bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can a barcode scanner for blood collection improve patient identification integrity in the emergency department? A prospective before‐and‐after study
Authors: Spain David , Crilly Julia , Pierce John , Steele Michael , Scuffham Paul , Keijzers Gerben 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the effect of interventions designed to improve patient identification (PI) during pathology collection in the ED.MethodsA prospective before‐and‐after intervention study was conducted between June 2009 and June 2010 in a regional ED in Queensland, Australia. Interventions aimed to improve PI and specimen labelling, and consisted of: (i) education alone; and (ii) education plus an armband scanner that voice‐prompted collector behaviour. Main outcomes measured included: frequency of correct key behaviours (KBs) during specimen collection, pathology integrity errors and cost of interventions.ResultsData from 282 ED pathology collections were analysed (before: n = 115, after with education: n = 95, after with education plus armband scanner: n = 72). KBs for PI and labelling improved significantly following education plus armband scanner use. Application of armbands before sample collection increased (36% vs 90%, P < 0.001), as did asking the patient to state their name (25% vs 93%, P < 0.001) and date of birth (22% vs 93%, P < 0.001). These results were similar, albeit less pronounced, when the effect of education only was assessed. No primary patient misidentification was detected in this small study. The annual costs for a hospital to adopt the education programme with and without the armband scanner were $104 045 and $5330 respectively.ConclusionED staff had poor behaviours for identifying patients and labelling pathology specimens before intervention. These safety behaviours were considered an assumed skill. Education alone improved critical KBs markedly that was further augmented by the armband scanner. The cost to adopt education alone is relatively low compared to the addition of armband scanner technology.
Consumer Assessment of Beef Tenderloin Steaks from Various USDA Quality Grades at 3 Degrees of Doneness
Authors: O'Quinn Travis G. , Brooks J. Chance , Miller Markus F. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA consumer study was conducted to determine palatability ratings of beef tenderloin steaks from USDA Choice, USDA Select, and USDA Select with marbling scores from Slight 50 to 100 (USDA High Select) cooked to various degrees of doneness. Steaks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 degree of doneness categories: very‐rare, medium‐rare, or well‐done. Consumers (N = 315) were screened for preference of degree of doneness and fed 4 samples of their preferred doneness (a warm‐up and one from each USDA quality grade treatment in a random order). Consumers evaluated steaks on an 8‐point verbally anchored hedonic scale for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like as well as rated steaks as acceptable or unacceptable for all palatability traits. Quality grade had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer ratings for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like scores, with all traits averaging above a 7 (“like very much”) on the 8‐point scale. In addition, no differences (P > 0.05) were found in the percentage of samples rated as acceptable for all palatability traits, with more than 94% of samples rated acceptable for each trait in all quality grades evaluated. Steaks cooked to well‐done had lower (P < 0.05) juiciness scores than steaks cooked to very‐rare or medium‐rare and were rated lower for tenderness (P < 0.05) than steaks cooked to a very‐rare degree of doneness. Results indicate consumers were not able to detect differences in tenderness, juiciness, flavor, or overall like among beef tenderloin steaks from USDA Choice and Select quality grades.
Evolutionary factors affecting the cross‐species utility of newly developed microsatellite markers in seabirds
Authors: Moodley Yoshan , Masello Juan F. , Cole Theresa L. , Calderon Luciano , Munimanda Gopi K. , Thali Marco R. , Alderman Rachael , Cuthbert Richard J. , Marin Manuel , Massaro Melanie , Navarro Joan , Phillips Richard A. , Ryan Peter G. , Suazo Cristián G. , Cherel Yves , Weimerskirch Henri , Quillfeldt Petra 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMicrosatellite loci are ideal for testing hypotheses relating to genetic segregation at fine spatio‐temporal scales. They are also conserved among closely related species, making them potentially useful for clarifying interspecific relationships between recently diverged taxa. However, mutations at primer binding sites may lead to increased nonamplification, or disruptions that may result in decreased polymorphism in nontarget species. Furthermore, high mutation rates and constraints on allele size may also with evolutionary time, promote an increase in convergently evolved allele size classes, biasing measures of interspecific genetic differentiation. Here, we used next‐generation sequencing to develop microsatellite markers from a shotgun genome sequence of the sub‐Antarctic seabird, the thin‐billed prion (Pachyptila belcheri), that we tested for cross‐species amplification in otherPachyptilaand related sub‐Antarctic species. We found that heterozygosity decreased and the proportion of nonamplifying loci increased with phylogenetic distance from the target species. Surprisingly, we found that species trees estimated from interspecificFSTprovided better approximations of mtDNArelationships among the studied species than those estimated usingDC, even thoughFSTwas more affected by null alleles. We observed a significantly nonlinear second order polynomial relationship between microsatellite and mtDNAdistances. We propose that the loss of linearity with increasing mtDNAdistance stems from an increasing proportion of homoplastic allele size classes that are identical in state, but not identical by descent. Therefore, despite high cross‐species amplification success and high polymorphism among the closely relatedPachyptilaspecies, we caution against the use of microsatellites in phylogenetic inference among distantly related taxa.
