bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Impact of Physician Encoding on Detail and Number of Recorded Diagnoses
Authors: Hasman A. , Prins H. 
Published: March 2010

Summary
Objectives: To improve the recording of diagnostic discharge data, pediatricians encoded diagnostic information as part of discharge letter writing supported by a pediatric list of ICD-9-CM-based codes. We evaluated the effect of this new policy on level of detail and number of recorded diagnoses.
Methods: We compared proportions of specific principal diagnoses and numbers of secondary diagnoses of the four years before with the eight years after introduction.
Results: Immediately after introduction, half of the diagnoses for which both generic and specific codes existed was coded specific. In later years this proportion remained stable at 0.35 (p < 0.05). Diagnoses that fall under the pediatrician’s own subspecialty had more often a specific code than diagnoses that do not. The mean number of secondary diagnoses per admission increased from 0.7 before introduction to 1.4 in the third year after introduction (p < 0.05) but gradually fell back to 0.7. This increase and decrease was mainly due to diagnoses that did not fall under the pediatrician’s own subspecialty. The extra codes in individual discharge summaries had added informational value.
Conclusions: Discharge letter-linked encoding by pediatricians supported by a pediatric list of diseases leads initially to increased detail and number of diagnoses with added informational value. When attention diminishes, especially the level of detail and number of secondary diagnoses that do not fall under one’s own subspecialty decrease. The level of detail of principal diagnoses remains stable because of the advantage for pediatricians of having specific diagnostic codes falling under their own subspecialty.
Short-Term Outcome of Bimanual 23-Gauge Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy for Patients With Complicated Vitreoretinopathies
Authors: Park Kyu Hyung , Woo Se Joon , Hwang Jeong-Min , Kim Jeong Hun , Yu Young Suk , Chung Hum 
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for patients with complicated vitreoretinopathies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twenty-nine eyes of 27 patients that received bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy were prospectively enrolled. Fourteen eyes with diabetic tractional retinal detachment, 13 eyes with complicated rhegmatogeneous retinal detachment (including 3 traumatic retinal detachments), and 2 eyes with massive subretinal hemorrhage received 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy. The visual and anatomical outcomes and the complications were measured.

RESULTS:

Visual acuity improved from 2.15 ± 1.03 to 1.24 ± 1.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) in the complicated diabetic retinopathy group (
P
= .002) and from 2.07 ± 1.17 to 1.09 ± 1.15 LogMAR in the complicated retinal detachment group (
P
= .009). Anatomical success was achieved in 23 of 29 (79.3%) eyes after the first vitrectomy and in 27 of 29 (94.6%) eyes after the final procedure.

CONCLUSION:
The bimanual 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy was feasible and reproducible in patients with complicated vitreoretinal disease. This technique might provide a safe and effective alternative to the standard 20-gauge vitrectomy for severe complicated cases.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:207–214.]
Does Phacoemulsification Affect the Long-Term Success of Non-penetrating Deep Sclerectomy?
Authors: Guedes Ricardo Augusto Paletta , Guedes Vanessa Maria Paletta , Chaoubah Alfredo 
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Phaco non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (PhacoNPDS) is an option to simultaneously treat cataract and glaucoma. The authors assessed tensional success of PhacoNPDS and NPDS up to 3 years of follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A longitudinal consecutive retrospective study was conducted comparing 376 eyes undergoing NPDS (group 1) and 87 eyes undergoing PhacoNPDS (group 2). Success was defined as complete 1 (intraocular pressure [IOP] < 21 mm Hg without medication); complete 2 (at least a 20% reduction of preoperative IOP without medication), and qualified (IOP < 21 mm Hg with or without medication).

RESULTS:

Preoperative IOP and number of medications were 23.7 and 2.7 in group 1 and 23.1 and 2.6 in group 2, respectively. Postoperative IOP (3 years) was 13.1 mm Hg in group 1 and 13.4 mm Hg in group 2 (
P
= .000). Complete 1, complete 2, and qualified success in 3 years were 57.5%, 53.7%, and 94.5% in group 1 and 56.1%, 56.1%, and 100% in group 2, respectively (
P
= .861, .772, and .159). Final number of medications was 0.5 in group 1 and 0.3 in group 2.

