bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concordance in diagnostic testing for respiratory pathogens of bighorn sheep
Authors: Walsh Daniel P. , Cassirer E. Frances , Bonds Michael D. , Brown Daniel R. , Edwards William H. , Weiser Glen C. , Drew Mark L. , Briggs Robert E. , Fox Karen A. , Miller Michael W. , Shanthalingam Sudarvili , Srikumaran Subramaniam , Besser Thomas E. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTReliable diagnostic tests are essential for disease investigation and management. This is particularly true for diseases of free‐ranging wildlife where sampling is logistically difficult precluding retesting. Clinical assays for wildlife diseases frequently vary among laboratories because of lack of appropriate standardized commercial kits. Results of diagnostic testing may also be called into question when investigators report different etiologies for disease outbreaks, despite similar clinical and pathologic findings. To evaluate reliability of diagnostic testing for respiratory pathogens of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), we conducted a series of ring tests across 6 laboratories routinely involved in detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Pasteurellaceae, lktA (the Pasteurellaceae gene encoding leukotoxin), and 3 reference laboratories. Consistency of results for replicate samples within laboratories was high (median agreement = 1.0). Agreement between laboratories was high for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of M. ovipneumoniae and culture isolation of Mannheimia spp. and Bibersteinia trehalosi (median agreement = 0.89–0.95, Kappa = 0.65–0.74), and lower for PCR detection of Mannheimia spp. lktA (median agreement = 0.58, Kappa = 0.12). Most errors on defined status samples were false negatives, suggesting test sensitivity was a greater problem than specificity. However, tests for M. haemolytica and lktA yielded some false positive results. Despite differences in testing protocols, median agreement among laboratories and correct classification of controls for most agents was ≥0.80, meeting or exceeding the standard required by federal proficiency testing programs. This information is valuable for interpreting test results, laboratory quality assessments, and advancing diagnosis of respiratory disease in wild sheep. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 3: Continued innovation for clinical trial improvement
Authors: Weiner Michael W. , Veitch Dallas P. , Aisen Paul S. , Beckett Laurel A. , Cairns Nigel J. , Green Robert C. , Harvey Danielle , Jack Clifford R. , Jagust William , Morris John C. , Petersen Ronald C. , Salazar Jennifer , Saykin Andrew J. , Shaw Leslie M. , Toga Arthur W. , Trojanowski John Q. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe overall goal of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is to validate biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. ADNI‐3, which began on August 1, 2016, is a 5‐year renewal of the current ADNI‐2 study.MethodsADNI‐3 will follow current and additional subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and AD using innovative technologies such as tau imaging, magnetic resonance imaging sequences for connectivity analyses, and a highly automated immunoassay platform and mass spectroscopy approach for cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis. A Systems Biology/pathway approach will be used to identify genetic factors for subject selection/enrichment. Amyloid positron emission tomography scanning will be standardized using the Centiloid method. The Brain Health Registry will help recruit subjects and monitor subject cognition.ResultsMultimodal analyses will provide insight into AD pathophysiology and disease progression.DiscussionADNI‐3 will aim to inform AD treatment trials and facilitate development of AD disease‐modifying treatments.
Efficacy of ranolazine in preventing atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: Results from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Trivedi Chintan , Upadhyay Ankit , Solanki Kinjal 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Ranolazine is a Food and Drug Administration approved anti‐ischemic drug, which also has anti‐arrhythmic properties. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefit of ranolazine in preventing post‐operative AF (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Hence, we performed a meta‐analysis of published studies comparing ranolazine plus standard therapy versus standard therapy for POAF prevention in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search of Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, abstracts from annual scientific sessions, and Cochrane library database for studies that assessed the effectiveness of ranolazine plus standard therapy by comparing it with standard therapy alone in preventing POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. From all the studies, data on POAF events among groups were collected, and the random‐effects (DerSimonian and Laird) method was used for meta‐analysis.ResultsFour studies with 663 patients were included in the final analysis, with 300 and 363 patients in the ranolazine plus standard therapy and standard therapy groups, respectively. The types of cardiac surgeries were coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve surgery or combination of CABG, and valve surgeries. After pooled analysis, ranolazine plus standard therapy was associated with a significant reduction in POAF events compared to standard therapy alone (risk ratio=0.44 [0.25, 0.78], p‐value=0.005). There was no difference in adverse events between the two therapies. However, in one study, more patients in the ranolazine group had transient symptomatic hypotension after the surgery.ConclusionsRanolazine may prove beneficial in POAF prevention following cardiac surgeries. Although the pooled treatment effect is quite impressive with a reduction of more than 50% of risk of developing POAF, small number of studies and variation in ranolazine dose regimen in each study make our results inconclusive, but worthy of further investigation. That is why this result has to be interpreted as only hypothesis generating, rather than conclusion drawing.
