bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Systems Research Consortia and the Promotion of Health Equity in Low and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Pratt Bridget , Allen Katharine A. , Hyder Adnan A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHealth systems research is widely identified as an indispensable means to achieve the goal of health equity between and within countries. Numerous health systems research consortia comprised of institutions from high‐income countries and low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are currently undertaking programs of research in LMICs. These partnerships differ from collaborations that carry out single projects in the multiplicity of their goals, scope of their activities, and nature of their management. Recent conceptual work has explored what features might be necessary for health systems research consortia and their research programs to promote health equity. Identified features include selecting research priorities that focus on improving access to high‐quality health services and/or financial protection for disadvantaged populations in LMICs and conducting research capacity strengthening that promotes the independent conduct of health systems research in LMICs. Yet, there has been no attempt to investigate whether existing consortia have such characteristics. This paper describes the results of a survey undertaken with health systems research consortia leaders worldwide to assess how consistent current practice is with the proposed ethical guidance. The findings suggest that consortia may be fairly well organised to promote health equity, but have scope for improvement, particularly in terms of achieving inclusive priority‐setting.
Diagnosis of severe traumatic brain injury using multimodal imaging in a donkey
Authors: Junge H. K. , Mitchell K. J. , Hoey S. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryA 6‐month‐old donkey presented with recumbency after rearing and falling over. A presumptive diagnosis of traumatic brain injury secondary to a skull fracture was made following the clinical examination, although a fracture could not be identified on radiography. To provide a definitive diagnosis, for planning any surgical intervention and to obtain prognostic information, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. An occipital depression skull fracture with secondary haemorrhage and oedema of the cerebellum and brainstem were identified. The imaging findings were confirmed at pathological examination. This report describes the imaging features of a traumatic brain injury in a donkey.
Biphasic increase in scratching behaviour induced by topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae extract in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Yamada Yoshihito , Ueda Yuhki , Nakamura Aki , Kanayama Shoji , Tamura Rie , Hashimoto Kei , Kido Hiroko , Matsumoto Tatsumi , Ishii Ritsuko 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by severe itching and eczematous lesion. In this study, we applied an ointment containing Dermatophagoides farinae body (Dfb) extract repeatedly on the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mice with barrier disruption to investigate the characteristics of this murine model of human AD. Following repeated topical application of Dfb ointment twice weekly for 2 weeks, the dermatitis score increased gradually, accompanied by an elevation of total immunoglobulin E level in plasma. Topical application of Dfb ointment also caused epidermal hyperplasia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lesional skin and increased expression of T‐helper (Th) 1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in axillary lymph node cells. Furthermore, increased sprouting of intraepidermal nerve fibres was observed with an increase in the content of nerve growth factor and decrease in that of semaphorin 3A in the lesional skin. These findings suggest that the characteristics in this model were similar to those observed in patients with AD. Interestingly, it was observed for the first time that scratching behaviour increased in a biphasic fashion by topical application of Dfb ointment in addition to an increase in spontaneous scratching behaviour in this model. It is also suggested that further clarifying the underlying mechanisms of scratching behaviour in this model leads not only to elucidating the pathogenesis of AD but also to discovering novel therapeutic drugs for AD.
Distribution, body length, and abundance of blue shark and shortfin mako offshore of northeastern Japan, as determined from observed pelagic longline data, 2000–2014
Authors: Ohshimo Seiji , Fujinami Yuki , Shiozaki Ko , Kai Mikihiko , Semba Yasuko , Katsumata Nobuhiro , Ochi Daisuke , Matsunaga Hiroaki , Minami Hiroshi , Kiyota Masashi , Yokawa Kotaro 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLongline surveys have been conducted in the Northwest Pacific Ocean from 2000 to 2014 using chartered commercial longline vessels. Each year, two cruises were conducted offshore of northeastern Japan from mid‐April to mid‐June. For each longline set during the surveys, onboard scientists collected detailed biological information about the species caught, such as the size and sex, and recorded the catch numbers for all species. Blue shark (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) have eurythermal distributions, but the application of a generalized additive model (GAM) showed that the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) at catch sites positive for shortfin mako were warmer than those for blue shark. On the basis of the GAM, the probabilities of occurrence of both sharks differed by size category: small sharks had a narrower SST range than that of large sharks. Most catches of both sharks were juveniles, and the nominal catch rate of blue shark was more than 10 times that of shortfin mako. The standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) for both species was calculated using a generalized linear model (GLM) with negative binomial errors, or a delta‐lognormal GLM. The standardized CPUE for blue shark in the second quarter of the year peaked in the mid‐2000s and then decreased, but it has been increasing since 2012. The CPUE for shortfin mako in the second quarter generally increased, with fluctuations.
