bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Evaluation of Home Medicines Review by Pharmacists in Older Australian Patients Using the Medication Appropriateness Index
Authors: Castelino Ronald L , Bajorek Beata V , Chen Timothy F 
Published: December 2010

Background: Home Medicines Review (HMR), a community-based collaborative service provided by general practitioners (GPs) and accredited pharmacists in Australia, has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing, detecting, and resolving medication-related problems. The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) has been found to be a reliable, valid, standardized instrument for assessment of multiple elements of drug therapy prescribing. Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the impact of HMRs on the appropriateness of prescribing, using the MAI as a tool to categorize pharmacists' recommendations. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a sample of 270 HMR cases pertaining to community-dwelling older people (≥65 years) in New South Wales, Australia. The HMRs were collected from 7 accredited pharmacists using purposive sampling. All HMRs were conducted between February 2006 and October 2009. MAI scores were retrospectively calculated at baseline, after the HMR service based on the pharmacist's recommendations to the GP, and following uptake of the pharmacist's recommendations by the GP. Results: The mean ± SD age of the patients was 75.3 ± 7.4 years and 55% were female. Overall, almost all (99%; n = 267) patients had at least 1 inappropriate rating at baseline and more than 50% (n = 154) of the patients had a cumulative MAI score >15. The mean MAI score at baseline was 18.6 ± 11.3, which decreased to 9.3 ± 7.5 after HMR. The number of patients with a cumulative MAI score ≥15 increased to 216 after the HMR service, compared to 116 at baseline. Pharmacists' recommendations documented in the HMR reports and uptake of these recommendations by the GP resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the MAI scores (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the provision of medication reviews by accredited pharmacists can improve the appropriateness of prescribing as demonstrated by the change in MAI score and, hence, has the potential to improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists who perform medication reviews could also consider including the systematic approach of applying the MAI to assist in optimizing prescribing in older people.
Diabetes: The Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Services Integrated into Medical Homes on Diabetes-Related Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Johnson Kathleen A , Chen Steven , Cheng I-Ning , Lou Mimi , Gregerson Paul , Blieden Carla , Baron Mel , McCombs Jeffrey 
Published: December 2010

Background: Pharmacist services have expanded in the US health-care system from traditional roles to include comprehensive clinical services, but many studies lack comparison groups to evaluate outcomes of these clinical services. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of uninsured or underinsured patients with type 2 diabetes who received care from pharmacists in local “safety net” clinic medical homes compared to outcomes of patients from clinics receiving usual care without the services of clinical pharmacists. Methods: Pharmacists provided comprehensive pharmacy services in safety net clinic medical homes for uninsured patients in a major urban city. Referred patients had poor diabetes control (hemoglobin A1c [A1C] >9%). Pharmacists conducted comprehensive evaluations of medications, made adjustments, monitored adherence, and provided education and follow-up. Intervention patients were compared to similar patients who were receiving usual care but were not seen by a pharmacist. Outcomes evaluated were the change in A1C levels and achievement of treatment goals. Data were derived from chart reviews retrospectively. Multivariate least-squares and logistic regression models were used to estimate the impact of the intervention. Results: Two hundred twenty-two intervention and 262 control patients were evaluated. Patients receiving care from pharmacists had adjusted A1C levels reduced by 1.38% relative to usual care, increasing the likelihood of achieving an A1C <7% by 3-fold (p < 0.001 for both estimates). Conclusions: The integration of clinical pharmacy services into safety net medical homes was associated with improvement in clinical outcomes of patients with diabetes.
The Sense of Well-Being Inventory as a Quality of Life Measure for People With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Catalano Denise , Kim Jeong-Han , Ditchman Nicole M. , Shin Hyun-Uk , Lee Jungeun , Chan Fong 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to validate theSense of Well-Being Inventory(SWBI), a quality of life measure, for people with spinal cord injury. Four hundred and five participants were recruited from the Canadian Paraplegia Association for this study. The participants were asked to complete a research packet containing a demographic questionnaire, the SWBI, theRosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and theAcceptance of Disability Scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the SWBI and correlational analyses of the SWBI factors with other psychosocial variables were conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses validated a four-factor structure (financial, family and social, psychological, and physical wellbeing) for the SWBI. SWBI factors are positively related to self-esteem and disability acceptance. With continuing research to document reliability and validity, the SWBI appears to have great potential as a vocational rehabilitation outcome measurement for people with spinal cord injury.
Performance of nuclear matrix protein 22 urine marker and voided urine cytology in the detection of urinary bladder tumors
Authors: Smrkolj Tomaž , Mihelič Miro , Sedlar Aleš , Sterle Igor , Osredkar Joško , Sedmak Boris 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: Cystoscopy with urinary cytology is the gold standard for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with tumors of the urinary bladder. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) tumor marker test, BladderChek® point-of-care test and voided urinary cytology for the detection and follow-up of bladder tumors.

