bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Economic Cost of Communicable Disease Surveillance in Local Public Health Agencies
Authors: Atherly Adam , Whittington Melanie , VanRaemdonck Lisa , Lampe Sarah 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveWe identify economic costs associated with communicable disease (CD) monitoring/surveillance in Colorado local public health agencies and identify possible economies of scale.Data Sources/Study SettingData were collected via a survey of local public health employees engaged in CD work. Survey respondents logged time spent on CD surveillance for 2‐week periods in the spring of 2014 and fall of 2014. Forty‐three of the 54 local public health agencies in Colorado participated.Study DesignWe used a microcosting approach. We estimated a statistical cost function using cost as a function of the number of reported investigable diseases during the matched 2‐week period. We also controlled for other independent variables, including case mix, characteristics of the agency, the community, and services provided.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsData were collected from a microcosting survey using time logs.Principal FindingsCosts increased at a decreasing rate as cases increased, with both cases (β = 431.5, p < .001) and cases squared (β = −3.62, p = .05) statistically significant.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results of the model suggest economies of scale. Cost per unit is estimated to be one‐third lower for high‐volume agencies as compared to low‐volume agencies. Cost savings could potentially be achieved if smaller agencies shared services.
Australia's Health Star Rating policy process: Lessons for global policy‐making in front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling
Authors: Kumar Medha , Gleeson Deborah , Barraclough Simon 
Published: November 2017

AimThis study explored factors that shaped the development of Australia's Health Star Rating system for front‐of‐pack labelling (FoPL) on packaged foods and whether insights could be drawn from this experience to inform the development of global FoPL standards.MethodsTen individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with public health or consumer advocates, academics in the field of nutrition labelling and policy, a food industry employee, and Australian public servants. Thematic analysis was undertaken, guided by Kingdon's Multiple Streams Framework, to identify factors which shaped Australian and international FoPL policy processes.ResultsSenior Australian bureaucrats played the policy entrepreneur role to facilitate the development of the Health Star Rating system. The public health and consumer advocacy groups formed an alliance to counter‐balance the influence of the food industry in the Health Star Rating development process. Public health and consumer groups have less influence at Codex Alimentarius, where policy‐making is constrained by political alliances and consensus voting structures.ConclusionsStrong leadership, policy entrepreneurship and a coherent alliance between public health and consumer groups enabled the development of a FoPL system in Australia and could contribute to advancing FoPL standards at the international level.
Quality of information about success rates provided on assisted reproductive technology clinic websites in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Hammarberg Karin , Prentice Tess , Purcell Isabelle , Johnson Louise 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundMany factors influence the chance of having a baby with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A 2016 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigation concluded that ART clinics needed to improve the quality of information they provide about chance of ART success.AimTo evaluate changes in the quality of information about success rates provided on the websites of ART clinics in Australia and New Zealand before and after the ACCC investigation.Materials and MethodDesktop audits of websites of ART clinics in Australia and New Zealand were conducted in 2016 and 2017 and available information about success rates was scored using a matrix with eight variables and a possible range of scores of 0–9.ResultsOf the 54 clinic websites identified in 2016, 32 had unique information and were eligible to be audited. Of these, 29 were also eligible to be audited in 2017. While there was a slight improvement in the mean score from 2016 to 2017 (4.93–5.28), this was not statistically significantly different. Of the 29 clinics, 14 had the same score on both occasions, 10 had a higher and five a lower information quality score in 2017.ConclusionsTo allow people who consider ART to make informed decisions about treatment they need comprehensive and accurate information about what treatment entails and what the likely outcomes are. As measured by a scoring matrix, most ART clinics had not improved the quality of the information about success rates following the ACCC investigation.
C‐reactive protein is linked to disease activity, impact, and response to treatment in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Kolkhir P. , Altrichter S. , Hawro T. , Maurer M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundElevated levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation, have been consistently reported in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Here, we retrospectively analyzed data from 1253 CSU patients from 2 centers to answer the following questions: (i) What is the prevalence of elevated levels of CRP in CSU? (ii) Why do CSU patients show elevated levels of CRP? (iii) Are elevated CRP levels relevant?MethodsSerum levels of CRP were measured by the nephelometric method. We collected information regarding various laboratory tests including ESR, CBC with differential, D‐dimer, fibrinogen, C3, C4, IL‐6, etc. For most patients, we also collected data on age, gender, duration of CSU, presence of angioedema, activity (UAS at the time of blood sampling and for 7 days), quality of life (CU‐Q2oL and/or DLQI), comorbidities and possible causes of CSU, and autologous serum skin test (ASST) response. The efficacy of second‐generation antihistamines was evaluated on the day of blood collecting.ResultsOne‐third of CSU patients had elevated levels of CRP. Higher levels of CRP were associated with ASST positivity (P = .009) and arterial hypertension (P = .005), but not with other possible causes or comorbidities of CSU. C‐reactive protein correlated with urticaria activity (P < .001), quality of life impairment (P = .026), and inflammatory and coagulation markers (P < .001). C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher in nonresponders to antihistamines as compared to responders (P < .001).ConclusionElevated levels of CRP are common and relevant in CSU patients. The assessment of CRP levels may help to optimize the management of patients with CSU.
