bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the usefulness of a tool for appraising the quality of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT)
Authors: Hong Quan Nha , Gonzalez‐Reyes Araceli , Pluye Pierre 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesSystematic reviews combining qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods studies are increasingly popular because of their potential for addressing complex interventions and phenomena, specifically for assessing and improving clinical practice. A major challenge encountered with this type of review is the appraisal of the quality of individual studies given the heterogeneity of the study designs. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was developed to help overcome this challenge. The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of the MMAT by seeking the views and experiences of researchers who have used it.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews with MMAT users. A purposeful sample was drawn from the researchers who had previously contacted the developer of the MMAT, and those who have published a systematic review for which they had used the MMAT. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by 2 coders using thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty participants from 8 countries were interviewed. Thirteen themes were identified and grouped into the 2 dimensions of usefulness, ie, utility and usability. The themes related to utility concerned the coverage, completeness, flexibility, and other utilities of the tool. Those regarding usability were related to the learnability, efficiency, satisfaction, and errors that could be made due to difficulties understanding or selecting the items to appraise.ConclusionsOn the basis of the results of this study, we make several recommendations for improving the MMAT. This will contribute to greater usefulness of the MMAT.
On the issue of choosing psychodiagnostic methods of measuring and scoring of cognitive deficit in case of schizophrenia
Authors: Isaeva Elena Rudolfovna , Lebedeva Gulfya Gadilevna , Simon Yulia Alexandrovna 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe article is dedicated to the search of more accurate psychodiagnostic methods and methods of evaluation that can help to define the degree of manifestation of cognitive deficiency among patients suffering from various schizophrenic disorders. The notions of cognitive deficiency and cognitive profile are analysed; we understand them as the correlation between intact and damaged components of cognitive processes and their diagrammatic representation. The authors prove that it is essential to provide a detailed scale of cognitive deficiencies detectable in case of schizophrenic disorders and to design universal algorithms that could translate the results of traditional content analysis of cognitive disorders into quantitative indicators. The article is based on the authors' experiments. We examined 128 patients, among whom 76 were suffering from paranoid schizophrenia (F20 according to ICD) and 52 were suffering from schizotypal disorder (F21 according to ICD).MethodIn evaluation of cognitive deficiency, we used both traditional methods devised in Russia and foreign tests that are seldom used by medical psychologists in their daily practice. We have analysed the difference in doing the cognitive tests between the groups of patients with different forms of schizophrenia and also suffering from it for different periods (up to 5 y and more than 5 y).ResultsOn the basis of the quantitative indicators, a cognitive profile of each particular illness was compiled. As a result, we have defined different varieties of cognitive deficiency depending on the symptoms and dynamics of the disease.ConclusionThe authors have provided a detailed description of the structure and dynamics of the cognitive deficiency in case of different forms of schizophrenia and compiled cognitive profiles based on those data.
Clinical judgement in precision medicine
Authors: Tonelli Mark R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPrecision medicine, which aims to individualize care based upon the unique combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle features in particular patients, will require an evolution in clinical decision making. Practitioners of precision medicine will need to utilize an expanded body of medical knowledge derived from a wide variety of sources. Clinical judgement in the case‐based reasoning necessary for individualizing care will involve understanding and utilizing methodological approaches not commonly invoked in medicine, including mechanistic and qualitative research results. Instead of searching for an answer in the published literature, precision medicine demands clinical judgement that finds the reasons for clinical decisions within, not without, the patient.
Cost‐effectiveness of a chronic disease management model for cirrhosis: Analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wigg Alan J , Chin Jong K , Muller Kate R , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Woodman Richard J , Kaambwa Billingsley 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsIn this follow‐up study to a randomized controlled trial of a chronic disease management (CDM) model in cirrhosis, our aim was to assess the relative cost‐effectiveness of this model compared with usual care during the 12‐month study period, using incremental costs per death avoided as the primary outcome.MethodsMean differences in hospitalization costs, deaths avoided, and change in Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) total scores were presented with 95% non‐parametric bootstrapped confidence intervals. Results were also presented using a cost‐effectiveness plane (CEP) and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curve.ResultsThe CDM intervention was more expensive, by 18 521 AUD per participant, but more effective (% of deaths at 12 months: 10% vs 15% and 0.67 units increase per patient in CLDQ total scores). The resultant incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were 370 425 AUD per death avoided (95% confidence interval: −14 564 AUD to 2 059 373 AUD) and 27 547 AUD per unit improvement in the CLDQ total score (95% CI: 7455 AUD to 143 874 AUD). The CEPs demonstrated some uncertainty around cost‐effectiveness. The cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves demonstrated that at willingness to pay values of 400 000 AUD per additional death avoided and 40 000 AUD per unit improvement in the CLDQ, there was at least a 70% probability of CDM being more cost‐effective than usual care. At 24 months, CDM was much more effective (12% less deaths but now also cheaper by 985 AUD per patient).ConclusionsThe analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial suggests that the CDM intervention used is likely to be cost‐effective, relative to usual care, due to fewer patient deaths.