Methods: NMP22 was measured using an ELISA assay in stabilized voided urine and using the BladderChek® test. Voided urinary cytology was performed on urine samples. Results were compared to cystoscopic findings and histopathological examination results after transurethral resection of the bladder lesion.

Results: For the prediction of malignant histopathological result, sensitivity and specificity were 45.2% and 75.0%, respectively, for NMP22 at a cut-off of 7.5 kU/L, 17.7% and 100% for the BladderChek® test and 37.0% and 100% for voided urine cytology. For the prediction of suspicious or positive cystoscopic finding, sensitivity and specificity were 40.4% and 72.1%, respectively, for NMP22 at a cut-off of 7.5 kU/L, 14.8% and 93.8% for the BladderChek® test and 26.8% and 98.1% for voided urine cytology.

Conclusions: The NMP22 quantitative test showed higher sensitivity and lower specificity compared with voided urine cytology, whereas the sensitivity of the BladderChek® test was low. We could not recommend any of the three non-invasive tests as a replacement for cystoscopy for the diagnosis or follow-up of urinary bladder tumors.
Association of nucleated red blood cells in blood and arterial oxygen partial tension
Authors: Kuert Sandra , Holland-Letz Tim , Friese Jochen , Stachon Axel 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:Several studies suggest that the detection of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in hospitalized patients indicates an increased risk of mortality. This study evaluates the impact of low arterial oxygen partial tension (pO2) on NRBC appearance and prognosis in NRBC positive patients.Methods:NRBCs in blood, arterial blood gases, and other laboratory parameters were monitored daily in 234 surgical intensive care patients. pO2was assessed in relation to mortality and the detection of NRBCs.Results:NRBCs were found in 67 patients (28.6%). Mortality was significantly higher in NRBC positive patients (41.8%, 28/67) than in those that were NRBC negative (3.0%, 5/167). Multivariate logistic regression showed an increased mortality in NRBC positive patients (odds ratio 5.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–31.33, p<0.05). NRBC positive patients showed significantly lower pO2levels during intensive care treatment than NRBC negative patients. Prior to the initial detection of NRBCs in the peripheral blood, pO2levels were significantly lower in patients who died than in surviving patients. After the first appearance of NRBCs, no significant difference in pO2between these groups was found.Conclusions:The detection of NRBCs is of prognostic significance concerning patient mortality. In NRBC positive patients, hypoxemia occurs more frequently. Low-levels of pO2seem to precede the appearance of NRBCs, especially in those patients with high risk of mortality.
Serum creatinine concentrations in male and female elite swimmers. Correlation with body mass index and evaluation of estimated glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Milić Radoje , Banfi Giuseppe , Del Fabbro Massimo , Dopsaj Milivoj 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: Creatinine concentrations in athletes could be higher than in sedentary people due to higher muscle mass; a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and creatinine concentrations has been described only in male athletes participating in different sports.

Methods: Elite swimmers (28 males and 26 females) belonging to the National Teams of Slovenia were recruited during the period 1999–2009. The evaluation of possible modifications to serum creatinine concentrations during a single season were performed in 10 males and seven females who were evaluated four times during a season. Serum creatinine was analyzed using the Jaffe method. Pearson's simple correlation analysis was used to test the association between serum creatinine and BMI. Creatinine values and BMI were compared using the unpaired Student t-test. Creatinine values during the different phases of the season were compared using a one-way analysis of variance test.

Results: The values for creatinine are related to BMI in male and female swimmers. It should be noted that there is a significant difference (p<0.001) for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values obtained by Cockcroft and Gault equation, but not for the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The values of creatinine were stable in each athlete during various training cycle periods in the observed competition year.

Conclusions: The study confirms that in a large and representative group of elite swimmers, creatinine concentration is strictly correlated to BMI. The use of creatinine-based eGFR formulas should be used with caution in athletes.
Identifying What Pediatric Residents Are Taught About Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs and the Medical Home
Authors: Nazarian Beverly L. , Glader Laurie , Choueiri Roula , Shipman Deborah L. , Sadof Matthew 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
To describe what and how pediatric residents in Massachusetts are taught about children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and the medical home.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS:
Faculty members and residents at Massachusetts' 5 pediatric residency programs were interviewed to identify current curricula and teaching methods related to care of CYSHCN. In addition, residents were surveyed to quantify these concepts.

RESULTS:
Thirty-one faculty members and 25 residents were interviewed. Most exposure to CYSHCN was reported to occur in inpatient settings. However, most formal teaching about CYSHCN was described as occurring in the ambulatory setting. Promising educational strategies included home and community visits, inclusion of CYSHCN in resident continuity panels, and simulation and role-playing. Overall, the programs had little training emphasis on the lives and needs of CYSHCN and their families outside the hospital setting. Twenty (80%) of the residents interviewed completed the written survey instrument. They noted a high degree of comfort in caring for CYSHCN in various settings and involving families in decision-making about their child's care but expressed less comfort in identifying community resources and collaborating with community agencies and schools.