Trait flexibility of generalist invertebrates exposed to contrasting predation and drying stressors
Authors: Galatowitsch Mark L. , McIntosh Angus R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryHow different generalist species are able to exploit heterogeneous landscapes likely depends on whether their life‐history strategies confer resilience to multiple environmental selection pressures.We investigated the life‐history strategies of two generalist invertebrates,Xanthocnemis zealandicadamselflies andSigara argutawaterboatmen, which inhabit ponds varying in drying and predator presence. Using mesocosm experiments with temporary‐ and permanent‐pond nymphs, we determined the flexibility of their predator avoidance and drying resistance.Xanthocnemis zealandicawas most susceptible to predatory fish regardless of natal habitat, with permanent‐pond nymphs more likely to have reduced movement, higher refuge use and slower growth than temporary‐pond nymphs; growth was, however, not influenced by predator presence.Xanthocnemis zealandicahad a fixed response to drying stress, with high survival rates (80–90%) during short drying periods (2–8 days), regardless of natal habitat.In contrast toX. zealandica,S. argutahad a completely inflexible life‐history with no differences in predator avoidance between permanent‐ and temporary‐pond nymphs, and a complete inability to survive drying.Without flexible traitsS. argutamay counter potentially high costs of predation in permanent ponds and drying mortality in temporary ponds through rapid development and terrestrial dispersal.Xanthocnemis zealandica's flexible life‐history is likely driven by longer nymphal development which requires adaptation to both predator and drying stressors to complete their life‐cycle over the range of habitats they occupy.Overall, these two species exemplify how generalists can strongly differ in their life‐history strategies but still persist across a similar range of habitats.
Effectiveness of a computerized decision support system for anticoagulation management in hemodialysis patients: A before–after study
Authors: Clark Edward G. , Rodger Marc A. , Ramsay Tim O. , Knoll Greg A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroduction The risk‐benefit profile for warfarin anticoagulation in hemodialysis (HD) patients differs compared with the non‐HD population. HD patients are at increased risk of both thromboembolism and bleeding related to anticoagulation therapy. In addition, anticoagulation control may be more difficult to achieve in the HD population due to frequent comorbidities, subclinical Vitamin K deficiency, altered pharmacokinetics due to uremia and the concurrent use of multiple medications. While computerized decision support systems (CDSS) to assist with anticoagulation management are safe and effective in the non‐HD population, they have not been well studied in HD outpatients.Methods A before–after study compared anticoagulation control for HD outpatients receiving warfarin at a tertiary medical center in Canada during two time periods: an initial period of nephrologist‐led anticoagulation management and a second period after implementation of a pharmacist‐led, CDSS‐assisted anticoagulation management strategy.Findings Forty‐two patients were included. Following implementation of the CDSS‐assisted strategy, there was no significant change in median therapeutic time‐in‐range (3.7% difference (IQR, −9.5% to 20.6%); P = 0.247). Median change in INR testing frequency was 1.2 (IQR, 0.1–2.2; P = 0.0001) fewer tests per patient per month, which equates to approximately 15 fewer tests per patient per year. Adverse events were similar.Discussion Implementing a CDSS‐assisted strategy for anticoagulation management in HD outpatients is effective. Doing so may lead to modest cost savings related to less frequent INR testing.
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐associated hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a combined mouse model of genetic modification and dietary challenge
Authors: Amano Yuichiro , Shimizu Fumi , Yasuno Hironobu , Harada Ayako , Tsuchiya Shuntarou , Isono Osamu , Nagabukuro Hiroshi , Tozawa Ryuichi 
Published: March 2016

Aim:Experimental models of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are still required for understanding the pathophysiology of this disease. This study aimed to examine whether disease progression is accelerated by combining dyslipidemic genetic modification and dietary challenges and develop NASH‐associated hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma in a short period.Methods:Low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed a modified choline‐deficient amino acid‐defined diet, including 1 w/w% cholesterol and 41 kcal% fat, and was comprehensively profiled over 1 year.Results:Microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis in the liver was observed from the first week after starting the modified choline‐deficient amino acid‐defined diet. Macrovesicular steatosis was exacerbated with time and was observed in almost all hepatocytes at week 8, but slightly decreased at week 16. Infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and upregulation of hepatic inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β were also observed from week 1. Plasma hepatic transaminase activities were increased at week 1, reached a peak at week 4, and gradually decreased thereafter. In parallel with increases in hepatic gene expression of collagen‐I, the hepatic fibrosis area expanded after week 4 and massively spread all over the liver by week 8. Hepatocellular hyperplasia was observed from week 24. Hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma were observed from week 31 and 39, respectively.Conclusion:These results suggest that, in a rodent NASH model with the combination of genetic modification and dietary challenges, hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic injury, hepatic fibrosis, hepatocellular hyperplasia, adenoma, and carcinoma can be developed in a relatively short period.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: Revitalization procedures
Authors: Galler K. M. , Krastl G. , Simon S. , Van Gorp G. , Meschi N. , Vahedi B. , Lambrechts P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis position statement represents a consensus of an expert committee convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) on revitalization procedures. The statement is based on current clinical and scientific evidence as well as the expertise of the committee. The goal is to provide suitably trained dentists with a protocol including procedural details for the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis as well as a patient consent form. Revitalization is a biologically based treatment as an alternative to apexification in properly selected cases. Previously published review articles provide more detailed background information and the basis for this position statement (Journal of Endodontics, 39, 2013, S30; Journal of Endodontics, 39, 2013, 319; Journal of Endodontics, 40, 2014, 1045; Dental Traumatology, 31, 2015, 267; International Endodontic Journal, 2015, doi: 10.1111/iej.12606). As controlled clinical trials are lacking and new evidence is still emerging, this position statement will be updated at appropriate intervals. This might lead to changes to the protocol provided here.
