bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using situational judgment tests (SJTs) in training
Authors: Cox Cody Brent , Barron Laura G. , Davis William , de la Garza Bernardo 
Published: January 2017

PurposeSituational judgment tests (SJTs) are widely used in personnel selection but have not been empirically explored as methods of training design. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate SJT-based training as a workplace training design method which utilizes active learning and structured feedback to enhance learning of both procedural and declarative knowledge.Design/methodology/approachVolunteers (n=416) were randomly assigned to full-length lecture-based training or abbreviated lecture-based training followed by 15 minutes of SJT-based training. Knowledge of training content was assessed at pre-test and three weeks after training.FindingsSJT-based trainees showed greater improvement on declarative and procedural knowledge than those in traditional training.Research limitations/implicationsThe results indicate that integrating the SJT methodology into training delivery may lead to greater mastery of declarative and procedural knowledge relative to exclusive use of lecture-based training methods.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that the relatively inexpensive, low-fidelity scenario-based training methodology the authors detail may increase retention of training material compared to more traditional training methods.Originality/valueThis is the first study to incorporate SJT methodology into the design of training content and to demonstrate that such content can produce greater retention of both declarative and procedural content.
Lack of XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 in metastatic lymph nodes may predict the potential survival of stage III melanoma patients
Authors: Mori Mariko , Funakoshi Takeru , Kameyama Kaori , Kawakami Yutaka , Sato Eiichi , Nakayama Eiichi , Amagai Masayuki , Tanese Keiji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe cancer–testis antigens (CTA) are a large family of tumor‐associated antigens expressed by a variety of cancer cells and primitive germ cells of the adult testis and placenta. These tumor‐restricted expressing patterns suggest that CTA would be ideal targets for tumor‐specific immunotherapy. XAGE‐1 is a CTA that was originally identified by computer‐based screening, and four transcription variants, XAGE‐1a, ‐1b, ‐1c and ‐1d, have been characterized to date. Although the presence of XAGE‐1 transcripts has been reported in various cancers, the expression of XAGE‐1b in melanoma has not been fully characterized. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical staining of XAGE‐1b together with NY‐ESO‐1, a well‐known CTA, in 113 melanoma samples obtained from 84 patients and evaluated their expression in tumor cells. The effects of expression on tumor progression and patient prognosis were analyzed. Both XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 were expressed at high levels in lymph node metastasis and skin metastasis samples compared with the primary site (P < 0.01 in XAGE‐1b and P < 0.05 in NY‐ESO‐1). In a subgroup analysis of 22 patients with stage III lymph node metastasis, overall survival was significantly higher in the XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 double‐negative group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that lack of XAGE‐1b and NY‐ESO‐1 expression could have a positive influence on clinical outcome in patients with melanoma.
Persistent Variation in Medicare Payment Authorization for Home Hemodialysis Treatments
Authors: Wilk Adam S. , Hirth Richard A. , Zhang Wei , Wheeler John R. C. , Turenne Marc N. , Nahra Tammie A. , Sleeman Kathryn K. , Messana Joseph M. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo analyze variation in medical care use attributable to Medicare's decentralized claims adjudication process as exemplified in home hemodialysis (HHD) therapy.Data Sources/Study SettingSecondary data analysis using 2009–2012 paid Medicare claims for HHD and in‐center hemodialysis (IHD).Study DesignWe compared variation across Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) in predicted paid treatments per standardized patient‐month for HHD and IHD patients. We used ordinary least‐squares regression to determine whether higher paid HHD treatment counts expanded HHD programs’ presence among dialysis facilities.Data CollectionWe identified HHD and IHD treatments using procedure, revenue center, and claim condition codes on type 72x claims.Principal FindingsMACs varied persistently in predicted HHD treatments per patient‐month, ranging from 14.3 to 21.9 treatments versus 10.9 to 12.4 IHD treatments. The presence of facilities’ HHD programs was uncorrelated with average HHD payment counts.ConclusionsMedicare's claims adjudication process promotes variation in medical care use, as we observe among HHD patients. MACs’ discretionary decision making, while potentially facilitating innovation, may admit inefficiency in care practice as well as inequitable access to health care services. Regulators should weigh the benefits of flexibility in local coverage decisions against those of national standards for medical necessity.
