bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Versus Single‐Incision Cholecystectomy
Authors: Khambaty Fatima , Brody Fred , Vaziri Khashayar , Edwards Claire 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundAlthough recent reports demonstrate large series of single‐incision cholecystectomies, few articles compare single‐incision data with traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) data. This article compares a large series of single‐incision cholecystectomies to a series of traditional LCs performed at an urban tertiary‐care center.MethodsA consecutive series of single‐incision cholecystectomies was performed from August 2008 to March 2010. All cholecystectomies were attempted through a single incision on an intent‐to‐treat basis. Patient demographics, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), pathologic diagnosis, ASA classification, operative time, complications, narcotic use, and length of stay (LOS), were recorded. Data for a matched cohort of patients undergoing a traditional four‐port LC were gathered over a similar time period. Data were compared using a t test with a P < 0.05 for significance.ResultsSingle‐incision cholecystectomy was successful in 81 (76%) of 107 patients. The 26 (24%) converted cases showed a higher BMI (33.0 ± 8.7 vs. 28.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2, P < 0.05) and longer operative times (98.3 ± 33 vs. 76.1 ± 23 min, P < 0.003). Postoperatively, the converted patients had a longer LOS compared to that of the single‐incision group (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 days, P = 0.02). Overall, the single‐incision group had longer operative times compared to the four‐port LC group (81.5 ± 28 vs. 69.1 ± 21 min, P < 0.004). However, after the tenth single‐incision case, there was no difference in operative times. From a narcotic standpoint, the successful single‐incision patients used significantly less narcotic versus the traditional LC group (20 ± 22.7 vs. 32.3 ± 31.2 mg, P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe data suggests that individuals with a BMI over 33 may not be candidates for single‐incision cholecystectomy. Those patients that undergo a successful single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy require fewer narcotics postoperatively and have a shorter LOS. Although this data is intriguing, the overall utility of single‐incision procedures requires more analysis and potentially randomized trials.
Evaluation of early biomarkers of muscle anabolic response to testosterone
Authors: Chen Fabian , Lam Raymond , Shaywitz David , Hendrickson Ronald C. , Opiteck Gregory J. , Wishengrad Dana , Liaw Andy , Song Qinghua , Stewart Adrian J. , Cummings Corinne E. , Beals Chan , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Reicin Alise , Ruddy Marcella , Hu Xuguang , Yates Nathan A. , Menetski Joseph , Herman Gary A. 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundEarly biomarkers of skeletal muscle anabolism will facilitate the development of therapies for sarcopenia and frailty.Methods and resultsWe examined plasma type III collagen N‐terminal propeptide (P3NP), skeletal muscle protein fractional synthesis rate, and gene and protein expression profiles to identify testosterone‐induced changes in muscle anabolism. Two placebo‐controlled studies enrolled community‐dwelling men (study 1, 60–75 years; study 2, 18–40 years) with low to normal testosterone levels. Men were randomized to lower dose (study 1, 100 mg; study 2, 200 mg) or higher dose (study 1, 300 mg; study 2, 600 mg) single intramuscular testosterone or saline injection. After 1 week, testosterone acutely increased plasma P3NP levels in a dose‐dependent manner and altered the expression of several skeletal muscle transcripts and proteins. Though not statistically significant, mixed muscle protein fractional synthesis rate tended to increase (1.08‐fold with 100 mg testosterone, 1.12‐fold with 300 mg testosterone). Testosterone exposure also increased skeletal muscle expression of the collagen type III gene that encodes P3NP.ConclusionP3NP is a potentially useful early biomarker for muscle anabolic therapy. Skeletal muscle protein and RNA profiling are useful tools for the discovery of novel muscle anabolic biomarkers.
Admissible solutions for Dirac equations with singular and non-monotone nonlinearity
Authors: Dong Yujun , Xie Jing 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBy making use of Merle's general shooting method we investigate Dirac equations of the formHere it is possible that F(0) = −∞ and that F(s) defined on (0,+∞) is not monotonously nondecreasing. Our results cover some known ones as a special case.