Development of a surgical trainer assessment questionnaire
Authors: Dean Benjamin J. F. , Keeler Barrie , Garfjeld Roberts Patrick , Rees Jonathan L. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThe assessment of surgical trainees has become well‐established in practice; however, this is not yet the case for surgical trainers. The aim of this study was to develop a trainer assessment questionnaire (OxTrAQ) based on the 12 key trainer attributes identified by a previous systematic review, to then explore this questionnaire's potential domains and test its reliability.MethodsTheOxTrAQwas piloted at two surgical training centres in two surgical sub‐specialities. At each centre, every trainee assessed every trainer while under their clinical supervision.ResultsInternal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was calculated for this 12‐item questionnaire as 0.958. Factor analysis revealed two domains which accounted for 77.997% of the variance; these were the general domain (nine items) and the independence domain (three items). Inter‐observer reliability was shown by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (average measures) for the overallOxTrAQscore, general domain score and independence domain score which were 0.951, 0.945 and 0.955 for centre 1 and 0.857, 0.819 and 0.883 for centre 2, respectively. Intra‐observer reliability was shown by theICCs(average measures) for the overallOxTrAQscore, general domain score and independence domain score which were 0.925, 0.913 and 0.940, respectively. Construct validity was demonstrated by a high correlation (Spearman rho = 0.886,P= 0.019) between trainer scores and the scores predicted by the trainers themselves.ConclusionsTheOxTrAQis a simple trainer assessment questionnaire which has demonstrated both high inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability.
Comparison of self‐made cryopreservative fibrin glue and commercial fibrin glue kit in pterygium surgery: 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gong Jingwen , Fan Jiaqi , Shen Ting , Jiang Jin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess long‐term efficacy and safety of self‐made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) applied in pterygium surgery.MethodsProspective, comparative, interventional case series. Forty eyes of 40 patients with nasal primary pterygium, 24 male and 16 female, were enrolled. The patients were assigned to two groups and each contained 12 male and eight female based on the pterygium area encroaching onto the cornea. In one group, the conjunctival autograft was attached to the sclera with SMC stored for 2 months, and in the other group, commercial fibrin glue kit (CK) was applied after the pterygium was removed. All the patients were followed up postoperatively on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 then at months 1, 3, 6, 12. The main outcome measures included operating time, postoperative discomfort, recurrence rate and complications.ResultsThere were no significant differences in surgery time (p = 0.713) and postoperative discomfort (day 1, 3, 7; p = 0.747, p = 0.766, p = 0.983, respectively) between the two groups. By the end of 1‐year follow‐up, the recurrence rate was 0% in the SMC group and 5% in the CK group (p = 1.000). There were no infections and severe visual acuity (VA) threatening complications in either group.ConclusionSelf‐made cryopreservative fibrin glue (SMC) is as effective as standard CK for autograft fixation in pterygium surgery and it also has good safety after long‐term follow‐up. For its convenience and low cost, this new methods should be popularized, especially in underdeveloped area.
Reading Emotion From Mouse Cursor Motions: Affective Computing Approach
Authors: Yamauchi Takashi , Xiao Kunchen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAffective computing research has advanced emotion recognition systems using facial expressions, voices, gaits, and physiological signals, yet these methods are often impractical. This study integrates mouse cursor motion analysis into affective computing and investigates the idea that movements of the computer cursor can provide information about emotion of the computer user. We extracted 16–26 trajectory features during a choice‐reaching task and examined the link between emotion and cursor motions. Participants were induced for positive or negative emotions by music, film clips, or emotional pictures, and they indicated their emotions with questionnaires. Our 10‐fold cross‐validation analysis shows that statistical models formed from “known” participants (training data) could predict nearly 10%–20% of the variance of positive affect and attentiveness ratings of “unknown” participants, suggesting that cursor movement patterns such as the area under curve and direction change help infer emotions of computer users.