Dividend Manipulation at Unlisted REITs
Authors: Wiley Jonathan A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDividend policy at unlisted firms is confounded by the continuous equity offering—as exists for unlisted REITs. Unlisted firms lack visible share prices, which heightens the sensitivity of investors to dividends paid during the offering. By paying high dividends early, managers of unlisted REITs positively influence the flow of new equity. Dividend manipulation occurs when discretionary yields are exceptionally high and predominantly favorable dividend changes occur during the equity offering, followed by a surge in unfavorable changes after the offering. Evidence of dividend manipulation at unlisted REITs is provided where even discretionary yields are significantly reduced once the offering expires.
Defensin‐like peptide3 from black solder fly: Identification, characterization, and key amino acids for anti‐Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Park Soon‐Ik , Yoe Sung Moon 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn antibacterial peptide was isolated from a black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. The molecular mass of this peptide was established as 4247.37 by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass (MALD‐TOF MS) spectrometry. The amino acid sequence of the mature peptide was determined by N‐terminal sequencing using Edman degradation, combined with cDNA sequencing of the previously reported defensin‐like peptide (DLP) 3. Analysis of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that DLP3 had potent activity against Gram‐positive and negative bacteria, but DLP4 had only anti‐Gram‐positive activity as previously reported. Recombinant DLP3 and DLP4 were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and antibacterial activities were identical to DLPs purified from H. illucens hemolyph. In silico analysis revealed that only six amino acid sequences were different between DLP3 and DLP4, but antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative bacteria differed. Therefore these amino acid variants may be key amino acids (Gly‐10, Val‐18, Met‐23, Arg‐25, Asp‐32, Arg‐40) related to killing Gram‐negative bacteria.
Influence of Lipid Content in a Corn Oil Preparation on the Bioaccessibility of β‐Carotene: A Comparison of Low‐Fat and High‐Fat Samples
Authors: Xia Ziyuan , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSome individuals with fat maldigestion have compromised digestive systems, which causes the incomplete hydrolyzation of ingested lipids within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). We studied the influence of high‐fat (20%) and low‐fat (4%) contents on the bioaccessibility of a highly hydrophobic nutraceutical (β‐carotene) through a simulated GIT model consisting of mouth, stomach, and small intestine phases. The low‐fat and high‐fat values were chosen to simulate low‐fat and high‐fat diets. The triglycerides in the low‐fat system were fully digested, whereas those in the high‐fat system were only partially digested, thereby mimicking the digestive systems of individuals who exhibit fat maldigestion. The carotenoids were initially solubilized within oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions prepared using a nonionic surfactant (Tween 20) as emulsifier and a long‐chain triglyceride (corn oil) as the oil phase. After digestion, the total β‐carotene concentration in the filtered micelle phase was much greater for the high‐fat group (0.072 μg/mL) than for the low‐fat group (0.032 μg/mL). Conversely, the β‐carotene bioaccessibility of the high‐fat group (39%) was much lower than that of the low‐fat group (84%), which was attributed to a fraction of the carotenoids remaining in the nondigested lipid phase of the high‐fat group. These results highlight the importance of delivering hydrophobic nutraceuticals in a form where the fat phase is fully digested.
Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic colonography in a rural hospital
Authors: Lee Beom Jun , Balasingam Adrian , Van den Bosch Rene 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe aims of this study were to investigate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography colonography (CTC) performed in a rural secondary hospital, and to describe the local pattern of CTC service provision.MethodA single site, retrospective observational analysis was conducted for all patients undergoing CTC during the 12‐month period from 1st of January to 31st of December 2014 with comparison to available colonoscopy.ResultsThere were 639 CTCs performed during the 12‐months period. The average time from referral to performance of CTC scan was 21.3 days. The diagnostic yield of CTC for CRC was 5.8%; and for large polyps ≥10 mm was 8.0%. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC for detecting CRC were 97.1% and 88.2% respectively. The most predictive symptoms for finding colorectal lesions were rectal bleeding and anaemia. The referral rate from CTC to colonoscopy was 16.9%. 63 patients (9.9%) had follow up recommendations made in their reports due to extracolonic findings.ConclusionComputed tomography colonography performed in a rural secondary hospital provided sufficient sensitivity to detect large polyps or CRC. The specificity for CRC was lower than reported figures in the literature. Technical issue of CTC performance due to poor insufflation techniques was identified as a main contributing factor reducing CTC accuracy. CTCs were performed with acceptable waiting time and showed high overall diagnostic yield for colorectal neoplasm in a rural hospital.