CONCLUSION:
PhacoNPDS seems to achieve similar tensional results as NPDS alone up to 3 years of follow-up.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:228–235.]
Distribution of Problems, Medications and Lab Results in Electronic Health Records: The Pareto Principle at Work
Authors: Bates David , Wright Adam 
Published: March 2010

SummaryBackground: Many natural phenomena demonstrate power-law distributions, where very common items predominate. Problems, medications and lab results represent some of the most important data elements in medicine, but their overall distribution has not been reported.Objective: Our objective is to determine whether problems, medications and lab results demonstrate a power law distribution.Methods: Retrospective review of electronic medical record data for 100,000 randomly selected patients seen at least twice in 2006 and 2007 at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and its affiliated medical practices.Results: All three data types exhibited a power law distribution. The 12.5% most frequently used problems account for 80% of all patient problems, the top 11.8% of medications account for 80% of all medication orders and the top 4.5% of lab result types account for all lab results.Conclusion: These three data elements exhibited power law distributions with a small number of common items representing a substantial proportion of all orders and observations, which has implications for electronic health record design.
Effizienzgewinn durch Regionalisierung?
Authors: Huchtemann Dirk 
Published: March 2010

Diffuse deposits of fertilizers and nutrients caused by agriculture constitute a main problem for the maintenance of surface water bodies. A reduction of these deposits cannot be achieved by means of technical solutions, but only through a change in agricultural practice in a river catchment area. To stimulate and support such a change in behaviour should be the aim of a regionally adapted river area management.
In order to minimize the costs that would be caused by the organization of such a river area management, a methodical approach is developed in this work which distributes the competences for political influence efficiently in a river catchment area. Efficiency means in this context that measures for the control of diffuse pollution can be implemented with a possibly low sum of transaction and production costs.
This methodical approach is applied in the catchment area of the river Ems. In this area homogeneous groups of neighbouring municipalities are created with the aid of a geographic information system in which measures for the control or the reduction of diffuse nutrient deposits could be carried out more efficiently than is possible within the counties in which the municipalities are presently united.
Lightweight checkpointing for concurrent ML
Authors: ZIAREK LUKASZ , JAGANNATHAN SURESH 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTransient faults that arise in large-scale software systems can often be repaired by reexecuting the code in which they occur. Ascribing a meaningful semantics for safe reexecution in multithreaded code is not obvious, however. For a thread to reexecute correctly a region of code, it must ensure that all other threads that have witnessed its unwanted effects within that region are also reverted to a meaningful earlier state. If not done properly, data inconsistencies and other undesirable behavior might result. However, automatically determining what constitutes a consistent global checkpoint is not straightforward because thread interactions are a dynamic property of the program. In this paper, we present a safe and efficient checkpointing mechanism for Concurrent ML (CML) that can be used to recover from transient faults. We introduce a new linguistic abstraction, calledstabilizers, that permits the specification of per-thread monitors and the restoration of globally consistent checkpoints. Safe global states are computed through lightweight monitoring of communication events among threads (e.g., message-passing operations or updates to shared variables). We present a formal characterization of its design, and provide a detailed description of its implementation within MLton, a whole-program optimizing compiler for Standard ML. Our experimental results on microbenchmarks as well as several realistic, multithreaded, server-style CML applications, including a web server and a windowing toolkit, show that the overheads to use stabilizers are small, and lead us to conclude that they are a viable mechanism for defining safe checkpoints in concurrent functional programs.
Increased levels ofNε-(carboxymethyl)lysine in epithelial lining fluid from peripheral airways in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroshi , Kodama Toyoki , Asai Kazuhisa , Matsumura Saeko , Hirata Kazuto 
Published: March 2010