Mechanism of Death after Decompressive Craniectomy in Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Trickey Kimberley , Hornby Laura , Shemie Sam D. , Teitelbaum Jeanne 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDecompressive craniectomy (DC) after devastating brain injury (DBI) may influence the manner in which patients die, having implications for end-of-life care and organ donation. We performed a retrospective review of deaths following a non-traumatic DBI between 2008 and 2012. 160 patients were reviewed; 26 were treated with DC and 134 received standard care. There was no relationship between DC and mechanism of death, (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.44-3.17). Prospective studies are required to confirm these preliminary finding. DC studies should report the mechanism of death.
PARENTAL MORBIDITY, CHILD WORK, AND HEALTH INSURANCE IN RWANDA
Authors: Woode Maame Esi , Bousmah Marwân-al-Qays , Boucekkine Raouf 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMeasuring direct and indirect effects of extending health insurance coverage in developing countries is a key issue for health system development and for attaining universal health coverage. This paper investigates the role played by health insurance in the relationship between parental morbidity and child work decisions. We use a propensity score matching technique combined with hurdle models, using data from Rwanda. The results show that parental health shocks have a substantial influence on child work when households do not have health insurance. Depending on the gender of the sick parent, there is a substitution effect not only between the parent and the child on the labor market, but also between the time the child spends on different work activities. Altogether, results reveal that health insurance protects children against child work in the presence of parental health shocks.
Top 1% of Inpatients Administered Antimicrobial Agents Comprising 50% of Expenditures: A Descriptive Study and Opportunities for Stewardship Intervention
Authors: Dela-Pena Jennifer , Kerstenetzky Luiza , Schulz Lucas , Kendall Ron , Lepak Alexander , Fox Barry 
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVETo characterize the top 1% of inpatients who contributed to the 6-month antimicrobial budget in a tertiary, academic medical center and identify cost-effective intervention opportunities targeting high-cost antimicrobial utilization.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.PATIENTSTop 1% of the antimicrobial budget from July 1 through December 31, 2014.METHODSPatients were identified through a pharmacy billing database. Baseline characteristics were collected through a retrospective medical chart review. Patients were presented to the antimicrobial stewardship team to determine appropriate utilization of high-cost antimicrobials and potential intervention opportunities. Appropriate use was defined as antimicrobial therapy that was effective, safe, and most cost-effective compared with alternative agents.RESULTSA total of 10,460 patients received antimicrobials in 6 months; 106 patients accounted for $889,543 (47.2%) of the antimicrobial budget with an antimicrobial cost per day of $219±$192 and antimicrobial cost per admission of $4,733±$7,614. Most patients were immunocompromised (75%) and were followed by the infectious disease consult service (80%). The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials for treatment were daptomycin, micafungin, liposomal amphotericin B, and meropenem. Posaconazole and valganciclovir accounted for most of the prophylactic therapy. Cost-effective opportunities (n=71) were present in 57 (54%) of 106 patients, which included dose optimization, de-escalation, dosage form conversion, and improvement in transitions of care.CONCLUSIONAntimicrobial stewardship oversight is important in implementing cost-effective strategies, especially in complex and immunocompromised patients who require the use of high-cost antimicrobials.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:259–265
Evaluation of an Ethanol-Based Spray Disinfectant for Decontamination of Cover Gowns Prior to Removal
Authors: Koganti Sreelatha , Alhmidi Heba , Tomas Myreen E. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Sass Christopher , Jencson Annette L. , Donskey Curtis J. 
