bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Medicare Part D Benzodiazepine Exclusion on Psychotropic Use in Benzodiazepine Users
Authors: Ong Michael K. , Xu Haiyong , Zhang Lily , Azocar Francisca , Ettner Susan L. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of the Medicare benzodiazepine coverage exclusion on psychotropic use of benzodiazepine users.DesignPre–post design with concurrent control group.SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsIntervention and comparison cohorts of individuals drawn from the same insurer who were prescribed benzodiazepines through the end of 2005. Intervention participants (n = 19,339) were elderly adults from a large, national Medicare Advantage plan subject to benzodiazepine exclusion as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). Comparison participants (n = 3,488) were near‐elderly individuals enrolled in a managed care plan not subject to the MMA benzodiazepine exclusion.MeasurementsAny psychotropic drug use and expenditures.ResultsIn the intervention cohort, benzodiazepine use and expenditures significantly declined from 100% and $134 in 2005 to 74.8% and $59, respectively, in 2007. Nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drug use and expenditures significantly increased from 35.8% and $163 in 2005 to 39.5% and $207, respectively, in 2007. In the comparison cohort, benzodiazepine use and expenditures also significantly declined from 100% and $173 in 2005 to 57.5% and $105, respectively, in 2007, but nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drug use and expenditures significantly declined from 55.4% and $647 in 2005 to 45.1% and $572, respectively, in 2007. Changes in antidepressant and anxiolytic use were the primary cause of changes in nonbenzodiazepine psychotropic drugs in both cohorts.ConclusionUse of benzodiazepines continued in elderly adults despite negative financial incentives, possibly because of the low costs of such medications. Although some substitution occurred with antidepressants and anxiolytics, the magnitude of this increase did not fully offset the reduction in benzodiazepine use.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Use by Older Adults Is Associated with Greater Functional Responses to Exercise
Authors: Buford Thomas W. , Manini Todd M. , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Cesari Matteo , Anton Stephen D. , Nayfield Susan , Stafford Randall S. , Church Timothy S. , Pahor Marco , Carter Christy S. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo assess the association between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and improvements in the physical function of older adults in response to chronic exercise training.DesignSecondary analysis of the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE‐P) study, a multisite randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of chronic exercise on the physical function of older adults at risk for mobility disability.SettingFour academic research centers within the United States.ParticipantsFour hundred twenty‐four individuals aged 70 to 89 with mild to moderate functional impairments categorized for this analysis as ACEi users, users of other antihypertensive drugs, or antihypertensive nonusers.InterventionA 12‐month intervention of structured physical activity (PA) or health education promoting successful aging (SA).MeasurementsChange in walking speed during a 400‐m test and performance on a battery of short‐duration mobility tasks (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)).ResultsPhysical activity significantly improved the adjusted walking speed of ACEi users (P < .001) but did not of nonusers. PA improved the adjusted SPPB score of ACEi users (P < .001) and of persons who used other antihypertensive drugs (P = .005) but not of antihypertensive nonusers (P = .91).The percentage of ACEi users deriving clinically significant benefit from exercise training for walking speed (30%) and SPPB score (48%) was dramatically higher than for nonusers (14% and 12%, respectively).ConclusionFor older adults at risk for disability, exercise‐derived improvements in physical function were greater for ACEi users than users of other antihypertensive drugs and antihypertensive nonusers.