Antioxidant effect of pomegranate extract in reducing acute inflammation due to myringotomy
Authors: Kahya V , Meric A , Yazici M , Yuksel M , Midi A , Gedikli O 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:To assess the effect of pomegranate extract on acute inflammation due to myringotomy.Design:Prospective, randomised study.Subjects:Thirty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group one constituted controls. Group two underwent myringotomy. Group three underwent myringotomy and also received 100 µl/day pomegranate extract, via gavage, one day before and two days after surgery. Following sacrifice 48 hours after myringotomy, the animals' right ears were used to determine the concentration of reactive oxygen species, using the chemiluminescence method; left ears were used for histological study.Results:Reactive oxygen species levels were significantly decreased in group three compared with group two (p < 0.01). The density of inflammatory cells in group three was significantly less than that in group two (p < 0.01). Lamina propria thickness and vessel density were also significantly decreased in group three compared with group two (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Our results indicate that oral pomegranate extract decreases reactive oxygen species concentration and acute inflammation in the tympanic membrane after myringotomy.
Enhancing computer self-efficacy and attitudes in multi-ethnic older adults: a randomised controlled study
Authors: LAGANÁ LUCIANA , OLIVER TAYLOR , AINSWORTH ANDREW , EDWARDS MARC 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTSeveral studies have documented the health-related benefits of older adults' use of computer technology, but before they can be realised, older individuals must be positively inclined and confident in their ability to engage in computer-based environments. To facilitate the assessment of computer technology attitudes, one aim of the longitudinal study reported in this article was to test and refine a new 22-item measure of computer technology attitudes designed specifically for older adults, as none such were available. Another aim was to replicate, on a much larger scale, the successful findings of a preliminary study that tested a computer technology training programme for older adults. Ninety-six older men and women, mainly from non-European-American backgrounds, were randomly assigned to the waitlist/control or the experimental group. The same six-week, one-on-one training was administered to the control subjects at the completion of their post-test. The revised (17-item) version of the Older Adults' Computer Technology Attitudes Scale (OACTAS) showed strong reliability: the results of a factor analysis were robust, and two analyses of covariance demonstrated that the training programme induced significant changes in attitudes and self-efficacy. Such results encourage the recruitment of older persons into training programmes aimed at increasing computer technology attitudes and self-efficacy.
Type synthesis of parallel mechanisms having the first class GF sets and one-dimensional rotation
Authors: Yang Jialun , Gao Feng , Ge Qiaode Jeffrey , Zhao Xianchao , Guo Weizhong , Jin Zhenlin 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYA method is presented for the type synthesis of a class of parallel mechanisms having one-dimensional (1D) rotation based on the theory of Generalized Function sets (GF sets for short), which contain two classes. The type synthesis of parallel mechanisms having the first class GF sets and 1D rotation is investigated. The Law of one-dimensional rotation is given, which lays the theoretical foundation for the intersection operations of GF sets. Then the kinematic limbs with specific characteristics are designed according to the 2D and 3D axis movement theorems. Finally, several synthesized parallel mechanisms have been sketched to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Catastrophic haemoptysis in the Fontan circulation – a novel surgical approach to denude the culprit bleeding vessels
Authors: Black David E. , Veldtman Gruschen R. , Bryant Timothy , Miller John , Haw Marcus 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe describe the case of a young man aged 19 years with a double inlet left ventricle associated with transposition of the great arteries, and a mechanical aortic valve requiring anticoagulation, who presented with massive haemoptysis. At cardiac catheterisation, there were multiple feeder vessels to a bleeding leash surrounding and communicating with his left main bronchus. Despite occlusion of the larger feeder vessels, he continued to have massive haemoptysis. We describe a novel surgical strategy of denuding the peribronchial vessels through a left lateral thoracotomy. This successfully stopped his bleeding.