Recent Progress in Assessment of Resource Efficiency and Environmental Impacts Embodied in Trade: An Introduction to this Special Issue
Authors: Tukker Arnold , Giljum Stefan , Wood Richard 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis paper serves as an introduction to this special issue on the use of multiregional input‐output modeling in assessments of natural resource use and resource use efficiency. Due to globalization, growth in trade has outpaced growth in global gross domestic product (GDP). As a consequence, impacts of consumption of a country increasingly take place abroad. Various methods have been developed to perform so‐called footprint analyses. We argue that global multiregional input‐output (GMRIO) analysis has the largest potential to provide a consistent accounting framework to calculate a variety of different footprint indicators. The state of the art in GMRIO has, however, various shortcomings, such as limited sector and regional detail and incomplete extensions. The work presented in this special issue addresses a number of such problems and how to possibly overcome them, focusing on the construction of a new GMRIO database (EXIOBASE V3). This database includes long time series in both current and constant prices, a high level of product and sector detail, a physical representation of the world economy, and allows analyzing which footprints out of the many possible indicators provide most information for policy making. Various options for empirical analyses are presented in this special issue. Finally, we analyze how GMRIOs can be further standardized and gradually moved from the scientific to the official statistical domain.
United States Model Midwifery Legislation and Regulation: Development of a Consensus Document
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Myers‐Ciecko Jo Anne , Carr Katherine Camacho , Breedlove Ginger , Bailey Tanya , Farrell Marinah V. , Lawlor Mary , Darragh Ida 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionMidwifery is defined and regulated across all 50 United States. However, states’ regulations vary markedly, creating confusion for policy makers and consumers, and can limit services to women. In 2011, the International Confederation of Midwives released Global Standards for Midwifery Education, Regulation, and Association, providing guidance for international midwifery for the first time. US organizations representing midwifery education, regulation, and professional associations (US MERA) agreed to work together on common goals.MethodsThe purpose of this modified Delphi study, conducted by US MERA, was to develop a consensus document on principles of model US midwifery legislation and regulation. Expert panelists (N = 51) across maternal and child health care professions and consumer groups participated over several iterative rounds.ResultsThe final document establishes guiding principles for US midwifery regulation, including regulatory authority, education, qualifications, regulation, registration and licensure, standards of practice and conduct, complaints, and third‐party payment for services.DiscussionAs more US states recognize and license midwives of all credentials and in every practice setting, we can envision a time when equity, informed choice, safety, and seamless access to quality midwifery care will be the right of every birthing family.
Vitamin D levels in acne vulgaris patients treated with oral isotretinoin
Authors: El‐Hamd Mohammed Abu , El Taieb Moustafa A , Ibrahim Hassan M , Aly Sanaa S 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackground/ObjectivesAcne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disease. Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in many inflammatory skin diseases. It may play a role in pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. This study aimed to assess serum levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D in patients with acne vulgaris before and after treatment with isotretinoin and its relation with acne vulgaris severity.MethodsNinety patients with acne vulgaris and 60 age‐sex matched healthy subject as controls have been recruited in this study. Patients were treated with 0.75 mg/kg/d isotretinoin for 3 months. Serum level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D has been measured at baseline and after treatment.ResultsSerum levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D were significantly higher in patients with acne vulgaris than healthy controls (P = .001). There was a significant inverse relation between level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D and severity of acne vulgaris before treatment (P = .001). Serum levels of 25 hydroxy vitamin D were significantly increased after isotretinoin treatment in patients with acne vulgaris (P = .001).ConclusionThis study concluded that vitamin D may play a potential role in pathogenesis of acne vulgaris or acne vulgaris may have a negative effect on vitamin D synthesis. Further studies are needed to confirm these potential relations.
