bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the implementation consequences of the immunisation and emergency department health targets in New Zealand
Authors: Tenbensel Tim , Chalmers Linda , Willing Esther 
Published: September 2016

PurposeOver the last decade there has been considerable debate about the merits of targets as a policy instrument. The purpose of this paper is to examine the implementation of two health targets that were cornerstones of New Zealand health policy between 2009 and 2012: immunisation rates for two-year-olds, and time to treatment, discharge or admission in hospital emergency departments.Design/methodology/approachFor each policy target, the authors selected four case-study districts and conducted two waves of key-informant interviews (113 in total) with clinical and management staff involved in target implementation.FindingsDespite almost identical levels of target achievement, the research reveals quite different mixes of positive and negative implementation consequences. The authors argue that the differences in implementation consequences are due to the characteristics of the performance measure; and the dynamics of the intra-organisational and inter-organisational implementation context.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on interviews with clinical and management staff involved in target implementation, and this approach does not address the issue of effort substitution.Practical implicationsWhile literature on health targets pays attention to the attributes of target measures, the paper suggests that policymakers considering the use of targets pay more attention to broader implementation contexts, including the possible impact of, and effects on related services, organisations and staff.Originality/valueThe research focuses specifically on implementation consequences, as distinct from target success and/or changes in clinical and health outcomes. The paper also adopts a comparative approach to the study of target implementation.
External Debt and Growth Dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Ibrahim Mohammed , Rasiah Rajah 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper investigates the dynamic effects of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria from 1970 through 2013. We begin by constructing an external debt sustainability index using principal component analysis to capture the overall effects of external debt indicators on economic growth. The empirical analysis is based on the ARDL bound test. The results show a long‐run cointegration relationship between the variables. While external debt exerts an adverse effect of −0.069 per cent on growth in the long run, the external debt sustainability index shows a positive effect of 0.072 per cent and 0.024 per cent on growth in the long and short run. The findings suggest the government should reduce its expenditure and mobilize revenue through domestic sources to invest in projects with a high rate of return to enable debt repayment and stimulate growth. To maintain debt ratios within a manageable threshold so as to avoid being debt trapped, foreign loans should only be contracted on concessional terms.
Implementation of Real‐World Experiential Learning in a Food Science Course Using a Food Industry‐Integrated Approach
Authors: Hollis Francine H. , Eren Fulya 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSuccess skills have been ranked as the most important core competency for new food science professionals to have by food science graduates and their employers. It is imperative that food science instructors promote active learning in food science courses through experiential learning activities to enhance student success skills such as oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and team work. The aim of this study was to incorporate “real‐world” experiential learning into a food product development course. Undergraduate students enrolled in a food product development course worked on a semester‐long product development case study developed by the Instructor of the course and the Manager from ACH Food Companies, Inc. The case study was presented to students in the form of a product development competition. Students were placed into groups and given the task to develop a cake mix with specified parameters. At the end of the semester, student groups participated in a case study competition to showcase their product concepts. Each student group gave a PowerPoint presentation and was evaluated using selected criteria. Students rated the course overall as being very good. Students perceived the case study to be beneficial and informative regarding employer (ACH's) expectations. Students recommended that the Instructor minimize restrictions/specifications for product concepts and increase the quantity of course/laboratory meetings per week. This approach will continue to be used and further evaluated as an approach to incorporate active learning and provide food science undergraduates with a sense of employer expectations.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Produce and Seafood Processors and Food Safety Educators Regarding Nonthermal Processes
Authors: Pivarnik Lori F. , Richard Nicole L. , Gable Robert K. , Worobo Randy W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA needs assessment survey was designed and administered to measure knowledge of and attitudes toward food safety impacts of nonthermal processing technologies of shellfish and produce industry personnel and extension educators. An online survey was sent via e‐mail notification with the survey link through professional listserves. The survey evaluated background information, knowledge, attitude, and training needs. A variety of response formats was used. Knowledge/attitude responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, 1‐way ANOVA and t‐tests using SPSS software and reported at P < 0.05. Industry (N = 106) and educator (N = 52) respondents had below the proficient knowledge score (80%), 50% and 67%, respectively. Question reliability was >0.9. There were no differences in attitudes and knowledge between the 2 industry groups. The total attitude score, based on a 5‐point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree), of the produce and shellfish industry and educator respondents toward nonthermal processing technologies was 3.6 ± 0.4, 3.4 ± 0.5, and 3.6 ± 0.4, respectively. Respondent's slightly indifferent attitude may reflect low knowledge regarding the impact of nonthermal processing technologies on food safety and quality. Both groups indicated a desire for information and/or training. For both industry and educators, common preferred formats for outreach resources were printed materials, Internet/web‐based materials, and PowerPoint. Educators identified barriers as equipment cost, lack of information, and lack of product validation. While the majority of the respondents were aware of nonthermal processing, they were not knowledgeable, indicating a need for education and outreach in nonthermal processing methods to both shellfish/produce industry and food safety educators.