It has been reported that small airway inflammation is closely associated with the severity of airflow limitation in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We tested a new method of measurement of biochemical constituents in ELF (epithelial lining fluid) obtained separately from the central or peripheral airways using a bronchoscopic microsampling technique. The present study was designed to determine the validity of measuring CML [Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine] levels in ELF for the assessment of small airway inflammation in COPD. Ten non-smokers, ten current smokers and 16 COPD patients were included in the present study. Concentrations of CML, 8-isoprostane and IL-8 (interleukin-8) were measured in ELF separately from the central or peripheral airways. CML levels in central airways did not differ significantly, but were markedly higher in peripheral than in central airways in the three groups. However, CML levels in peripheral airways of COPD patients were significantly higher than those in non-smokers and current smokers. In COPD patients, the CML level in peripheral airways was significantly correlated with FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) (r=−0.82, P=0.002) and FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) (r=−0.57, P=0.03). Moreover, CML levels in peripheral airways were significantly correlated with levels of both 8-isoprostane (r=0.76, P=0.003) and IL-8 (r=0.67, P=0.01). In conclusion, these findings suggest that elevated levels of CML in ELF from peripheral airways were observed in COPD patients, and this parameter was correlated with the severity of airflow limitation.
Going from where to why—interpretable prediction of protein subcellular localization
Authors: Briesemeister Sebastian , Rahnenführer Jörg , Kohlbacher Oliver 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Protein subcellular localization is pivotal in understanding a protein's function. Computational prediction of subcellular localization has become a viable alternative to experimental approaches. While current machine learning-based methods yield good prediction accuracy, most of them suffer from two key problems: lack of interpretability and dealing with multiple locations.
Results: We present YLoc, a novel method for predicting protein subcellular localization that addresses these issues. Due to its simple architecture, YLoc can identify the relevant features of a protein sequence contributing to its subcellular localization, e.g. localization signals or motifs relevant to protein sorting. We present several example applications where YLoc identifies the sequence features responsible for protein localization, and thus reveals not only to which location a protein is transported to, but also why it is transported there. YLoc also provides a confidence estimate for the prediction. Thus, the user can decide what level of error is acceptable for a prediction. Due to a probabilistic approach and the use of several thousands of dual-targeted proteins, YLoc is able to predict multiple locations per protein. YLoc was benchmarked using several independent datasets for protein subcellular localization and performs on par with other state-of-the-art predictors. Disregarding low-confidence predictions, YLoc can achieve prediction accuracies of over 90%. Moreover, we show that YLoc is able to reliably predict multiple locations and outperforms the best predictors in this area.
Availability: www.multiloc.org/YLoc
Contact: briese@informatik.uni-tuebingen.de
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Single Oral Dose of Azithromycin Versus 5 Days of Oral Erythromycin or No Antibiotic in Treatment of Campylobacter Enterocolitis in Children: A Prospective Randomized Assessor‐Blind Study
Authors: Vukelic Dalibor , Trkulja Vladimir , Salkovic‐Petrisic Melita 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate efficacy of a single oral azithromycin dose versus standard oral erythromycin regimen or no antibiotic for Campylobacter enterocolitis in children younger than or equal to 12 years of age.Patients and Methods:Randomized parallel group assessor‐blind trial testing for inequality in efficacy between treatments was done. Patients (N = 120) were enrolled at less than or equal to 48 hours since disease onset to receive erythromycin 50 mg kg−1 day−1 for 5 days, single‐dose azithromycin 20 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg, or no antibiotic (no treatment control) (1: 1: 1: 1). Antibiotics were commenced 8 to 10 hours after enrollment. Patients were assessed at 24‐hour intervals for 6 days.Results:In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, Campylobacter eradication was achieved in 20 of 30 controls and in all of the patients treated with antibiotic. Incidence of clinical cure during the observed period was 15 of 30 in the control, 14 of 30 in the erythromycin, 20 of 30 in the lower, and 25 of 30 in the higher azithromycin dose group. With adjustment for age, sex, baseline disease severity, and disease duration before enrollment, only azithromycin 30 mg/kg was superior to no treatment: incidence ratio (IR) 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.87). It was also superior to erythromycin (IR 1.80, 97.5% CI 1.13–2.84). Regarding time to clinical cure, only azithromycin 30 mg/kg was superior to no treatment (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 4.90, 95% CI 2.44–9.84). It was also superior to erythromycin (HR 4.17, 97.5% CI 1.91–9.09). All treatments were well tolerated.Conclusions:The administration of single oral dose of azithromycin 30 mg/kg early after disease onset effectively eradicates the pathogen and accelerates clinical cure in childhood Campylobacter enterocolitis. It is clinically superior to an early commenced 5‐day erythromycin regimen, which apparently conveys no clinically relevant benefit over no antibiotic treatment.
A Qualitative Study of the Quality of Life of Children Receiving Intravenous Nutrition at Home