CONCLUSIONS:
Programs offer a variety of successful educational and clinical experiences related to the medical home and CYSHCN. The results of our study indicate that residents and faculty members believe that residents would benefit from more formal training opportunities to learn directly from families and community representatives about caring for CYSHCN.
Neonatal and Infant Mandibular Distraction as an Alternative to Tracheostomy in Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Hammoudeh Jeffrey , Bindingnavele Vijay K. , Davis Brian , Davidson Ward Sally L. , Sanchez-Lara Pedro A. , Kleiber Grant , Mobin Sheila S. Nazarian , Francis Cameron S. , Urata Mark M. 
Published: December 2010

Context Surgical management for severe obstructive sleep apnea has been tracheostomy, which has significant morbidity. Objective To determine the efficacy of internal mandibular distraction in treating severe obstructive sleep apnea in infants and neonates. Design Retrospective review of medical records of 29 patients who underwent internal mandibular distraction for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to micrognathia. Setting Nonprofit, academic, pediatric medical center. Patients A total of 29 infants with obstructive sleep apnea were studied. Nine were included in the respiratory failure group requiring intubation prior to distraction surgery. The other 20 were included in the respiratory distress group and underwent preoperative polysomnography that assessed the severity of obstructive sleep apnea as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index. One patient expired following surgery; the remaining 28 underwent postoperative polysomnography determining their postoperative apnea-hypopnea index. Interventions Bilateral mandibular distraction with internal microdistractors. Main Outcome Measure Improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index or extubation. Results The nine respiratory failure patients avoided tracheostomy and were successfully extubated postdistraction. Eight in this group had postoperative polysomnographies showing a mean apnea-hypopnea index of 3.13 (range, 0 to 13.9). All 20 patients in the respiratory distress group underwent polysomnography and showed improved apnea-hypopnea indices ( p < .001). The mean pre-op apnea-hypopnea index was 39.7 (range, 4.5 to 177), and the mean post-op apnea-hypopnea index was 5.8 (range, 0 to 34). Average improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index was 33.9. The mean follow-up period was 18.7 months (1.6 to 45.2 months). Conclusions Infants with micrognathia and obstructive sleep apnea may avoid tracheostomy and its inherent risks and complications by undergoing internal mandibular distraction, which is a viable alternative to tracheostomy.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Drillstring Rotation in the Suspension of a Cuttings Bed
Authors: Loureiro B. V. , de Paula R. S. , Serafim M. B. , Martins A. L. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Drill string rotation has been the target of several studies involving its influence on the suspension of drilled cuttings deposited in the bottom part of highly inclined and horizontal wells. Since some studies found in the literature exhibit divergence over the effect of the drill string rotation on the suspension of cuttings, this project is intended to quantify the capacity for suspension of particles from the cuttings bed for different fluids and different sedimentation heights, in cylindrical horizontal wells.
Quantifying the suspended mass in the annular geometry of the well was modeled after an experimental set-up on the physical problem, which allows tangential flow in the annular space. Flow visualization and image processing techniques support the study.
Effects of Wellbore Density Changes on Downhole Pressure During Buildup Analysis in Gas/Condensate Reservoirs
Authors: Palacios R. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Numerous reservoir models can be found in the literature to evaluate pressure tests covering most practical behaviors. Wellbore effects were recognized and treated from the very beginning of pressure transient analysis development. Since build up pressure is normally analyzed, downhole shut in is recommended to minimize wellbore storage effects, however most tests in Gas-Condensate reservoirs, pressure build ups are obtained shutting the well in at surface.
Phase redistribution and density changes occur in the wellbore during pressure build up and often modifies the pressure derivative shape inducing to the use of wrong formation models. Is normal to find pressure transient analyses indicating near wellbore limits, mobility changes or even fractures behaviors and not mention of wellbore density changes effects on downhole pressure.
This article is intended to show how these effects lead to wrong interpretations and, in consequence, to wrong formation parameters values. A correction method, advantages and disadvantages, will also be indicated.
Using Step-Rate Test to Prove Gradient of Propagation Equations
Authors: Suzart J. , Luduvice R. , Moreto R. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Performing rock-mechanics studies using core samples can be expensive. Researchers trying to obtain these samples for laboratory analysis often find the samples are broken or cracked. This leads to various attempts to obtain samples from a rock. In addition to the rock analysis, other challenges include stress relaxation relative to the subsurface and fluid exchange during the experiment. Based on this, other methods for obtaining values involving rock mechanics, such as the current charts from hydraulic fracturing, are now a focus and a part of "optimizations" or innovations in the calculation processes.
The studies presented in this paper include derivation of rock-mechanics equations and the values from empirical results correlated with field application by step-rate tests. The proposed equations show different results from those presented in other studies. However, the values are different as a function of the specific conditions of each formation, such as depth, overburden stresses, compaction, and pore pressure.