Kidney Function and Mortality in Octogenarians: Cardiovascular Health Study All Stars
Authors: Shastri Shani , Katz Ronit , Rifkin Dena E. , Fried Linda F. , Odden Michelle C. , Peralta Carmen A. , Chonchol Michel , Siscovick David , Shlipak Michael G. , Newman Anne B. , Sarnak Mark J. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo examine the association between kidney function and all‐cause mortality in octogenarians.DesignRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsSerum creatinine and cystatin C were measured in 1,053 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) All Stars participants.MeasurementsEstimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine (eGFRCR) and cystatin C one‐variable (eGFRCYS) equations. The association between quintiles of kidney function and all‐cause mortality was analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsMean age of the participants was 85, 64% were female, 66% had hypertension, 14% had diabetes mellitus, and 39% had prevalent cardiovascular disease. There were 154 deaths over a median follow‐up of 2.6 years. The association between eGFRCR and all‐cause mortality was U‐shaped. In comparison with the reference quintile (64–75 mL/min per 1.73 m2), the highest (≥75 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and lowest (≤43 mL/min per 1.73 m2) quintiles of eGFRCR were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36–4.55; HR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.26–4.10, respectively). The association between eGFRCYS and all‐cause mortality was linear in those with eGFRCYS of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and in the multivariate analyses, the lowest quintile of eGFRCYS (<52 mL/min per 1.73 m2) was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.12–3.71) compared with the highest quintile (>0.88 mL/min per 1.73 m2).ConclusionModerate reduction in kidney function is a risk factor for all‐cause mortality in octogenarians. The association between eGFRCR and all‐cause mortality differed from that observed with eGFRCYS; the relationship was U‐shaped for eGFRCR, whereas the risk was primarily present in the lowest quintile for eGFRCYS.
Hiring and Screening Practices of Agencies Supplying Paid Caregivers to Older Adults
Authors: Lindquist Lee A. , Cameron Kenzie A. , Messerges‐Bernstein Joanne , Friesema Elisha , Zickuhr Lisa , Baker David W. , Wolf Michael 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo assess what screening practices agencies use in hiring caregivers and how caregiver competency is measured before assigning responsibilities in caring for older adults.DesignOne‐to‐one phone interviews in which interviewers posed as prospective clients seeking a caregiver for an older adult relative.SettingCross‐sectional cohort of agencies supplying paid caregivers to older adults in Illinois, California, Florida, Colorado, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Indiana.ParticipantsFour hundred sixty‐two home care agencies were contacted, of which 84 were no longer in service, 165 offered only nursing care, and 33 were excluded; 180 agencies completed interviews.MeasurementsAgencies were surveyed about their hiring methods, screening measures, training practices, skill competencies assessments, and supervision. Two coders qualitatively analyzed open‐ended responses.ResultsTo recruit caregivers, agencies primarily used print and Internet (e.g., Craigslist.com) advertising (n = 69, 39.2%) and word‐of‐mouth referrals (n = 49, 27.8%). In hiring, agencies required prior “life experiences” (n = 121, 68.8%) few of which (n = 33, 27.2%) were specific to caregiving. Screening measures included federal criminal background checks (n = 96, 55.8%) and drug testing (n = 56, 31.8%). Agencies stated that the paid caregiver could perform skills, such as medication reminding (n = 169, 96.0%). Skill competency was assessed according to caregiver self‐report (n = 103, 58.5%), testing (n = 62, 35.2%), and client feedback (n = 62, 35.2%). General caregiver training length ranged from 0 to 7 days. Supervision ranged from none to weekly and included home visits, telephone calls, and caregivers visiting the central office.ConclusionUsing an agency to hire paid caregivers may give older adults and their families a false sense of security regarding the background and skill set of the caregiver.
Mandibular Molar Rehabilitation Using Orthodontic Extrusion Associated with Odontoplasty
Authors: Cesar‐Neto João Batista , Martos Josué , Artifon Luciano , Silveira Luiz Fernando Machado , Michelon Douver , Masotti Alexandre Severo , Silva José Carlos Maciel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe aim of this clinical report is to describe the successful treatment of a mandibular first molar presenting an extensive fracture at the buccal aspect in a young patient. The extension of the fracture was a negative prognostic factor for tooth maintenance. An alternative clinical treatment was proposed since the patient was young and presented with good oral hygiene and periodontal health. The treatment was based on orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty. A 3‐year follow‐up after the surgical procedure demonstrated the maintenance of periodontal health and good plaque control. It can be concluded that orthodontic forced eruption associated with odontoplasty promoted favorable conditions for prosthetic rehabilitation and is a feasible procedure in the treatment of tooth fracture extended below the cementoenamel junction.
