bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Content analysis as a means of exploring research opportunities from a conference programme
Authors: Fourie Ina 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  Health librarians should keep up‐to‐date in a dynamic environment and accept the importance of continuing personal development (CPD) and growth in their critical reflection and creative thinking skills. They also need to acknowledge the potential value of research activity and the challenges of ongoing improvement and development. Conference programmes may prove a useful source of stimulation, especially if supplemented by creativity techniques, action research and the ideal of ‘finding flow’.Objectives:  The article analyses the themes and papers presented at the 10th International Conference on International Medical Librarianship (ICML) to identify opportunities for further research, literature reviews, assessment of practices and services, etc.Methods:  Content analysis approach to conference papers and suggestions for further action including supplementing with techniques of creativity and group input.Results:  A fairly extensive list of further actions (although not intended to be exhaustive) is suggested for the sixteen conference themes. Although subjective, the list might help to stimulate growth in research on health librarianship and demonstrate how one source of stimulation – conference programmes (regularly presented to medical library communities) – can be used.Conclusions:  Content analysis has proven a constructive means of generating research questions from a conference programme. Content analysis and other methods aimed at stimulating creative and progressive thinking, including brainstorming, force field analysis, De Bono’s 6 hats, creative swiping and creative visualisation, may prove equally useful and require further investigation. To ensure an ongoing cycle, these can be linked to action research.
A new agonist of the erythropoietin receptor, Epobis, induces neurite outgrowth and promotes neuronal survival
Authors: Pankratova Stanislava , Gu Bing , Kiryushko Darya , Korshunova Irina , Køhler Lene B. , Rathje Mette , Bock Elisabeth , Berezin Vladimir 
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 915–923.AbstractApart from its hematopoietic activity, erythropoietin (EPO) is also known as a tissue‐protective cytokine. In the brain, EPO and its receptor are up‐regulated in response to insult and exert pro‐survival effects. EPO binds to its receptor (EPOR) via high‐ and low‐affinity binding sites (Sites 1 and 2, respectively), inducing conformational changes in the receptor, followed by the activation of downstream signaling cascades. Based on the crystal structure of the EPO:EPOR2 complex, we designed a peptide, termed Epobis, whose sequence encompassed amino acids from binding Site 1. The present study shows that the Epobis peptide specifically binds to EPOR and induces neurite outgrowth from primary neurons in an EPOR‐expression dependent manner. Furthermore, Epobis promoted the survival of hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures after kainate treatment and KCl deprivation, respectively. Thus, we identified a new functional agonist of EPOR with the potential to promote neuroregeneration and neuroprotection.
Hospital‐Level Variation in the Use of Intensive Care
Authors: Seymour Christopher W. , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Ehlenbach William J. , Wunsch Hannah , Cooke Colin R. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which hospitals vary in the use of intensive care, and the proportion of variation attributable to differences in hospital practice that is independent of known patient and hospital factors.Data SourceHospital discharge data in the State Inpatient Database for Maryland and Washington States in 2006.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of 90 short‐term, acute care hospitals with critical care capabilities.Data Collection/MethodsWe quantified the proportion of variation in intensive care use attributable to hospitals using intraclass correlation coefficients derived from mixed‐effects logistic regression models after successive adjustment for known patient and hospital factors.Principal FindingsThe proportion of hospitalized patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) across hospitals ranged from 3 to 55 percent (median 12 percent; IQR: 9, 17 percent). After adjustment for patient factors, 19.7 percent (95 percent CI: 15.1, 24.4) of total variation in ICU use across hospitals was attributable to hospitals. When observed hospital characteristics were added, the proportion of total variation in intensive care use attributable to unmeasured hospital factors decreased by 26–14.6 percent (95 percent CI: 11, 18.3 percent).ConclusionsWide variability exists in the use of intensive care across hospitals, not attributable to known patient or hospital factors, and may be a target to improve efficiency and quality of critical care.
