bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Multiple Imputation Method to Improve Estimation of Missing Baseline Serum Creatinine in Acute Kidney Injury Research
Authors: Siew Edward D. , Peterson Josh F. , Eden Svetlana K. , Moons Karel G. , Ikizler T. Alp , Matheny Michael E. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Baseline creatinine (BCr) is frequently missing in AKI studies. Common surrogate estimates can misclassify AKI and adversely affect the study of related outcomes. This study examined whether multiple imputation improved accuracy of estimating missing BCr beyond current recommendations to apply assumed estimated GFR (eGFR) of 75 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (eGFR 75).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
From 41,114 unique adult admissions (13,003 with and 28,111 without BCr data) at Vanderbilt University Hospital between 2006 and 2008, a propensity score model was developed to predict likelihood of missing BCr. Propensity scoring identified 6502 patients with highest likelihood of missing BCr among 13,003 patients with known BCr to simulate a “missing” data scenario while preserving actual reference BCr. Within this cohort (n=6502), the ability of various multiple-imputation approaches to estimate BCr and classify AKI were compared with that of eGFR 75.

Results
All multiple-imputation methods except the basic one more closely approximated actual BCr than did eGFR 75. Total AKI misclassification was lower with multiple imputation (full multiple imputation + serum creatinine) (9.0%) than with eGFR 75 (12.3%; P<0.001). Improvements in misclassification were greater in patients with impaired kidney function (full multiple imputation + serum creatinine) (15.3%) versus eGFR 75 (40.5%; P<0.001). Multiple imputation improved specificity and positive predictive value for detecting AKI at the expense of modestly decreasing sensitivity relative to eGFR 75.

Conclusions
Multiple imputation can improve accuracy in estimating missing BCr and reduce misclassification of AKI beyond currently proposed methods.
The Effect of Positive and Negative Financial and Nonfinancial Performance Measures on Analysts' Recommendations
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Wu Anne 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
This research experimentally examines the favorable/unfavorable outcomes of a firm's financial and nonfinancial performance measures on financial analysts' recommendation to divest or invest in a firm. The participants were financial analysts who made recommendations ranging from “definitely sell” to “hold” to “definitely buy.” The results show that financial and nonfinancial performance measures and their favorableness have an interactive impact on analysts' recommendations. To be precise, the recommendations were very close to the “definitely sell” anchor when the performance was unfavorable, irrespective of whether the measures presented were financial or nonfinancial. Further, favorableness of performance on nonfinancial measures appears to be irrelevant when performance on financial measures is unfavorable. However, when performance on financial measures is favorable, the effect of nonfinancial performance had a differential effect on analysts' recommendations depending on whether these measures indicated favorable or unfavorable performance. Specifically, when nonfinancial performance was unfavorable, the recommendations were closer to “hold” on average, but the recommendations were closer to “definitely buy” on average when nonfinancial performance was favorable. These results are consistent with our expectations. Overall, given that more and more firms are disclosing nonfinancial measures along with the traditional financial measures, and with an increasing number of firms reporting unfavorable financial performance, the results of this research underline the importance of considering both financial and nonfinancial measures and their outcomes—favorable and unfavorable—on analysts' recommendations.
Data Availability: Please contact the authors.
Evaluation of Cytauxzoon felis infection status in captive-born wild felids housed in an area endemic for the pathogen
Authors: Lewis Kristin M. , Cohn Leah A. , Downey Megan E. , Whitney Marlyn S. , Birkenheuer Adam J. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether apparently healthy captive-born wild felids that were not native to North America and were housed in an area endemic for Cytauxzoon felis harbored the pathogen.
Design—Prospective observational case series.
Animals—11 captive-born wild felids that were (1 bobcat [Lynx rufus] and 1 cougar [Puma concolor]) or were not (1 lion [Panthera leo] and 8 tigers [Panthera tigris]) native to North America and 6 domestic cats (5 pets and 1 feral).
Procedures—Blood was collected, and a PCR assay for C felis was performed. The C felis 18S rRNA gene sequence was characterized in samples that tested positive. Blood smears were evaluated microscopically for intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis. Blood smears from an additional 6 feral domestic cats found dead on the study premises were also evaluated.
Results—4 tigers and 6 domestic cats without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis infection via PCR assay; intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis were identified in smears from 1 C felis—infected tiger (which also had azotemia) and in smears from 11 of 12 domestic cats. Possible erythrocytic inclusions were identified in 1 tiger that tested negative for C felis. Sequences of C felis 18S rRNA amplicons from all infected tigers shared > 99.8% identity with reported C felis sequences from North American domestic cats and were identical to amplicons from domestic cats on the premises.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Captive tigers without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis. The PCR assay for C felis appeared to be more reliable than cytologic detection of piroplasms in tigers.
Evaluation of salvage techniques for infected baclofen pumps in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hester Sydney M. , Fisher John F. , Lee Mark R. , Macomson Samuel , Vender John R. 
Published: October 2012

Object
Intrathecal baclofen therapy has been used successfully for intractable spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Infections are rare, but they are potentially life threatening if complicated by bacteremia or meningitis. Treatment without removal of the system is desirable if it can be done safely and effectively.