The effectiveness of DNA‐based delimitation inSynchonnusnet‐winged beetles (Coleoptera: Lycidae) assessed, and description of 11 new species
Authors: Kusy Dominik , Sklenarova Katerina , Bocak Ladislav 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSynchonnusWaterhouse, 1879 from Australia is revised.AchrasWaterhouse, 1879 andEnylusWaterhouse, 1879 are found to be junior synonyms ofSynchonnusdue to the absence of diagnostic characters and result in the new combinations ofSynchonnus amplus(Kleine, 1930),S. limbatum(Waterhouse, 1877), andS. segregatus(Waterhouse, 1879).Synchonnusis reported from the Australian mesic and monsoon zones, and 11 new species are described:S. flavonotatumsp. nov.,S. masekisp. nov.,S. ailaketoaesp. nov.,S. dubenovaesp. nov.,S. chilvertonensissp. nov.,S. slipinskiisp. nov.,S. monteithisp. nov.,S. eungellensissp. nov.,S. crypticumsp. nov.,S. variabilissp. nov. andS. campestrissp. nov. The morphology‐based species limits are compared with delimitation inferred from the shape of the phylogenetic tree and genetic distance. DNA‐based species limits agree with morphological delimitation in two clades, but a deep conflict was identified in another clade ofSynchonnusconsisting of three species with allopatric distributions and diversified genitalia, but strong similarities incox1mtDNA sequences. The failure of molecular species delimitation in someSynchonnuspoints to our inability to predict the performance of a barcoding approach even in closely related lineages and calls for an integrative taxonomical approach whenever possible. TheSynchonnusfauna of Australia is presented as highly diverse and fragmentation of habitat in the last ~15 million years is hypothesised as the principal factor leading to the observed alpha‐taxonomic diversity.
Use of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of pterygium
Authors: Mak Renata Kiri , Chan Tommy Chung Yan , Marcet Marcus M , Choy Bonnie Nga Kwan , Shum Jennifer Wei Huen , Shih Kendrick Co , Wong Ian Yat Hin , Ng Alex Lap Ki 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe rising success of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in ocular disease has stimulated the use of such treatments in the surgical management of pterygium. We reviewed the literature to better understand the safety and efficacy of the adjunctive role of anti‐VEGF treatments for pterygium excision. Without surgery, anti‐VEGF alone may favourably alter symptoms and vascularity, but does not cause pterygium regression. Some evidence supports the use of anti‐VEGF as an adjuvant therapy to surgery, especially when using a higher dose and a more frequent dosing regimen. Overall, anti‐VEGF is generally safe and well tolerated in patients with pterygium. Currently, the evidence does not conclusively support the use of anti‐VEGF in pterygium surgery. However, further research may guide unanswered questions regarding the interaction between VEGF and other factors responsible for pterygium growth. In addition, the optimal route and dosage of anti‐VEGF administration is not yet known.
