bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost analysis of myasthenia gravis from a large U.S. insurance database
Authors: Guptill Jeffrey T. , Marano Alexander , Krueger Andrew , Sanders Donald B. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIntroduction:Little is known about the costs of managing rare diseases, and comprehensive healthcare costs have not been reported for myasthenia gravis (MG). We evaluated the direct costs and healthcare resource utilization in insured MG patients.Methods:Costs were obtained from 1288 patients diagnosed with MG who were identified from the Accordant Health Services nationwide medical and pharmacy claims database.Results:Average annual medical/pharmacy claims costs per patient were: $6710/$1196 (age 0–19 years); $17,949/$19,573 (20–39 years); $15,112/$12,498 (40–64 years); and $12,597/$8,089 (65+ years). Total annual MG‐related pharmacy costs were $9.4 million; IVIg accounted for 85% of all MG‐related pharmacy costs. Non‐steroidal immunosuppressives, cholinesterase inhibitors, and corticosteroids accounted for 9.3%, 5.7%, and 0.2% of pharmacy costs, respectively.Conclusions:Costs related to the treatment of MG are higher than those of many other chronic neurological diseases. A large percentage of costs result from IVIg use, particularly among a subset of patients who receive frequent IVIg infusions. Muscle Nerve 2011
Prediction of the sawing quality of Marmarit stones using the capability of artificial neural network
Authors: Samani Hassan Yarmohamadi , Bafghi Ali Reza Yarahmadi 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYThe sawing rate is one of the most significant and effective parameters in extracting building stones via diamond wire sawing. This parameter designates the capability of diamond wire sawing for sawing different stones; in addition, the parameter gives rise to economical considerations for quarry designers. In this study, the existent relations between stone geotechnical parameters and the sawing rate of stones via diamond wire sawing were analyzed using regression and correlation coefficient as well as the collected data from Marmarit stone quarries. Moreover, we estimated the sawing rate of Marmarit using the dimensional stone rock mass rating (DSRMR); upon comparison of the data obtained from DSRMR our pre‐collected data on quarries, we did not gain satisfactory results from DSRMR, hence we used artificial neural network (ANN). The results showed that the percentage of Silica, the coefficient of water absorption, the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), and abrasive hardness are the proper parameters for creating the ANN. Discontinuities have the least effects possible on diamond wire sawing. Having given the training possibility of the ANN, and its ability to evaluate relations among input parameters, the ANN, which was being trained with Marmarit's traits, was an accurate network for estimating diamond wire sawing in Marmarit quarries, although it could not generalize this network for other stones such as Chini and Crystal. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new conduction phenomenon observed in polyethylene and epoxy resin: Ultra‐fast soliton conduction
Authors: Montanari G. C. , Fabiani D. , Dissado L. A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA new conduction mechanism in polyethylene and epoxy resin is presented and discussed in this article. This mechanism is based on the presence of charge pulses that can be seen as solitons (solitary waves) crossing dielectrics with mobility 4–5 orders of magnitude larger than that of conventional charge carriers. The nature of this new process that is characterized by charge pulses with such high mobility requires a completely different mechanism for transport to be theorized with respect to that, mediated by trap sites, of conventional charge carriers. It is speculated in this article that injection and transport of positive and negative solitons occurs through the coupling of space charge and relaxation processes involving molecular chains, but of different nature for negative or positive solitons. Observation of space charge shows the existence of such solitons for at least two families of materials, polyethylene, and epoxy resin. In addition, it has been observed that nanostructuration, which is able to modify mechanical properties, affects also the presence and size of the solitons. In this article, we not only seek to demonstrate the existence of this new phenomenon, but attempt to provide an explanation and a kind of qualitative–quantitative model, which shows that the assumption of a pulsive conduction mechanism mediated by chain relaxation processes, transport in free volume (for negative solitons), and reverse‐tunneling between macromolecular chains (positive solitons) seems to fit quite well with the experimental observations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Warming Blanket Head Drapes and Trapped Anesthetic Gases: Understanding the Fire Risk
Authors: Chapp Katie , Lange Linda 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPolyethylene warming blanket head drapes are widely used to help surgical patients maintain normothermia. The OR quality management team at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, designed a quality improvement project using an intubation mannequin to determine whether a head drape used on an intubated patient would enhance the risk of ignition in the presence of an undetected anesthesia system gas leak. The team revealed several significant factors, including higher oxygen flow rate, the presence and application of the head drape, and not using the warming blanket blower, in the accumulation of oxidizers. Considerations for the surgical team when using the head drape include cutting a fenestration in the drape around the endotracheal tube or otherwise venting the drape, using the blanket blower, and having the anesthesia care provider frequently lift the head drape, thus minimizing the accumulation of trapped gases.