Levetiracetam may favorably affect seizure outcome after temporal lobectomy
Authors: Jehi Lara E. , Irwin Anna I. , Kayyali Hussam , Vadera Sumeet , Bingaman William , Najm Imad 
Published: April 2012

SummaryPurpose: To study the prognostic implications of antiepileptic drug (AED) use on seizure freedom following temporal lobe resections for intractable epilepsy.Methods: Seizure outcome implications of epilepsy characteristics and AED use were studied in patients who underwent temporal lobectomy patients at the Cleveland Clinic between September 1995 and December 2006. Survival analysis and multivariate regression with Cox proportional hazard modeling were used. Complete seizure freedom was defined as a favorable outcome.Key Findings: Records of 312 patients were analyzed (mean ± standard deviation follow‐up 3.5 ± 1.7 years). The estimated probability of complete seizure freedom was 69% at 12 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 66–72%), and 48% at 36 months (95% CI 45–52%). The mean number of AEDs used per patient at the time of surgery was 1.78 (range 1–4), dropping to 1.02 at last follow‐up (range 0–4). Following multivariate analysis, a lower preoperative seizure frequency and perioperative use of levetiracetam predicted a favorable outcome (risk ratio [RR] 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89, and RR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.83, respectively), whereas nonspecific pathology (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.15–2.47) and a higher number of AEDs used at the time of surgery correlated with higher rates of seizure recurrence (whole‐model log‐rank test p‐value < 0.0001). Better outcomes within the levetiracetam group were seen despite a higher proportion of several poor prognostic indicators within this patient group, and started as early as 4 months after surgery, gradually increasing to a 15–20% survival advantage by 5 years. No similar outcome correlations were identified with another AED.Significance: AED use may be a potential new modifiable seizure‐outcome predictor after temporal lobectomy. This possible prognostic indicator is discussed in light of proposed seizure recurrence mechanisms.
The most cited works in epilepsy: Trends in the “Citation Classics”
Authors: Ibrahim George M. , Carter Snead O. , Rutka James T. , Lozano Andres M. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe number of times that a published article is cited is one indicator of its scientific impact. An article is termed a “Citation Classic” once it has accumulated more than 400 citations. Trends in these highly cited works allow projection of future directions of high‐impact research within a field. Herein, we identified 89 articles in the field of epilepsy published in 35 different journals that have been cited more than 400 times (citation range 401–3,749). The journal that published the greatest number of Citation Classics was Epilepsia (9 articles with 656 mean citations per article). Laboratory studies constituted the fastest growing area of highly cited epilepsy research, whereas clinical studies showed a bimodal distribution in representation among Citation Classics. There were also considerably fewer epilepsy‐specific Citation Classics compared to other disciplines. In this study, we find that the Citation Classics of epilepsy comprise a heterogeneous group of articles and that changes in the trends of these highly cited works represent the evolution of epilepsy research over time. The results of this study should inform the academic community and provide a guide of essential literature for scientists who are engaged in epilepsy research.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Utility‐Scale Wind Power
Authors: Dolan Stacey L. , Heath Garvin A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryA systematic review and harmonization of life cycle assessment (LCA) literature of utility‐scale wind power systems was performed to determine the causes of and, where possible, reduce variability in estimates of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Screening of approximately 240 LCAs of onshore and offshore systems yielded 72 references meeting minimum thresholds for quality, transparency, and relevance. Of those, 49 references provided 126 estimates of life cycle GHG emissions.Published estimates ranged from 1.7 to 81 grams CO2‐equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh), with median and interquartile range (IQR) both at 12 g CO2‐eq/kWh. After adjusting the published estimates to use consistent gross system boundaries and values for several important system parameters, the total range was reduced by 47% to 3.0 to 45 g CO2‐eq/kWh and the IQR was reduced by 14% to 10 g CO2‐eq/kWh, while the median remained relatively constant (11 g CO2‐eq/kWh). Harmonization of capacity factor resulted in the largest reduction in variability in life cycle GHG emission estimates.This study concludes that the large number of previously published life cycle GHG emission estimates of wind power systems and their tight distribution suggest that new process‐based LCAs of similar wind turbine technologies are unlikely to differ greatly. However, additional consequential LCAs would enhance the understanding of true life cycle GHG emissions of wind power (e.g., changes to other generators’ operations when wind electricity is added to the grid), although even those are unlikely to fundamentally change the comparison of wind to other electricity generation sources.
Life Cycle Assessment in the Print Industry
Authors: Bousquin Justin , Gambeta Eni , Esterman Marcos , Rothenberg Sandra 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThis article compares life cycle assessment studies performed on imaging equipment for the consumer market in order to identify common practices, limitations, areas for improvement, and opportunities for standardization. The analysis suggests that comparisons across studies are significantly hampered by variability in scope, transparency, data sources, and assumptions; it identifies sources of discrepancy and variability. Of particular concern to printing devices was the definition of a functional unit, which can vary significantly depending on the capabilities and use patterns of a printer. Standardization of the functional unit and related assumptions has a high potential to increase quantitative comparability across studies. At the same time, standardizing the functional unit by paper usage excludes the possibility of comparison to alternative communication media.