The Effect of Removable Partial Dentures on Alveolar Bone Resorption: A Retrospective Study with Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ozan Oguz , Orhan Kaan , Aksoy Secil , Icen Murat , Bilecenoglu Burak , Sakul Bayram Ufuk 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to compare vertical and horizontal mandibular alveolar bone resorption by measuring bone morphological variation in Kennedy Class II removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and non‐wearers using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods: In total, 124 sites in the CBCT scans of 62 (29 RPD non‐wearers, 33 RPD wearers) Kennedy Class II patients were analyzed retrospectively. Three‐dimensional representations of the mandible with superimposed cross‐sectional slices were developed with the CBCT scans to evaluate the mandibular alveolar height and width by measuring distances between the mandibular canal, mylohyoid ridge, alveolar crest, and lower border of the mandible in four regions (eight sites) of Kennedy Class II non‐wearers and wearers of RPDs.Results: Mandibular alveolar bone height and width were significantly lower in edentulous sites when compared with dentate sites in both Kennedy Class II non‐wearers and wearers of RPDs (p < 0.05). Additionally, mean vertical and horizontal mandibular bone resorption was significantly higher in RPD wearers than in non‐wearers (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Vertical and horizontal alveolar bone resorption was found to be higher in the RPD wearing patients when comparing the dentate and edentulous sites.
A Review of Duloxetine 60 mg Once‐Daily Dosing for the Management of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Due to Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain and Low Back Pain
Authors: Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Raffa Robert B. , Taylor Robert , Rodriguez Gabriel , Nalamachu Srinivas , Langley Paul 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground:  Duloxetine is a selective dual neuronal serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). It is indicated in the United States for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and several chronic pain conditions, including management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic osteoarthritis (OA) pain and chronic low back pain (LBP). Its use for antidepressant and anxiolytic actions has been extensively reviewed previously. We here review the evidence for the efficacy of 60 mg once‐daily dosing of duloxetine for chronic pain conditions.Method:  The literature was searched for clinical trials in humans conducted in the past 10 years involving duloxetine.Results:  There were 199 results in the initial search. Studies not in the English language were excluded. We then included only studies of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain (OA and LBP). Studies of painful symptoms reported in mental health studies were excluded. This resulted in 32 studies. Articles that did not include a 60 mg/day daily dose as a study arm were excluded. This resulted in 30 studies, broken down as follows: 12 for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 9 for fibromyalgia, 6 for LBP, and 3 for OA pain.Conclusions:  The studies reviewed report that duloxetine 60 mg once‐daily dosing is an effective option for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain due to chronic OA pain and chronic LBP. As these pains are often comorbid with MDD or GAD, duloxetine might possess the pharmacologic properties to be a versatile agent able to address several symptoms in these patients. With adequate attention to FDA prescribing guidance regarding safety and drug–drug interactions, duloxetine 60 mg once‐daily dosing appears to be an effective option in the appropriate pain patient population.
Administrative Law Judges in Fair Housing Enforcement: Attitudes, Case Facts, and Political Control
Authors: Seabrook Nicholas R. , Wilk Eric M. , Lamb Charles M. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveThis study investigates the effect of attitudes, case facts, and political control on the fair housing decisions made by administrative law judges (ALJs) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).MethodsBased on data obtained from HUD under a Freedom of Information Act request, we use Probit regression to model the outcomes of every housing discrimination case decided by the entire population of ALJs between 1989 and 2003.ResultsWe discover significant variation in the likelihood of a pro‐complainant outcome and the amount of actual damages awarded in fair housing disputes.ConclusionThe attitudinal model of judicial decision making appears to apply to ALJ behavior in housing discrimination cases. At the same time, case facts, bureaucratic oversight, and other legal factors constrain ALJs.
