change in VHI‐10 from pre‐ to post‐therapy (P = .001), and were more likely to be discharged from therapy having met therapeutic goals (P = .007) than patients in the −SLP group. In addition, lost revenue over 3 months due to cancellations/no‐shows was $2,260 in the +SLP group compared to $7,030 in the −SLP group (P < .001).ConclusionsConcurrent voice evaluation by an SLP and laryngologist at initial diagnostic visit affects therapy attendance, voice therapy outcomes, and ultimately SLP and departmental billing revenue. Results may be due to more appropriate therapy referrals from SLP assessment of patients in conjunction with a laryngologist.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 125:2139–2142, 2015
ω3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 expression in macrophages and animal models
Authors: Li Zhuang , Ren Wenzhi , Han Xiaolei , Liu Xingxing , Wang Gangqi , Zhang Mingjun , Pang Daxin , Ouyang Hongsheng , Tang Xiaochun 
Published: May 2015

Scopeω3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3‐PUFAs) have beneficial effects on cardiovascular function, and lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the effects of ω3‐PUFAs on Lp‐PLA2 expression in vitro and in vivo and explored the mechanisms involved.Methods and resultsHuman monocyticcells (THP‐1) were induced into macrophages in an in vitro model. ω3‐PUFAs suppressed Lp‐PLA2 expression; the suppression induced by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was related to reduced inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was employed to stimulate the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 and Lp‐PLA2 expression in macrophages. The stimulation was inhibited by DHA and the anti‐inflammatory drug sodium salicylate. Moreover, the stimulation of Lp‐PLA2 expression by TNF‐α could be suppressed by NF‐κB and MAPK pathway inhibitors. Then, chronic inflammation was induced in an in vivo mouse model, resulting in an increase in Lp‐PLA2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and arteries. This increase was suppressed by ω3‐PUFAs. Inhibition of Lp‐PLA2 transcription in PBMCs was also observed in ω3‐PUFA‐enriched swine.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the protective effects of ω3‐PUFAs against cardiovascular events may be related to the suppression of Lp‐PLA2 levels.
Egg ovotransferrin‐derived ACE inhibitory peptide IRW increases ACE2 but decreases proinflammatory genes expression in mesenteric artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Majumder Kaustav , Liang Guanxiang , Chen Yanhong , Guan LeLuo , Davidge Sandra T. , Wu Jianping 
Published: May 2015

ScopeEgg ovotransferrin‐derived angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide IRW was previously shown to reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats through reduced vascular inflammation and increased nitric oxide‐mediated vasorelaxation. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of this peptide through transcriptome analysis by RNAseq technique.Methods and resultsTotal RNA was extracted from kidney and mesenteric arteries; the RNAseq libraries (from untreated and IRW‐treated groups) were constructed and subjected to sequence using HiSeq 2000 system (Illumina) system. A total of 12 764 and 13 352 genes were detected in kidney and mesenteric arteries, respectively. The differentially expressed (DE) genes between untreated and IRW‐treated groups were identified and the functional analysis through ingenuity pathway analysis revealed a greater role of DE genes identified from mesenteric arteries than that of kidney in modulating various cardiovascular functions. Subsequent qPCR analysis further confirmed that IRW significantly increased the expression of ACE‐2, ABCB‐1, IRF‐8, and CDH‐1 while significantly decreased the expression ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in mesenteric arteries.ConclusionOur research showed for the first time that ACE inhibitory peptide IRW could contribute to its antihypertensive activity through increased ACE2 and decreased proinflammatory genes expression.