A unigene set for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and its use to decipher the molecular mechanisms involved in dormancy regulation
Authors: Lesur Isabelle , Bechade Alison , Lalanne Céline , Klopp Christophe , Noirot Céline , Leplé Jean‐Charles , Kremer Antoine , Plomion Christophe , Le Provost Grégoire 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSystematic sequencing is the method of choice for generating genomic resources for molecular marker development and candidate gene identification in nonmodel species. We generated 47 357 Sanger ESTs and 2.2M Roche‐454 reads from five cDNA libraries for European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). This tree species of high ecological and economic value in Europe is among the most representative trees of deciduous broadleaf forests. The sequences generated were assembled into 21 057 contigs with MIRA software. Functional annotations were obtained for 85% of these contigs, from the proteomes of four plant species, Swissprot accessions and the Gene Ontology database. We were able to identify 28 079 in silico SNPs for future marker development. Moreover, RNAseq and qPCR approaches identified genes and gene networks regulated differentially between two critical phenological stages preceding vegetative bud burst (the quiescent and swelling buds stages). According to climatic model‐based projection, some European beech populations may be endangered, particularly at the southern and eastern edges of the European distribution range, which are strongly affected by current climate change. This first genomic resource for the genus Fagus should facilitate the identification of key genes for beech adaptation and management strategies for preserving beech adaptability.
Killer Robots: Why the US should Lead the Ban
Authors: Garcia Denise 
Published: January 2015

AbstractKiller robots are systems that can choose targets without further human intervention. The US should take the lead at the United Nations in creating specific new global norms and clarify expectations and universally agreed behavior. The US is the only country in a strong enough position to take the lead to stop a technology that will mean the loss of humanity in decisions of war and peace. The time to act is now before unpredictable proliferation occurs. A preventive ban on offensive killer robots is the vital first step in setting a principled limit to killing‐yielding automation and is a critical tool in the effort to regulate other robotics and nascent technology that could destabilize international peace and security. The potential for fully autonomous weapons systems to be advantageous is unpromising. Fully autonomous weapons systems do not appear to offer military advantages for modern warfare that would be compliant with international law. Four branches of international law require attention here, and examined together, they serve as a foundational bedrock that has historically been used to constrain violence in war: the law of state responsibility, the law on the use of force, international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III mutation in Chinese patients with squamous cell cancer of the lung
Authors: Duan Jianchun , Wang Zhijie , Bai Hua , An Tongtong , Zhuo Minglei , Wu Meina , Wang Yuyan , Yang Lu , Wang Jie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)vIII mutation in Chinese non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to explore the likely relationship between EGFRvIII mutation and response to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsSamples were derived from two patient cohorts: (i) 114 early‐stage NSCLC who received surgical resection; and (ii) 31 advanced‐stage SCC who received EGFR‐TKI EGFRvIII. EGFR and V‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography, and PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. The associations of EGFRvIII, EGFR, and KRAS mutations with clinical outcome of EGFR‐TKI treatment were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, descriptive analysis, and multi‐variable Cox regression analysis.ResultsIn the first cohort, EGFRvIII mutation was detected in eight of 114 (7.0%) patients, including 11.1% (6/54) SCC and 3.6% (2/55) adenocarcinomas (ADC) (P = 0.269). In the second cohort, five (16.1%) and 10 out of 31 advanced SCC presented EGFRvIII and EGFR mutations, respectively. No appreciable discrepancy of progression‐free survival or disease control rate was detected between the patients with and without EGFRvIII mutation (P > 0.05). However, longer median overall survival (OS) was observed in patients harboring EGFRvIII compared to those without EGFRvIII, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThe frequency of EGFRvIII mutation in SCC was higher than in ADC. SCC patients harboring EGFRvIII mutations had a tendency for prolonged OS.