Methods
The authors reviewed the records of 207 patients ranging from 3 to 18 years of age with cerebral palsy who underwent placement or revision of a baclofen pump. They identified 38 patients with suspected or documented infectious complications. Initial attempts were made to eradicate infection with the devices in situ in all patients. Methods and effectiveness of pump salvage were evaluated.

Results
Of the 38 patients identified, 13 (34.2%) had documented infections; 11 had deep wound/pocket empyemas and 2 had meningitis. Eight patients with deep wound infections received intravenous antibiotics alone. All required pump explantation. The remaining 3 patients underwent a washout procedure as well; the infection was cured in 1 patient. Both patients with meningitis received intravenous and intrathecal antibiotics, and both required device explantation. In addition, 25 patients (65.8%) had excessive or increasing wound erythema. No objective criteria to document a superficial infection were present. The wounds were considered suspicious and were managed with serial examinations and oral antibiotics. The erythema resolved in 24 of the 25 patients.

Conclusions
In general, observation, wound care, and oral antibiotics are sufficient for wounds that are suspicious for superficial infection. For deep-seated infection, antibiotic therapy alone is generally insufficient and explantation is required. Washout procedures can be considered, but failures are common.
SNOMED CT Implementation
Authors: Rosenbeck Gøeg K. , Randorff Højen A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryClinical practice as well as research and quality-assurance benefit from unambiguous clinical information resulting from the use of a common terminology like the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). A common terminology is a necessity to enable consistent reuse of data, and supporting semantic interoperability. Managing use of terminology for large cross specialty Electronic Health Record systems (EHR systems) or just beyond the level of single EHR systems requires that mappings are kept consistent. The objective of this study is to provide a clear methodology for SNOMED CT mapping to enhance applicability of SNOMED CT despite incompleteness and redundancy. Such mapping guidelines are presented based on an in depth analysis of 14 different EHR templates retrieved from five Danish and Swedish EHR systems. Each mapping is assessed against defined quality criteria and mapping guidelines are specified. Future work will include guideline validation.
Parole rapportée et positionnement discursif dans la presse américaine : analyse de l'utilisation des citations dans des commentaires politiques
Authors: Peynaud Caroline 
Published: October 2012

