bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Medicare Claims to Rank Hospitals by Surgical Site Infection Risk following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Huang Susan S. , Placzek Hilary , Livingston James , Ma Allen , Onufrak Fallon , Lankiewicz Julie , Kleinman Ken , Bratzler Dale , Olsen Margaret A. , Lyles Rosie , Khan Yosef , Wright Paula , Yokoe Deborah S. , Fraser Victoria J. , Weinstein Robert A. , Stevenson Kurt , Hooper David , Vostok Johanna , Datta Rupak , Nsa Wato , Platt Richard 
Published: July 2011

Objective.To evaluate whether longitudinal insurer claims data allow reliable identification of elevated hospital surgical site infection (SSI) rates.Design.We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in US hospitals performing at least 80 procedures in 2005. Hospitals were assigned to deciles by using case mix–adjusted probabilities of having an SSI-related inpatient or outpatient claim code within 60 days of surgery. We then reviewed medical records of randomly selected patients to assess whether chart-confirmed SSI risk was higher in hospitals in the worst deciles compared with the best deciles.Participants.Fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries who underwent CABG in these hospitals in 2005.Results.We evaluated 114,673 patients who underwent CABG in 671 hospitals. In the best decile, 7.8% (958/12,307) of patients had an SSI-related code, compared with 24.8% (2,747/11,068) in the worst decile (P<.001). Medical record review confirmed SSI in 40% (388/980) of those with SSI-related codes. In the best decile, the chart-confirmed annual SSI rate was 3.2%, compared with 9.4% in the worst decile, with an adjusted odds ratio of SSI of 2.7 (confidence interval, 2.2–3.3;P<.001) for CABG performed in a worst-decile hospital compared with a best-decile hospital.Conclusions.Claims data can identify groups of hospitals with unusually high or low post-CABG SSI rates. Assessment of claims is more reproducible and efficient than current surveillance methods. This example of secondary use of routinely recorded electronic health information to assess quality of care can identify hospitals that may benefit from prevention programs.
Social media use in the research workflow
Authors: ROWLANDS Ian , NICHOLAS David , RUSSELL Bill , CANTY Nicholas , WATKINSON Anthony 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThe paper reports on a major international survey, covering 2,000 researchers, which investigated the use of social media in the research workflow. The topic is the second to emerge from the Charleston Observatory, the research adjunct of the popular annual Charleston Conference (http://www.katina.info/conference/). The study shows that social media have found serious application at all points of the research lifecycle, from identifying research opportunities to disseminating findings at the end. The three most popular social media tools in a research setting were those for collaborative authoring, conferencing, and scheduling meetings. The most popular brands used tend to be mainstream anchor technologies or ‘household brands‘, such as Twitter. Age is a poor predictor of social media use in a research context, and humanities and social science scholars avail themselves most of social media. Journals, conference proceedings, and edited books remain the core traditional means of disseminating research, with institutional repositories highly valued as well, but social media have become important complementary channels for disseminating and discovering research.
Ceci n'est pas un hamburger: modelling and representing the scholarly article
Authors: PETTIFER S. , McDERMOTT P. , MARSH J. , THORNE D. , VILLEGER A. , ATTWOOD T.K. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTCurrent approaches to publishing scholarly work are falling behind the growing demands of modern readers, who need easy access to the underlying data, as well as the ability to consume content on an ever‐growing variety of electronic devices. The pros and cons of the various formats for representing the scholarly article are hotly contested, but as yet these debates have had little tangible impact on the publishing world where, in spite of its apparent limitations, the PDF remains the dominant form of distribution. We discuss fundamental philosophical differences between a scholarly work and its representation, and describe Utopia Documents, which realizes those differences in software, aiming to resolve many of the current issues in this area.
Psychosomatic or allergic symptoms? High levels for somatization in patients with drug intolerance
Authors: HASSEL Jessica C. , DANNER Daniel , HASSEL Alexander J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPatients with dermatological diseases often have associated psychological problems. For patients with allergic diseases, only a few publications have focused on psychological aspects. The objective of this study was to assess the psychometric profile, including somatization, depression, anxiety and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), of patients suffering from drug intolerance or hymenoptera venom allergies. In a prospective cohort study design, patients who were admitted to hospital for a challenge test for an alternative drug (n = 49, 24.5% men) or for induction of desensitization therapy with hymenoptera venom (n = 58, 37.9% men) were included. Psychometric screening questionnaires focusing on somatization (Symptom Check List), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale), and also on HRQoL (Short Form questionnaire) were assessed. The scores were compared with population scores and between the two groups. Both groups had significantly higher somatization scores (P ≤ 0.003) than the normal population, and the challenge‐test group had lower HRQoL than the normal population. Between‐group analysis revealed significantly higher somatization scores in the challenge‐test group (P = 0.011) and more impaired HRQoL (physical health domain P < 0.001). Anxiety/depression scores were not significantly different from those of the normal population, or between groups, although abnormally high scores for anxiety were frequent (18% and 12% for the challenge‐test and allergy groups, respectively). Somatization, reduced HRQoL and anxiety seem to be part of the symptoms of patients with allergic diseases, especially for patients with drug intolerance. Standardized questionnaires could help to discover patients who may need psychological support. This may help to improve the patients’ symptoms and quality of life.