Chronic alcoholics retain dyspeptic symptoms, pan‐enteric dysmotility, and autonomic neuropathy before and after abstinence
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Grattagliano Ignazio , Portincasa Piero 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo carry out a comprehensive study on gastrointestinal symptoms, motility and autonomic neuropathy in chronic alcoholics before and one year after abstinence.MethodsDyspeptic symptoms (questionnaires), fasting and postprandial gallbladder and gastric motility (ultrasonography), oro‐cecal transit time (lactulose H2‐breath test), stool form score (indirect marker of colonic transit), and autonomic neuropathy (sweat spot test, R‐R ratio) were assessed at baseline in 268 subjects (136 chronic alcoholics and 132 healthy controls). A subgroup of 39 patients was re‐evaluated after 12 months of abstinence.ResultsChronic alcoholics had increased dyspepsia, delayed gastric emptying and oro‐cecal transit time but faster gallbladder emptying, with slightly accelerated colonic transit. Sympathetic, but not parasympathetic, autonomic dysfunction was found. Dyspeptic symptoms and functional alterations of gastric emptying and oro‐cecal transit tests were still present after 12‐month abstinence, whereas gallbladder motility, stool form score and sympathetic function improved.ConclusionsChronic alcoholics exhibit combined and interdependent presence of dyspeptic symptoms, impaired motility at different levels of the gastrointestinal tract, with sympathetic dysfunction. Only a few of these abnormalities improve after one year of abstinence from alcohol.
Uncoupling associations of risk alleles with endophenotypes and phenotypes: insights from the ApoB locus and heart‐related traits
Authors: Kulminski Alexander M. , Kernogitski Yelena , Culminskaya Irina , Loika Yury , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Bagley Olivia , Duan Matt , Arbeeva Liubov , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Wu Deqing , Stallard Eric , Yashin Anatoliy I. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryTraditionally, genomewide association studies (GWAS) have emphasized the benefits of large samples in the analyses of age‐related traits rather than their specific properties. We adopted a realistic concept of genetic susceptibility to inherently heterogeneous, age‐related traits driven by the elusive role of evolution in their properties. We analyzed in detail the associations of rs693 and rs562338 polymorphisms representing the Apolipoprotein B locus with endophenotypes (total cholesterol [TC] and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) and phenotypes (myocardial infarction [MI] and survival) in four large‐scale studies, which include 20 748 individuals with 2357 MI events. We showed that a strong, robust predisposition of rs693 and rs562338 to TC (β = 0.72, P = 7.7 × 10−30 for rs693 and β = −1.08, P = 9.8 × 10−42 for rs562338) is not translated into a predisposition to MI and survival. The rs693_A allele influences risks of MI and mortality after MI additively with lipids. This allele shows antagonistic effects—protecting against MI risks (β = −0.18, P = 1.1 × 10−5) or increasing MI risks (β = 0.15, P = 2.8 × 10−3) and mortality after MI, in different populations. Paradoxically, increased TC concentrations can be protective against MI for the rs693_A allele carriers. Our results uncouple the influences of the same alleles on endophenotypes and phenotypes despite potential causal relationships among the latter. Our strategy reveals virtually genomewide significance for the associations of rs693 with MI (P = 5.5 × 10−8) that is contrasted with a weak estimate following the traditional, sample‐size‐centered GWAS strategy (P = 0.16) in the same sample. These results caution against the use of the traditional GWAS strategy for gaining profound insights into genetic predisposition to healthspan and lifespan.