Paths to Democracy and Authoritarianism in Europe before World War One
Authors: Bilinski Adam 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article offers a novel explanation of why some European democracies survived while others collapsed in pre‐WWII Europe, describing historical paths which ended with establishment of either self‐sustainable democracies or non‐democratic regimes in the interwar period. The historical path to self‐sustaining democracy began with the emergence, in the nineteenth century, of constitutional monarchies with executive power responsible to the monarch and freely elected legislatures. Such polities, without exception, became self‐sustaining democracies unless the transition was achieved through regime discontinuity (as in Germany in 1918). An intermediate stage in this historical process consisted of development, in some countries, of competitive oligarchy as a transitional stage between the constitutional monarchy and democracy. If a country's political history did not follow the above‐mentioned path, its initial democracy was susceptible to breakdown. This pertained to countries which transitioned directly to democracy or competitive oligarchy from absolute monarchy or other regimes lacking open‐outcome elections.
Evaluation of a Realistic Cleansing Protocol for Preventing Discoloration of Denture Resins
Authors: Zoidis Panagiotis , Polychronakis Nikolaos , Lagouvardos Panagiotis , Polyzois Gregory , Ngo Hien Chi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of a realistic staining/cleansing protocol for long‐term prevention of discoloration of denture base resins.Materials and MethodsSixty discs (20 × 2.5 mm) of auto‐ and heat‐polymerizing denture acrylic resins were fabricated following manufacturer's instructions, polished on one side and stored in water (37°C) for 24 hours before they were assigned randomly into 6 groups (3 for each material, n = 10) to receive 220 cycles of three immersion protocols. Group A was immersed in the following baths: (1) filtered coffee at 45°C for 2 minutes, (2) tap water at 24°C for 20 seconds, (3) as bath 1, (4) as bath 2, (5) Corega Extradent cleansing solution at 45°C for 3 minutes, and (6) water at 24°C for 20 seconds. Group B was immersed in the four first baths of group A (without cleansing action) and group C in bath 1 for the cumulative action of 20 cycles (80 minutes in 45°C coffee) and bath 2 for 40 seconds. A noncontact optical interferometric profilometer was used for qualitative evaluation of the specimens and a contact colorimeter to estimate color change values (ΔΕ*ab) at baseline and every 20 cycles in the baths for a total of 220 cycles. Data were statistically analyzed using a 2‐way‐repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferoni multiple comparisons and trend analysis at α = 0.05 level of significance.ResultsData indicated changes in color from 1.7 to 14.2 ΔΕ*ab units. The highest values were related to the number of cycles and group B immersion protocol. Significant differences were found among immersion protocols (p < 0.001) and immersion cycles (p < 0.001) with a significant interaction between protocols and cycles (p < 0.001) but not between denture resins (p = 0.991).ConclusionThe evaluated protocol A was found effective in preventing color changes in both denture resins even after a long period of action. Protocol C had a much lower staining effect on both resins than protocol B and behaved similarly to protocol A until 140 to 160 cycles. Therefore, it is probably not appropriate for use in short‐term color stability experiments.
Distribution and density of melatonin receptors in human main pancreatic islet cell types
Authors: Zibolka Juliane , Bazwinsky‐Wutschke Ivonne , Mühlbauer Eckhard , Peschke Elmar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent investigations of our group established that melatonin modulates hormone secretion of pancreatic islets via melatonin receptor types MT1 and MT2. Expression of MT1 and MT2 has been shown in mouse, rat, and human pancreatic islets as well as in the β‐, α‐, and δ‐cell lines INS‐1, αTC1.9, and QGP‐1. In view of these earlier investigations, this study was performed to analyze in detail the distribution and density of melatonin receptors on the main islet cell types in human pancreatic tissue obtained from nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic patients. Immunohistochemical analysis established the presence of MT1 and MT2 in β‐, α‐, and δ‐cells, but notably, with differences in receptor density. In general, the lowest MT1 and MT2 receptor density was measured in α‐cells compared to the 2 other cell types. In type 2 diabetic islets, MT1 and MT2 receptor density was increased in δ‐cells compared to normoglycemic controls. In human islets in batch culture of a nondiabetic donor, an increase of somatostatin secretion was observed under melatonin treatment while in islets of a type 2 diabetic donor, an inhibitory influence could be observed, especially in the presence of 5.5 mmol/L glucose. These data suggest the following: i) cell‐type‐specific density of MT1 and MT2 receptors in human pancreatic islets, which should be considered in context of the hormone secretion of islets, ii) the influence of diabetes on density of MT1 and MT2 as well as iii) the differential impact of melatonin on somatostatin secretion of nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic islets.