Prediction of a potentially effective dose in humans for BAY 60–5521, a potent inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) by allometric species scaling and combined pharmacodynamic and physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modelling
Authors: Weber Olaf , Willmann Stefan , Bischoff Hilmar , Li Volkhart , Vakalopoulos Alexandros , Lustig Klemens , Hafner Frank‐Thorsten , Heinig Roland , Schmeck Carsten , Buehner Klaus 
Published: July 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma glycoprotein that facilitates the transfer of cholesteryl esters from the atheroprotective high density lipoprotein (HDL) to the proatherogenic low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) leading to lower concentrations of HDL but raising the concentrations of proatherogenic LDL and VLDL. Inhibition of CETP is considered a potential approach to treat dyslipidaemia.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• The study provides information on preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) as well as information on physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modelling of a novel inhibitor of CETP, BAY 60–5521, as an approach to support the prediction of a potentially effective dose in humans.AIMS The purpose of this work was to support the prediction of a potentially effective dose for the CETP‐inhibitor, BAY 60–5521, in humans.METHODS A combination of allometric scaling of the pharmacokinetics of the CETP‐inhibitor BAY 60–5521 with pharmacodynamic studies in CETP‐transgenic mice and in human plasma with physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling was used to support the selection of the first‐in‐man dose.RESULTS The PBPK approach predicts a greater extent of distribution for BAY 60–5521 in humans compared with the allometric scaling method as reflected by a larger predicted volume of distribution and longer elimination half‐life. The combined approach led to an estimate of a potentially effective dose for BAY 60–5521 of 51 mg in humans.CONCLUSION The approach described in this paper supported the prediction of a potentially effective dose for the CETP‐inhibitor BAY 60–5521 in humans. Confirmation of the dose estimate was obtained in a first‐in‐man study.
Adoption in South Africa: trends and patterns in social work practice
Authors: Mokomane Zitha , Rochat Tamsen Jean ,   The Directorate
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper reports findings from a research study on adoption in South Africa conducted in 2009. The research included secondary data analysis of the South African National Adoption Register to establish trends and patterns of adoption in South Africa between 2004 and 2009, and primary data collection through qualitative interviews with key informants in public and private social welfare services to explore attitudes, knowledge and experiences of social work practice related to adoption. The quantitative findings report the number of national and international adoptions along with trends and socio‐demographic patterns of national adoptions. Qualitative findings report on social work practice, systemic barriers and social worker attitudes as barriers to improved social work practice around national adoptions. The paper highlights comparisons to adoption literature in the USA, a country with a similar legislative framework and cultural complexities, but significantly more resources for implementation. Recommendations are offered for social work practice, national data collection and policy implementation efforts to support efforts to increase adoption.
100 cases of primary aldosteronism: careful choice of patients for surgery using adrenal venous sampling and CT imaging results in excellent blood pressure and potassium outcomes
Authors: Graham U. M. , Ellis P. K. , Hunter S. J. , Leslie H. , Mullan K.R. , Atkinson A. B. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryObjective  Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) who are suitable for surgery should undergo adrenal computerised tomography (CT) and adrenal venous sampling (AVS). A retrospective study was performed of 100 patients with PA. We determined the optimal AVS lateralisation ratio for unilateral disease and reviewed adrenalectomy outcomes evaluating which characteristics predicted hypertension cure.Methods  AVS was performed in 93 patients. Lateralisation criteria were assessed using ROC curve analysis. The outcome of adrenalectomy was reviewed in 39 patients and predictive factors for cure determined using univariate and multivariate analysis.Results  Of previously published criteria, ROC curve analysis found a cortisol corrected aldosterone affected to unaffected (Aldo/Cort A:U) cut‐off of 2·0 was the best predictor of adenoma identifying 80·4% of patients. A novel ratio calculated by dividing the affected to unaffected ratio by the unaffected to peripheral ratio [(Aldo/Cort A:U)/(Aldo/Cort U:IVC)] was successful in identifying 87·0% of patients. Cure rate for blood pressure after adrenalectomy was 38·5% with improvement in 59·0%. On univariate analysis, predictors of post‐operative hypertension were increased weight, raised creatinine, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and male sex. On multivariate analysis, male sex and higher pre‐operative systolic blood pressure were predictive.Conclusions  Patients with PA should have CT scanning and AVS. Aldo/Cort A:U >2·0 is the most accurate of previously published ratios in predicting unilateral disease. When patients were carefully selected for surgery, 97% had cure or improvement in blood pressure control. Further confirmatory work is required on a novel ratio which was even more predictive in our series.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular nodular lesions: role, controversies and approach to diagnosis
Authors: Wee A. 