Oral immunoglobulin treatment improved intestinal permeability in children with active Crohn's disease
Authors: Sundqvist Tommy , Stenhammar Lars , Tjellström Bo , Magnusson Karl‐Eric , Forslund Tony , Högberg Lotta 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimCrohn's disease (CD) is a chronic mucosal inflammation that affects the intestinal barrier function, for example, by altering the intestinal permeability. This pilot clinical study investigated the impact of oral human immunoglobulin (OHIG) treatment on permeability characteristics in children with active luminal Crohn's disease.MethodsThe study was performed at the Department of Paediatrics, Norrköping Hospital, Sweden. Intestinal permeability was studied in three boys aged 13, 15 and 18 years with active CD, before and after a six‐week treatment programme with OHIG, using different‐sized polyethylene glycols as the test molecules. Three age‐ and sex‐matched children with active CD treated with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) were also studied.ResultsOHIG and EEN resulted in virtually similar reductions in the signs and symptoms of mucosal inflammation. However, OHIG, unlike EEN, appeared to normalise mucosal transfer leading to a normalisation of the maximum permeation of the small PEG molecules, as well as less restrictions of the larger PEG molecules.ConclusionOur study found that OHIG appeared to normalise the mucosal barrier. This suggests that it could offer a new additional and versatile treatment for paediatric CD patients, with a minimal risk of adverse effects.
Chromogranin A and neurone‐specific enolase variations during the first 3 months of abiraterone therapy predict outcomes in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Fan Liancheng , Wang Yanqing , Chi Chenfei , Pan Jiahua , Xun Shangguan , Xin Zhixiang , Hu Jianian , Zhou Lixin , Dong Baijun , Xue Wei 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the prognostic utility of serum chromogranin A (CgA) and neurone‐specific enolase (NSE) variations during the first 3 months of abiraterone acetate (AA) treatment in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).Patients and MethodsThe serum levels of CgA, NSE were measured at baseline and after 3 months of AA treatment in 40 patients with mCRPC. Outcome measures were prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS), radiographic PFS (rPFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsCgA levels were not correlated with NSE levels (P = 0.296). In multivariate analysis the combination of CgA and NSE (≥1 marker positive vs both markers negative) and the combination of CgA and NSE elevation during the first 3 months of AA treatment (≥1 marker positive vs both markers negative) remained significant predictors of OS, rPFS, and PSA‐PFS.ConclusionWe found that CgA and NSE elevation during the first 3 months of AA treatment and elevated baseline CgA and NSE levels were independent prognostic factors for OS, rPFS and PSA‐PFS in patients with mCRPC treated with AA. This suggests that serial CgA and NSE evaluation may help clinicians in distinguishing patients with mCRPC who would obtain the best survival benefit from AA treatment.
Continuity and Stability in Development
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Esposito Gianluca 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDevelopmental science is concerned with both consistency and change in characteristics through time. Consistency and change in development are tracked by group mean‐level continuity and individual‐order stability. Group mean‐level and individual‐order consistency and change are both developmentally informative and can coexist conceptually and empirically as they are partially orthogonal perspectives on development. Continuity and stability are broadly applicable to characteristics of the individual, dyad, and environment. Without the distinctions between mean‐level continuity and individual‐order stability, researchers who use the terms willy‐nilly leave their readers in the dark as to which feature of development is meant. In this article, we distinguish the two types of consistency and change, and discuss their measurement, importance, moderation, and implications.
Adaptation and validation of the Singing Voice Handicap Index into Polish
Authors: Sielska‐Badurek E.M. , Sobol M. , Cioch A. , Osuch‐Wójcikiewicz E. , Rzepakowska A.M. , Niemczyk K. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo translate and adapt the original Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) for the Polish population and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Polish SVHI version, such as internal consistency, reliability and construct validity in different groups of dysphonic singers.Study designProspective case–control study.SettingPatients treated at a single institute.ParticipantsSixty singers with voice disorders and 57 healthy singers completed the SVHI and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Thirty singers completed the SVHI twice within a 2‐ to 4‐week interval.Main outcome measuresInternal consistency, test–retest reliability, discriminant validity, criterion‐related validityResultsA strong Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.96) indicates that the SVHI items are measuring the same construct. Evaluating the test–retest reliability, the r‐Spearman correlation coefficient was r = 0.797 for the total score of SVHI, which shows a good level of reproducibility. There were significant differences between the control group (CG) and patients with benign vocal fold lesions (P < 0.001), CG and singers with muscle tension dysphonia (P < 0.001), CG and coexistence of muscle tension dysphonia and chronic laryngitis (P < 0.001). There was a positive statistically significant correlation between SVHI and VHI (r = 0.753, P = 0.000*).ConclusionsThe Polish version of SVHI serves as a valid health status instrument, as well as discriminating between singers with voice disorders and singers without voice problems. The SVHI is easy to perform in clinical practice.