Prognostic model to predict survival in patients with metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Che , Su Yu‐Li , Chiang Po‐Hui , Rau Kun‐Ming , Chen Yen‐Yang , Huang Cheng‐Hua 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo create a novel prognostic model to predict survival in metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, patients who had metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma and were treated with cisplatin based chemotherapy from 2000 to 2012 at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Significantly predictive factors were identified by multivariate Cox regress analyses. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to estimate overall survival. Several prognostic models were validated by using our cohort, and Harrell's c‐index was calculated to evaluate their predicting performances.ResultsThe present study consisted of 136 patients with a median age of 62 years and a median follow‐up visit of 13.6 months. Multivariate analyses showed that renal function, performance status, liver metastasis and number of metastatic sites was independently related to survival. Based on these four variables, we constructed a prognostic model “renal function, performance status, liver metastasis, number of metastatic sites” with significantly different survival (P < 0.001). C‐index results were renal function, performance status, liver metastasis, number of metastatic sites model 0.80 (0.69–0.90), Bajorin model 0.72 (0.61–0.83), Taguchi model 0.77 (0.67–0.87) and Tanaka model 0.78 (0.69–0.88). Our renal function, performance status, liver metastasis, number of metastatic sites prognostic model achieved the highest c‐index in this study.ConclusionsOur renal function, performance status, liver metastasis, number of metastatic sites prognostic model could be useful for providing prognostic information on survival in patients with metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
A new nomogram score for predicting surgery‐related pressure ulcers in cardiovascular surgical patients
Authors: Lu Cai‐Xia , Chen Hong‐Lin , Shen Wang‐Qin , Feng Li‐Ping 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to build a new nomogram score for predicting surgery‐related pressure ulcers (SRPU) in cardiovascular surgical patients. We performed a prospective cohort study among consecutive patients with cardiovascular surgery between January 2015 and December 2015. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors for SRPU. A nomogram‐predicting model was built based on the logistic regression model. Then, calibration and discrimination were tested. A total of 149 patients with cardiovascular surgery were included in the study. Thirty‐seven patients developed SRPUs, with an incidence rate of 24·8% (95%CI: 18·1–32·6%). The logistic regression model for predicting SRPU with four risk factors was Logit(P) = (1·861 × VDH, OR 2·174 × CAD, OR 1·747 × TAA) − 0·029 × weight + 0·005 × surgery duration + 1·241 × perioperative corticosteroids administration (P = 0·003, R2 = 0·1181). The goodness‐of‐fit test (Pearson χ2 = 150·69, P = 0·217) indicated acceptable calibration, and the C‐index (0·725) indicated moderate discrimination. When the probability cut‐off is 0·25 (total score 12), the nomogram model has the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting SRPU. We established a new nomogram model that can provide an individual prediction of SRPU in cardiovascular surgical patients. When the probability is more than 0·25 (total score 12), the cardiovascular surgery patients should be considered at high‐risk.
Human trafficking: factors that influence willingness to combat the issue
Authors: Honeyman Katherine L. , Stukas Arthur A. , Marques Mathew D. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHuman trafficking involves severe violations of human rights and social action is required to combat it. Past research has identified emotional reactions to victims of trafficking, as well as the perceived cost and efficacy of actions, as significant predictors of willingness to get involved. We surveyed 216 Australians (70% female) to assess their perceptions of sex and labor trafficking and actions to reduce them. Results demonstrated that women reported greater personal distress (but not empathy) for victims than men, which was associated with greater willingness to take action. Women also perceived available actions to be more efficacious than men, which predicted willingness, while perceived cost of actions did not. Implications for promoting social action to reduce human trafficking are discussed.