The glimmering embers: Experiences of hope among cancer patients in palliative home care
Authors: Olsson Louise , Östlund Gunnel , Strang Peter , Grassman Eva Jeppsson , Friedrichsen Maria 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:The experience of hope among cancer patients in palliative care is important information for healthcare providers, but research on the subject is sparse. The aim of this article was to explore how cancer patients admitted to palliative home care experienced the significance of hope and used hope during 6 weeks throughout the last phase of their life, and to assess their symptoms and hope status during 6 weeks throughout the last phase of their lives.Method:Eleven adult patients with cancer participated in 20 interviews and completed seven diaries. The participants were recruited from two palliative care units in the southeast of Sweden. The method used was Grounded Theory (GT), and analysis was based on the constant comparative method.Results:The core category, glimmering embers, was generated from four processes: (1) The creation of “convinced” hope, with a focus on positive events, formed in order to have something to look forward to; (2) The creation of “simulated hope,” including awareness of the lack of realism, but including attempts to believe in unrealistic reasons for hope; (3) The collection of and maintaining of moments of hope, expressing a wish to “seize the day” and hold on to moments of joy and pleasure; and (4) “Gradually extinct” hope, characterized by a lack of energy and a sense of time running out.Significance of results:The different processes of hope helped the patients to continue to live when they were close to death. Hope should be respected and understood by the professionals giving them support.
Advance care planning discussions in advanced cancer: Analysis of dialogues between patients and care planning mediators
Authors: Barnes Kelly A. , Barlow Cate A. , Harrington Jane , Ornadel Karon , Tookman Adrian , King Michael , Jones Louise 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:Advance care planning (ACP) provides patients with an opportunity to consider, discuss, and plan their future care with health professionals. Numerous policy documents recommend that ACP should be available to all with life-limiting illness.Method:Forty patients with recurrent progressive cancer completed one or more ACP discussions with a trained planning mediator using a standardized topic guide. Fifty-two interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for qualitative thematic content.Results:Most patients had not spoken extensively to health professionals or close persons about the future. Their concerns related to experiencing distressing symptoms or worrying how family members would cope. Some patients wished for more accurate information and were unaware of their options for care. Many felt it was doctors' responsibility to initiate such discussions, but perceived that their doctors were reluctant to do so. However, some patients felt that the time was not yet right for these conversations.Significance of results:This article reports on the recorded content of ACP discussions. The extent to which patients want to engage in ACP is variable, and support and training are needed for health professionals to initiate such discussions. Our findings do not fully support the current United Kingdom policy of introducing ACP early in life-threatening disease.
Social anxiety disorder as a hidden psychiatric comorbidity among cancer patients
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Okuyama Toru , Sagawa Ryuichi , Uchida Megumi , Nakaguchi Tomohiro , Ito Yoshinori , Furukawa Toshiaki A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective:Social anxiety disorder is one of the most popular psychiatric disorders in the general population and is also well known as a very common comorbid psychiatric disorder among patients with major depression. On the other hand, social anxiety disorder has been termed “the neglected anxiety disorder” because its diagnosis is often missed. Furthermore, the potential impact of social anxiety disorder on the psychological distress of cancer patients has not been reported.Method:We encountered two cancer patients with refractory depression after cancer diagnosis, in whom comorbid social anxiety disorder was unexpectedly detected during a subsequent follow-up.Results:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to discuss the potential impact of social anxiety disorder on cancer patients' distress. These two cases may help to improve our understanding of the complicated mental health problems of cancer patients and the potential influence of social anxiety disorder on patients' follow-up medical treatment.Significance of results:Comorbid social anxiety disorder should be considered when a cancer patient's depression is resistant to treatment and the existence of communication problems between the patient and the medical staff is suspected.
Can an unwilling horse be made drink?
