bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults with Heart Failure
Authors: Gure Tanya R. , Blaum Caroline S. , Giordani Bruno , Koelling Todd M. , Galecki Andrzej , Pressler Susan J. , Hummel Scott L. , Langa Kenneth M. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults with heart failure (HF).DesignCross‐sectional analysis of the 2004 wave of the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study linked to 2002 to 2004 Medicare administrative claims.SettingUnited States, community.ParticipantsSix thousand one hundred eighty‐nine individuals aged 67 and older.MeasurementsAn algorithm was developed using a combination of self‐ and proxy report of a heart problem and the presence of one or more Medicare claims in administrative files using standard HF diagnostic codes. On the basis of the algorithm, three categories were created to characterize the likelihood of a HF diagnosis: high or moderate probability of HF, low probability of HF, and no HF. Cognitive function was assessed using a screening measure of cognitive function or according to proxy rating. Age‐adjusted prevalence estimates of cognitive impairment were calculated for the three groups.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment consistent with dementia in older adults with HF was 15%, and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was 24%. The odds of dementia in those with HF were significantly higher, even after adjustment for age, education level, net worth, and prior stroke (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–2.02).ConclusionCognitive impairment is common in older adults with HF and is independently associated with risk of dementia. A cognitive assessment should be routinely incorporated into HF‐focused models of care.
First Eye Cataract Surgery and Hospitalization from Injuries Due to a Fall: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Meuleners Lynn B. , Lee Andy H. , Ng Jonathon Q. , Morlet Nigel , Fraser Michelle L. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo assess the association between first eye cataract surgery and hospitalization from injuries due to a fall in older adults at the population level.DesignRetrospective population‐based study.SettingWestern Australian Hospital Morbidity Data System and Western Australian mortality data.ParticipantsSix hundred individuals aged 60 and older hospitalized from injuries due to a fall between 2004 and 2008 in Western Australia.MeasurementsHospital admission from injuries due to a fall.ResultsOf the 15,295 individuals who underwent cataract surgery in one eye only, 600 (3.9%) were involved in 625 hospital admissions from injuries due to a fall 1 year before (n = 273) or 1 year after (n = 352) first eye cataract surgery; 30% of these hospitalizations were for femoral neck fractures. Poisson generalized estimating equations confirmed 27% more (adjusted risk ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.56 P = .02) hospitalizations from injuries due to a fall in the year after first eye cataract surgery than in the year before.ConclusionFirst eye cataract surgery was associated with more hospital admissions from injuries due to a fall in the year after cataract surgery than in the year before. Further research is needed to determine the underlying causes and reasons.
Venous Thromboembolism in Nursing Home Residents: Role of Selected Risk Factors
Authors: Leibson Cynthia L. , Petterson Tanya M. , Smith Carin Y. , Bailey Kent R. , Ashrani Aneel A. , Heit John A. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo provide nursing home (NH)‐specific estimates to assess whether venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors identified for the general population apply to NH residents.DesignPopulation‐based case–control study.SettingOlmsted County, Minnesota.ParticipantsAll county residents with symptomatic objectively diagnosed incident VTE while resident in a NH from 1988 through 2000 (N = 182) and two age‐, sex‐, calendar‐year‐matched non‐VTE Olmsted County NH residents per case (N = 364).MeasurementsProvider‐linked medical records were reviewed to obtain information on active malignancy and recent hospitalization, surgery, trauma, or fracture as of index date (case's VTE date; respective provider registration date for controls). Risk factor prevalence and VTE‐associated odds ratios (OR) were estimated and compared with previously obtained data for all Olmsted County residents from 1988 through 2000. For analyses, both groups were limited to individuals aged 65 and older.ResultsIn NH residents, active malignancy, recent hospitalization, and recent surgery significantly increased VTE risk, but the magnitude of risk appeared much lower than general population estimates (e.g., for major surgery, OR = 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4–4.3 for NH residents vs OR = 11, 95% CI = 7.0–17 for general population). In general, the prevalence of all evaluated VTE risk factors appeared much higher in NH controls than in general population controls. Thromboprophylaxis rates appeared higher for NH cases and controls than in the general population; disconcertingly, 47% of NH cases received prophylaxis.ConclusionAlthough general population VTE risk factors (active cancer and recent hospitalization or surgery) can identify NH residents at higher risk for VTE, these exposures do not adequately stratify VTE risk for thromboprophylaxis recommendations. Further research into NH‐specific risk factors and prophylaxis effectiveness is required.