Lutein suppresses inflammatory responses through Nrf2 activation and NF‐κB inactivation in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated BV‐2 microglia
Authors: Wu Wanqiang , Li Yuelian , Wu Yue , Zhang Yawen , Wang Zhen , Liu Xuebo 
Published: May 2015

ScopeIn this study, the effects of lutein on neuroinflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated BV‐2 microglia were investigated.Methods and resultsThe production of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and nitric oxide was measured in culture medium using enzyme immunoassay and Griess reagent, respectively. The expression of proteins was determined using Western blot. Pretreatment with lutein (50 μM) prior to LPS (1 μg/mL, 12 h) stimulation resulted in a significant inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression, as well as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and nitric oxide production (p < 0.05). Further experiments demonstrated that lutein suppressed LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and Akt kinase (p < 0.05). Moreover, lutein markedly quenched reactive oxygen species and promoted antioxidant protein expression including heme oxygenase‐1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase by enhancing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mediated NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation (p < 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest that lutein attenuates neuroinflammation in LPS‐activated BV‐2 microglia partly through inhibiting p38‐, JNK‐, and Akt‐stimulated NF‐κB activation and promoting ERK‐induced Nrf2 activation, suggesting that lutein has great potential as a nutritional preventive strategy in inflammation‐related neurodegenerative disorders.
Acute porcine renal metabolic effect of endogastric soft drink administration assessed with hyperpolarized [1‐13c]pyruvate
Authors: Laustsen Christoffer , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Kjærgaard Uffe , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Ringgaard Steffen , Stødkilde‐Jørgensen Hans 
Published: May 2015

PurposeOur aim was to determine the quantitative reproducibility of metabolic breakdown products in the kidney following intravenous injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and secondly to investigate the metabolic effect on the pyruvate metabolism of oral sucrose load using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization. By this technique, metabolic alterations in several different metabolic related diseases and their metabolic treatment responses can be accessed.MethodsIn four healthy pigs the lactate‐to‐pyruvate, alanine‐to‐pyruvate and bicarbonate‐to‐pyruvate ratio was measured following administration of regular cola and consecutive injections of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate four times within an hour.ResultsThe overall lactate‐to‐pyruvate metabolic profile changed significantly over one hour following an acute sucrose load leading to a significant rise in blood glucose.ConclusionThe reproducibility of hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the healthy pig kidney demonstrated a repeatability of more than 94% for all metabolites and, furthermore, that the pyruvate to lactate conversion and the blood glucose level is elevated following endogastric sucrose administration. Magn Reson Med 74:558–563, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Assessment of intensive care unit‐acquired weakness in young and old mice: An E. coli septic peritonitis model
Authors: Witteveen Esther , Hoogland Inge C.M. , Wieske Luuk , Weber Nina C. , Verhamme Camiel , Schultz Marcus J. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Horn Janneke 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: There are few reports of in vivo muscle strength measurements in animal models of ICU‐acquired weakness (ICU‐AW). In this study we investigated whether the Escherichia coli (E. coli) septic peritonitis mouse model may serve as an ICU‐AW model using in vivo strength measurements and myosin/actin assays, and whether development of ICU‐AW is age‐dependent in this model. Methods: Young and old mice were injected intraperitoneally with E. coli and treated with ceftriaxone. Forelimb grip strength was measured at multiple time points, and the myosin/actin ratio in muscle was determined. Results: E. coli administration was not associated with grip strength decrease, neither in young nor in old mice. In old mice, the myosin/actin ratio was lower in E. coli mice at t = 48 h and higher at t = 72 h compared with controls. Conclusions: This E. coli septic peritonitis mouse model did not induce decreased grip strength. In its current form, it seems unsuitable as a model for ICU‐AW. Muscle Nerve 53: 127–133, 2016
Long‐term life expectancy for children with ependymoma and medulloblastoma
Authors: Frandsen Jonathan E. , Wagner Aaron , Bollo Robert J. , Shrieve Dennis C. , Poppe Matthew M. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThere is a paucity of long‐term follow‐up data for children with intracranial ependymoma (IE) and medulloblastoma (MB). What happens to these children 20, 30, or 40 years after diagnosis? Do they have potential for a normal lifespan? The purpose of this study was to ascertain the long‐term survival potential in children with MB or IE who have survived 5 years from diagnosis.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using the SEER Program. Children (ages 0–19 years) from 1973 to 2011 with a diagnosis of MB or IE were identified. A cohort was created of potentially cured patients who survived 5 years from diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier estimates were utilized to analyze long‐term survival.ResultsWe identified 876 patients with MB and 474 patients with IE who were alive 5 years from diagnosis. Patients with MB had a 30‐year overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of 70.2% and 80.1%, respectively. Patients with IE had a 30‐year OS and CSS of 57.3% and 68.8%, respectively. When comparing MB with IE, MB had improved CSS (P = 0.04) and trended toward increased OS (P = 0.10).ConclusionsA significant number of deaths due to disease occur for several decades after treatment for both IE and MB. Despite this, the potential for long‐term survival exists in 5‐year survivors of both histologies. If alive at 5 years from diagnosis, patients with MB tend to have a lower risk of death from disease compared to those with IE. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Priority review drugs approved by the FDA and the EMA: time for international regulatory harmonization of pharmaceuticals?