Antioxidants reveal an inverted U‐shaped dose‐response relationship between reactive oxygen species levels and the rate of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Desjardins David , Cacho‐Valadez Briseida , Liu Ju‐Ling , Wang Ying , Yee Callista , Bernard Kristine , Khaki Arman , Breton Lionel , Hekimi Siegfried 
Published: September 2016

SummaryReactive oxygen species (ROS) are potentially toxic, but they are also signaling molecules that modulate aging. Recent observations that ROS can promote longevity have to be reconciled with the numerous claims about the benefits of antioxidants on lifespan. Here, three antioxidants [N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and resveratrol (RSV)] were tested on Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that alter drug uptake, mitochondrial function, and ROS metabolism. We observed that like pro‐oxidants, antioxidants can both lengthen and shorten lifespan, dependent on concentration, genotypes, and conditions. The effects of antioxidants thus reveal an inverted U‐shaped dose–response relationship between ROS levels and lifespan. In addition, we observed that RSV can act additively to both NAC and paraquat, to dramatically increase lifespan. This suggests that the effect of compounds that modulate ROS levels can be additive when their loci of action or mechanisms of action are sufficiently distinct.
Early surgical treatment of retinal hemangioblastomas
Authors: van Overdam Koen A. , Missotten Tom , Kilic Emine , Spielberg Leigh H. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the clinical course after early surgical treatment with excision of retinal hemangioblastomas (RHs) before development of major complications.MethodsInterventional case series of four eyes (four patients) with a peripheral RH that had not yet been treated by laser or cryotherapy prior to surgery. All eyes underwent 23‐gauge vitrectomy with lesion excision. One patient underwent ligation of the feeder vessel prior to lesion excision. Best‐corrected visual acuity and clinical course were assessed during a follow‐up period of at least 4 years.ResultsFour patients (mean age 27.3 years; range 19–32) were included, of whom two had von Hippel–Lindau syndrome. Visual acuity improved in three patients (mean 4.8 lines; range 3–10) and remained stable at 0.0 logMAR in one patient. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included transient mild vitreous haemorrhage (n = 2), and local epiretinal membrane formation at the excision location (n = 1). At 4 years postoperatively, there were no long‐term complications. There was one case of a new lesion, which was effectively treated with laser.ConclusionVitrectomy with RH excision seems to be an effective approach for larger RHs and could be considered an early treatment option in selected cases. Postoperative complications were limited in scope of this case series. Important points to consider during vitrectomy are effective closure of feeder and draining vessels as well as complete removal of posterior hyaloid and epiretinal membranes in order to avoid postoperative vitreous haemorrhage and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
Analysis of the impact of allergy and atopy on new onset of uveitis
Authors: Grajewski Rafael S. , Barahmand Pour Niusha , Burian Katja , Caramoy Albert , Kirchhof Bernd , Cursiefen Claus , Heindl Ludwig M. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeThe inappropriate immune response to harmless foreign and self‐antigens is a common feature of allergy, atopy and autoimmune disease. The influence of environmental factors in the initiation of autoimmunity is not well understood. It is conceivable that immune responses to allergens may also serve as a trigger of bystander immune reactions, including autoimmunity such as uveitis. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the prevalence of allergies and atopy in patients with different types of uveitis in comparison to a control cohort.MethodsIn total, 530 consecutive patients with new‐onset anterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis were compared to a non‐uveitis control cohort consisting of 1.060 consecutive new‐referral patients who attended our specialized outpatient clinics for other reasons than uveitis. Allergy and atopy status as well as demographic data (age, gender and ethnicity) were obtained by standardized interviewer‐assisted questionnaires.ResultsUveitis case cohort and control cohort did not differ significantly in the allergy status (p = 0.910), such as the history of pollen allergy (p = 0.671), history of drug allergy (p = 0.920), history of food allergy (p = 0.941), history of house dust mite allergy (p = 0.197) or history of other allergens (p = 0.593), nor in the atopy status (p = 0.802), such as the history of atopic dermatitis (p = 0.365), history of asthma (p = 0.430) or history of allergic rhinitis (p = 0.115).ConclusionsOur results argue against a substantial influence of allergies and atopy on the onset of uveitis.
