bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Filtering for the best policy: An economic evaluation of policy options for kidney replacement coverage in the Philippines
Authors: Bayani Diana Beatriz S. , Almirol Bernadette Joy Q. , Uy Geovin Dexter C. , Taneo Mary Joy S. , Danguilan Romina S. , Arakama Mel‐Hatra I. , Lamban Arlene B. , de Leon Donnah , Pamugas Glenda Eleanor P. , Luz Alia Cynthia , Teerawatananon Yot 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimKidney failure patients in the Philippines have free choice on their kidney replacement therapy (KRT), with a majority choosing haemodialysis (HD) over peritoneal dialysis (PD) and transplantation despite the inadequate coverage of HD. Although national health insurance coverage is limited, KRT remains to be one of the top benefits pay‐outs in the country. The study aims to identify the most cost‐effective policy strategy for financing KRT in the Philippines, in the context of a universal healthcare policy.MethodsA Markov model was developed to estimate and compare the costs and benefits of different policy options with the comparator being partial HD coverage. Direct medical, non‐medical and indirect costs were measured, while outcomes were reported through quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Parameters were derived from the kidney disease registry, hospital statistics from a tertiary hospital and a patient survey.ResultsThe results of the cost‐effectiveness analysis showed that shifting to a PD‐First policy provides better value‐for‐money with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 570 029 Philippine Pesos (PHP) per QALY gained, compared with the ICER of the PD‐First combined with pre‐emptive transplant option of 577 989 PHP per QALY gained. Expanding existing HD coverage to 156 sessions was the least cost‐effective policy (1 522 437 PHP per QALY gained).ConclusionGovernment should consider shifting to a PD‐First strategy and support policies that promote kidney transplants among existing PD and HD patients. This study also highlights the need for proper evaluation of partial coverage policies to ensure that government investments represent good value‐for‐money and patients receive optimal care.
Glucocorticoid effects on bone strength in children with renal diseases
Authors: Aoyagi Jun , Kanai Takahiro , Ito Takane , Odaka Jun , Saito Takashi , Betsui Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masanori , Maru Tomomi , Yamagata Takanori 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimGlucocorticoids (GC) are essential medicines for idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome (ISSNS) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN), with good clinical results. However, they cause bone fragility. The aim of this study was to elucidate GC effects on bone strength assessed as bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, using bone turnover markers (BTM), in children with ISSNS or IgAN.MethodsEleven children with ISSNS and 13 with IgAN were included. All the patients received GC treatment according to each protocol. The BMD and BTM—serum alkaline phosphatase (S‐ALP), tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (S‐TRACP‐5b), and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (S‐ucOC)—were measured from the initiation of steroid treatment (STx) to the end of STx in both groups.ResultsIn ISSNS, S‐ALP and S‐ucOC levels were decreased significantly at 1 month. BMD and S‐TRACP‐5b levels showed no significant change through this observation period. In IgAN, BMD and S‐ALP levels were decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months, respectively, and recovered to baseline at 10 months after the initiation of GC dosage reduction. S‐TRACP‐5b levels were decreased significantly at 3 months and remained lower than at baseline through the observation period. In both groups, S‐ucOC levels did not directly reflect bone strength.ConclusionThis study clarified the following three points regarding GC effects on bone strength in children with ISSNS or IgAN: first, S‐ALP is a more sensitive bone quality marker than S‐TRACP‐5b; second, BMD loss was observed only when both S‐ALP and S‐TRACP‐5b levels decreased, and third, S‐ucOC levels do not directly reflect bone strength.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance mineralisation of organic phosphorus by carrying bacteria along their extraradical hyphae
Authors: Jiang Feiyan , Zhang Lin , Zhou Jiachao , George Timothy S. , Feng Gu 
Published: November 2020

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi gain access to nutrient patches outside the rhizosphere by producing an extensive network of fine hyphae. Here, we focused on establishing the mechanism by which AM fungal hyphae reach discrete organic patches with a cohort of functional bacteria transported in a biofilm on their surface.

We investigated the mechanisms and impact of the translocation of phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) along AM fungal hyphae in bespoke microcosms. An in vitro culture experiment was also conducted to determine the direct impact of hyphal exudates of AM fungi upon the growth of PSB.

The extraradical hyphae of AM fungi can transport PSB to organic phosphorus (P) patches and enhance organic P mineralisation both under in vitro culture and soil conditions. Bacteria move in a thick water film formed around fungal hyphae. However, the bacteria cannot be transferred to the organic P patch without an energy source in the form of hyphal exudates.

Our results could be harnessed to better manage plant–microbe interactions and improve the ability of biological inocula involving AM fungi and bacteria to enhance the sustainability of agricultural crops in P limited conditions.