From Despair to Resistance: Maya Workers in the Maquilas of Guatemala
Authors: Goldín Liliana 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBased on ethnographic research among industrial workers in the export processing plants of highland Guatemala, this article explores the meanings given to the high incidence of labor turnover. The sample is composed of mostly young workers between the ages of 16 and 25, the age of the majority of maquila workers. The study shows that turnover exemplifies worker agency, specifically in resistance to oppressive forms of production in global capitalism. Global processes in this study are illustrated through the eyes and words of local participants.
Paid Agroindustrial Work and Unpaid Caregiving for Dependents: The Gendered Dialectics between Structure and Agency in Colombia
Authors: Friedemann‐Sánchez Greta 
Published: June 2012

AbstractExport‐oriented industries, such as floriculture, have long been promoted as tools for international development and economic growth. In addition, women's employment has been promoted as key to improving gender equity and alleviating poverty. Indeed, the floriculture industry in Colombia has been a source of empowerment and security for women, given the absence of employment alternatives and a sociocultural milieu that had proscribed participation by rural women in the formal labor sector. Yet, after three decades of floriculture production, the industry is at a crossroads in terms of worker turnover. The claims of job insecurity still leveled against the industry by labor advocates are quite the opposite in that worker turnover might be compromising the industry's future. Why do workers, in particular women, leave one farm after a few months or 1 or 2 years of working there? This article explores the dialectic of structure and agency issues between the floriculture industry and its workers.
Fabrication of Hollow Tetrapod‐Like TiN Nanostructures and Its Electrochemical Property
Authors: Cao Guangxiu , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi 
Published: June 2012

The facile synthesis of tetrapod‐like TiN nanocrystals with a hollow and porous structure is described. The nanocrystals were prepared by nitridation of a ZnO/TiO2 core/shell structure consisting of a thin shell of tiny TiO2 nanoparticles deposited onto a tetrapod‐like ZnO core by a vapor‐hydrolysis process. The ZnO core was then removed by vaporization during the nitridation step. The resulting hollow and porous TiN particles were with a crystallite size of 24 nm, and the shape of the tetrapod‐like ZnO template preserved. The combination of the hollow and porous structure and novel morphology enhanced the electrochemical activity.
Down‐Shifting and Up‐Conversion Spectroscopic Properties of (Ca,Mg)3(VO4)2:Yb3+,Eu3+ Phosphors
Authors: Lin Han‐Yu , Chu Sheng‐Yuan 
Published: June 2012

We found that substitution of not only a larger ion like Ba2+ [J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 93, 138 (2010)] but also a smaller one like Mg2+ (this paper) replacing no >14.9% Ca2+ ions could enhance integrated down‐shifting (DS) emission intensity of red phosphor Ca3(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+, indicating that both lattice expansion and contraction can decrease the site symmetry of Eu3+ in Ca3(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+ phosphor. This finding is anticipated to improve the Eu3+ emission intensity of other Eu3+–doped phosphors. To further investigate Eu3+ up‐conversion (UC) behaviors, Yb3+ ion was used as a sensitizer. Interestingly, 5D1 → 7F3,4,6 transitions of Eu3+, which were barely detectable under DS excitation, exhibited strong intensity under UC excitation. A “recycling” process, arising from the 5D1 → 7F3 transition of Eu3+ and cross‐relaxation Eu3+ (7F3) + Eu3+ (5D0) → Eu3+ (7F0) + Eu3+ (5D1), is presumably the leading mechanism of such inconsistency.
Clinical interventions for women with schizophrenia: pregnancy
Authors: Seeman M. V. 