Transformational Leadership: Implications for Nursing Leaders in Facilities Seeking Magnet Designation
Authors: Schwartz Diane Brady , Spencer Tammy , Wilson Brigitte , Wood Kim 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA perioperative nurse leader's ability to effect positive change and inspire others to higher levels of achievement is related to his or her leadership style in the practice setting and the leadership style that is present across the organization. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet™ designation and redesignation process requires the demonstration of transformational leadership as one of the components of excellence. Transformational leadership can increase nurses' job satisfaction and commitment to the organization and organizational culture. Engaging staff members in the transition to transformational leadership and developing a common mission, vision, and goals are keys to success in the surgical setting. Bass's four interrelated leadership components—idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration—and associated behaviors were used by surgical services leaders in an East Coast, two‐hospital system to successfully achieve redesignation as a Magnet facility.
Perioperative Pharmacology: Blood Coagulation Modifiers
Authors: Hicks Rodney W. , Wanzer Linda J. , Goeckner BradLee 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBlood coagulation is the process that results in the formation of a blood clot to stop bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. Various pharmacologic agents can affect the coagulation process. The American College of Chest Physicians' evidence‐based practice guidelines for perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy provide guidance for anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy and bridge therapy. Perioperative nurses must understand the pharmacologic principles of the most common blood coagulation modifiers related to perioperative use. The perioperative nurse's responsibilities regarding administration of blood coagulation modifiers include reviewing the patient's pertinent laboratory results (eg, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio), recognizing the underlying conditions that require blood coagulation therapy, and documenting all pertinent information. Perioperative nurses also should participate in development of detailed storage and retrieval policies related to heparin.
Aufwachsen unter Frauen – Sozialisation von Jungen und gesundheitliche Aspekte
Authors: Börner Patrick , Hensel Thomas 
Published: June 2011

Einleitung
Dieser Artikel eröffnet einen aus praktischer Erfahrung begründeten Blick auf die Gesundheit von Jungen und deren Sozialisation in weiblich geprägten Sozialisationsinstanzen. Anhand von Praxisbeschreibungen über sozialisationstheoretische Zugänge sowie Auszüge des gegenwärtigen wissenschaftlichen Diskurses zu Jungengesundheit werden Fragen bzw. Thesen abgeleitet, die in der Gesundheitsforschung zukünftig Jungengesundheit im Zusammenhang mit Jungensozialisation eingehender in den Blick nehmen.