Complex abdominal wall reconstruction in the setting of active infection and contamination: a systematic review of hernia and fistula recurrence rates
Authors: Hodgkinson J. D. , Maeda Y. , Leo C. A. , Warusavitarne J. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimMinimal evidence exists to guide surgeons on the risk of complications when performing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in the presence of active infection, contamination or enterocutaneous fistula. This study aims to establish the outcomes of contaminated complex AWR.MethodAnalysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Pubmed databases was performed. Studies reporting exclusively on single‐staged repair of contaminated complex AWR were included. Pooled data were analysed to establish rates of complications.ResultsSixteen studies were included, consisting of 601 contaminated complex AWRs, of which 233 included concurrent enterocutaneous fistula repair. The average follow‐up period was 26.7 months. There were 146 (24.3%) reported hernia recurrences. When stratified by repair method, suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (14.2%), followed by nonabsorbable synthetic mesh reinforcement (21.2%), biological mesh (25.8%) and absorbable synthetic mesh (53.1%). Hernia recurrence was higher when fascial closure was not achieved. Of the 233 enterocutaneous fistula repairs, fistula recurrence was seen in 24 patients (10.3%). Suture repair alone had the lowest rate of recurrence (1.6%), followed by nonbiological mesh (10.3%) and biological mesh reinforcement (12%). Forty‐six per cent of patients were reported as having a wound‐related complication and the mortality rate was 2.5%.ConclusionIt is feasible to perform simultaneous enterocutaneous fistula repair and AWR as rates of recurrent fistula are comparable with series describing enterocutaneous fistula repair alone. Hernias recurred in nearly a quarter of cases. This analysis is limited by a lack of comparative data and variability of outcome reporting.
Observational Registry of Basal Insulin Treatment (ORBIT) in patients with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled with oral antihyperglycaemic drugs: Real‐life use of basal insulin in China
Authors: Ji Linong , Zhang Puhong , Zhu Dongshan , Li Xian , Ji Jiachao , Lu Juming , Guo Xiaohui , Jia Weiping , Weng Jianping , Wu Yangfeng , Yang Wenying , Zou Dajin , Zhou Zhiguang , Pan Changyu , Gao Yan , Garg Satish K. 
Published: January 2017

AimsTo examine treatment patterns following basal insulin (BI) introduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients under real‐world conditions across China.Materials and methodsOverall, 18 995 patients inadequately controlled (HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol [7%]) with oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) and willing to receive BI treatment were registered at 209 hospitals and followed at baseline (visit 1), 3 months (visit 2) and 6 months (visit 3). Type of BI was initiated at physicians’ discretion.ResultsRetention with BI therapy at 6 months was 75.6%. Use of long‐acting BI predominated, with insulin glargine accounting for 71%, detemir 13% and Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin 16%. Over 70% of long‐acting users maintained the same initial BI at visit 3, while 40% of NPH users switched treatment and 24.4% of participants initiated BI with prandial insulin. The initial mean (± SD) dose of BI and total insulin was 0.18 ± 0.07 and 0.25 ± 0.19 IU/kg, respectively, with a mean increase of daily dose by 0.03 and 0.02 IU/kg after 6 months, respectively. Only 56.6% of insulin users reported dose titration at visit 3. Mean HbA1c was 81 mmol/mol (9.6%) at baseline and 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) at 6 months. The frequency of hypoglycaemia was 1.61 and 2.07 episodes/patient‐year at baseline and 6 months, respectively.ConclusionsIn real‐world clinical settings, add‐on BI therapy in T2DM patients is associated with significant improvement in glycaemic control without overtly compromising safety related to hypoglycaemia and weight gain. Evolution of insulin treatment regimens varied among patients, but dose titration was suboptimal. More active BI dose titration might further improve glycaemic outcome in patients receiving BI therapy.Video AbstractA free Video Abstract to accompany this article is available at https://vimeo.com/212655959