To avoid this scenario, it is important to know the minimum pressure that causes fractures. The estimation can be based on density, overburden, Poisson's ratio, and minimum horizontal stress. However, it is now possible to monitor fracturing-stimulation operations in real time, which allows understanding of formation-pressure response. This includes fracture-extension behavior and avoiding screenout risks related to unexpected high pressure applied on the formation while drilling and maintaining well and equipment integrities.
There are few scenarios where the formulated equations can be proven. One is presented in this paper using a step-rate test. The paper uses modified Eaton's equations that are representatives of interest. The modified equations are used to estimate parameters of the minimum horizontal stress, fracture-extension gradient, overburden, and Poisson's ratio. To validate the present method, the estimation results are compared to available step-rate test results from the Sergipe basin.
The Correct Shale-Volume Characterization Increases Hydrocarbon Reserves: Case Study of Cretaceous Formation, Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela
Authors: Rodolfo Soto B. , Arteaga Duarry , Martin Cintia , Rodriguez Freddy 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Today, natural fracture and/or connected vuggy systems in carbonate reservoirs contribute significantly to hydrocarbon production. Combining concepts from normal distribution with normalization and soft computing techniques improves quantification of actual shale volumes for a reservoir with complex stratigraphy and natural fractures. This is especially important for cases when very few log curves are available to solve a high number of unknown lithologic variables. We applied our new methodology successfully in the Cretaceous formation, Lake Maracaibo, which is composed primarily of limestones with some dolomites and siliciclastics (glauconitic sandstones, siltstones, and shales).
It is common to use the standard gamma ray log (SGR) or total contribution from all three elements—uranium (U), potassium (K), thorium (Th)—as an indicator of shale content. The presence of highly radioactive black organic material and/or natural fractures in the formation results in a big difference from the X-ray diffraction data. This causes an overestimation of shale volume and therefore affects the original oil in place (OOIP) and reserves. We present a novel methodology that combines normal distribution and normalization to predict CGR from SGR and deep resistivity, Rt. We applied the cross correlation technique to validate our methodology, and the model CGR matches the actual CGR very well.
Next, we used the elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS) logs to quantify the actual clay volume (Vsh). Then, we used soft computing techniques to develop a shale volume model using CGR and Rt as independent variables and the Vsh from ECS as the dependent variable. Running the model for validation in three wells with ECS achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.9.
The average shale volume using our model is 12.5%, much lower than the former linear shale-volume model, which averaged 28.4%. This has had a great impact on the OOIP and reserves of our reservoir, as it would for other complex carbonate reservoirs.
Application of Concentric Coiled-Tubing and Well-Vacuuming Tool With Chemical Sand-Consolidation Resins for Controlling Sand Production in Wells With Damaged Screens or Slotted Liners: A Rigless Well-Repair Alternative
Authors: Medina N. , Diaz J. , Pachon L. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Reservoirs comprised of poorly consolidated sands are generally prone to some level of sand production throughout the life of the well. This sand production creates many challenging problems for the operator such as erosion and/or failure of both down-hole and surface equipment, lower well production due to tubular fill-up and, finally, environmental issues related to the final disposition of the produced solids. All of these problems also have a common denominator: they significantly increase the cost of production for the well's in question.
Conventionally, the application of any technique for controlling sand production is recommended as soon as it is known that the problem exists. Among some of the solutions available are 1) sand control by mechanical means using slotted liners and screens combined with conventional gravel packs, 2) prepacked completion screens, 3) lowering the production of the well thereby reducing the draw-down across the formation and 4) chemical sand consolidation (CSC) resin treatments: the latter being the focus of this paper.
The principle behind the CSC process is the adherence of sand grains to a liquid resin that, while cross-linking occurs, penetrates and hardens across the porous matrix. The newly create mass of consolidated sand exhibits much higher mechanical strength, able to withstand the drag forces generated by oil production.
CSC resins can be injected either when a well is initially completed or during workover operations which are needed to clean a sanded-up well-bore where said sand deposition is the result of failed completion screens or slotted tubulars. In such cases, the CSC resin acts as a plug across the heightened sand producing area and represents an economically viable alternative to complete replacement of the damaged tubulars or, as a worse-case scenario, well replacement.
This paper will discuss a combination of technologies where both CCTWV (used to clean the well and detect the sand intrusion points) along with CSC resin technologies were used to successfully repair two wells in the unconsolidated URD-01 reservoir that were producing sand through holes in 5″ Slotted Liner and 3-½″. pre-packed completion screens.