bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision Model of Segmental Compared With Total Abdominal Colectomy for Colon Cancer in Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Maeda Takafumi , Cannom Rebecca R. , Beart Robert W. , Etzioni David A. 
Published: February 2010

Purpose In choosing the appropriate surgical option for patients with colon cancer and Lynch syndrome, goals of treatment are to maximize life expectancy while preserving quality of life. This study constructs a decision model that encompasses these two related considerations. Methods We constructed a state-transition (Markov) model based on assumptions obtained from available data sources and published literature. Two strategies were considered for the treatment of colon cancer in a patient with Lynch syndrome: segmental colectomy (SEG) and total abdominal colectomy (TAC) with ileorectal anastomosis. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated based on utility states for patients based on the colectomy they received. Multiple sensitivity analyses were planned to examine the impact of each assumption on model results. Results For young (30-year-old) patients with Lynch syndrome, mean survival was slightly better with TAC than with SEG (34.8 v 35.5 years). When QALYs were considered, the two strategies were approximately equivalent, with QALYs per patient of 21.5 for SEG and 21.2 for TAC. With advancing age, SEG becomes a more favorable strategy. Results of our model were most sensitive to the utility state of TAC (relative to SEG), rates of metachronous occurrence, and stage of cancer at the time of such occurrence. Conclusion SEG and TAC are approximately equivalent strategies for patients with colon cancer and Lynch syndrome. The decision regarding which operation is preferable should be made on the basis of patient factors and preferences, with special emphasis on age and the ability of the patient to utilize intensive surveillance.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: February 2010

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books. The authors or editors of books we review in this issue are Enrique Alba, Bernabé Dorronsoro, Massimiliano Caramia, Paolo Dell'Olmo, Gerald J. Hahn, and Necip Doganaksoy.
Implementation of a Symptom-Triggered Benzodiazepine Protocol for Alcohol Withdrawal in Family Medicine Inpatients
Authors: See Sharon , Nosal Sarah , Barr Wendy Brooks , Schiller Robert 
Published: February 2010

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to review the implementation of symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy and evaluate the feasibility and outcomes as compared with a previous hospital standard of fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol for alcohol withdrawal on a family medicine service. Methods This retrospective chart review of 46 patients' medical records was performed on admissions to the family medicine service occurring between February and October of 2005 compared with February and October of 2006. Included in the study were adults who were suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS), who admitted to heavy daily alcohol intake, who were intoxicated on admission, and who had a history of AWS and/or history of AWS-related seizures. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised (CIWA-Ar) was used to evaluate the impact of individualized symptom-triggered therapy on outcome measurements utilizing symptom-triggered benzodiazepine therapy compared with the previous hospital standard using a fixed-dose phenobarbital protocol. Results One hundred percent of the patients in the phenobarbital group required drug compared with 38% in the benzodiazepine group ( P < 0.001). Fewer patients (9.5%) in the benzodiazepine group left the hospital against medical advice (AMA), while 36% of patients in the phenobarbital group left AMA ( P = 0.045). There was no significant difference in length of stay or the number of days on the protocol. Conclusion The results of the pilot study demonstrated that symptom-triggered therapy using benzodiazepines resulted in better outcomes than fixed-dosing phenobarbital. Importantly, most patients in the benzodiazepine group required no drug administration.
Leaf reddening in seagrasses
Authors: Novak Alyssa B. , Short Frederick T. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Leaf reddening is well documented in terrestrial angiosperms, but has rarely been reported in seagrasses. In a survey of the world's six seagrass bioregions, we documented leaf reddening in 12 seagrass species from intertidal and shallow subtidal waters at 25 locations in the tropical Atlantic and tropical Indo-Pacific Oceans. Including additional observations of seagrasses with reddened leaves from Australia, the phenomenon is now documented in 15 seagrass species at 29 locations worldwide. Similar to terrestrial angiosperms, leaf reddening in seagrasses may relate to enhanced production of anthocyanins after exposure to one or more stressors.
The Effect of Recombination on the Reconstruction of Ancestral Sequences
Authors: Arenas Miguel , Posada David 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWhile a variety of methods exist to reconstruct ancestral sequences, all of them assume that a single phylogeny underlies all the positions in the alignment and therefore that recombination has not taken place. Using computer simulations we show that recombination can severely bias ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR), and quantify this effect. If recombination is ignored, the ancestral sequences recovered can be quite distinct from the grand most recent common ancestor (GMRCA) of the sample and better resemble the concatenate of partial most recent common ancestors (MRCAs) at each recombination fragment. When independent phylogenetic trees are assumed for the different recombinant segments, the estimation of the fragment MRCAs improves significantly. Importantly, we show that recombination can change the biological predictions derived from ASRs carried out with real data. Given that recombination is widespread on nuclear genes and in particular in RNA viruses and some bacteria, the reconstruction of ancestral sequences in these cases should consider the potential impact of recombination and ideally be carried out using approaches that accommodate recombination.
Patterns of Neutral Genetic Variation on Recombining Sex Chromosomes
Authors: Kirkpatrick Mark , Guerrero Rafael F , Scarpino Samuel V 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMany animals and plants have sex chromosomes that recombine over much of their length. Here we develop coalescent models for neutral sites on these chromosomes. The emphasis is on expected coalescence times (proportional to the expected amount of neutral genetic polymorphism), but we also derive some results for linkage disequilibria between neutral sites. We analyze the standard neutral model, a model with polymorphic Y chromosomes under balancing selection, and the invasion of a neo-Y chromosome. The results may be useful for testing hypotheses regarding how new sex chromosomes originate and how selection acts upon them.
Effective Educational Instruction in Preventive Oral Health: Hands-on Training Versus Web-Based Training
Authors: Talib Nasreen , Onikul Robin , Filardi Delsie , Simon Stephen , Sharma Vidya 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the effect of Web-based training (WBT) on resident knowledge of preventive oral health and compare the addition of hands-on training (HOT) to WBT on resident skills, confidence opinions, and practice.