The use of coancestry based on shared segments for maintaining genetic diversity
Authors: Gómez‐Romano F. , Villanueva B. , Sölkner J. , de Cara M.A.R. , Mészáros G. , Pérez O'Brien A.M. , Fernández J. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryWe have evaluated the use of genomic coancestry coefficients based on shared segments for the maintenance of genetic diversity through optimal contributions methodology for populations of three different Austrian cattle breeds. This coancestry measure has been compared with the genomic coancestry coefficient calculated on a SNP‐by‐SNP basis and with pedigree‐based coancestry. The regressions of the shared segments coancestry on the other two coefficients suggest that the former mainly reflect Identity By Descent but with the advantage over pedigree‐based coancestry of providing the realized Identity By Descent rather than an expectation. The effective population size estimated from the rate of coancestry based on shared segments was very similar to those obtained with the other coefficients and of small magnitude (from 26.24 to 111.90). This result highlights the importance of implementing active management strategies to control the increase of inbreeding and the loss of genetic diversity in livestock breeds, even when the population size is reasonably large. One problem for the implementation of coancestry based on shared segments is the need of estimating the gametic phases of the SNPs which, given the techniques used to obtain the genotypes, are a priori unknown. This study shows, through computer simulations, that using estimates of gametic phases for computing coancestry based on shared segments does not lead to a significant loss in the diversity maintained. This has been shown to be true even when the size of the population is very small as it is usually the case in populations subjected to conservation programmes.
Towards general models of effective science inquiry in virtual performance assessments
Authors: Baker R.S. , Clarke‐Midura J. , Ocumpaugh J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRecent interest in online assessment of scientific inquiry has led to several new online systems that attempt to assess these skills, but producing models that detect when students are successfully practising these skills can be challenging. In this paper, we study models that assess student inquiry in an immersive virtual environment, where a student navigates an avatar around a world, speaking to in‐game characters, collecting samples and conducting scientific tests with those samples in the virtual laboratory. To this goal, we leverage log file data from nearly 2000 middle school students using virtual performance assessment (VPA), a software system where students practice inquiry skills in different virtual scenarios. We develop models of student interaction within VPA that predict whether a student will successfully conduct scientific inquiry. Specifically, we identify behaviours that lead to distinguishing causal from non‐causal factors to identify a correct final conclusion and to design a causal explanation about these conclusions. We then demonstrate that these models can be adapted with minimal effort between VPA scenarios. We conclude with discussions of how these models serve as a tool for better understanding scientific inquiry in virtual environments and as a platform for the future design of evidence‐based interventions.
Using U‐Pace instruction to improve the academic performance of economically disadvantaged undergraduates
Authors: Fleming R. , Stoiber L.C. , Pfeiffer H.M. , Kienzler S.E. , Fleming R.R. , Pedrick L.E. , Barth D.J. , Reddy D.M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis study was undertaken to evaluate whether the student success associated with the U‐Pace instructional approach, which integrates mastery‐based learning with proactive instructor support in an online learning environment, would replicate for both economically disadvantaged students and students who are not economically disadvantaged. Undergraduates were enrolled in U‐Pace (intervention) or comparison sections of a gateway course at two universities with different learning management systems. Course content was held constant. At both universities, intervention students earned a significantly greater percentage of objectively determined final grades of A or B. This academic success was found for both economically disadvantaged intervention students and intervention students who were not economically disadvantaged. Improvement from the beginning to the end of the semester in intervention students' rate of mastering concepts was found at University 1, but not at University 2. The assessment of learning conducted at University 1, independent of final course grades, showed that intervention students scored significantly higher on the proctored cumulative exam than comparison students. Findings suggest that the U‐Pace instructional intervention holds promise for increasing the success of undergraduates regardless of economic status.
Analysis of lipophilic fluorescent products in blood of Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Chmátalová Zuzana , Vyhnálek Martin , Laczó Jan , Hort Jakub , Skoumalová Alice 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline. Prodromal stage of AD, also called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially its amnestic type (aMCI), precedes dementia stage of AD. There are currently no reliable diagnostic biomarkers of AD in the blood. Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by increased oxidative stress in brain, which leads to oxidative damage and accumulation of free radical reaction end‐products. In our study, specific products of lipid peroxidation in the blood of AD patients were studied. Lipophilic extracts of erythrocytes (AD dementia = 19, aMCI = 27, controls = 16) and plasma (AD dementia = 11, aMCI = 17, controls = 16) were analysed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The level of these products is significantly increased in erythrocytes and plasma of AD dementia and aMCI patients versus controls. We concluded that oxidative stress end‐products are promising new biomarkers of AD, but further detailed characterisation of these products is needed.