Published: July 2011

A. Wee Fine needle aspiration biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular nodular lesions: role, controversies and appr oach to diagnosisThe role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the liver has evolved. Advances in imaging modalities have obviated the need for tissue confirmation in clinically classic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The risks of needle tract seeding and haematogenous dissemination have been actively debated. Nowadays, cytopathologists are confronted by smaller and smaller nodules, detected due to increased surveillance of high‐risk cirrhotic patients. Tissue characterization of small well‐differentiated hepatocellular nodular lesions (size less than and equal to 2 cm) is extremely challenging and has therapeutic implications.Major issues in the cytodiagnosis of HCC include: (i) distinguishing benign hepatocellular nodular lesions, namely, large regenerative nodules, dysplastic nodules, focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma from reactive hepatocytes; (ii) distinguishing well‐differentiated HCC from benign hepatocellular nodular lesions; (iii) distinguishing poorly differentiated HCC from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic carcinomas; (iv) determining the histogenesis of a malignant tumour; and (v) determining the site of origin of a malignant tumour.An overview of the biological evolution and histopathological aspects of dysplastic nodules, small HCCs and ‘nodule‐in‐nodule’ lesions is presented in tandem with clinically relevant nomenclature. An algorithmic approach to FNA diagnosis of HCC and hepatocellular nodular lesions is outlined. Optimal results depend on (i) a dedicated radiologist‐cytopathologist team; (ii) an on‐site cytology service, (iii) a combined cytohistological approach, (iv) immunohistochemistry, and (v) clinicopathological correlation. As we move towards personalized medicine, it is envisaged that hepatic FNA is likely to become a point of care in the management protocol as it takes on the additional role of procurement of tumour and peritumoural tissues for genomic and proteomic profiling to enable targeted molecular therapy.
Factors associated with the resilience of school‐aged children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Im Yeo Jin , Kim Dong Hee 
Published: July 2011

Aim.  To identify the factors associated with the resilience of school‐aged children with atopic dermatitis.Background.  Atopic dermatitis, a common chronic skin condition in childhood with an increasing incidence rate, can impose many challenges to children and their families.Design.  Survey.Methods.  The participants were 102 children, 7–15 years old, who were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at least six months prior to data collection. The instruments used were a self‐report questionnaire on the resilience of children suffering a chronic illness, the Childrearing Behavior Questionnaire to examine parenting practices and the Personal Relationship Measurement to evaluate relationships with friends and teachers. Descriptive, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to analyse the data.Results.  There was statistically significant relationship between resilience and duration of illness (r = −0·312, p < 0·05), disease severity (r = −0·325, p < 0·05), the warmth‐acceptance of mothers (r = 0·384, p < 0·01) and fathers (r = 0·363, p < 0·01) and relationship with friends (r = 0·343, p < 0·01) and teachers (r = 0·349, p < 0·01). There was no significant relationship between resilience and age, academic achievement, economic status, mother’s age and education, parental rejection–restriction and permissiveness non‐intervention variables. In multiple regression analysis, duration of illness (β = −0·392, p < 0·01) and relationships with friends (β = 0·300, p < 0·01) were identified as significant variables affecting resilience.Conclusions.  School‐aged children with atopic dermatitis who reported a shorter duration of illness, lower severity score and better relationships with parents, friends and teachers showed a higher resilience score than their counterparts. A comprehensive intervention programme for children with atopic dermatitis to promote the development of positive relationships with parents, friends and teachers is recommended.Relevance to clinical practice.  The careful nursing intervention to build a positive relationship with parents, friends and teachers would be helpful to enhance the resilience of school‐aged children having atopic dermatitis. Considering social context of school‐aged children having chronic skin condition should be enclosed to set a nursing plan.
