bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with attendance to scheduled outpatient endoscopy
Authors: Laiyemo Adeyinka O , Williams Carla D , Burnside Clinton , Moghadam Sepideh , Sanasi-Bhola Kamla D , Kwagyan John , Brim Hassan , Ashktorab Hassan , Scott Victor F , Smoot Duane T 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
Non-attendance of 42% has been reported for outpatient colonoscopy among persons with low socioeconomic status (SES) in an open access system in the USA.

Objectives
To evaluate attendance to outpatient endoscopy among populations with low SES after inperson consultations with endoscopists prior to scheduling.

Methods
Retrospectively, we reviewed the endoscopy schedule from September 2009 to August 2010 in an inner city teaching hospital in Washington, DC. We identified patients who came for their procedures. We defined non-attendance as when patients did not notify the facility up to 24 h prior to their scheduled procedures and did not show up.

Results
A total of 3304 patients were scheduled for outpatient endoscopy (mean age 55.2 years; 59.5% women). Only 36 (1.1%) patients were uninsured. 716 (21.7%) patients did not show up for their procedures. There were no differences in attendance by age, sex and race. Patients seen in a private endoscopist’s office (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.04) were more likely to attend when compared with patients seen in trainees’ continuity clinic. Married patients (OR=1.40; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.78) were also more likely to attend. Conversely, Medicaid and uninsured patients were less likely to attend. Restricting our analysis to patients scheduled for only colonoscopy yielded similar results except that patients aged 50 years and older were more likely to attend.

Conclusions
Our study suggests improved attendance to endoscopy when populations with lower SES undergo prior consultation with an endoscopist. There is a potential to further improve attendance to outpatient endoscopy by directly involving the social support of the patients.
Implementation Science in Cancer Prevention and Control: A Framework for Research and Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Sivaram Sudha , Sanchez Michael A. , Rimer Barbara K. , Samet Jonathan M. , Glasgow Russell E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Implementation science is a set of tools, principles, and methodologies that can be used to bring scientific evidence into action, improve health care quality and delivery, and improve public health. As the burden of cancer increases in low- and middle-income countries, it is important to plan cancer control programs that are both evidence based and delivered in ways that are feasible, cost-effective, contextually appropriate, and sustainable. This review presents a framework for using implementation science for cancer control planning and implementation and discusses potential areas of focus for research and programs in low- and middle-income countries interested in integrating research into practice and policy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2273–84. ©2014 AACR.
Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolism in Relation to Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Black Amanda , Pinsky Paul F. , Grubb Robert L. , Falk Roni T. , Hsing Ann W. , Chu Lisa , Meyer Tamra , Veenstra Timothy D. , Xu Xia , Yu Kai , Ziegler Regina G. , Brinton Louise A. , Hoover Robert N. , Cook Michael B. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Background: The combined action of androgens and estrogens—specifically their balance—may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis, but existing evidence is sparse and inconsistent. We investigated associations between serum sex steroid hormones, including estrogen metabolites, and risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Methods: In a case–control study nested within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial cohort, we measured serum estrone, estradiol, and 13 estrogen metabolites, in the 2-, 4-, or 16-hydroxylation pathways, using an LC/MS-MS assay. Cases (n = 195) were non-Hispanic white men ages 55 to 70 years when diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer (stage III or IV and/or Gleason ≥7). Controls (n = 195) were non-Hispanic white men without prostate cancer who were frequency matched to cases by age and year at blood draw, and time since baseline screen. Only men with serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin measured previously were eligible. Logistic regression models were used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results: Risk of aggressive prostate cancer was strongly inversely associated with estradiol:testosterone ratio (OR4th quartile vs. 1st = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12–0.59, Ptrend = 0.003) and positively associated with 2:16α-hydroxyestrone ratio (OR4th quartile vs. 1st = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.34–4.45, Ptrend = 0.001). Individual estrogen metabolites were unrelated to risk.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sex steroid hormones, specifically the estrogen-androgen balance, may be important in the development of aggressive prostate cancer.
Impact: Improved understanding of the hormonal etiology of prostate cancer is critical for prevention and therapeutic interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2374–82. ©2014 AACR.
RADical Response Puts an Exceptional Responder in CHKmate: A Synthetic Lethal Curative Response to DNA-Damaging Chemotherapy?
Authors: Peng Guang , Woodman Scott E. , Mills Gordon B. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Summary: In this issue of Cancer Discovery, AI-Ahmadie and colleagues identify a somatic mutation in the RAD50 gene as a likely contributing factor to an unusual curative response to systemic combination therapy employing the DNA-damaging agent irinotecan and a checkpoint kinase 1 inhibitor in a patient with recurrent, metastatic small-cell cancer. This study highlights the importance of in-depth analysis of exceptional responders to chemotherapy and targeted therapy in early-phase clinical trials and opens new avenues for developing cancer genome–based combination therapy to improve the efficacy of traditional chemotherapy through synthetically lethal interactions. Cancer Discov; 4(9); 988–90. ©2014 AACR.
See related article by AI-Ahmadie et al., p. 1014
A study on the arrangement of air inlets in a Class 7 clean room
Authors: Ding LC , Yau YH 
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a room with four inlets located at the ceiling in the centre of the room with an exhaust installed at the bottom sidewall was modelled and investigated. The air is supplied through the individual room air inlets filtered by a high-efficiency particulate air filter, and the air is removed from the room via the exhaust located at the bottom sidewall. It leads to two possible inlet arrangements with four inlets: 1 × 4 array and 2 × 2 array. In the modelling, an obstacle is built to represent a workbench located underneath the inlets. Both the array designs are compared on their air flow and ability to remove gaseous contaminants. This study also suggests that the behaviour of the air jet impingement on the surface of the obstacle must also be considered in determining the design of the inlet array in a clean room. Practical application: This paper is intended to provide a practical guide to building service engineers on the design arrangement of inlets for a Class 7 clean room. By using the same concept, the design arrangement concept can be extended to the sizing of a workbench (i.e. the obstacle) when there is a fixed inlet design.
Spinal cord injury following thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repairs
Authors: Panthee Nirmal , Ono Minoru 
Published: September 2014