Authors: CHOI YOUNG BACK 
Published: February 2011

Abstract:In his critique of the newer approach in economic development emphasizing institutional reforms, Ha-Joon Chang, in his article titled ‘Institutions and Economic Development: Theory, Policy and History’, equates New Institutional Economics with the program of liberal reforms for least developed countries (LDCs) and blames the former for the alleged failure of the latter. He argues with some justice that the dominant discourse in New Institutional Economics insufficiently appreciates the complexity of institutions; as a consequence, the difficulty of transplanting institutions is largely discounted. His case, however, is marred by his attempt to push down his ideological biases by marshalling inchoate, highly questionable and often contradictory ideas as facts. Going beyond a critical examination of the New Institutional Economics inspired discourse in development economics, he advocates his own version of beneficial development policies for LDCs – namely, economic democracy and industrial policies. His proposals are not only highly questionable, but they amount to adopting a double standard of exempting himself from the very criticisms he levies against New Institutional Economics – ignoring the difficulty of importing foreign institutions. Presuming to play God, like many development economists, he ignores the essential fact that an unwilling horse cannot be made to drink.
Thermochronology of the Talkeetna intraoceanic arc of Alaska: Ar/Ar, U‐Th/He, Sm‐Nd, and Lu‐Hf dating
Authors: Hacker B. R. , Kelemen Peter B. , Rioux Matthew , McWilliams Michael O. , Gans Philip B. , Reiners Peter W. , Layer Paul W. , Söderlund Ulf , Vervoort Jeffrey D. 
Published: February 2011

As one of two well‐exposed intraoceanic arcs, the Talkeetna arc of Alaska affords an opportunity to understand processes deep within arcs. This study reports new Lu‐Hf and Sm‐Nd garnet ages, 40Ar/39Ar hornblende, mica and whole‐rock ages, and U‐Th/He zircon and apatite ages from the Chugach Mountains, Talkeetna Mountains, and Alaska Peninsula, which, in conjunction with existing geochronology, constrain the thermal history of the arc. Zircon U‐Pb ages establish the main period of arc magmatism as 202–181 Ma in the Chugach Mountains and 183–153 Ma in the eastern Talkeetna Mountains and Alaska Peninsula. Approximately 184 Ma Lu‐Hf and ∼182 Ma Sm‐Nd garnet ages indicate that 25–35 km deep sections of the arc remained above ∼700°C for as much as 15 Myr. The 40Ar/39Ar hornblende ages are chiefly 194–170 Ma in the Chugach Mountains and 175–150 Ma in the Talkeetna Mountains and Alaska Peninsula but differ from zircon U‐Pb ages in the same samples by as little as 0 Myr and as much as 33 Myr, documenting a spatially variable thermal history. Mica ages have a broader distribution, from ∼180 Ma to 130 Ma, suggesting local cooling and/or reheating. The oldest U‐Th/He zircon ages are ∼137 to 129 Ma, indicating no Cenozoic regional heating above ∼180°C. Although the signal is likely complicated by Cretaceous and Oligocene postarc magmatism, the aggregate thermochronology record indicates that the thermal history of the Talkeetna arc was spatially variable. One‐dimensional finite difference thermal models show that this kind of spatial variability is inherent to intraoceanic arcs with simple construction histories.
Impact of Chlorhexidine Bathing on Hospital-Acquired Infections among General Medical Patients
Authors: Kassakian Steven Z. , Mermel Leonard A. , Jefferson Julie A. , Parenteau Stephen L. , Machan Jason T. 