High correlation between performance on a virtual‐reality simulator and real‐life cataract surgery
Authors: Thomsen Ann Sofia Skou , Smith Phillip , Subhi Yousif , Cour Morten la , Tang Lilian , Saleh George M. , Konge Lars 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the correlation in performance of cataract surgery between a virtual‐reality simulator and real‐life surgery using two objective assessment tools with evidence of validity.MethodsCataract surgeons with varying levels of experience were included in the study. All participants performed and videorecorded three standard cataract surgeries before completing a proficiency‐based test on the EyeSi virtual‐reality simulator. Standard cataract surgeries were defined as: (1) surgery performed under local anaesthesia, (2) patient age >60 years, and (3) visual acuity >1/60 preoperatively. A motion‐tracking score was calculated by multiplying average path length and average number of movements from the three real‐life surgical videos of full procedures. The EyeSi test consisted of five abstract and two procedural modules: intracapsular navigation, antitremor training, intracapsular antitremor training, forceps training, bimanual training, capsulorhexis and phaco divide and conquer.ResultsEleven surgeons were enrolled. After a designated warm‐up period, the proficiency‐based test on the EyeSi simulator was strongly correlated to real‐life performance measured by motion‐tracking software of cataract surgical videos with a Pearson correlation coefficient of −0.70 (p = 0.017).ConclusionPerformance on the EyeSi simulator is significantly and highly correlated to real‐life surgical performance. However, it is recommended that performance assessments are made using multiple data sources.
Teachers’ knowledge in content, pedagogy and technology integration: A comparative analysis between teachers in Saudi Arabia and United States
Authors: Alqurashi Emtinan , Gokbel Elif N. , Carbonara David 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTeachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) involves an awareness of instructional approaches, methods, and knowledge of building on technology to enhance students’ learning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the TPACK of teachers in Saudi Arabia and USA, and then describe the factors affecting teachers’ TPACK through an analysis of covariance that incorporates age, teaching experience, and education level as covariates, and the seven levels of TPACK as dependent variables. Differences found between teachers in the US and Saudi Arabia in terms of TPK, and TPCK. The analysis of variance indicated that teachers’ from the US and Saudi Arabia differ in their perceived TPACK when controlled by years of teaching experience, and educational levels. Teachers in both the US and Saudi Arabia had higher rating of their knowledge in content and pedagogy than technology knowledge. Teachers in Saudi Arabia, however, had higher TK, TCK, TPK and TPCK than teachers in the US.