Rapid reversal of heart failure by correcting left bundle branch block induced by transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zhang Jiefang , Yu Feicheng , Wang Bei , Fu Guosheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) induced pathological damage in cardiac conduction system leads to symptomatic bradycardia and electric dyssynchrony such as left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with an increased risk for heart failure. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has emerged as an alternative method for delivering physiological pacing to achieve electrical synchrony of the left ventricle. We report a case of heart failure patient with new onset LBBB (NO‐LBBB) induced by TAVR, LBBP corrected the NO‐LBBB and reversed the heart function with stable capture and correction threshold.
Determinants of Domestic Risk Prevention Behavior: The Importance of Separating Effects Within‐Persons and Between‐Persons
Authors: Jansen Patty C.P. , Snijders Chris C.P. , Willemsen Martijn C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe effects of vulnerability, severity, costs, effort, and effectiveness on prevention behavior, derived from protection motivation theory and the health belief model, have been extensively tested in the literature and have all been shown to predict rather well. In this study we test the effects of these determinants in a new context: the domestic risk prevention domain. The specific behaviors under study are related to the risks of burglary, fire, and water damage. In addition to previous studies, our multilevel research design allows us to evaluate which differences in the performance of domestic prevention behavior can be attributed to differences between persons and which to differences between behaviors within persons. Our results show that all determinants are relevant predictors for domestic risk prevention behavior. Disentangling the within‐person and between‐person effects shows that prevention behavior depends more on the relative evaluation of the prevention behavior determinants for a given person (e.g., a person perceives a smoke alarm to be more effective than antiburglar strips), than on the differences between persons regarding the general perception of these determinants (e.g., some persons find prevention behaviors in general more effective than other persons). To increase the performance of domestic risk prevention behaviors, we advise that interventions should focus on increasing a person's perception of risks and prevention behaviors relative to other risks and prevention behaviors rather than focusing on changing people's general perceptions of all risks and behaviors or focusing on specific target groups.
Outsmarting your parents: Being a first‐generation learner in developing countries
Authors: Portela María José Ogando , Atherton Paul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe use data from the Young Lives surveys, in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam, to highlight an underappreciated phenomenon—that a substantial proportion of students in developing countries are the first in their families to go to school. We term these students first‐generation learners (FGLs). We both propose a simple “static” definition of FGL status—where a child’s parents have no education attainment—and utilize the panel dynamics of the Young Lives data set to look at a “dynamic” definition—where the child, in any given round of data collection, is enrolled at a level which his or her parents did not reach. We show descriptive statistics on the scale of this problem across the four countries. We find strong, consistent patterns of relative educational deprivation for FGLs. We tentatively explore the pathways through which FGL status may affect outcomes and find possible explanations through an inability to support with homework and lower aspirations. We look at how becoming an FGL affects the probability of being in school using child fixed‐effects estimations and find it increases the vulnerability of children to drop out.
Teaching as Social Influence: Empowering Teachers to Become Agents of Social Change
Authors: Butera Fabrizio , Batruch Anatolia , Autin Frédérique , Mugny Gabriel , Quiamzade Alain , Pulfrey Caroline 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTeachers carry out a number of roles in the educational system. Their primary role is to help all students develop knowledge and skills, but, most of the time, they take on the role of gatekeepers: They evaluate students and exercise selection on the basis of performance. We analyze the roles of teachers through the lens of the literature on social influence and put forward the proposal that teaching is a form of social influence. We review existing research on the mechanisms that explain the differential effects teachers may have on students’ learning, students’ prospects, and, therefore, educational justice. We conclude that if teachers endorse the role of mentors—instead of that of gatekeepers—focusing on the development of their students’ knowledge, they can promote deep study, long‐term learning, and equality of treatment. Such an approach could help design teacher training and school reform so as to maximize the learning potential of all students and empower teachers to become active agents of profound individual and social change.
Markups of Chinese exporters: Export discount and product choice
Authors: Yang Xuebing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEconomists find that exporters usually have higher markups than non‐exporters. Our work, however, shows that Chinese exporters have lower markups than non‐exporters in China. The result is economically and statistically significant. We argue that Chinese exporters have lower markups because they tend to produce products that usually have low markups. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis that China has a comparative advantage in low‐markup products.