Relationship Between Swallowing Problems and Tooth Loss in Community‐Dwelling Independent Elderly Adults: The Fujiwara‐Kyo Study
Authors: Okamoto Nozomi , Tomioka Kimiko , Saeki Keigo , Iwamoto Junko , Morikawa Masayuki , Harano Akihiro , Kurumatani Norio 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between swallowing problems and the number of remaining teeth in healthy elderly people.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingNara, Japan.ParticipantsThree thousand six hundred sixty‐three male and female volunteers aged 65 and older who were living independently were analyzed.MeasurementsSwallowing problems were defined operationally using a questionnaire and the 30‐mL water swallow test. Data were collected on the number of remaining teeth, maximum bite force, occlusal status, presence or absence of oral dryness, and medical history.ResultsThe prevalence of swallowing problems was 15.1% (n = 554) in this population. A positive correlation was observed between the number of remaining teeth and maximum bite force. The number of remaining teeth was categorized according to tertiles. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the adjusted odds ratios for 0 to 13 or 14 to 24 remaining teeth to 25 to 32 remaining teeth for swallowing problems were 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60–2.60) and 1.31 (95% CI = 1.02–1.70), respectively. Significant increases in these odds ratios were found in a trend test (P < .001).ConclusionTooth loss is associated with swallowing problems. Having fewer teeth inhibits masticatory ability, which disturbs the execution of smooth swallowing. Preventive measures against tooth loss at a younger age may be effective at reducing the risk of laryngeal penetration and aspiration at an older age.
A Preliminary Study on the Relationships between Global Health/Quality of Life and Specific Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Domains in Puerto Rico
Authors: Psoter Walter J. , Aguilar Maria L. , Levy Andrea , Baek Linda S. , Morse Douglas E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPurpose: Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important treatment outcome for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. By ascertaining the most important HNC HRQOL issues, research and practice can be directed toward enhancing patient QOL.Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 46 ENT clinic HNC patients in Puerto Rico (PR) was completed. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C30 (general QOL), and the QLQ‐H&N35 (HNC QOL) instruments were administered. Correlations and multivariable regressions were separately conducted for QLQ‐H&N35 variables on the three QLQ‐C30 outcome variables: overall health, overall QOL, and the global health/QOL domain.Results: Correlation findings included statistically significant negative correlations between the three QLQ‐C30 outcome variables and the QLQ‐H&N35 variables pain, swallowing, social eating, social contact, and sexuality. Multivariable linear regression identified statistically significant inverse indicators of the outcomes: (1) “lessening of sexuality” with “overall health” (p= 0.02), (2) “problem with social eating” (p= 0.023), “taking pain killers” (p= 0.025), and “problem with social contact” (p= 0.035) with “overall QOL,” and (3) “problems with social eating” (p < 0.009) and “taking pain killers” (p= 0.016) with the “global health/QOL” domain.Conclusions: We conclude that problems with pain, social eating, social interactions, and loss of sexuality are critical indicators of degraded HRQOL in HNC patients living in Puerto Rico. Our results add to the overall knowledge base regarding QOL among HNC patients. The promise of improved QOL for the HNC patient is attainable through additional research in conjunction with advances in clinical treatments and patient management protocols.
Differential Epidural Block Predicts the Success of Visceral Block in Patients with Chronic Visceral Abdominal Pain
Authors: Rizk Maged K. , Tolba Reda , Kapural Leonardo , Mitchell Justin , Lopez Rocio , Mahboobi Ramatia , Vrooman Bruce , Mekhail Nagy 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:  Background and Aims:  Differential thoracic epidural regional block, also known as a differential neural block (DNB), involves the placement of an epidural catheter placed in the thoracic epidural space to achieve appropriate anesthesia in a dermatomal distribution. This is a retrospective case series evaluating how well a DNB may predict success of subsequent visceral blockade in patients with chronic abdominal pain of visceral origin.Methods:  Of 402 patients who had a DNB performed for unexplained abdominal pain from January 2000 to January 2009, 81 patients were found to have results consistent with visceral pain and thus underwent subsequent visceral blockade. Basic demographic data, years of chronic pain, history of psychosocial issues, initial visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pain location, and medication usage were documented in our electronic medical record database. Parameters regarding DNB and visceral blocks also were documented. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables. The positive predictive value (PPV) for DNB for whom visceral block was successful (at least a 50% reduction in VAS) was calculated. Additionally, subjects with successful visceral blocks were compared to those with unsuccessful visceral blocks.Participants:  All patients with chronic abdominal pain with normal gastrointestinal studies who underwent DNB.Setting:  Tertiary Outpatient Pain Management Clinic.Design:  Retrospective Cohort Study.Results: Mean age of patients was 46 (± 15) years, 73% were female, and median duration of pain was 5 years. 67% of subjects were taking opioid analgesics. PPV of DNB was 70.4%. Only factor found to be statistically significant with visceral block success was baseline VAS with higher scores associated with DNB predictive success (6.8 ± 1.7 vs. 5.5, 1.8; P = 0.004). Use of membrane stabilizing medications was significantly more common in subjects for whom visceral block was not successful (46% vs. 25%; P = 0.058). Area underneath curve (AUC) for VAS was found to be 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.82), which signifies fair discrimination.Conclusion:  Differential neural block is fairly predictive of subsequent visceral block success in patients with chronic abdominal pain of visceral origin. An initial VAS ≥ 5 provides a sensitivity of 93%, which implies that VAS < 5 may predict unsuccessful visceral block. Contrarily, a value of ≥ 8 would provide a specificity of 92% and may be used to predict success of subsequent visceral block.