A Descriptive Study of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Contrast Arthrography, and Arthroscopy
Authors: Kamm J. Lacy , Goodrich Laurie R. , Werpy Natasha M. , McIlwraith C. Wayne 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo describe regions of the thoracic and pelvic limb proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints that are arthroscopically accessible and identify soft tissue structures that should be avoided during arthroscope and instrument placement.Study DesignExperimentalex vivodescriptive study.AnimalsHorses (n = 15).MethodsCadaver limbs (n = 36) were used for anatomic modeling, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MRI‐compatible needles, computed tomography with contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy of the PIP joint. Two arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal joint pouch were compared.ResultsWith arthroscopy, 62.4% of the joint perimeter could be observed from the dorsal and palmar/plantar joint pouches with no significant difference in the amount of joint observed when using the more proximal or distal approach to the dorsal joint pouch (P=.59).ConclusionThe dorsal and palmar/plantar joint pouches provide adequate arthroscopic visibility for the axial portions of the articular surface of the proximal and middle phalanx. The abaxial portions of the articular surface were difficult to view because of narrowing of the joint pouches abaxially. When comparing the proximal and distal approach to the dorsal joint pouch, arthroscope insertion 1.5 cm proximal to the joint allowed the easiest manipulation of the arthroscope. Palmar/plantar portals were placed dorsal to the neurovascular bundle, proximal to the epicondyle of the middle phalanx to prevent tendon and ligament injury.
Shoulder Arthrodesis in14 Dogs
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Yeadon Russell , Smith Thomas J. , Johnson Jacqueline , Baltzer Wendy I. , Amils Raquel , Farrell Michael , Frost Alastair , Holsworth Ian G. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo report surgical technique and clinical outcome of shoulder arthrodesis in dogs.Study DesignMulticenter clinical case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 14).MethodsShoulder arthrodesis featured craniolateral plate and screw application, with application of a 2nd plate and screws craniolaterally or caudolaterally in 5 shoulders. Implants included the locking string of pearls (SOP)™ plate in 7 shoulders. Subjective preoperative, 5–8 weeks postoperative, and 11–16 weeks postoperative clinical and radiographic findings were documented. Owner questionnaire evaluation of outcome was performed 6–20 months postoperatively.ResultsMean angle of arthrodesis was 114° (range 102°–122°). Progression of arthrodesis was noted in 13/14 cases at both the 5–8 and 11–16 weeks postoperative radiographic assessments. Nine complications occurred in 7/14 dogs, graded as catastrophic in 2/9, major in 2/9, and minor in 5/9. Where morbidity was successfully managed, 11–16‐week and 6–10‐month postoperative limb function was positive on both veterinary and owner evaluations in almost all cases, and in several, functional lameness was considered sufficiently mild as to be imperceptible on subjective veterinary evaluation. Where present, limb circumduction was noted as the major feature of persistent lameness.ConclusionsShoulder arthrodesis in dogs results in acceptable limb function and should be considered for the management of debilitating shoulder pathology despite a high incidence of complications. Application of theSOPplate to aid shoulder arthrodesis warrants further study.