Public Policy Issues and Campaign Strategies: Examining Rationality and the Role of Social Media in a Legislative Election Within a Middle Eastern Context
Authors: Yaghi Abdulfattah , Antwi‐Boateng Osman 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhile most studies from western countries emphasize rationality in electoral behavior, the present study proposes that rationality is also a driver of candidates’ behavior in a non‐Western context. The purpose of the present study is to map campaign content as well as campaign strategies of 214 candidates in the 2015 United Arab Emirates legislative elections. The qualitative analysis showed rational consideration drove the selection of both campaign strategies and public policy positions. Candidates decided to include patriotism and social and economic policy issues in their campaigns to attract votes. In addition, while candidates utilized social meda in their campaigns hoping to maximize their voter outreach, doing so was not necessarily decisive in garnering more votes. Thus, juxtaposed with social meda channels like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, and GooglePlus, traditional campaigning strategies remained very potent.
Angiotensin 1‐7 modulates electrophysiological characteristics and calcium homoeostasis in pulmonary veins cardiomyocytes via MAS/PI3K/eNOS signalling pathway
Authors: Lu Yen‐Yu , Wu Wen‐Shiann , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Cheng Chen‐Chuan , Chen Yao‐Chang , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, and pulmonary veins (PVs) play a critical role in triggering AF. Angiotensin (Ang)‐(1‐7) regulates calcium (Ca2+) homoeostasis and also plays a critical role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. However, the role of Ang‐(1‐7) in PV arrhythmogenesis remains unclear.Materials and methodsConventional microelectrodes, whole‐cell patch‐clamp and the fluo‐3 fluorimetric ratio technique were used to record ionic currents and intracellular Ca2+ in isolated rabbit PV preparations and in single isolated PV cardiomyocytes, before and after administration of Ang‐(1‐7).ResultsAng (1‐7) concentration dependently (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L) decreased PV spontaneous electrical activity. Ang‐(1‐7) (100 nmol/L) decreased the late sodium (Na+), L‐type Ca2+ and Na+‐Ca2+ exchanger currents, but did not affect the voltage‐dependent Na+ current in PV cardiomyocytes. In addition, Ang‐(1‐7) decreased intracellular Ca2+ transient and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in PV cardiomyocytes. A779 (a Mas receptor blocker, 3 μmol/L), L‐NAME (a NO synthesis inhibitor, 100 μmol/L) or wortmannin (a specific PI3K inhibitor, 10 nmol/L) attenuated the effects of Ang‐(1‐7) (100 nmol/L) on PV spontaneous electric activity.ConclusionAng‐(1‐7) regulates PV electrophysiological characteristics and Ca2+ homoeostasis via Mas/PI3K/eNOS signalling pathway.
Seasonal variation in abundance and diversity of eavesdropping frog‐biting midges (Diptera, Corethrellidae) in a neotropical rainforest
Authors: LEGETT HENRY D. , BARANOV VIKTOR A. , BERNAL XIMENA E. 
Published: November 2017

1. In the tropics, precipitation patterns result in seasonal fluctuations in the abundance and distribution of plant and animal species. Tropical predators and parasites are therefore faced with seasonal changes in prey and host availability.2. This study investigates the seasonal interaction among a specialised ectoparasite, eavesdropping frog‐biting midges (Corethrella spp.), and their anuran hosts, examining how the abundance and diversity of the frog‐biting midge community fluctuate between the rainy (host abundant) and dry (host sparse) seasons.3. Midges were captured in both the rainy and dry seasons using acoustic playbacks of calls from a common frog species that breeds during the rainy season, the túngara frog (Engystomops, Physalaemus, pustulosus). During the dry season túngara frog choruses are absent. To explore seasonal shifts in host preference or changes in the midge community due to host specificity, midges were also captured using playbacks of calls from a frog that breeds during the dry season, the pug‐nosed tree frog (Smilisca sila).4. While the overall abundance of midges decreased in the dry season, only slight differences in the relative abundance between midge species were found. These results suggest that midge populations can shift between hosts as they become available across seasons, allowing adult populations of frog‐biting midges to persist year‐round. To overcome the challenge of detecting and localising different host species, it is proposed that frog‐biting midges have evolved a generalised acoustic template, allowing them to respond to a broad range of available hosts, regardless of seasonal host composition.
Exploring patient‐reported outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention: A qualitative study
Authors: Ayton Darshini R. , Barker Anna L. , Peeters Geeske M. E. E. , Berkovic Danielle E. , Lefkovits Jeffrey , Brennan Angela , Evans Sue , Zalcberg John , Reid Christopher , Stoelwinder Johannes (Just) , McNeil John 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common cardiac procedure used to treat obstructive coronary artery disease. Patient‐centred care is a priority in cardiovascular health having been shown to increase patient satisfaction, engagement with rehabilitation activities and reduce anxiety. Evidence indicates that patient‐centred care is best achieved by routine collection of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). However, existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) have limited the patient involvement in their development.AimsTo identify and explore outcomes, patients perceive as important following PCI.MethodsA qualitative design was adopted. Eight focus groups and five semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 32 patients who had undergone PCI in the previous 6 months. Outcomes were identified and mapped under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) patient‐reported outcome (PROs) domains of feeling (physical and psychological outcomes), function and evaluation. Inductive and deductive analysis methods were used with open, axial and thematic coding.ResultsConsistent with prior studies, patients identified feeling and function outcomes such as reductions in physical and psychological symptoms and the ability to perform usual activities as important. Participants also identified a range of new outcomes, including confidence to return to usual activities and evaluation domains such as adverse effects of medications and the importance of patient communication.ConclusionThe findings of this research should be considered in the design of a cardiac PROM for PCI patients. A PROM which adequately assesses these outcomes can provide clinicians and hospital staff with a foundation in which to address these concerns or symptoms.