Authors: Alqahtani Saad , Seoane‐Vazquez Enrique , Rodriguez‐Monguio Rosa , Eguale Tewodros 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) priority review process applies to a drug that is considered a significant improvement over the available alternatives. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) accelerated approval applies to a product that is of major public health interest. This study assessed differences in the characteristics of priority review new molecular entities and new therapeutic biologic products approved by the FDA and the EMA.MethodsThis study includes regulatory information on drug applications, approvals, indications, and orphan designations of all priority review drugs approved by the FDA and the EMA in the period 1999–2011. Descriptive statistics, t‐tests, and chi‐squared and Wilcoxon tests were performed.ResultsOverall, 100 FDA priority review new molecular entities and new therapeutic biologics were approved by both agencies; 87.0% of the products were first approved by the FDA. The average FDA review time (9.2 ± 8.4 months) was significantly lower than the EMA average review time (14.6 ± 4.0 months) (p < 0.0001). The FDA and the EMA granted orphan designation to 43.0% and 33.0%, respectively, of the applications. There were differences in the administration route (1.0% of all products), dosage (8.0%), strength (23%), posology (51.0%), indications (30.0%), restrictions of use (52.0%), limitations of use (19.0%), and outcomes limitations (28.0%) approved by both regulatory agencies.ConclusionSignificant differences exist in the characteristics of the priority review drugs approved by the FDA and the EMA. Harmonization of the US and European regulatory frameworks may facilitate timely approval of pharmaceutical products. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The economics of counterfeit Avastin: a geospatial and statistical analysis of demographic correlates to FDA warning letters
Authors: Cuomo Raphael E. , Mackey Tim K. , Stigler Paula 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPurposeIn 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning notices to clinics and medical practitioners that may have purchased or administered counterfeited versions of the angiogenesis cancer drug Avastin Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA. The purpose of this study was to explore potential differences in demographic, economic, and healthcare coverage characteristics between areas that received these counterfeit warning notices and those that did not receive notices. The aims of this study are to improve future counterfeit drug surveillance and better assess potential risk factors associated with counterfeit cancer drugs.MethodsAddresses for warning notices sent to healthcare practitioners were obtained from the FDA and then geocoded using arcgis. Variables chosen for statistical and geospatial analyses were then identified and assessed based on their potential association with Avastin access and affordability. These variables included demographic and economic factors (percent below the poverty line, percent uninsured, and median household income) and healthcare coverage data (percent Medicare enrollees) available from the US Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. All variables were analyzed at the US county level.ResultsOur analysis uncovered 401 distinct US counties where the FDA sent at least one counterfeit Avastin warning notice. A hot spot analysis of notices and variables was carried out using arcgis software to identify and visualize risk features with high and low values of clustering. In a multiple logistic regression model reassessing visually observed geospatial associations, the receipt of a notice was not significantly associated with percent uninsured (p = 0.3121), but was significantly associated with percent Medicare enrollees (OR = 0.874 per 10% increase; p = 0.0121), individuals below federal poverty line (OR = 2.990 per 10% increase; p < 0.0001), and median household income (OR = 2.698 per $10 000 increase; p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur study found that county‐level economic and demographic factors are potentially associated with counterfeit Avastin warning receipt after controlling for the total number of people residing in each county. These geographic associations indicate that individuals in counties where patients have greater ability to afford more expensive treatment, and consequently where providers can seek higher reimbursement, may have been at higher risk to counterfeit Avastin exposure. These findings can help inform future efforts to improve drug safety surveillance and more proactively identify patients at the highest risk for counterfeit cancer drugs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.