Published: June 2012

Objective:  A comprehensive treatment program for schizophrenia needs to include services to women of childbearing age that address contraception, pregnancy, and postpartum issues, as well as safe and effective parenting. To update knowledge in these areas, a summary of the recent qualitative and quantitative literature was undertaken.Method:  The search terms ‘sexuality,’‘contraception,’‘pregnancy,’‘postpartum,’‘custody,’ and ‘parenting’ were entered into PubMed, PsycINFO, and SOCINDEX along with the terms ‘schizophrenia’ and ‘antipsychotic.’ Publications in English for all years subsequent to 2000 were retrieved and their reference lists further searched in an attempt to arrive at a distillation of useful clinical recommendations.Results:  The main recommendations to care providers are as follows: take a sexual history and initiate discussion about intimate relationships and contraception with all women diagnosed with schizophrenia. During pregnancy, adjust antipsychotic dose to clinical status, link the patient with prenatal care services, and help her prepare for childbirth. There are pros and cons to breastfeeding while on medication, and these need thorough discussion. During the postpartum period, mental health home visits should be provided. Parenting support is critical.Conclusion:  The comprehensive treatment of schizophrenia in women means remembering that all women of childbearing age are potential new mothers.
An audit of dermatopathology requisitions: hand written vs. electronic medical record data entry accuracy
Authors: Kinonen Christopher L. , Watkin William G. , Gleason Briana C. , Johnson Charnell E. J. , Thomas Antoinette B. , Cibull Thomas L. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundAt our institution, dermatopathology case requisitions are received in hand written form or via electronic medical record (EMR). Categories for requisition data entry include patient demographics, physician name and procedure site/date. Systematic data entry problems potentially cause considerable documentation error, propagate inaccurate patient information and potentially delay billing/revenue collection.MethodWe compared dermatopathology data entry errors on hand written requisitions to data entry errors using the EMR. A total of 11,475 requisitions (8545 hand written and 2930 EMR) were included in the study (the time frame was 4/1/2011‐9/30/2011).ResultsFor hand written requisitions, there were 258 data entry errors on 8545 specimens (3.0%). For requisitions entered via EMR, there were 113 errors on 2930 specimens (3.9%). Container labeling, which is a hand written process with both requisition methods, was the most common source of error.ConclusionsCurrently, even with an EMR, containers are at least partially hand labeled and 96% of EMR errors occurred during this process. Other EMR data entry errors are extremely uncommon (4/2930 cases). This suggests introduction of a labeling process entirely linked to EMR data entry could nearly eliminate data entry errors. Although this study focused solely on dermatopathology cases, the findings can be extrapolated to all types of specimens.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C in primary cutaneous melanoma predicts sentinel lymph node positivity
Authors: Cianfarani Francesca , Mastroeni Simona , Odorisio Teresa , Passarelli Francesca , Cattani Caterina , Mannooranparampil Thomas J. , Fortes Cristina , Failla Cristina M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C), a lymphatic vessel growth factor, has been involved in the formation of lymph nodal metastases in different tumor types. Early evidences indicate that VEGF‐C expression in human primary melanoma could be predictive of lymph nodal metastases, whereas the role of lymphangiogenesis is still controversial.MethodsBy immunohistochemical analysis, we investigated VEGF‐C or CC chemokine receptor 7 expression, together with the lymphatic and blood vessel network, in 36 patients with primary skin melanomas and metastases at the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN‐positive), and 26 melanoma patients with negative SLN biopsy (SLN‐negative).ResultsWe found that VEGF‐C expression in primary melanoma specimens was significantly associated with SLN‐positive (p < 0.001), particularly in thin melanomas. An association between augmented peritumoral lymphatic vessel area and SLN‐positive (p < 0.02) was also seen. Conversely, no association between either expression of the CC chemokine receptor 7 in the primary tumor, or intratumoral lymphatic vessel or peritumoral and intratumoral blood vessel area, and SLN‐positive was found.ConclusionsOur results, taking into account the expression of either VEGF‐C or related histopathological markers, indicated the possibility to use VEGF‐C immunohistochemistry as a marker of metastatic progression, especially in thin cutaneous melanomas.