Multiple Mechanisms Influencing the Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Peer Alcohol Use
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Maes Hermine H. , Prescott Carol A. , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundAlcohol consumption is typically correlated with the alcohol use behaviors of one's peers. Previous research has suggested that this positive relationship could be due to social selection, social influence, or a combination of both processes. However, few studies have considered the role of shared genetic and environmental influences in conjunction with causal processes.MethodsThis study uses data from a sample of male twins (N = 1,790) who provided retrospective reports of their own alcohol consumption and their peers' alcohol‐related behaviors, from adolescence into young adulthood (ages 12 to 25). Structural equation modeling was employed to compare 3 plausible models of genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between phenotypes over time.ResultsModel fitting indicated that one's own alcohol consumption and the alcohol use of one's peers are related through both genetic and shared environmental factors and through unique environmental causal influences. The relative magnitude of these factors, and their contribution to covariation, changed over time, with genetic factors becoming more meaningful later in development.ConclusionsPeers' alcohol use behaviors and one's own alcohol consumption are related through a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors that act via correlated factors and the complementary causal mechanisms of social selection and influence. Understanding these processes can inform risk assessment as well as improve our ability to model the development of alcohol use.
Prevalence of Alcohol‐Interactive Prescription Medication Use Among Current Drinkers: United States, 1999 to 2010
Authors: Breslow Rosalind A. , Dong Chuanhui , White Aaron 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe majority of Americans consume alcoholic beverages. Alcohol interacts negatively with numerous commonly prescribed medications. Yet, on a population level, little is known about use of alcohol‐interactive (AI) prescription medications among drinkers. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of AI prescription medication use among current drinkers in the U.S. population.MethodsData were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999 to 2010); 26,657 adults aged ≥20 years had data on past year alcohol consumption and past month prescription medication use. Analyses were adjusted for covariates: age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and smoking. Statistical procedures accounted for survey stratification, clustering, and nonresponse. Analyses were weighted to be nationally representative.ResultsThe unadjusted total prevalence of AI medication use was 42.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41.5 to 44.0). Among current drinkers, adjusted prevalence was 41.5% (CI 40.3 to 42.7). Among participants aged ≥65 total prevalence of AI medication use was 78.6% (CI 77.3 to 79.9) and adjusted prevalence among current drinkers was 77.8% (CI 75.7 to 79.7). The AI medications most commonly used by current drinkers were cardiovascular agents, central nervous system agents, and metabolic agents.ConclusionsOur results suggest that there could be substantial simultaneous exposure to alcohol and AI prescription medications in the U.S. population. Given the adverse health risks of combining alcohol with AI prescription medications, future efforts are needed to collect data to determine actual simultaneous prevalence.
Challenges of working and living in a new cultural environment: A snapshot of international medical graduates in rural Tasmania
Authors: Terry Daniel R. , Lê Quynh 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo highlight the experiences and challenges of international medical graduates (IMGs) living and working in rural and remote Tasmania, and how this informs their acculturation and retention in the state.DesignThis paper reports the findings from the Tasmanian IMG questionnaire, which was administered both in hardcopy and online format to all known IMGs within the state. A total of 105 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 30.0%.ResultsIMGs were from the 30 countries and the majority were under 49 years of age, had migrated in the past 10 years, with over half having worked in the state for less than 2 years. Many IMGs indicated that they were satisfied with their current employment, the medical facilities, the friendliness of their patients and the friendliness of the community where they lived, and would like to stay much longer in Tasmania.ConclusionsMany IMGs have previously lived and worked in rural areas and are reasonably satisfied with their current employment and lifestyle in Tasmania. However, the following factors play an important part in their views and attitudes: employment satisfaction, access to schools, employment for spouse or partner and access to cultural or religious foods and goods. Nevertheless, beyond employment satisfaction, employment itself, coupled with career pathway and training opportunities, were highlighted as contributory factors for leaving Tasmania.
Noninvasive Detection of Functional Myocardial Ischemia: Multifunction Cardiogram Evaluation in Diagnosis of Functional Coronary Ischemia Study (MED‐FIT)
Authors: Kawaji Tetsuma , Shiomi Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Yano Mariko , Higami Hirooki , Tazaki Junichi , Imai Masao , Saito Naritatsu , Makiyama Takeru , Shizuta Satoshi , Ono Koh , Kimura Takeshi 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundMultifunction cardiogram (MCG) is a computer‐enhanced, resting electrocardiogram analysis developed to detect hemodynamically relevant coronary artery disease (CAD). Based on data from previous studies suggesting excellent diagnostic accuracy in detecting CAD, MCG (approved by the Food and Drugs Administration) received a Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code in 2010 in United States. However, there is no previous study validating MCG by using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard.MethodsMultifunction cardiogram Evaluation in Diagnosis of Functional coronary Ischemia sTudy (MED‐FIT) was designed as a single‐center, prospective study enrolling 100 stable patients with suspected CAD scheduled for coronary angiography. The primary and secondary analyses evaluated the diagnostic performance of the MCG severity score to detect functional myocardial ischemia by FFR ≤0.80, and angiographically significant coronary stenosis (percent diameter stenosis ≥50%) by quantitative coronary angiography.ResultsThe current analysis set consisted of 91 patients in whom MCG data with adequate quality was obtained. The prevalence of positive functional myocardial ischemia and angiographically significant stenosis in the current study was 42.7% and 41.8%, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of the MCG severity score for functional myocardial ischemia and angiographically significant stenosis was low (AUC 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.63, and AUC 0.58, 95%CI 0.46–0.70, respectively). Sensitivity, and specificity of the MCG severity score for functional myocardial ischemia and angiographically significant stenosis was also low (32%/67%, and 37%/72%) using a cutoff value of 4.0.ConclusionsDiagnostic performance of the MCG severity score was poor for both functional myocardial ischemia, and angiographically significant stenosis.