The more you search, the more you find: Cryptic diversity and admixture within the Anatolian rock lizards (Squamata, Darevskia)
Authors: Rato Catarina , Stratakis Manos , Sousa‐Guedes Diana , Sillero Neftali , Corti Claudia , Freitas Susana , Harris D. James , Carretero Miguel A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAnatolia is characterized by a complex topological structure and a wide diversity of climatic regions. This geological context has been crucial during the evolution of the rock lizard genus Darevskia, promoting the origin of several species within this group of lizards. Our study focuses on the evolutionary history of the rudis species complex, comprised by Darevskia rudis, D. valentini and D. portschinskii, distributed across Anatolia and the Caucasus, with overlapping ranges. Previous studies have suggested the existence of ancient gene flow between these taxa, which, allied with poor sampling, led to weakly resolved phylogenies and mismatching topologies. Here, we employ two mitochondrial (cytb and ND4) and two nuclear (MC1R and C‐mos) DNA fragments, coupled with ecological niche modelling and a significant representation of the species’ wide distribution range to further assess relationships. The specimens identified either as Darevskia rudis or as D. valentini appear as paraphyletic and substructured into four clades, which started to differentiate during the lower Pleistocene (around 1.3 Mya). We also differentiate genetically the recently described Darevskia bithynica and identify the Kizil River valley as a strong vicariant candidate to explain the origin of this species by allopatric speciation. Moreover, the eastern Black Sea Mountains seem to have played an important role as glacial refugium for several populations of D. rudis. Overall, the present study confirms the circum‐Black Sea as a potential Pleistocene refuge and supports the refugia‐within‐refugia hypothesis with the finding of several geographically coherent evolutionary units in the region.
Female Athletes in Retirement: A Test of a Psychosocial Model of Bulimic Symptomatology
Authors: Barrett Stephanie L. , Petrie Trent A. 
Published: November 2020

Although researchers have examined eating disorders in female athletes, few such studies have been done with athletes who are retired, and even fewer have been quantitative. Thus, the authors empirically tested an established eating disorder theoretical model with 218 former NCAA Division-I female collegiate athletes who had been retired for 2–6 years. In retirement, participants completed measures of general sociocultural pressures related to body and appearance, thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, negative affect, and bulimic symptomatology. Through structural equation modeling, the authors examined the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables while controlling for body mass index and years since retirement. The model fit the data well, supporting the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among the variables and explaining 54% of the variance in bulimic symptomatology. Despite no longer being exposed to sport pressures that contribute to eating disorders, female athletes experience such symptoms long into retirement.
Development and validation of a prediction model for invasive bacterial infections in febrile children at European Emergency Departments: MOFICHE, a prospective observational study
Authors: Hagedoorn Nienke N , Borensztajn Dorine , Nijman Ruud Gerard , Nieboer Daan , Herberg Jethro Adam , Balode Anda , von Both Ulrich , Carrol Enitan , Eleftheriou Irini , Emonts Marieke , van der Flier Michiel , de Groot Ronald , Kohlmaier Benno , Lim Emma , Maconochie Ian , Martinón-Torres Federico , Pokorn Marko , Strle Franc , Tsolia Maria , Zavadska Dace , Zenz Werner , Levin Michael , Vermont Clementien , Moll Henriette A 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesTo develop and cross-validate a multivariable clinical prediction model to identify invasive bacterial infections (IBI) and to identify patient groups who might benefit from new biomarkers.DesignProspective observational study.Setting12 emergency departments (EDs) in 8 European countries.PatientsFebrile children aged 0–18 years.Main outcome measuresIBI, defined as bacteraemia, meningitis and bone/joint infection. We derived and cross-validated a model for IBI using variables from the Feverkidstool (clinical symptoms, C reactive protein), neurological signs, non-blanching rash and comorbidity. We assessed discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve) and diagnostic performance at different risk thresholds for IBI: sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive likelihood ratios (LRs).ResultsOf 16 268 patients, 135 (0.8%) had an IBI. The discriminative ability of the model was 0.84 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.88) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.82) in pooled cross-validations. The model performed well for the rule-out threshold of 0.1% (sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.99), negative LR 0.1 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.2) and for the rule-in threshold of 2.0% (specificity 0.94 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.95), positive LR 8.4 (95% CI 6.9 to 10.0)). The intermediate thresholds of 0.1%–2.0% performed poorly (ranges: sensitivity 0.59–0.93, negative LR 0.14–0.57, specificity 0.52–0.88, positive LR 1.9–4.8) and comprised 9784 patients (60%).ConclusionsThe rule-out threshold of this model has potential to reduce antibiotic treatment while the rule-in threshold could be used to target treatment in febrile children at the ED. In more than half of patients at intermediate risk, sensitive biomarkers could improve identification of IBI and potentially reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Young people’s advisory groups in health research: scoping review and mapping of practices
Authors: Sellars Elise , Pavarini Gabriela , Michelson Daniel , Creswell Cathy , Fazel Mina 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundYoung people’s advisory groups (YPAGs) for research are comprised of children or adolescents who work with researchers to shape different stages of the research process. Their involvement is expected to ensure studies better reflect the preferences and needs of targeted youth populations. However, despite their increasing use in health research, there is little systematic evidence on the methods and impacts associated with YPAGs.MethodTo address this gap, we conducted a scoping review of YPAGs in youth-focused health studies. We systematically searched MEDLINE for empirical studies in populations between 12 years and 18 years of age published in 2019. If a potential YPAG was identified, authors were contacted for additional information about the activities and level of involvement of the YPAG.FindingsOf all studies that collected primary data from persons aged 12–18 years, only 21 studies reported using youth advice during their research. This represents less than 1% of all published empirical child and adolescent studies. There was variation in the type of research activity undertaken by YPAGs and their level of involvement. Most studies involved YPAGs in co-production of research design and/or in dissemination activities. The majority of authors that responded were positive about the impact of YPAGs.InterpretationRecommendations for consistent reporting of YPAG involvement in empirical studies include reporting on the match between YPAG and study populations, frequency/format of meetings, and the nature and level of involvement.