Authors: Emedo Marylyn‐Jane , Godfrey Emma I , Hill Susan M 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives:To discover the views of children with severe intestinal failure treated with intravenous nutrition from early life and who remained heavily dependent on treatment throughout childhood.Methods:Seven children ages 7 to 17 years (mean 13 years) were interviewed. The diagnoses were enteropathy in 3, extreme short gut in 1, complex (associated mucosal inflammation and dysmotitlity) in 2, and intestinal pseudo‐obstruction in 1. They were treated with intravenous nutrition overnight at home that was administered by trained parents using the simplest possible system. The children were individually questioned about their lifestyle and health. Transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.Results:Children coped well with life with intravenous nutrition (apart from septicaemia in 2 cases), but were troubled when complications of the underlying disease persisted (eg, nocturnal disturbance, stool frequency, abdominal pain). Children were aware that life was restricted (eg, fewer sleepovers with friends, fewer late nights out). There was a high level of family functioning. Older children wished to take care of themselves. The burdens of life with intravenous nutrition appear to be less significant for these children than living with the effects of chronic illness. There was resilience and acceptance in the face of illness‐related demands.Conclusions:This study has found that despite the problems they may face, it is possible for children fed intravenously at home to develop a level of resilience, maintain a positive outlook, and cope well with illness‐related demands even when they have had virtually lifelong severe intestinal failure. Families can continue to function well.
Oral Beclomethasone Dipropionate in Pediatric Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Comparison Trial With Mesalazine
Authors: Romano Claudio , Famiani Annalisa , Comito Donatella , Rossi Paolo , Raffa Vanessa , Fries Walter 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTObjective:The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral beclomethasone diproprionate (BDP) in inducing clinical and endoscopic remission in children with mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC).Patients and Methods:Thirty patients with active UC (pancolitis or left‐sided colitis) were enrolled in an open‐labeled, randomized, head‐to‐head study. Group 1 (n = 15) received oral BDP (5 mg/day) for 8 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy with oral mesalazine, 5‐aminosalycilate (5‐ASA); group 2 (n = 15) received oral 5‐ASA (80 mg · kg−1 · day−1). Assessments were carried out (at 4, 8, and 12 weeks) for clinical scores and for endoscopy (at 12 weeks), together with a final clinical assessment after 1 year follow‐up.Results:Patients treated with BDP showed a significant reduced clinical activity within 4 weeks (P < 0.001 vs pretreatment values) with 80% achieving clinical remission compared with 33% treated with only 5‐ASA (P < 0.025). A significant reduction in clinical activity was achieved by 5‐ASA after 8 weeks. Comparing clinical activity between BDP and 5‐ASA, the former did significantly better at 8 (P < 0.003) and at 12 weeks (P < 0.015). In 73% of BDP‐treated patients colonoscopy showed remission compared with 27% of 5‐ASA (P < 0.025). Both treatments led to better scores compared with pretreatment values (P < 0.001, both). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was significantly reduced (P < 0.025 or less) with both treatments, whereas C‐reactive protein dropped significantly (P < 0.02) only in BDP.Conclusions:Oral BDP was well tolerated and acts significantly faster and more effectively than 5‐ASA in inducing clinical remission and endoscopic improvement in pediatric mild‐to‐moderate UC.
Congenital Diarrheal Disorders: Improved Understanding of Gene Defects Is Leading to Advances in Intestinal Physiology and Clinical Management
Authors: Berni Canani Roberto , Terrin Gianluca , Cardillo Giuseppe , Tomaiuolo Rossella , Castaldo Giuseppe 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTCongenital diarrheal disorders (CDD, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM] 251850) represent one of the most challenging clinical conditions for pediatric gastroenterologists because of the severity of the clinical picture and the broad range of disorders in its differential diagnosis. The number of conditions included within CDD has gradually increased. Recent advances made in the pathophysiology of these conditions have led to a better understanding of the more common diarrheal diseases. Based on the body of data accumulated in recent years, we suggest that CDD be classified in 4 categories depending on the alteration in absorption and transport of nutrients and electrolytes, enterocyte differentiation and polarization, enteroendocrine cell differentiation, and modulation of the intestinal immune response. Our knowledge of the genes responsible for CDD is also rapidly increasing, thanks to linkage studies based on genome‐wide analysis of polymorphisms. In this context, the identification of disease genes is a step forward in the diagnostic approach to a patient in whom CDD is strongly suspected. However, it is conceivable that faster, less expensive molecular procedures will, in the near future, become available. This approach could spare the patient invasive procedures and limit complications associated with a delay in diagnosis. Furthermore, carrier and prenatal molecular diagnosis may help pediatricians better manage the condition in the early stages of life.
SCIENCE QUESTIONS: April, 1935
Authors: Jones Franklin T. 
Published: March 2010

Please send copies of Tests and Examinations to Franklin T. Jones, 10109 Wilbur Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.Send your most interesting question in Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Physics, Join the GQRA (Guild Question Raisers & Answers). Have your class answer or propose a problem or question.Please, check Mr. Reade's answer and Mr. Hoilman's comments with the solution Mr. Hebl gives to his own problem.
PROBLEM DEPARTMENT
Authors: Jamison G. H. 
Published: March 2010

This department aims to provide problems of varying degrees of difficulty which will interest anyone engaged in the study of mathematics.All readers are invited to propose problems and to solve problems here proposed. Drawings to illustrate the problems should be well done in India ink. Problems and solutions will be credited to their authors. Each solution, or proposed problem, sent to the Editor should have the author's name introducing the problem or solution as on the following pages.The Editor of the department desires to serve its readers by making it interesting and helpful to them. Address suggestions and problems to G. H. Jamison, State Teachers College, Kirksville, Missouri.