Baseline Severity of Upper Limb Hemiparesis Influences the Outcome of Low‐Frequency rTMS Combined With Intensive Occupational Therapy in Patients Who Have Had a Stroke
Authors: Kakuda Wataru , Abo Masahiro , Kobayashi Kazushige , Takagishi Toshimitsu , Momosaki Ryo , Yokoi Aki , Fukuda Akiko , Ito Hiroshi , Tominaga Ayumi 
Published: June 2011

ObjectiveTo clarify whether the efficacy of combined low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intensive occupational therapy (OT) depends on baseline severity of upper limb hemiparesis after stroke.DesignRetrospective comparative study.SettingDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine at a university hospital.SubjectsFifty‐two patients who had sustained a stroke and had upper limb hemiparesis (age: 57 ± 13 years; time after onset: 50 ± 33 months). Based on the Brunnstrom stage for hand‐fingers at admission, patients were divided into a Stage 3 group (n = 13), a Stage 4 group (n = 20), and a Stage 5 group (n = 19).InterventionsDuring a 15‐day hospitalization, each patient underwent 22 sessions of 20‐minute low‐frequency rTMS that was applied to the non‐lesional hemisphere and 120 minutes of intensive OT (one‐on‐one training and self‐training).Main outcome measuresMotor function of the affected upper limb was evaluated with the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) on the days of admission and discharge. WMFT performance time data were log‐transformed.ResultsThe Fugl‐Meyer Assessment score increased significantly in all patients (from 40.2 ± 12.2 to 43.4 ± 11.8 points, P < .001), but the score increase was significantly larger in the Stage 4 group than in the other two groups (2.1 ± 2.3 points in the Stage 3 group, 5.1 ± 2.9 points in the Stage 4 group, and 2.3 ± 1.8 points in the Stage 5 group, all P < .05). Similarly, the WMFT performance time decreased significantly in all patients (from 3.27 ± 0.90 to 2.96 ± 1.10, P < .001), but the difference in the extent of the decrease was significant between Stage 3 and Stage 4 groups and between Stage 3 and Stage 5 groups (0.04 ± 0.07 in the Stage 3 group, 0.41 ± 0.29 in the Stage 4 group, and 0.35 ± 0.31 in the Stage 5 group, all P < .01).ConclusionsOur 15‐day protocol of low‐frequency rTMS and intensive OT is potentially promising in improving motor function of the affected upper limb. The extent of motor improvement by the intervention seemed to be influenced by the severity of upper limb hemiparesis at study entry.
A New Functional Outcome Assessment Tool for Military Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Pilot Validation Study
Authors: Roberts Andrew J. , Franklyn‐Miller Andrew D. , Etherington John 
Published: June 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the construct and concurrent validity of a new occupational military outcome measure (the Functional Activity Assessment [FAA]).DesignA validation study.SettingBritish Defence rehabilitation facilities.ParticipantsA total of 141 service personnel who attended a musculoskeletal injury assessment clinic.MethodologyThe association among the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), Physical Workload Questionnaire, and the FAA was examined. Agreement and correlation with an actual medical category also was examined.Main Outcome MeasuresFAA, SF‐36 and Physical Workload Questionnaire scores.ResultsThe FAA was significantly correlated with heavy physical workload and all SF‐36 subscale and component scores, in line with predictions. The regression model retained 3 variables that accounted for 49% of the variation in FAA, most of which was accounted for by the role‐physical subscale score of the SF‐36. The FAA was well correlated with actual medical category.ConclusionsThe FAA is a valid measure of physical health in relation to physical workload.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates the apoptosis of highly metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer cells induced by isothiocyanates
Authors: Yan Huiqin , Zhu Yu , Liu Boning , Wu Heng , Li Yongwen , Wu Xiang , Zhou Qinghua , Xu Ke 
Published: June 2011

Dietary isothiocyanates have been shown to possess anti-tumour activity, inhibiting several types of cultured human cancer cell growth. However, there are limited studies on their effects on cancer cell metastasis. Our previous study showed that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) suppressed human lung cancer cell metastasis potential. In the present study, we found BITC (7·5 and 10 μm) and PEITC (12·5 and 20 μm) induced highly metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer L9981 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Caspase-3 was activated. They also caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, via modulation of cyclin B1 expression. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway was involved. c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p38 were activated in a dose-dependent manner; activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcriptional activation and cyclin D1 expression were repressed. Apoptosis and MAPK activation were abrogated by anti-oxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), suggesting that cell death signalling was triggered by oxidative stress. Further microarray analysis evaluated the potential targeted genes related to apoptosis and the cell cycle. Our studies suggested that BITC and PEITC suppressed the metastasis potential of highly metastatic lung cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, via targeting the MAPK/AP-1 pathway. This may provide a novel approach for metastasis therapy of lung cancer by dietary isothiocyanates and possibly other types of cancer.