‘They are marvellous with you whilst you are in but the aftercare is rubbish’: a grounded theory study of patients’ and their carers’ experiences after discharge following day surgery
Authors: Mottram Anne 
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  To explore patients’ experiences following discharge from the day surgery unit.Background.  The shape of twenty‐first surgical care is changing. Due to political drivers, the self‐care ethos and cost containment as well as technological advances, surgery, which previously required a lengthy hospital stay can now be performed in a day. Care that was previously performed by nurses is now transferred to the patient and their carer.Design.  A Glaserian grounded theory methodology was used.Methodology.  A semi‐structured interview took place by telephone on two occasions following discharge from 2004–2006. One hundred and forty‐five patients and their carers were recruited from two day surgery units in the UK. Analysis took place by constant comparisons of interview data, line by line analysis and referral to field notes and memos until core categories emerged.Results.  Three major themes emerged from this study: the difficulties patients encountered in caring for themselves or their loved ones; the desire for obtaining professional support once they were discharged home; and nostalgia for past times.Conclusion.  This study adds new insights to the discharge experiences of day surgery patients. Discharge planning should be started at the pre‐assessment stage of the day surgery process and should be a joint venture between community staff, patients and day surgery nurses. More information should be given concerning community services available to the patients and educational programmes need to be developed to address the changing nature of surgical care.Relevance to clinical practice.  Raising awareness of the problems patients may experience following discharge from day surgery may encourage a more pro‐active attitude towards planning discharge services by a combined approach from day surgery nurses and community (district) nurses.
Specialization of a fungal pathogen on host tree species in a cross‐inoculation experiment
Authors: Konno Miki , Iwamoto Susumu , Seiwa Kenji 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. In forest communities, the Janzen–Connell (J–C) model proposes that species diversity is maintained by noncompetitive distance‐ or density‐dependent seedling mortality caused by host‐specific natural enemies. Host specificity, however, has not been fully elucidated.2. We conducted a cross‐inoculation experiment to evaluate the host specificity of a pathogenic fungus, Colletotrichum anthrisci. The fungus was isolated from seedlings of four tree species (Prunus grayana, Fraxinus lanuginosa, Cornus controversa and Magnolia obovata), all of which were killed by damping‐off disease beneath conspecific adults. Each fungal isolate was then inoculated into seedlings of P. grayana and F. lanuginosa. Molecular identification [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences] also confirmed that all isolates (strains) showed 99–100% similarity with C. anthrisci, irrespective of their origin.3. In both P. grayana and F. lanuginosa seedlings, all isolates of the pathogen caused damage, irrespective of origin, but the damage was more severe with the isolate from conspecifics rather than from any of the three heterospecifics.4. In response to infection, callose papillae were deposited on the inner side of the leaf cell wall of seedlings in P. grayana; then, circular abscission layers formed between two layers of leaf cells surrounding the locus of infection. The central area of the infection was completely cut off from the rest of the leaf. In F. lanuginosa, infected leaves of seedlings were shed immediately after inoculation. This defensive behaviour, which may prevent further pathogen invasion, was more frequent in seedlings inoculated with isolates from conspecifics than from heterospecifics in both species.5. Synthesis. Although the pathogenic fungus C. anthrisci is ubiquitous and attacks a wide range of host species, virulence was much stronger for strains derived from conspecifics rather than from heterospecifics, suggesting local adaptation and development of host specificity. If host specificity is common for several pathogens within a microbial community in a given area occupied by an adult, and the trait is also common for multiple tree species co‐occurring within a forest community, the J–C model would be applicable to explain tree species diversity.
Incidence of class 1 integron and other antibiotic resistance determinants in Aeromonas spp. from rainbow trout farms in Australia
Authors: Ndi O L , Barton M D 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThere is limited information on antibiotic resistance determinants present in bacteria of aquaculture origin in Australia. The presence of integron and other resistance determinants was investigated in 90 Aeromonas isolates derived from nine freshwater trout farms in Victoria (Australia). Polymerase chain reaction was carried out for the detection of integrase genes Int1, Int2 and Int3, gene cassette array, integron‐associated aadA, sul1 and qac1 genes, streptomycin resistance genes strA‐strB, β‐lactamase resistance genes blaTEM and blaSHV, and tetracycline resistance genes tetA‐E and tetM. Clonal analysis was performed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Class 1 integrons were detected in 28/90 (31%) and class 2 and class 3 in none of the strains, aadA gene in 19/27 (70%) streptomycin‐resistant strains, sul1 in 13/15 (86.7%) sulphonamide‐resistant strains and qac1 gene in 8/28 (28.6%) integron‐bearing strains. Five strains from two different farms carried gene cassettes of 1000 bp each containing the aadA2 gene and PFGE analysis revealed genetic relatedness. tetC was detected in all and tetA in 9/18 (50%) tetracycline‐resistant strains. The strA‐strB, blaTEM or blaSHV genes were not detected in any of the strains. Aeromonas spp. carrying integrons and other resistance genes are present in farm‐raised fish and sediments even though no antibiotics were licensed for use in Australian aquaculture at the time of the study.