Objective To discuss the currently available approaches to prevent spinal cord injury during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repairs. Methods We carried out a PubMed search up to 2013 using the Medical Subject Headings: “aortic aneurysm/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia”; “aortic aneurysm, thoracic/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia”; “aneurysm/surgery” and “spinal cord ischemia/cerebrospinal fluid”; “aortic aneurysm/surgery” and “paraplegia”. All 190 original articles satisfying our inclusion criteria were analyzed for incidence, predictors, and other pertinent variables related to spinal cord injury, and we compared the results in recent publications with those in earlier reports. Results The mean age of the 38,491 patients was 65.3 ± 4.9 years. The overall incidence of paraplegia and/or paraparesis was 7.1% ± 6.1% (range 0%–32%). The incidence of spinal cord injury before 2000, from 2001 to 2007, and 2008–2013 was 9.0% ± 6.7%, 7.0% ± 6.1%, and 5.9% ± 5.2%, respectively ( p = 0.019). Various predictors of spinal cord injury were identified, extent of disease being the most common. Modification of surgical techniques, use of adjuncts, and better understanding of spinal cord perfusion physiology were attributed to the decrease in postoperative spinal cord injury in recent years. Conclusions Spinal cord injury after thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic repair poses a real challenge to cardiovascular surgeons. However, with evolving surgical strategies, identification of predictors, and use of various adjuncts over the years, the incidence of spinal cord injury after thoracic/thoracoabdominal aortic repair has declined. Embracing a multimodality approach offers a good insight into combating this grave complication.
Migraine with aura is associated with impaired colour vision: Results from the cross-sectional German DMKG headache study
Authors: Jürgens TP , Berger K , Straube A , Khil L 
Published: September 2014

Background Hypersensitivity to light, noise and odour are pivotal clinical characteristics of migraine associated with enhanced cortical excitability and dysfunctional habituation. However, little is known about the integrity of basic sensory functioning in migraine on a population-based level. Methods A total of 129 participants with migraine (105 without aura, MwoA, 24 with aura, MA) and 522 healthy controls without headache 12 months prior to baseline were included from a sample of the DMKG study and underwent standardised clinical sensory testing of smell, taste, hearing and vision. Results After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status and history of head injuries, the chance of impaired colour perception was significantly higher in MA compared to controls (odds ratio, OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.20–8.53) and MwoA (OR = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.31–9.97). Compared to MwoA, MA also had an increased chance of smell (OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 0.98–10.42) and taste (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 0.90–7.40) impairment. Conclusions In this cross-sectional, population-based study on sensory functioning in migraine participants, colour vision was impaired interictally in MA compared to MwoA and controls.
Concordance of genetic risk across migraine subgroups: Impact on current and future genetic association studies
Authors: Nyholt Dale R ,   for the International Headache Genetics Consortium, Anttila Verneri , Winsvold Bendik S , Kurth Tobias , Stefansson Hreinn , Kallela Mikko , Malik Rainer , Vries Boukje de , Terwindt Gisela M , Ikram M Arfan , Stam Anine H , Ligthart Lannie , Freilinger Tobias , Alexander Michael , Muller-Myhsok Bertram , Schreiber Stefan , Meitinger Thomas , Aromaa Arpo , Eriksson Johan G , Kaprio Jaakko , Boomsma Dorret I , Duijn Cornelia van , Raitakari Olli , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Zwart John-Anker , Quaye Lydia , Strachan David P , Kubisch Christian , Ferrari Michel D , van den Maagdenberg Arn M J M , Dichgans Martin , Wessman Maija , Smith George Davey , Stefansson Kari , Chasman Daniel I , Palotie Aarno 
Published: September 2014