METHODS:
Pediatric residents participated in a WBT on preventive oral health. After the WBT, subjects were randomly assigned to receive HOT by a dentist (WBT + HOT) or WBT alone. All subjects were assessed on knowledge by a pretest/posttest questionnaire and assessed on skills in the performance of an oral examination by direct observation. Residents' confidence regarding oral health counseling and their opinions about the importance of the incorporation of oral health into the well-child visit were measured by surveys that used a Likert scale. Residents' change in practice was assessed by a retrospective chart audit.

RESULTS:
Fifty-six residents were included in the analysis (WBT + HOT: 29; WBT: 27). Resident knowledge improved after the WBT from 69% to 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9%–15%). Overall skills improved in the WBT + HOT group participants compared with those in the WBT group (87% vs 73%; difference: 14% [95% CI: 1.2%–26.6%]). Seventy-nine percent of participants in the WBT + HOT group compared with 44% of those in the WBT provided follow-up instructions (relative risk: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.35–0.89]). Resident opinions regarding incorporating preventive oral health into the well-child visit decreased by 33% in the WBT + HOT group compared with 11% in the WBT group (95% CI: 2%–43%). There were no significant differences in confidence regarding preventive oral health and practice between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
Both instructional methods resulted in increases in knowledge, efficacy, and practice of preventive oral health. The addition of hands-on training by a dental provider increased the overall skills of oral examination, but this increase was largely a result of the provision of follow-up instruction.
National Profile of Nonemergent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Ben-Isaac Eyal , Schrager Sheree M. , Keefer Matthew , Chen Alex Y. 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Emergency department (ED) crowding prevents the efficient and effective use of health services and compromises quality. Patients who use the ED for nonemergent health concerns may unnecessarily crowd ED services. In this article we describe characteristics of pediatric patients in the United States who use EDs for nonemergent visits.

METHODS:
We analyzed data from the 2002–2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey is conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and consists of a nationally representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Our study sample consisted of 5512 person-years of observation. We included only ED visits for children from birth to 17 years of age with a specified International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code. The main dependent variable for our multivariate logistic model was nonemergent ED use, which was constructed by using the New York University ED-classification algorithm. Independent variables were derived from Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization.

RESULTS:
We found that from 2002 to 2005, a nationally representative sample of US children from birth to 17 years of age used EDs for various nonemergent or primary care–treatable diagnoses. Overall, children from higher-income families had higher ED expenditures than children from lower-income families. Children with private insurance had higher total ED expenditures than publicly insured or uninsured children, but uninsured children had the highest out-of-pocket expenditures. We found that children from birth to 2 years of age were less likely to use the ED for nonemergent diagnoses (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13; P &lt; .01) compared with older children. Non-Hispanic black children were also less likely to use the ED for nonemergent diagnoses (OR: 0.40; P = .03) than were non-Hispanic white children.