Low‐shear red blood cell oxygen transport effectiveness is adversely affected by transfusion and further worsened by deoxygenation in sickle cell disease patients on chronic transfusion therapy
Authors: Detterich Jon , Alexy Tamas , Rabai Miklos , Wenby Rosalinda , Dongelyan Ani , Coates Thomas , Wood John , Meiselman Herbert 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Simple chronic transfusion therapy (CTT) is a mainstay for stroke prophylaxis in sickle cell anemia, but its effects on hemodynamics are poorly characterized. Transfusion improves oxygen‐carrying capacity, reducing demands for high cardiac output. While transfusion decreases factors associated with vasoocclusion, including percent hemoglobin (Hb)S, reticulocyte count, and circulating cell‐free Hb, it increases blood viscosity, which reduces microvascular flow. The hematocrit‐to‐viscosity ratio (HVR) is an index of red blood cell oxygen transport effectiveness that varies with shear stress and balances the benefits of improved oxygen capacity to viscosity‐mediated impairment of microvascular flow. We hypothesized that transfusion would improve HVR at high shear despite increased blood viscosity, but would decrease HVR at low shear.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To test this hypothesis, we examined oxygenated and deoxygenated blood samples from 15 sickle cell patients on CTT immediately before transfusion and again 12 to 120 hours after transfusion.RESULTS: Comparable changes in Hb, hematocrit (Hct), reticulocyte count, and HbS with transfusion were observed in all subjects. Viscosity, Hct, and high‐shear HVR increased with transfusion while low‐shear HVR decreased significantly.CONCLUSION: Decreased low‐shear HVR suggests impaired oxygen transport to low‐flow regions and may explain why some complications of sickle cell anemia are ameliorated by CTT and others may be made worse.
Pediatric apheresis with a novel apheresis device with electronic interface control
Authors: Sörensen Jan , Jarisch Andrea , Smorta Carmelo , Köhl Ulrike , Bader Peter , Seifried Erhard , Bönig Halvard 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Cancer in children, and specifically cancer requiring autologous stem cell transplantation, is rare. As a consequence, though, experience with pediatric stem cell apheresis collections is limited. Challenges of apheresis in small children (<20 kg) include small total blood volume, issues with venous access, concerns about tolerable anticoagulant doses, and limitations in product volumes that can safely be collected.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This article presents a small series of autologous “stem cell” apheresis procedures in infants and toddlers weighing between 5.5 and 20 kg, the first ones performed with a novel leukapheresis device (Spectra Optia MNC v.3.0, Terumo BCT) to be reported. Some features of the system are described that can be used to achieve favorable apheresis outcomes in small children.RESULTS: Apheresis procedures were uneventful and successful with similar extraction efficiencies (median preapheresis collection efficiency [CE2], 36%) as in adult patients. At 58%, platelet attrition was considerable.CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that stem cell apheresis with the Spectra Optia MNC v.3.0 in very small donors is feasible, safe, and associated with very small product volumes.
Intraoperative cell salvage in a combat support hospital: a prospective proof of concept study
Authors: Bhangu Aneel , Nepogodiev Dmitri , Doughty Heidi , Bowley Douglas M. 
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Provision of transfusion support is an important element of contemporary military operations, but presents a considerable logistic burden. Intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) offers the potential to reduce dependency on donated red blood cell (RBC) supply. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of IBS in an operational environment.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A “salvage‐only” IBS feasibility study was undertaken in a deployed, Anglo‐American combat support hospital. All adult patients admitted with combat‐related injuries likely to require more than 10 units of RBCs in 12 hours were included. The volume of salvaged blood available for reinfusion was collated with injury type.RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were admitted having sustained combat‐related injury. Twenty‐nine fulfilled the criteria, of which 27 were identified on admission. Eighteen cases were selected for IBS and salvage was completed in 17. From these 17, the mechanism of injury was 24% gunshot wound (GSW) and 76% blast injury, and injury type was 47% body cavity and 53% extremity. A total of 5578 g RBC mass was salvaged and prepared for reinfusion, representing 7.6% of total requirement. The proportion of RBC mass salvaged to that required was greatest in those with GSWs and cavity injuries, being 39% (673 g/1733 g) and 16% (243 g/1497 g), respectively.CONCLUSION: Salvage is most successful in patients with GSWs and cavity injuries and less appropriate for limb and blast injuries. However, the results of this study present more arguments against IBS than for it, and further research is needed to determine its safety in combat settings.