Background There has been intensive debate whether migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) should be considered distinct subtypes or part of the same disease spectrum. There is also discussion to what extent migraine cases collected in specialised headache clinics differ from cases from population cohorts, and how female cases differ from male cases with respect to their migraine. To assess the genetic overlap between these migraine subgroups, we examined genome-wide association (GWA) results from analysis of 23,285 migraine cases and 95,425 population-matched controls. Methods Detailed heterogeneity analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects (odds ratios) between migraine subgroups was performed for the 12 independent SNP loci significantly associated ( p < 5 × 10−8; thus surpassing the threshold for genome-wide significance) with migraine susceptibility. Overall genetic overlap was assessed using SNP effect concordance analysis (SECA) at over 23,000 independent SNPs. Results Significant heterogeneity of SNP effects ( phet < 1.4 × 10−3) was observed between the MA and MO subgroups (for SNP rs9349379), and between the clinic- and population-based subgroups (for SNPs rs10915437, rs6790925 and rs6478241). However, for all 12 SNPs the risk-increasing allele was the same, and SECA found the majority of genome-wide SNP effects to be in the same direction across the subgroups. Conclusions Any differences in common genetic risk across these subgroups are outweighed by the similarities. Meta-analysis of additional migraine GWA datasets, regardless of their major subgroup composition, will identify new susceptibility loci for migraine.
A Mathematical Law for Assessing Outcome Values of Games
Authors: Dickinson John R. 
Published: September 2014

Background The predominate outcomes of many computerized simulation games, particularly business games, are numeric values, for example, financial statements, as determined by the game algorithm. Numerous types of algorithms have been put forth. Attending these algorithms are issues of their validity; numerous approaches to validation also having been put forth. Aim This research presents a type of digital analysis, Benford’s Law, as a basis for assessing the validity of simulation game numeric outcome values, that is, algorithmic validity. Method To illustrate the application of Benford’s Law, it was applied to income statement items from a business game competition. The first digits and second digits, respectively, of numeric outcome values were analyzed. Results Both the first digits and the second digits conform closely to Benford’s Law. Less conforming outcomes were those of assigned values to which Benford’s Law does not apply. Conclusion Benford’s Law is conceptually and practically appropriate for assessing simulation game numeric outcome values. An example of its application demonstrates this appropriateness.
Collaboration Through Simulation
Authors: Scullion Jim , Livingstone Daniel , Stansfield Mark 
Published: September 2014

Background It has been suggested in the literature that virtual worlds can be an environment in which informal learning by participants can succeed through communication and collaboration, and that it would be valuable to investigate the extent to which the processes and principles underpinning this informal learning can be transferred to a formal learning context. The literature shows, however, a wide evidence gap. Aim This article reports on the initial findings from empirical research currently in progress using a specific immersive online 3D environment, UNITE, to enhance collaboration and communication among tertiary students and which is guided by constructivist learning principles. Method UNITE was constructed using Open Wonderland, an open source toolkit for creating 3D virtual worlds. Within the context of a particular set of constructivist principles, discussed in this article, which guided the development of UNITE, a more active approach to learning was adopted by the students, as compared with more passive traditional teaching methods. Following their use of UNITE, focus group discussion with participants was analyzed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework. Results Thematic analysis using IPA resulted in the identification of 11 themes: Technical Limitations and Problems, Importance of Avatar Representation, Use of Virtual Worlds in Formal Education, Communication and Collaboration, Building Confidence, Importance of Voice Communication, Participant Interest, Previous Exposure to Virtual Worlds, Participant Apprehension, Desired Improvements, and Absence of Non-Verbal Communication. All participants regarded their experience of using UNITE as a positive one. Focus group participants expressed a unanimous view that the use of virtual worlds within tertiary education is of educational benefit and should be more widely used to complement traditional teaching methods. Conclusion In using UNITE, students were cognitively engaged, learning was hands-on, and the social component of learners interacting and supporting each other was emphasized in undertaking the learning activities. Results from this pilot study have provided an interesting insight into the potential of using 3D learning spaces for enhancing communication, collaboration, and teamwork. A more substantial and detailed implementation is now being planned across the tertiary education sector. This will involve students from a number of institutions, educational levels, and cognate areas.
Improving Learners’ Understanding of Environmental Accumulations through Simulation
Authors: Stave Krystyna A. , Beck Abby , Galvan Chris 
Published: September 2014