CONCLUSION:
Children's sociodemographic characteristics were predictors of nonemergent use of ED services.
Barriers to the Adoption and Implementation of Preventive Dental Services in Primary Medical Care
Authors: Close Kelly , Rozier R. Gary , Zeldin Leslie P. , Gilbert Allison R. 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the barriers to adopting preventive oral health procedures in medical primary care.

METHODS:
Medical providers who participated in a Medicaid demonstration in North Carolina completed questionnaires reporting their experiences with providing preventive dental services for children from birth to 3 years of age. Eleven factors were established as possible obstacles to the adoption of an oral health program. After 12 months of participation in the Into the Mouths of Babes training program, providers (N = 231) from 49 pediatric practices and 28 family physician practices reported if any of the 11 factors had been an obstacle to adoption and, if so, whether these obstacles were overcome. Program adoption and implementation, defined as providing all of the services on a regular basis, were predicted by using logistic regression to analyze the responses from providers who reported 1 or more barriers, the number of barriers identified (knowledge, attitudes, and external factors), and the number that were overcome.

RESULTS:
Program-adoption rates were high, with 70.3% of the participants providing dental services on a routine basis. Attitude and external factors were positively associated with adoption, particularly with difficulty in applying the varnish, integration of the dental procedures into practice, resistance among staff and colleagues, and dentist referral difficulties. From 40.4% to 61.5% of providers overcame these 4 most common barriers. Those who reported external barriers and were unable to overcome them were less likely to provide the services, compared with those providers who reported no barriers (odds ratio: 0.08 [95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.44]).

CONCLUSIONS:
The number of barriers to adopting preventive dental procedures in primary care medical practices is associated with implementation. A large proportion of these barriers can be overcome, leading to high adoption rates in a short amount of time. The barriers to adoption are similar to those identified in the literature on changing patient care, with the unique aspects of fluoride application to teeth. Interventions to promote preventive dental care in medical settings should rely heavily on empirical literature. Training physicians in preventive dentistry should identify and target potential barriers with information and options for introducing office-based systems to improve the chances of adoption.
Incidence and Trends of Pediatric Ovarian Torsion Hospitalizations in the United States, 2000–2006
Authors: Guthrie Bridgette D. , Adler Mark D. , Powell Elizabeth C. 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:
There is significant variation in the literature regarding the characteristics that are associated with pediatric ovarian torsion and its management. National data regarding the demographics and management of pediatric ovarian torsion are lacking. Our objective was to describe the epidemiology of pediatric ovarian torsion and the rate of oophorectomy by using nationally representative data. Demographic factors and hospital characteristics that are associated with rates of oophorectomy were also explored.

METHODS:
This was a cohort analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 2000, 2003, and 2006. All females aged 1 to 20 years who were hospitalized with ovarian torsion in states participating in KID 2000, KID 2003, and KID 2006 representing 900, 1224, and 1232 ovarian torsion-related hospitalizations, respectively, were included. Primary outcome measures included the incidence of ovarian torsion and rate of associated oophorectomy. Multivariable regression was used to control for patient and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS:
Among females aged 1 to 20 years, there were 1232 cases of ovarian torsion in KID 2006, an estimated incidence of 4.9 per 100000. A total of 713 (58%) were treated with oophorectomy. The rate of ovarian torsion–associated oophorectomy remained unchanged from 2000 to 2006. The adjusted odds of having an oophorectomy decreased by 0.95 for every increasing year of age. Residing in a lower quartile of household income by zip code increased the adjusted odds of oophorectomy. A diagnosis of benign neoplasm increased the adjusted odds of oophorectomy by 2.16. Fewer than 0.5% of ovarian torsion hospitalizations were associated with malignant neoplasm.