Published: December 2016

An ethanol-based spray disinfectant significantly reduced bacteriophage MS2 contamination on material from gowns meeting ASTM standard 1671 for resistance to blood and viral penetration and on a cover gown worn by personnel. Effectiveness of disinfection was affected by the type of gown material and the correctness of fit.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:364–366
Comparingcal3and other a posteriori time-scaling approaches in a case study with the pterocephaliid trilobites
Authors: Bapst David W. , Hopkins Melanie J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractReconstructing the tree of life involves more than identifying relationships among lineages; it also entails accurately estimating when lineages diverged. Paleontologists typically scale cladograms to time a posteriori by direct reference to first appearances of taxa in the stratigraphic record. Some approaches use probabilistic models of branching, extinction, and sampling processes to date samples of trees, such as the recently developedcal3method, which stochastically draws divergence dates given a set of rates for those processes. However, these models require estimates of the rates of those processes, which may be hard to obtain, particularly for sampling. Here, we contrast the use ofcal3and other a posteriori time-scaling approaches by examining a previous study that documented a decelerating rate of morphological evolution in pterocephaliid trilobites. Although aspects of the data set make estimation of branching, extinction, and sampling rates difficult, we use a multifaceted approach to calculate and evaluate the rate estimates needed for applyingcal3. In agreement with previous simulation studies, we find that the choice of phylogenetic dating method impacts downstream macroevolutionary conclusions. We also find contradictory evolutionary inferences between analyses on ancestor–descendant contrasts (based on ancestor trait reconstruction methods) and maximum-likelihood parameter estimates. Ancestral taxon inference incal3corroborates previously hypothesized ancestor–descendant sequences, butcal3suggests greater support for budding cladogenesis than anagenesis. This case study demonstrates the potential and wide applicability of thecal3method and the benefits afforded by choosingcal3over simpler a posteriori time-scaling approaches.
Workplace Health and Gender among Cotton Workers in America and Britain, c.1880s–1940s
Authors: Greenlees Janet 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis article clarifies the differences between occupational health and workplace health and reveals how the two overlap. It unravels a multi-layered narrative about cotton textile workers’ understandings and experiences of ill-health at work in America and Britain, utilizing a combination of oral histories, government documents, company and union records, and the trade press. It aims to identify the multiple influences on contemporary debates about health at work. Contrary to current historiography, I argue that gender was only occasionally important to such discussions among workers, and that gender did not significantly influence their responses to unhealthy conditions. Workers’ understandings of, and responses to, workplace hazards were individual and related to knowledge about risk, ill-health and socioeconomic factors. American and British workers’ understandings of and responses to their working environment reveals more convergence than divergence, suggesting a universal human response to the health risks of work that is not significantly influenced by national or industrial constraints, or by gender.
Insertion of a tracheoesophageal speech valve: a novel approach in a difficult situation
Authors: Yiannakis C P , Townsley R B , Smillie I G , Picozzi G L 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground:Functional voice rehabilitation is becoming increasingly important following total laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal voice via a shunt valve is currently regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for voice rehabilitation. Traditional techniques usually allow for the replacement of valves in the out-patient setting; however, patient factors such as altered anatomy may occasionally prevent this.Objective:This paper describes a novel approach for speech valve insertion that is safe, quick and cost-effective, and which uses equipment commonly available in ENT wards and the operating theatre.
Rising incidence of head and neck mucosal melanoma in Australia
Authors: Youssef D , Vasani S , Marquess J , Cervin A 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:To establish Australian population-based incidence trends for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.Methods:Cases between 1985 and 2009 were identified in the Australian Cancer Database. Age-standardised incidence trends were established, including subgroup stratification by sex and site.Results:A continuously progressive increase in incidence was evident in the 353 cases identified over the 25-year study period. This was particularly evident in sinonasal mucosal melanoma in men, despite the overall incidence remaining higher in women.Conclusion:There is such paucity in published global incidence trends of head and neck mucosal melanoma. Comparisons of incidence patterns between countries can provide insight into aetiological factors of this rare disease.