Background. Poor public understanding of accumulation principles obstructs public engagement in environmental decision-making. Simulation-based learning environments (SBLEs) show promise for improving understanding. Purpose. This study tested the hypothesis that use of stand-alone, self-contained, online SBLEs can improve user understanding of and ability to apply basic principles of accumulation. Method. We used pretest/posttest measures to examine (a) whether user understanding of accumulations principles increased after exposure to a set of two SBLEs in an undergraduate Environmental Science course ( n =126), and (b) how the extent of simulation use affected depth of user understanding. Results.Understanding improved significantly after simulation use. Further, extent of simulation use affected performance although it is not a simple linear relationship. Those who ran the simulation a moderate amount of times (total of 14-24 runs) scored better than the low-range group (0-13 runs, p < .05) and better than the high-range users (25+ runs, p < .10). These results hold when controlled for prior systems understanding, graphing ability, motivation, and science background. Conclusion. The results support the value of simulations for building operational understanding of accumulations and suggest design considerations that may further increase the effectiveness of such SBLEs.
Evaluation of the stability profile of anticancer drugs: A review of Ifosfamide and Mesna regimen for the treatment of metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Salman Dahlia , Swinden Julian , Barton Stephen , Peron Jean-Marie R , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen 
Published: September 2014

Purpose This paper aims to summarise and critically review the existing published literature with regard to clinical considerations as well as stability testing studies of Ifosfamide and Mesna. It also aims to highlight the factors that should be considered when designing and conducting stability testing experiments. Summary Ifosfamide and Mesna are currently given to patients for 14 days continuous home-based infusion for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. No previous work has evaluated their stability for more than 7 days under real-life conditions so the current regimen involves patients visiting hospital twice during the 14-day treatment. This may create extra disruption to patients’ life style as well as increasing the workload for cancer services. Conclusion There is a need to conduct stability testing experiments for Ifosfamide and Mesna taking into consideration all of the highlighted factors to mimic standard clinical practice.
Accreditation status and geographic location of outpatient vascular testing facilities among Medicare beneficiaries: The VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) Study
Authors: Rundek Tatjana , Brown Scott C , Wang Kefeng , Dong Chuanhui , Farrell Mary Beth , Heller Gary V , Gornik Heather L , Hutchisson Marge , Needleman Laurence , Benenati James F , Jaff Michael R , Meier George H , Perese Susana , Bendick Phillip , Hamburg Naomi M , Lohr Joann M , LaPerna Lucy , Leers Steven A , Lilly Michael P , Tegeler Charles , Alexandrov Andrei V , Katanick Sandra L 
Published: September 2014

Objective: There is limited information on the accreditation status and geographic distribution of vascular testing facilities in the US. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide reimbursement to facilities regardless of accreditation status. The aims were to: (1) identify the proportion of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) accredited vascular testing facilities in a 5% random national sample of Medicare beneficiaries receiving outpatient vascular testing services; (2) describe the geographic distribution of these facilities. Methods: The VALUE (Vascular Accreditation, Location & Utilization Evaluation) Study examines the proportion of IAC accredited facilities providing vascular testing procedures nationally, and the geographic distribution and utilization of these facilities. The data set containing all facilities that billed Medicare for outpatient vascular testing services in 2011 (5% CMS Outpatient Limited Data Set (LDS) file) was examined, and locations of outpatient vascular testing facilities were obtained from the 2011 CMS/Medicare Provider of Services (POS) file. Results: Of 13,462 total vascular testing facilities billing Medicare for vascular testing procedures in a 5% random Outpatient LDS for the US in 2011, 13% ( n=1730) of facilities were IAC accredited. The percentage of IAC accredited vascular testing facilities in the LDS file varied significantly by US region, p<0.0001: 26%, 12%, 11%, and 7% for the Northeast, South, Midwest, and Western regions, respectively. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the proportion of outpatient vascular testing facilities that are IAC accredited is low and varies by region. Increasing the number of accredited vascular testing facilities to improve test quality is a hypothesis that should be tested in future research.