The Low Road to Basic Income? Tax-Benefit Integration in the UK
Authors: JORDAN BILL 
Published: June 2011

AbstractReform of the tax-benefit system is on the political agenda in the UK, following the election of a coalition government in May 2010. The proposals for a partial integration of the two systems, set out by the Centre for Social Justice in 2009, and endorsed by the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, have some features of a basic income scheme. This article explores some of the common origins of the basic income principle and the ideas informing the ‘Big Society’, and examines how both traditions opposed the social insurance approach to income maintenance. It asks whether this new reform initiative will discredit basic income, or usher in the principle by the back door.
Atrial septal defect repair by inversion of a juxtaposed left atrial appendage
Authors: Andersen Nicholas D. , Pal Jay D. , Lodge Andrew J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA 7-year-old child was noted to have dextrojuxtaposition of the left atrial appendage at the time of surgical atrial septal defect repair. Given the favourable anatomic location and size of the atrial appendage, it was inverted and used to close the atrial defect. This is the first report of atrial septal defect repair using a juxtaposed atrial appendage. The cardiac anatomy and theoretical benefits of this repair are discussed.
Dietary patterns and breast-feeding in Australian children
Authors: Grieger Jessica A , Scott Jane , Cobiac Lynne 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the dietary patterns of a national sample of 2–8-year-old Australian children and to establish whether breast-feeding is associated with dietary patterns in this age group.DesignCross-sectional study using 24 h recall data from the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.SettingAustralia.SubjectsA total of 2287 children aged 2–8 years.ResultsPrincipal component factor analysis identified three distinct patterns. The ‘Non-core food groups’ pattern included food groups such as whole-fat dairy products, cheese, medium–high sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals and sweet biscuits, no fruit, reduced/low-fat dairy products and wholegrain bread/rolls. The ‘Healthy, meat and vegetable’ pattern included vegetables, red meat, fruit and wholegrain bread/rolls and was inversely associated with take-away foods and carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages. The ‘Combination’ pattern contained many food groups including candy (not chocolate based), pasta/rice products, nuts/seeds, cakes and chocolate, but no fruit or vegetables. Of the 2287 children, 2064 (89·3 %) had been breast-fed. A positive association was found between breast-feeding and the healthy, meat and vegetable pattern (r= 0·267) but not with the other two patterns. Higher scores on this pattern were also associated with younger age, lower BMI, higher birth weight, high likelihood of being in the less-disadvantaged Socio-economic Indexes for Areas category and less likelihood of the child's parents having a lower educational level.ConclusionsThese results provide suggestive evidence that breast-feeding during infancy is associated with a healthy dietary pattern in childhood and offers a likely pathway to explain the previously reported association between breast-feeding and chronic disease.
The impact of prenatal vitamin A and zinc supplementation on growth of children up to 2 years of age in rural Java, Indonesia
Authors: Prawirohartono Endy P , Nyström Lennarth , Ivarsson Anneli , Stenlund Hans , Lind Torbjörn 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether prenatal vitamin A and/or Zn supplementation affects postnatal growth.DesignFollow-up of a randomized controlled trial monitoring growth in children from birth up to 24 months of age.SettingCentral Java, Indonesia.SubjectsChildren (n343) of mothers participating in a double-blinded, randomized controlled study of vitamin A and/or Zn supplementation during pregnancy. We report the effects of prenatal supplementation on infant growth, measured as weight-for-ageZ-scores (WAZ), height-for-ageZ-scores (HAZ) and weight-for-heightZ-scores (WHZ ), from 0 to 24 months, as well as differences in growth faltering among the supplementation groups.ResultsFor HAZ, the absolute differences between the vitamin A-only and vitamin A + Zn groups at 3 and 9 months were 0·34sdand 0·37sd, respectively, and the absolute difference between the vitamin A-only and Zn-only groups at 18 months was 0·31sd. Compared with placebo, none of the supplements affected growth. Defining growth faltering as a downward crossing of two or more major percentile lines, 50–75 % of the children were found to be growth faltering within 9 months of age, whereas 17 % and 8 % scored <−2sdfor WAZ and HAZ, respectively. Prenatal supplementation did not reduce the prevalence of growth faltering.ConclusionsPrenatal vitamin A supplementation had a small but significant effect on postnatal growth of children's length until 18 months of age compared with supplementation with either vitamin A + Zn or Zn alone, but not compared with placebo. It had no effects on other anthropometric measures and did not reduce the prevalence of growth faltering. Future studies should duplicate these findings before recommendations can be made.