Austerity is Strangling Europe
Authors: SCHRÖDER GERHARD 
Published: August 2012

Because they have failed to address the fundamental economic imbalances within Europe obscured by the single currency, each effort by European leaders so far to resolve the euro crisis has only deepened it. Without a decisive move toward fiscal and political union, accompanied by policies that push productivity and competitiveness toward convergence while closing the democratic deficit, the Eurozone will disintegrate.To discuss the way forward, the Nicolas Berggruen Institute's Council on the Future of Europe met in Rome on May 28 with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. In this section we publish the contributions from that meeting by the former European leaders, scholars and Nobel laureates who are members of the Council.
Mutualizing Europe's Debts
Authors: VERHOFSTADT GUY 
Published: August 2012

Because they have failed to address the fundamental economic imbalances within Europe obscured by the single currency, each effort by European leaders so far to resolve the euro crisis has only deepened it. Without a decisive move toward fiscal and political union, accompanied by policies that push productivity and competitiveness toward convergence while closing the democratic deficit, the Eurozone will disintegrate.To discuss the way forward, the Nicolas Berggruen Institute's Council on the Future of Europe met in Rome on May 28 with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. In this section we publish the contributions from that meeting by the former European leaders, scholars and Nobel laureates who are members of the Council.
Now the Elected Islamists Must Deliver
Authors: FULLER GRAHAM E. 
Published: August 2012

The revolutions of the Arab Spring are twisting and turning on a troubled course. After an uprising overthrew Mubarak last year, elections were held in June in which the Muslim Brotherhood dominated—only to have the military once again assert its authority over any new parliament and constitution. What is at stake is whether Egypt will remain a secular state like Turkey, or take on a moretheocratic bent if ruled by Islamists.In this section, the Arab world's only Nobel laureate in science offers his views about Egypt's future. The Turkish president argues for a secularism that tolerates all religions in Egypt. The CIA's former top analyst on the Muslim world questions whether Islamist parties can deliver once in power instead of opposition.
Effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar as antibiotic alternatives on growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora population in fattening pigs
Authors: CHU Gyo Moon , JUNG Cheol Kyu , KIM Hoi Yun , HA Ji Hee , KIM Jong Hyun , JUNG Min Seob , LEE Shin Ja , SONG Yuno , IBRAHIM Rashid Ismael Hag , CHO Jae Hyeon , LEE Sung Sill , SONG Young Min 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis study was carried out to investigate the effects of bamboo charcoal and bamboo vinegar as alternatives of antibiotics in the diet of fattening pigs and their influence on growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora populations. Crossed pigs (n = 144, 79 kg body weight) were divided into 12 heads per pen, four diets and three replications. The basal diet (negative control: NC) was supplemented with 0.3% antibiotics (positive control: PC), 0.3% bamboo charcoal (BC) and 0.3% bamboo vinegar (BV). Average daily weight gain and feed efficiency were higher (P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. The concentration of lactate dehydrogenase and cortisol were lower (P < 0.05), but the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA were higher (P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. Counts of coliform bacteria and Salmonella spp. were lower (P < 0.05), while the counts of fecal anaerobic total bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were higher (P < 0.05) in PC, BC and BV. A reasonable inclusion of bamboo charcoal or bamboo vinegar as antibiotics in the diet of fattening pigs leads to a better growth performance, immune responses and fecal microflora populations. The results of the present study suggest that bamboo charcoal or bamboo vinegar could be a potential additives in animal production as an alternative to antibiotics.