Cardiac Awake Extracorporeal Life Support—Bridge to Decision?
Authors: Sommer Wiebke , Marsch Georg , Kaufeld Tim , Röntgen Philipp , Beutel Gernot , Tongers Joern , Warnecke Gregor , Tudorache Igor , Schieffer Bernhard , Haverich Axel , Kühn Christian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSevere acute heart failure requires immediate intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, but prognosis and outcome of further treatment regimens largely depends on the preprocedural status of the patient. Especially, multiorgan failure including mechanical ventilation are unfavorable predictors of clinical outcome. Here, we report a strategy of immediate initiation of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in awake and spontaneously breathing patients with acute heart failure to achieve early multiorgan recovery and gain sufficient time for further treatment planning. Twenty‐three patients with severe cardiac failure refractory to standard medical management underwent ECLS treatment, after first clinical signs of cardiac failure appeared to avoid mechanical ventilation. Hemodynamic parameters and renal and liver functions were monitored. Outcome at 1 and 6 months was determined. Patients 46.1 ± 15.5 years of age were placed on ECLS due to various underlying diagnosis: ischemic heart disease (n = 6), dilatative cardiomyopathy (n = 4), myocarditis (n = 2), graft failure following heart transplantation (n = 6), or other diseases (n = 5). ECLS lasted 11.9 ± 12.9 days. Hemodynamic stabilization was achieved immediately after ECLS initiation. Vasopressors were reduced subsequently and the cardiac situation improved indicated by central venous saturation, which increased from 38.5 ± 11.3% before to 74.26 ± 8.4% (P < 0.0001) 24 h after ECLS initiation. Similarly, serum lactate levels decreased from 4.7 ± 4.6 to 1.7 ± 1.51 mmol/L (P = 0.003). Cumulative 30‐day survival was 87.5%, and 6‐month survival was 70.8%. In acute cardiac failure, early ECLS treatment is a safe, feasible treatment in awake patients allowing a gain of time for final decision. Moreover, this strategy avoids complications associated with sedation and mechanical ventilation and leads to recovery of secondary organ function, enabling destination therapy.
Effect of colesevelam on faecal bile acids and bowel functions in diarrhoea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Camilleri M. , Acosta A. , Busciglio I. , Boldingh A. , Dyer R. B. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Lueke A. , Gray A. , Donato L. J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundAbout one‐third of patients withIBS‐diarrhoea (irritable bowel syndrome‐D) have evidence of increased bile acid synthesis or excretion.AimsTo assess effects of thebile acidsequestrant, colesevelam, on faecal excretion ofBAs, hepaticBAsynthesis and diarrhoea inIBS‐D; to appraise whether individual or random stool samples accurately reflect 48‐h total faecalbile acidexcretion and proportions of the mainbile acidsexcreted and to study the faecal fat excretion in response to colesevelam.MethodsA single‐centre, unblinded, single‐dose trial of effects of colesevelam, 1875 mg [3 tablets (625 mg tablets)] orally, twice daily, for 10 days on total 48‐h faecalbile acidexcretion and fasting serum C4 (7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one; surrogate of hepaticbile acidsynthesis). Stool diaries documented bowel functions for 8 days prior and 8 days during colesevelam treatment. Stool 48‐h samples and fasting serum were collected for faecal fat, faecalbile acidand serum C4.ResultsColesevelam was associated with significantly increased faecal totalbile acidexcretion and deoxycholic acid excretion, increased serum C4 and more solid stool consistency. There was a significant inverse correlation between number of bowel movements per week and the totalbile acidsequestered into stool during the last 48 h of treatment. Random stool samples did not accurately reflect 48‐h total or individual faecalbile acidexcretion. Sequestration ofbile acidsby colesevelam did not increase faecal fat.ConclusionsColesevelam increases delivery ofbile acidsto stool while improving stool consistency, and increases hepaticbile acidsynthesis, avoiding steatorrhoea in patients withIBS‐D. Overall effects are consistent with luminalbile acidsequestration by colesevelam.