Right‐Sided Implantation and Subpectoral Position are Predisposing Factors for Fracture of a 6.6 French ICD Lead
Authors: BERNSTEIN NEIL E. , KARAM EDMUND T. , AIZER ANTHONY , WONG BRIAN C. , HOLMES DOUGLAS S. , BERNSTEIN SCOTT A. , CHINITZ LARRY A. 
Published: April 2012

Background: The Medtronic Sprint Fidelis (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) lead family is associated with an unacceptable incidence of premature lead failure. There are limited data on risk factors for lead fracture. We hypothesized that factors leading to potential increased forces on the lead related to device implantation or technique may be associated with premature lead failure.
Methods: We reviewed the implant data from our group and identified 176 patients who received active fixation Medtronic Fidelis (Model 6931, single coil and Model 6949, dual coil) leads. Implant data, including age, sex, venous access site, implant side, implant location, and number of venous leads were reviewed. Hospital, pacemaker clinic, and Medtronic registration databases were reviewed for evidence of lead failure, replacement, or abandonment. Data was evaluated in univariate and multivariate regression analyses.
Results:

Of the 176 leads implanted, 10 (5.7%) were noted to develop malfunction. This presented as inappropriate shocks from sensed noise or elevated impedance measurements. Of the above noted implant features, only right‐sided (vs left‐sided) implant (hazard ratio [HR] 18.8, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 3.8, 93.3), and subpectoral implant (vs prepectoral; HR 14.31, 95% CI 3.2, 64.0) were predictive of lead failure in maximally adjusted models.
Conclusions: We have identified both right‐sided implantation and subpectoral generator positioning as factors associated with premature lead malfunction in Fidelis active fixation leads. Clinical decisions regarding patient management should incorporate these findings in regard to lead replacement in high‐risk patients. (PACE 2012; 35:659–664)
Depression and nonadherence predict mortality in hemodialysis treated end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Rosenthal Asher Deborah , Ver Halen Nisha , Cukor Daniel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe scientific evaluation of depression's impact on mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients has yielded mixed results, with the more recent, more rigorous studies detecting a significant relationship. In this study, 130 HD patients from an urban North American hospital were evaluated for depressive affect and then observed for up to 5 years. In a corrected Cox regression model, which held constant age, gender, dialysis vintage, illness severity and diabetic status, depressive affect emerged as a modest but significant predictor of mortality (relative risk = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.08). When the subjects were divided according to depressive affect severity, those with severe depressive affect had significantly shorter time to death (β = 0.452, P = 0.044). In a subgroup of 85 subjects, self‐reported medication adherence was also predictive of mortality, with higher rates of nonadherence being associated with increased mortality risk. This paper lends support to the burgeoning literature on depression and reduced survival in HD populations, as well as begins the investigation of understanding the underlying mechanisms.
The Role of Binder Adsorption for High Solid Loading Nano‐Zirconia Extrusion Pastes
Authors: Burghardt Andreas , Satet Raphaelle , Eisele Ulrich , Hoffmann Michael J. 
Published: April 2012

The viscosity behavior of extrusion pastes comprised of a PVB melt and varying amounts of nano‐zirconia powder have been explored with special emphasis on the impact of a dispersant to reduce the viscosity. In contrast to suspensions with nanopowders, the maximum solid loading in the highly viscous extrusion pastes studied is not limited by attractive interparticle forces. However, at a solid loading >30 vol% the pastes had too high viscosity to be processed due to the high number of adsorbed polymer molecules. By adding a decoupling agent that reduced the work of adhesion of the polymer molecules on the zirconia particles, the viscosity of the pastes could be lowered significantly. The calculated work of adhesion is consistent with the viscosity behavior of the feedstock and is confirmed by wetting angles that have been experimentally determined. It is shown that the effect of the dispersant cannot be explained by electrostatic or steric stabilization of the particles in the melt. A unifying scheme is proposed where the limiting factors “agglomeration” and “adsorption” for a high solid loading combined with the necessary mode of function of the dispersant are illustrated as a function of the viscosity of the medium and the particle size. The viscosity‐lowering decoupling effect of the dispersant was a prerequisite for reaching a solid loading of 50 vol% in the additional feedstock development. The feedstock with 50 vol% nano‐zirconia could be extruded to a tape and sintered to a relative density of 97% at 1200°C.