Demographic modelling reveals a history of divergence with gene flow for a glacially tied stonefly in a changing post‐Pleistocene landscape
Authors: Hotaling Scott , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Giersch J. Joseph , Ali Omar A. , Jordan Steve , Miller Michael R. , Luikart Gordon , Weisrock David W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimClimate warming is causing extensive loss of glaciers in mountainous regions, yet our understanding of how glacial recession influences evolutionary processes and genetic diversity is limited. Linking genetic structure with the influences shaping it can improve understanding of how species respond to environmental change. Here, we used genome‐scale data and demographic modelling to resolve the evolutionary history of Lednia tumana, a rare, aquatic insect endemic to alpine streams. We also employed a range of widely used data filtering approaches to quantify how they influenced population structure results.LocationAlpine streams in the Rocky Mountains of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.TaxonLednia tumana, a stonefly (Order Plecoptera) in the family Nemouridae.MethodsWe generated single nucleotide polymorphism data through restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing to assess contemporary patterns of genetic structure for 11 L. tumana populations. Using identified clusters, we assessed demographic history through model selection and parameter estimation in a coalescent framework. During population structure analyses, we filtered our data to assess the influence of singletons, missing data and total number of markers on results.ResultsContemporary patterns of population structure indicate that L. tumana exhibits a pattern of isolation‐by‐distance among populations within three genetic clusters that align with geography. Mean pairwise genetic differentiation (FST) among populations was 0.033. Coalescent‐based demographic modelling supported divergence with gene flow among genetic clusters since the end of the Pleistocene (~13‐17 kya), likely reflecting the south‐to‐north recession of ice sheets that accumulated during the Wisconsin glaciation.Main conclusionsWe identified a link between glacial retreat, evolutionary history and patterns of genetic diversity for a range‐restricted stonefly imperiled by climate change. This finding included a history of divergence with gene flow, an unexpected conclusion for a mountaintop species. Beyond L. tumana, this study demonstrates the complexity of assessing genetic structure for weakly differentiated species, shows the degree to which rare alleles and missing data may influence results, and highlights the usefulness of genome‐scale data to extend population genetic inquiry in non‐model species.
Mechanical power sheath mediated recanalization and lead implantation in patients with venous occlusion: Technique and results
Authors: Witte Olivier A. , Adiyaman Ahmet , van Bemmel Marnix W. , Smit Jaap Jan J. , Ghani Abdul , Misier Anand R. Ramdat , Elvan Arif , Delnoy Peter Paul H.M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionChronic venous occlusion hampers lead revisions and upgrades in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This can make cardiothoracic surgery, venoplasty, or contra‐lateral implantation of leads with tunneling necessary. A technique using venous recanalization may be a preferred alternative. We assessed the efficacy and safety of this new technique.Methods and resultsFrom 2009 to 2016, all consecutive patients planned for lead revision or upgrade with known chronic venous occlusion were studied. All patients underwent extraction of an existing malfunctional or functional CIED lead with the Cook Evolution mechanical power sheath. By using the lumen of the sheath, endovascular access to the heart was obtained for new leads. Forty‐two patients (107 leads, 2.6 ± 1.1) were included. The indication for this procedure was replacement of malfunctional leads (n = 35, 83%) or device upgrade (n = 7, 17%). In total, 77 leads were extracted (30 leads stayed in situ) with a mean age at time of extraction of 8.4 years. Because of damage to bystander leads during extraction, two additional leads (one RA lead, one LV lead) were extracted. Clinical success was achieved in 41 patients (97%) and complete success in 39 patients (93%). There were two minor complications (two pocket hematomas, managed conservatively) and one major complication (tamponade, needing thoracotomy). Mean procedure time was 3.0 hours (median, 2.0; range, 1:28–5:35 hours) with a mean fluoroscopy time of 14.9 ± 12.5 minutes.ConclusionsThe technique of Evolution‐mediated recanalization in case of lead revisions or upgrades is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and high efficacy.