24‐month durability after crossover to the prostatic urethral lift from randomised, blinded sham
Authors: Rukstalis Daniel , Rashid Prem , Bogache William K. , Tutrone Ronald F. , Barkin Jack , Chin Peter T. , Woo Henry H. , Cantwell Anthony L. , Cowan Barrett E. , Bolton Damien M. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the 24‐month effectiveness of the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) procedure in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) assessed through a crossover study.Patients and MethodsIn all, 53 patients underwent a sham procedure as part of the blinded, randomised L.I.F.T. (Luminal Improvement Following prostatic Tissue approximation for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH) study at 19 centres and elected to enrol in this crossover study. The crossover procedure involved placement of permanent implants (UroLift® system) into the prostatic lateral lobes. Patients were followed for 3 months after the sham procedure and then for 24 months after crossover to PUL, with assessments of urinary symptom relief, quality of life (QoL), urinary flow rate, sexual function, and adverse events.ResultsAt 24 months after crossover to PUL, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QoL, BPH Impact Index, and maximum urinary flow rate improved 36%, 40%, 54%, and 77% from baseline, respectively. Each IPSS parameter on average improved significantly from baseline (P < 0.005) and remained stable throughout follow‐up. Symptom response after the sham procedure indicated initial improvement at 1 month with significant decay by 3 months. Adverse events were typically mild to moderate and patients returned rapidly to normal activity. Four patients (8%) required intervention with transurethral resection of the prostate and one patient required additional PUL implants within the 24‐month period. There were no reported instances of de novo sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.ConclusionsThe PUL procedure is associated with rapid symptom relief, increased urinary flow rate and QoL improvement that remain stable over 24 months. Morbidity is low and sexual function is preserved.
Wolf population genetics inEurope: a systematic review, meta‐analysis and suggestions for conservation and management
Authors: Hindrikson Maris , Remm Jaanus , Pilot Malgorzata , Godinho Raquel , Stronen Astrid Vik , Baltrūnaité Laima , Czarnomska Sylwia D. , Leonard Jennifer A. , Randi Ettore , Nowak Carsten , Åkesson Mikael , López‐Bao José Vicente , Álvares Francisco , Llaneza Luis , Echegaray Jorge , Vilà Carles , Ozolins Janis , Rungis Dainis , Aspi Jouni , Paule Ladislav , Skrbinšek Tomaž , Saarma Urmas 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTThe grey wolf (Canis lupus) is an iconic large carnivore that has increasingly been recognized as an apex predator with intrinsic value and a keystone species. However, wolves have also long represented a primary source of human–carnivore conflict, which has led to long‐term persecution of wolves, resulting in a significant decrease in their numbers, genetic diversity and gene flow between populations. For more effective protection and management of wolf populations inEurope, robust scientific evidence is crucial. This review serves as an analytical summary of the main findings from wolf population genetic studies inEurope, covering major studies from the ‘pre‐genomic era’ and the first insights of the ‘genomics era’. We analyse, summarize and discuss findings derived from analyses of three compartments of the mammalian genome with different inheritance modes: maternal (mitochondrialDNA), paternal (Ychromosome) and biparental [autosomal microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)]. To describe large‐scale trends and patterns of genetic variation inEuropean wolf populations, we conducted a meta‐analysis based on the results of previous microsatellite studies and also included new data, covering all 19European countries for which wolf genetic information is available:Norway,Sweden,Finland,Estonia,Latvia,Lithuania,Poland,CzechRepublic,Slovakia,Germany,Belarus,Russia,Italy,Croatia,Bulgaria,Bosnia andHerzegovina,Greece,Spain andPortugal. We compared different indices of genetic diversity in wolf populations and found a significant spatial trend in heterozygosity acrossEurope from south‐west (lowest genetic diversity) to north‐east (highest). The range of spatial autocorrelation calculated on the basis of three characteristics of genetic diversity was 650−850 km, suggesting that the genetic diversity of a given wolf population can be influenced by populations up to 850 km away. As an important outcome of this synthesis, we discuss the most pressing issues threatening wolf populations inEurope, highlight important gaps in current knowledge, suggest solutions to overcome these limitations, and provide recommendations for science‐based wolf conservation and management at regional andEurope‐wide scales.