Overview of: “The Differential Short‐Term Impacts of Executions on Felony and Non‐Felony Homicides”
Authors: Land Kenneth C. , Teske Raymond H. C. , Zheng Hui 
Published: August 2012

Research SummarySocial scientists have debated about whether the death penalty and/or executions deter homicides and thus save lives for at least half a century. Recent empirical analyses by Kovandzic, Vieraitis, and Boots (2009) and Land, Teske, and Zheng (2009) implied that if a deterrent effect of executions exists, it is small in magnitude and relatively short term. Discussions of Kovandzic et al. (2009) by Donahue (2009) and Rubin (2009) led to the question studied in this article: Do executions impact felony and non‐felony homicides similarly? To address this question and build on recent studies, monthly time‐series data on counts of executions and felony‐type and non–felony‐type homicides in Texas for the years 1994–2007 are analyzed. The results indicate a modest reduction, a deterrence effect, of approximately 1.96 non–felony‐type homicides in the month after an execution followed by a rebound in the following second month with a net effect of 1.4 during a 12‐month period. By comparison, the corresponding analyses of the felony‐type homicide events series produce an estimated increase, a brutalization effect, in the month after an execution of approximately 0.5 homicide events. Combining these two counterbalancing effects produces a slight short‐lived deterrent effect of an execution on all homicides taken together. This finding is consistent with the previous findings of Land et al.'s (2009) analyses of all homicides grouped together and with findings from prior studies of felony‐ and non–felony‐type homicides.Policy ImplicationsThese findings provide additional evidence that the deterrent effects of executions are modest and short term. In addition, they imply that there would be little, if any, deterrence of homicides in Texas if executions were not used frequently. Recently however, Texas has been a state with (a) a large population, (b) a large number of capital murders and convictions, (c) a continuing stream of convicted murderers sentenced to death, and (d) a willingness to use executions extensively. Whether the modest, short‐term deterrent effects of executions found in Texas occur in other states is an open question. But it is evident that few other U.S. states have these four characteristics. At the same time, the downside of the use of executions extensively in Texas is a partially counterbalancing brutalization effect—a slight, short‐term increase in the frequency with which perpetrators of felony crimes such as robbery kill in the process of committing the crime. And none of this speaks to ethical or cost–benefit issues in the use of capital punishment as a public policy.
Hematopoietic stem cell mobilization into the peripheral circulation in patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Ghanem Lobna Y , Nosseir Mona MF , Lotfi Abeya A , Mohamed Ayat S , Ibrahim Refaat A , Hassanein Moutaz H , Mansour Eman , Makhlouf Manal M , Fouad Yasser M , El‐Khayat Hisham R 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveThe present study was aimed to investigate and compare the kinetics of bone marrow‐derived hematopoietic stem cells (BMHSC) migration in the peripheral blood and liver in response to liver injury in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).MethodsIn all, 45 CLD patients staged with Child–Pugh A, B and C and 15 healthy participants were evaluated for the concentration of circulating BMHSC by a flow cytometric analysis of CD133+/CD34+ cells. In addition, homing BMHSC and hepatic progenitors were assessed by the immunohistochemical detection of CD133+ and OV6+ cells in liver biopsy specimens from Child–Pugh A and B patients.ResultsNo significant difference in the percentage of circulating CD133+/CD34+ cells was observed among all groups of patients. In liver tissues, OV6+ cells increased significantly in Child–Pugh B cases (P < 0.05), while CD133+ cells were distributed sparsely in the periportal region in Child–Pugh A and B patients. OV6+ cells were significantly correlated with CD34+ cells but not with CD133+ cells in Child–Pugh A and B patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionsVarious degrees of severity in CLD neither evoked the mobilization of BMHSC into the circulation nor triggered their homing into liver tissue, thus excluding extrahepatic stem cell‐mediated repair. The recovery process seems to be dependent on proliferating endogenous liver progenitors (OV6+ cells).
First insight into the probabilistic evacuation criteria in the Netherlands
Authors: Wojciechowska K.A. , Kok M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPreventive evacuation can save human lives, but it also incurs costs. In some cases, the costs can exceed the benefits of preventive evacuation, making it economically undesirable. To assist authorities in decision making concerning preventive evacuation, probabilistic evacuation decision criteria are derived within the context of flood risk in the Netherlands using values emerging from a cost‐benefit analysis of flood protective measures in this country. The criteria consist of minimal flooding probabilities, which are defined as the ratio of the costs of preventive evacuation to the benefits of this measure. When flooding probability, within a certain time window, exceeds the minimal flooding probability, preventive evacuation is cost‐effective.