Beverage intake patterns of Canadian children and adolescents
Authors: Danyliw Adrienne D , Vatanparast Hassanali , Nikpartow Nooshin , Whiting Susan J 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveLittle is known of the beverage intake patterns of Canadian children or of characteristics within these patterns. The objective was to determine beverage intake patterns among Canadian children and compare intakes of fourteen types of beverages, along with intakes of vitamin C and Ca, and sociodemographic factors across clusters.DesignDietary information was collected using one 24 h recall. Sociodemographic data were collected by interview. Cluster analysis was used to determine beverage intake patterns. Pearson's χ2 and 95 % CI were used to test differences across clusters.SettingData from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2·2.SubjectsChildren aged 2–18 years with plausible energy intake and complete sociodemographic data (n 10 038) were grouped into the following categories: 2–5-year-old boys and girls, 6–11-year-old girls, 6–11-year-old boys, 12–18-year-old girls and 12–18-year-old boys.ResultsFive beverage clusters emerged for children aged 2–5 years, six clusters for children aged 6–11 years (both sexes) and four clusters for those aged 12–18 years (both sexes). Sweetened beverage clusters appeared in all age–sex groups. Intakes of sweetened beverages ranged from 553 to 1059 g/d and contributed between 2 % and 18 % of total energy intake. Girls 6–11 years of age in the ‘soft drink’ cluster had lower Ca intake compared with other clusters in that age–sex group. Age and ethnicity differed across clusters for most age–sex groups. Differences for household food security status and income were found; however, no pattern emerged.ConclusionsPatterns in beverage intake among Canadian children include beverages that are predominantly sugar sweetened. Public health nutrition professionals can use knowledge about beverage patterns among children, as well as the characteristics of these groups, in the development of nutritional programmes and policies.
A pilot study of a telephone-based parental intervention to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in 3–5-year-old children
Authors: Wyse Rebecca , Wolfenden Luke , Campbell Elizabeth , Campbell Karen , Brennan Leah , Fletcher Amanda , Bowman Jenny , Heard Todd , Wiggers John 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the potential efficacy of a brief telephone-based parental intervention in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged 3–5 years and to examine the feasibility of intervention delivery and acceptability to parents.DesignA pre–post study design with no comparison group. Telephone surveys were conducted approximately 1 week before and following intervention delivery.SettingParticipants were recruited through pre-schools in the Hunter region, New South Wales, Australia.SubjectsThirty-four parents of 3–5-year-olds received four 30-min interventional telephone calls over 4 weeks administered by trained telephone interviewers. The scripted support calls focused on fruit and vegetable availability and accessibility within the home, parental role modelling of fruit and vegetable consumption and on implementing supportive family eating routines.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the frequency and variety of fruit and vegetable consumption increased (P= 0·027), as measured by a subscale of the children's dietary questionnaire. The intervention was feasible to be delivered to parents, as all participants who started the intervention completed all four calls, and all aspects of the interventional calls, including the number, length, content, format and relevance, were considered acceptable by more than 90 % of parents.ConclusionsA brief telephone-based parental intervention to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption in pre-school-aged children may be effective, feasible and acceptable. Further investigation is warranted in a randomised controlled trial.