Cet article présente une analyse du rôle du discours rapporté dans trente et un articles de presse à propos du discours prononcé par le président Obama devant le Congrès en septembre 2009 ; le corpus est tiré de cinq journaux différents. L'auteur a tenté de comprendre les différences entre le discours utilisé dans les citations, celles-ci émanant aussi bien de B. Obama que d'autres sources commentant le discours, et le discours produit directement par le journaliste, ainsi que la manière dont le discours rapporté est intégré dans les articles. Il apparaît que le journaliste sélectionne certaines formes de discours rapporté (discours direct ou combinaisons de formes), au détriment d'autres formes (discours indirect), et que les citations sont généralement plus personnalisées que le texte encadrant, ce qui permet au journaliste d'exprimer des opinions sans le faire en son nom propre. Malgré ces différences, l’auteur suggère que l'utilisation du discours rapporté est conforme à certaines conventions journalistiques telles que l'objectivité ou la légitimation du discours.
Cigarette Demand in Japanese Single and Family Households: An Engel‐Curve Approach
Authors: Nyatanga Phocenah , Matsuda Toshinobu 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe authors estimate an Engel curve for cigarette consumption in Japanese single households and compare it to that of family households. The study utilizes quarterly panel data for six regions for the period January 2002 through June 2011. The objective of the study was to evaluate and determine the cigarette consumption responsiveness of these household groups to expenditure changes, tax reforms, and other factors. Taking into account the short‐term adjustment processes and long‐term equilibrium, the authors adopt an error correction model as the analytic framework, where they estimate long‐ and short‐term expenditure elasticities, tax effects, regional effects, and demographic effects. The estimation results show cigarette demand to be highly inelastic to expenditure changes in both household groups, both in the long‐ and short‐term, confirming the findings of previous research. Cigarette tax increases were found to have no significant effect in reducing consumption in single households both in the long and short term, a result different from that of family households in Japan. [EconLit classification: D100, D120, D190].
Allometric equations to predict the total aboveground biomass of tree species in a planted forest in Egypt
Authors: Farahat Emad , Shaltout Kamal , El‐Kady Hassan , Shalapy Ahmed 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study is to estimate the total above‐ground biomass (TAGB), stem height (H), diameter at breast height (dbh) and basal area of five tree species (ages 7‐8 years) irrigated by municipal sewage water in the Egyptian‐Chinese friendship forest, Sadat City, Egypt. From the biomass data that obtained through destructive sampling, models for predicting aboveground biomass were developed. The highest values for stem density and height were estimated for Eucalyptus citriodora, while the lowest value for density was obtained for Dalbergia sissoo and stem height for Khaya senegalensis. The highest values for basal area and dbh were obtained for Casuarina spp., while the lowest values were recorded for Dalbergia sissoo. Eucalyptus camaldulensis had the highest stand stem biomass and TAGB (55.5, 83.9 t DW ha‐1, respectively). In addition, Casuarina spp. had the highest leafy branches biomass (32.5 t DW ha‐1) while Dalbergia sissoo had the lowest values for all tree components. All the generated allometric equations had high correlation coefficients at high probability levels. Moreover, the results revealed that not only the dbh data can be used as independent variable for biomass determination, but also stem height and size index are recommended for biomass estimation (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimal Tight Equi‐Difference Conflict‐Avoiding Codes of Length n = 2k ± 1 and Weight 3
Authors: Wu Shung‐Liang , Fu Hung‐Lin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFor a k‐subset X of , the set of differences on X is the set (mod n): . A conflict‐avoiding code CAC of length n and weight k is a collection of k‐subsets of such that = ∅ for any distinct . Let CAC() be the class of all the CACs of length n and weight k. The maximum size of codes in CAC(n, k) is denoted by . A code CAC(n, k) is said to be optimal if = . An optimal code is tight equi‐difference if = and each codeword in is of the form . In this paper, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence problem of optimal tight equi‐difference conflict‐avoiding codes of length n = and weight 3 are given. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 21: 223–231, 2013
Even‐cycle systems with prescribed automorphism groups
Authors: Grannell M. J. , Griggs T. S. , Lovegrove G. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIt is shown that for any finite group Γ, there exists a 2k‐cycle system whose full automorphism group is isomorphic to Γ. Furthermore, the minimal order of such a system is at most , where .
Summary: Societal risk criteria and pipelines
Authors: Schork Joan M. , Lutostansky Elizabeth M. , Auvil Steven R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe selection of appropriate risk criteria for pipelines depends upon the objective of the analysis. This article describes options for pipeline risk assessment (F‐N and individual risk analyses); the descriptions include objectives, methods, and criteria. Methods that compare pipeline to fixed facility risk have the advantage of facilitating appropriate allocation of risk reduction resources. This article is a summary of a more detailed article from a recent Global Congress. It also references other PSP articles that cover risk analyses and criteria. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012.
Lens and retina regeneration: new perspectives from model organisms
Authors: Barbosa-Sabanero Karla , Hoffmann Andrea , Judge Chelsey , Lightcap Nicole , Tsonis Panagiotis A. , Del Rio-Tsonis Katia 
Published: October 2012

Comparative studies of lens and retina regeneration have been conducted within a wide variety of animals over the last 100 years. Although amphibians, fish, birds and mammals have all been noted to possess lens- or retina-regenerative properties at specific developmental stages, lens or retina regeneration in adult animals is limited to lower vertebrates. The present review covers the newest perspectives on lens and retina regeneration from these different model organisms with a focus on future trends in regeneration research.
Novel Hospital Curtains with Antimicrobial Properties: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Schweizer Marin , Graham Maggie , Ohl Michael , Heilmann Kris , Boyken Linda , Diekema Daniel 
Published: October 2012