CONCLUSIONS:
Nationally representative hospital data indicate that ovarian torsion is uncommon but occurs in all ages and is typically associated with normal ovaries or benign lesions. Improved awareness of the epidemiology may help to guide management. Ongoing analysis to identify factors that are associated with successful conservative management is warranted.
Thru Tubing Installation of Gravel Pack Completion Solves Long Term Sanding Problem in Offshore Indonesia Well
Authors: Murphy Robert , Overman John Richard , Harjo Lasmono 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A major operator’s well in the Offshore North West Java area of Indonesia was completed as a gas lift installation, but it has had a lengthy history of severe sanding problems from each of 4 separate producing zones. A recent well test produced a rate of 135 BOPD however frequent sand clean out jobs (a total of 4 in the last 5 years) using coiled tubing (CT) together with choke up strategy have been needed to maintain production. The well has low rate marginal reserves, which cannot economically justify re-completion with conventional gravel pack techniques and so, in reviewing the alternatives available to permanently correct the problem, it was decided to install a gravel pack (GP) completion thru tubing using CT techniques.
In January 2008 the well was killed, the wellbore was cleaned out with CT, the zones were re-perforated and injectivity tests performed to establish suitable rates for pumping of GP sand. A bottomhole assembly was then run that consisted of a retrievable packer, a frac valve to provide access to the annulus below the tubing and GP screens with centralizers/spacers to place them across the zones. The whole assembly was run on a hydraulic setting tool with CT and the packer was set in the 2-7/8" tubing tailpipe placing the sand screens at each of the four perforated intervals. Some 10,000lbs of sand were then pumped into the tubing and out into the GP/Casing annulus by way of the frac valve until screen out pressure was reached. The CT was then rerun to clean out the sand down to the frac valve following which the frac valve plug was pulled to open the GP completion for production.
In this paper the authors will discuss the sanding problem and the various alternative solutions considered. They will go on to describe in detail the GP installation operation, the subsequent results where the objectives of sand free production were successfully achieved and their implication for remediating other wells with similar problems.
Deepwater Directional Drilling in Soft Formations: Lessons Learned in West Africa Applied to Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Prieto Olga , Symons Graeme , Pardo Nesny 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Post-well analysis of data acquired during a major operator’s field development in West Africa led to best practices and recommendations for wells that require high buildup rates at shallow depths. This paper describes the successful application of these lessons learned to deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
At shallow depths in deepwater environments around the world, geological sediments are very soft and unconsolidated, making kickoff and buildup operations challenging.
In soft formations, achieving a consistent dogleg severity with mud motors is a common operation and is successfully proven around the world.
However, rotary steerable systems (RSSs) are now recognized as the preferred technology for some deepwater applications. Four years ago, the first attempts to build angle with large-size RSS in soft formations showed erratic results. Comprehensive analyses and tests were conducted to define the optimum bottomhole assembly (BHA) design, hydraulics, wellbore trajectory and directional drilling practices. Subsequently, implementing the lessons learned and best practices developed as a result of this study resulted in consistent success achieving the required well objectives.
This paper discusses how these lessons learned and best practices from West Africa were applied to extended reach drilling (ERD) required to penetrate shallow reservoirs in deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
This paper also discusses the various reasons why it is critical to achieve the required build rates in ERD wells and consequences of failing to do so.
Design Methodology and Operational Practices Eliminate Differential Sticking
Authors: Dupriest Fred E. , Elks William C. , Ottesen Steinar 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses a successful initiative begun six years ago to eliminate differential sticking across global operations. In the five year period from 2004 through 2008, there were only 3 differential sticking events in 3,476 wells drilled with the recommended practices. There were an additional 17 sticking events with designs that did not conform to recommended practices, and 14 of these were freed. The drilling environment was diverse. Overbalances in excess of 1,000 to 2,000 psi were common in multi-darcy rock and high angle, and depleted reservoirs have been drilled with overbalance as high as 7,800 psi in vertical wells.The early focus of the Stuck Pipe Avoidance practices was the elimination of differential sticking. However, some level of sticking occurs routinely in drilling operations and these events only become problematic if the force required to initiate pipe movement exceeds what can be delivered to the stuck point. It is now accepted that sticking cannot be prevented and that elimination of sticking is not a proper design objective. The philosophical objective has now shifted from elimination of sticking to "maintaining conditions that allow the pipe to be pulled free," assuming that it will become differentially stuck. The desire to maintain this ability to move the pipe has required the implementation of a range of practices, some of which were not common in the industry.Changes were made in bottomhole assembly (BHA) design, fluid design, real-time cake shear strength recognition, and real-time cake remediation practices. A finite element (FE) model was also applied to redesign new systems or applications that lie outside the operator's previous experience. The stochastic model predicts cake growth and sticking force and the probability that it will be possible to deliver a force that can free the pipe for any given still-pipe time. The model inputs were calibrated through pullout tests with a variety of fluids to determine mechanical cake strength properties, the rate at which those properties develop, changes in the pressure transient through the cake as it matures, and the cake contact areas and geometry at any point in time.Engineering and operations training also contributed greatly and allowed relatively uniform implementation to be achieved across a large, globally diverse operation in less than one year. A small number of non-compliant designs continued to be used and these contributed greatly to the incidence of stuck pipe in the first three years. Last year, there was only one incident of stuck pipe with a non-compliant design.The paper describes the underlying sticking concepts, the engineering design and field practices used, the modeling capability, and the field results.