Influence of age on small incision lenticule extraction outcomes
Authors: Primavera Laura , Canto-Cerdan Mario , Alio Jorge L , Alio del Barrio Jorge L 
Published: November 2020

PurposeTo evaluate the influence of patient’s age at the time of surgery on small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) refractive outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective, consecutive, comparative study. We compared the refractive outcomes after myopic SMILE from two groups of patients divided by age (patients ≤35 and ≥40 years old). All eyes were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures were differences on efficacy, safety, predictability and astigmatic changes by vector analysis with ASSORT software between both study groups.Results102 matched eyes of 53 patients were included. Preoperatively, we evidenced no differences in the mean SE or astigmatism between groups. However, 6 months postoperatively we observed a significantly worse mean astigmatism (p=0.019), while not regarding SE, in the older population, with a trend towards undercorrection of the refractive cylinder in the ≥40 group. We also observed a statistically significant difference in the efficacy (0.86–1 month and 0.97–6 months in ≥40group vs 0.97–1 month and 1.07–6 months in the ≤35 group; p=0.003) and safety indexes (0.93–1 month and 1.04–6 months in ≥40 group vs 1.0–1 month and 1.11–6 months in the ≤35 group; p=0.008) at 6 months among groups.ConclusionsPost-SMILE refractive outcomes in those patients over 40 years of age, although acceptable, are not as good as those obtained in younger patients, showing a significantly lower efficacy and safety indexes, and poorer astigmatic outcomes, with a tendency towards undercorrection. We hypothetise that the increased corneal stroma stiffness in the aged group modifies the post-SMILE corneal stroma remodelling capacity, thus affecting the SMILE refractive and visual response.
Sphingomyelin synthase 1 mediates hepatocyte pyroptosis to trigger non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Koh Eun Hee , Yoon Ji Eun , Ko Myoung Seok , Leem Jaechan , Yun Ji-Young , Hong Chung Hwan , Cho Yun Kyung , Lee Seung Eun , Jang Jung Eun , Baek Ji Yeon , Yoo Hyun Ju , Kim Su Jung , Sung Chang Ohk , Lim Joon Seo , Jeong Won-Il , Back Sung Hoon , Baek In-Jeoung , Torres Sandra , Solsona-Vilarrasa Estel , Conde de la Rosa Laura , Garcia-Ruiz Carmen , Feldstein Ariel E , Fernandez-Checa Jose C , Lee Ki-Up 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveLipotoxic hepatocyte injury is a primary event in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but the mechanisms of lipotoxicity are not fully defined. Sphingolipids and free cholesterol (FC) mediate hepatocyte injury, but their link in NASH has not been explored. We examined the role of free cholesterol and sphingomyelin synthases (SMSs) that generate sphingomyelin (SM) and diacylglycerol (DAG) in hepatocyte pyroptosis, a specific form of programmed cell death associated with inflammasome activation, and NASH.DesignWild-type C57BL/6J mice were fed a high fat and high cholesterol diet (HFHCD) to induce NASH. Hepatic SMS1 and SMS2 expressions were examined in various mouse models including HFHCD-fed mice and patients with NASH. Pyroptosis was estimated by the generation of the gasdermin-D N-terminal fragment. NASH susceptibility and pyroptosis were examined following knockdown of SMS1, protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), or the NLR family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4).ResultsHFHCD increased the hepatic levels of SM and DAG while decreasing the level of phosphatidylcholine. Hepatic expression of Sms1 but not Sms2 was higher in mouse models and patients with NASH. FC in hepatocytes induced Sms1 expression, and Sms1 knockdown prevented HFHCD-induced NASH. DAG produced by SMS1 activated PKCδ and NLRC4 inflammasome to induce hepatocyte pyroptosis. Depletion of Nlrc4 prevented hepatocyte pyroptosis and the development of NASH. Conditioned media from pyroptotic hepatocytes activated the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome (NLRP3) in Kupffer cells, but Nlrp3 knockout mice were not protected against HFHCD-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis.ConclusionSMS1 mediates hepatocyte pyroptosis through a novel DAG-PKCδ-NLRC4 axis and holds promise as a therapeutic target for NASH.