Design.Privacy curtains that separate patient care areas in hospitals may play an important role in the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness in a clinical setting of curtains incorporating a complex element compound (CEC) with antimicrobial properties.Setting.Twenty-one rooms in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and 9 rooms in a medical ICU were randomly selected to receive either a new standard curtain or a new identical-looking CEC curtain. Fifteen rooms received CEC curtains and 15 received standard curtains.Methods.Cultures were performed of samples that were collected from curtains twice a week for 4 weeks (23 days). Contamination was determined according to standard microbiologic methods. Time to contamination was assessed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and survival analysis. Incidence rates of contamination were compared using Poisson regression.Results.The median time to first contamination was 7 times longer for CEC curtains than for standard curtains (14 vs 2 days; P< .01). CEC curtains were significantly less contaminated than standard curtains according to earlier culture results but not significantly different for later culture results. Fourteen CEC curtains and 13 standard curtains were contaminated at least once (P = 1.0). The adjusted rate of contamination was 29% lower among CEC versus standard curtains, but this was not statistically significant (rate ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.48–1.07).Conclusions.CEC privacy curtains increase the time to first contamination as compared with standard curtains. Use of privacy curtains with antimicrobial properties could increase the time between washings and may potentially play a role in decreasing pathogen transmission.
Associations of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with circulating PTH, phosphate and calcium in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , Modi Manish , Palazzo Fausto , De Silva Akila , Donaldson Mandy , Meeran Karim , Dhillo Waljit S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundDespite NIH clinical recommendations, many clinicians are reluctant to replace vitamin D in patients with hypercalcaemia with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) due to concerns over aggravating hypercalcaemia. Furthermore, the optimum level of vitamin D replacement in PHP remains unclear.MethodsWe performed a large retrospective study to determine whether a relationship exists between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, calcium and other important biochemical markers in patients with PHP. Serum, plasma and urinary biochemical measurements were collected from 251 patients with hypercalcaemia diagnosed with PHP.ResultsWhen examining overall mean circulating levels during clinical follow‐up, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D correlated highly significantly with plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) (r = −0·23, P = 0·0003) and serum phosphate (r = 0·16, P = 0·0119). No significant relationship was observed between serum calcium and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (r = 0·002, P = 0·98). Mean plasma PTH during clinical follow‐up was 51% lower in patients with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D > 60 nm when compared with patients who had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D < 20 nm (P < 0·01).ConclusionsPatients with PHP who have 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels > 60 nm have significantly reduced PTH hypersecretion when compared with patients with deficient vitamin D levels, without exhibiting worse hypercalcaemia.
Outcome of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Cheung Tan To , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Yuen Wai Key , Chok Kenneth S. H. , Tsang Simon H. Y. , Yau Thomas , Chan See Ching , Lo Chung Mau 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundLiver resection provides one of the best oncological outcomes for liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. However, long‐term results concerning laparoscopic resection versus open hepatectomy for stage IV colon cancer are still limited. The aim of this study is to compare the survival outcome of laparoscopic liver resection with open liver resection for colorectal metastases.MethodBetween October 2002 and September 2011, a total of 1697 patients underwent liver resection for liver tumour and 60 patients underwent pure laparoscopic liver resection. Twenty patients had laparoscopic resection for colorectal liver metastases. Case‐matched control patients who received open liver resection were included for comparison. The immediate operative outcomes and survival outcomes including operation morbidity were compared.ResultsTwenty patients underwent laparoscopic resection of liver metastases. Forty patients who had open hepatectomy for colorectal metastases were selected as case control. Comparing the laparoscopic group with the open resection group, the median operating time was 180 min versus 210 min P = 0.059, the median blood loss was 200 versus 310 mL (P = 0.043). Hospital stay was 4.5 versus 7 days (P = 0.021), disease‐free survival was 9.8 versus 10.9 months (P = 0.299), and the median survival was 69.4 versus 42.1 months (P = 0.235).ConclusionsLaparoscopic liver resection is a safe and effective treatment for liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. It is associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital stay when compared with open surgery. Long‐term survival is comparable to the conventional open approach.
Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak Investigation of an Illinois Bakery
Authors: Hait Jennifer , Tallent Sandra , Melka David , Keys Christine , Bennett Reginald 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOver 100 individuals were sickened after ingesting an assortment of desserts linked to four staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks leading investigators to products manufactured by an Illinois bakery. The investigative team identified substantial deviations from the current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations, 21 CFR Part 110, during multiple visits to the bakery. A total of 299 environmental swabs and 16 raw ingredients were collected for bacteriological analysis. Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from these samples were evaluated using either serological or polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA‐SEE, SEG‐SEI, SE‐like SElJ‐SElU or their respective genes, and for Panton–Valentine leukocidin cytotoxin. A raw ingredient and 16% of the environmental samples revealed the presence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus capable of producing diverse combinations of toxins. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing found that all S. aureus isolates were resistant to one or more agent(s). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis characterization of the isolates identified six pattern types.Practical ApplicationsThis Staphylococcus aureus outbreak investigation revealed the prevalence and diversity of antimicrobial‐resistant strains of S. aureus carrying both classical staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and genes for nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxins found in the environment of an Illinois bakery. In this occurrence, nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxin serotypes were coupled with classical SEs, and therefore detectable by commercially available kits. This outbreak investigation demonstrated the abundance of the nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxin serotypes in the environment and the anticipated need for new screening method requirements.