Rapid evaluation of the texture properties of melon (Cucumis melo L. Var. reticulata cv. Green net) using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Khurnpoon Lampan , Sirisomboon Panmanas 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as the rapid nondestructive method was aimed to be applied for determination of the texture properties of melon intact fruit and pulp including initial firmness, rupture force, average firmness, rupture distance, toughness, average penetrating force and penetrating energy. The data from the reference method of texture analyzer were correlated with the NIR spectral data. The result showed that, only the two properties including rupture force and penetrating force in pulp could be predicted by NIR spectroscopy technique. The determination coefficient of validation (r2) for prediction of rupture force and penetrating force in the pulp of melon using intact fruit spectra were 0.850 and 0.845, respectively. The r2, for prediction of rupture force and penetrating force in the pulp of melon using pulp spectra were 0.813 and 0.778, respectively. This indicated that the NIR spectroscopy protocol developed here was useful for research works such as breeding and postharvest research, the melon processing factory and also the import and export of melon.Practical applicationsThe near infrared spectroscopy protocol developed for determination of rupture force and penetrating force in pulp using intact fruit spectra as a nondestructive method will be useful for research works such as breeding and postharvest research, the melon processing factory and also the import and export of melon. There are also the protocol developed using pulp spectra can be used for texture determination of fresh‐cut melon.
Deafness and vestibular dysfunction in a Doberman Pinscher puppy associated with a mutation in the PTPRQ gene
Authors: Guevar Julien , Olby Natasha J. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Yost Oriana , Friedenberg Steven G. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundA congenital syndrome of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction affects Doberman Pinschers. Its inheritance pattern is suspected to be autosomal recessive and it potentially represents a spontaneous animal model of an autosomal recessive syndromic hearing loss.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify deleterious genetic variants in candidate genes associated with the syndrome and to study the prevalence of candidate variants among a population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers.AnimalsOne affected Doberman Pinscher and 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers.MethodsWGS of the affected dog with filtering of variants against a database of 154 unaffected dogs of diverse breeds was performed. Confirmation of candidate variants was achieved by Sanger sequencing followed by genotyping of the control population of unaffected Doberman Pinschers.ResultsWGS and variant filtering identified an alteration in a gene associated with both deafness and vestibular disease in humans: protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type Q (PTPRQ). There was a homozygous A insertion at CFA15: 22 989 894, causing a frameshift mutation in exon 39 of the gene. This insertion is predicted to cause a protein truncation with a premature stop codon occurring after position 2054 of the protein sequence that causes 279 C‐terminal amino acids to be eliminated. Prevalence of the variant was 1.5% in a cohort of 202 unaffected Doberman Pinschers; all unaffected Doberman Pinschers were heterozygous or heterozygous for the reference allele.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceWe report the identification of a genetic alteration on the PTPRQ gene that is associated with congenital hearing and vestibular disorder in a young Doberman Pinscher dog.
Cerebrospinal fluid Lyme multiplex assay results are not diagnostic in horses with neuroborreliosis
Authors: Johnson Amy L. , Johnstone Laura K. , Stefanovski Darko 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe accuracy of the Lyme multiplex assay for the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis in horses is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe Lyme multiplex results in horses with a postmortem diagnosis of neuroborreliosis. The hypothesis was that paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results and a CSF : serum ratio would allow differentiation of horses with neuroborreliosis from those with other neurologic diseases.AnimalsNinety horses that had neurologic examinations, serum and CSF Lyme multiplex analyses, and postmortem examination of the nervous system performed.MethodsRetrospective study. Data collected included signalment, ante‐ and postmortem diagnoses, and serum and CSF Lyme multiplex results. The CSF : serum ratio was calculated by dividing CSF median fluorescent intensity (MFI) by serum MFI for each result.ResultsTen horses had a final diagnosis of neuroborreliosis, 70 were diagnosed with other neurologic diseases, and 10 had no neurologic disease. Not all horses with neuroborreliosis had positive results: 4/10 had at least 1 positive serum result, 5/10 had at least 1 positive CSF result, and 3/10 had at least 1 CSF result 4‐fold higher than the corresponding serum result. Results were similar for the 70 horses with other neurologic diseases: 53% had at least 1 positive serum result, 50% had at least 1 positive CSF result, and 16% had at least 1 CSF result 4‐fold higher than the corresponding serum result.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePositive Lyme multiplex results were common in horses with neurologic diseases and did not adequately differentiate horses with neuroborreliosis from horses with other disorders.