Published: February 2011

Background.A paucity of data exists regarding the effectiveness of daily Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing in non–intensive care unit (ICU) settings.Objective.To evaluate the effectiveness of daily CHG bathing in a non-ICU setting to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enteroccocus (VRE) hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), compared with daily bathing with soap and water.Design.Quasi-experimental study design; the primary outcome was the composite incidence of MRSA and VRE HAIs. Clostridium difficile HAI incidence was measured as a nonequivalent dependent variable with which to assess potential confounders.Setting.Four general medicine units, with a total of 94 beds, at a 719-bed academic tertiary-care facility in Providence, Rhode Island.Patients.A total of 7,102 and 7,699 adult patients were admitted to the medical service in the control and intervention groups, respectively. Patients admitted from January 1 through December 31, 2008, were bathed daily with soap and water (control group), and those admitted from February 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010, were bathed daily with CHG-impregnated cloths (intervention group).Results.Daily bathing with CHG was associated with a 64% reduced risk of developing the primary outcome, namely, the composite incidence of MRSA and VRE HAIs (hazard ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.2-0.8]; P = .01). There was no change in the incidence of C. difficile HAIs (P = .6). Colonization with MRSA was associated with an increased risk of developing a MRSA HAI (hazard ratio, 8 [95% CI, 3-19]; P < .001).Conclusion.Daily CHG bathing was associated with a reduced HAI risk, using a composite endpoint of MRSA and VRE HAIs, in a general medical inpatient population.
Comparison of the Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Acquisition among Rehabilitation and Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Furuno Jon P. , Shurland Simone M. , Zhan Min , Johnson J. Kristie , Venezia Richard A. , Harris Anthony D. , Roghmann Mary-Claire 
Published: February 2011

Objective.To assess risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquisition among extended care residents focusing on level of care (residential vs rehabilitation) and room placement with an MRSA-positive resident.Design.Prospective cohort study.Setting.Extended care units at 2 healthcare systems in Maryland.Participants.Four hundred forty-three residents with no history of MRSA and negative MRSA surveillance cultures of the anterior nares and areas of skin breakdown at enrollment.Methods.Follow-up cultures were collected every 4 weeks and/or at discharge for a period of 12 weeks. Study data were collected by a research nurse from the medical staff and the electronic medical records. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to calculate adjusted hazards ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results.Residents in rehabilitation care had 4-fold higher risk of MRSA acquisition compared with residents in residential care (hazard ratio [HR], 4. [95% CI, 2.2-8.8]). Being bedbound was significantly associated with MRSA acquisition in both populations (residential care, aHR, 4.3 [95% CI, 1.5-12.2]; rehabilitation care, aHR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.2-18.7]). Having an MRSA-positive roommate was not significantly associated with acquisition in either population (residential care, aHR, 1.4 [95% CI, 0.5-3.9]; rehabilitation care, aHR, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.1-2.2]); based on concordant spa typing, only 2 of 8 residents who acquired MRSA and had room placement with an MRSA-positive resident acquired their MRSA isolate from their roommate.Conclusion.Residents in rehabilitation care appear at higher risk and have different risk factors for MRSA acquisition compared to those in residential care.
Evaluation of Hospital Room Assignment and Acquisition of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Shaughnessy Megan K. , Micielli Renee L. , DePestel Daryl D. , Arndt Jennifer , Strachan Cathy L. , Welch Kathy B. , Chenoweth Carol E. 
Published: February 2011

Background and Objective.Clostridium difficile spores persist in hospital environments for an extended period. We evaluated whether admission to a room previously occupied by a patient with C. difficile infection (CDI) increased the risk of acquiring CDI.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.Medical intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary care hospital.Methods.Patients admitted from January 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, were evaluated for a diagnosis of CDI 48 hours after ICU admission and within 30 days after ICU discharge. Medical, ICU, and pharmacy records were reviewed for other CDI risk factors. Admitted patients who did develop CDI were compared with admitted patients who did not.Results.Among 1,844 patients admitted to the ICU, 134 CDI cases were identified. After exclusions, 1,770 admitted patients remained for analysis. Of the patients who acquired CDI after admission to the ICU, 4.6% had a prior occupant without CDI, whereas 11.0% had a prior occupant with CDI (P = .002). The effect of room on CDI acquisition remained a significant risk factor (P = .008) when Kaplan-Meier curves were used. The prior occupant's CDI status remained significant (P = .01; hazard ratio, 2.35) when controlling for the current patient's age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, exposure to proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotic use.Conclusions.A prior room occupant with CDI is a significant risk factor for CDI acquisition, independent of established CDI risk factors. These findings have implications for room placement and hospital design.