Penetrating neck trauma and the need for surgical exploration: six-year experience within a regional trauma centre
Authors: Kasbekar A V , Combellack E J , Derbyshire S G , Swift A C 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground:There has been a shift towards conservative management of penetrating neck trauma in selected patients.Methods:A retrospective case note review of the management of penetrating neck trauma (2007–2013) was undertaken at our large teaching hospital and compared against best-evidenced practice.Results:Sixty-three patients were admitted over six years. The incidence of penetrating neck trauma is reducing, contrary to our belief. Most cases were knife inflicted (33 out of 63), and of these most were attempted suicide. There was a high rate of negative findings for neck explorations under general anaesthesia (18 out of 22). Only nine cases had justification for general anaesthesia exploration according to best practice.Conclusion:The rate of neck explorations under general anaesthesia has dramatically fallen, in line with best practice. The need for operative intervention in patients with penetration of the aerodigestive tract or a major vascular injury should be based on clinical features, and these have been shown to be reliable indicators prior to open exploration.
A paired comparison analysis of third-party rater thyroidectomy scar preference
Authors: Rajakumar C , Doyle P C , Brandt M G , Moore C C , Nichols A , Franklin J H , Yoo J , Fung K 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:To determine the length and position of a thyroidectomy scar that is cosmetically most appealing to naïve raters.Methods:Images of thyroidectomy scars were reproduced on male and female necks using digital imaging software. Surgical variables studied were scar position and length. Fifteen raters were presented with 56 scar pairings and asked to identify which was preferred cosmetically. Twenty duplicate pairings were included to assess rater reliability. Analysis of variance was used to determine preference.Results:Raters preferred low, short scars, followed by high, short scars, with long scars in either position being less desirable (p < 0.05). Twelve of 15 raters had acceptable intra-rater and inter-rater reliability.Conclusion:Naïve raters preferred low, short scars over the alternatives. High, short scars were the next most favourably rated. If other factors influencing incision choice are considered equal, surgeons should consider these preferences in scar position and length when planning their thyroidectomy approach.
Efficacy of steroidal vs non-steroidal agents in oral lichen planus: a randomised, open-label study
Authors: Singh A R , Rai A , Aftab M , Jain S , Singh M 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjective:This study compared the therapeutic efficacy of steroidal and non-steroidal agents for treating oral lichen planus.Methods:Forty patients with clinical and/or histologically proven oral lichen planus were randomly placed into four groups and treated with topical triamcinolone, oral dapsone, topical tacrolimus or topical retinoid for three months. Pre- and post-treatment symptoms and signs were scored for each patient.Results:Patients in all treatment groups showed significant clinical improvement after three months (p < 0.05), with steroidal and non-steroidal agents having equal efficacy. Furthermore, of the non-steroidal drugs, oral dapsone had greater efficacy than topical retinoid (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in outcome were recorded for oral dapsone vs topical tacrolimus (p > 0.05) and for topical retinoid vs topical tacrolimus (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Non-steroidal drugs such as dapsone, tacrolimus and retinoid are as efficacious as steroidal drugs for treating oral lichen planus, and avoid the side effects associated with steroids.
Half-Earth or Whole Earth? Radical ideas for conservation, and their implications
Authors: Büscher Bram , Fletcher Robert , Brockington Dan , Sandbrook Chris , Adams William M. , Campbell Lisa , Corson Catherine , Dressler Wolfram , Duffy Rosaleen , Gray Noella , Holmes George , Kelly Alice , Lunstrum Elizabeth , Ramutsindela Maano , Shanker Kartik 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe question whether the increasingly popular, radical idea of turning half the Earth into a network of protected areas is either feasible or just. We argue that this Half-Earth plan would have widespread negative consequences for human populations and would not meet its conservation objectives. It offers no agenda for managing biodiversity within a human half of Earth. We call instead for alternative radical action that is both more effective and more equitable, focused directly on the main drivers of biodiversity loss by shifting the global economy from its current foundation in growth while simultaneously redressing inequality.
Exploding wire energy absorption dynamics at slow current rates
Authors: Rodríguez Prieto G. , Bilbao L. , Milanese M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAbsorption of electrical energy provided to a metal wire in an exploding wire system is thought to be terminated or greatly diminished when the plasma is formed, after the joule heating of the metallic wire by the electrical current. Accordingly, it is common to account for the electrical energy delivered to the wire that the integration of current and voltage signals is halted when the voltage peak changes its slope. Usually, this moment is synchronized with the plasma appearance, as detected by optical sensors. In this work, experimental evidence of a two-step electrical energy absorption in an exploding wire surrounded by atmospheric air is presented. During the first step of the energy absorption the plasma is not formed, indicating that the delivered energy is not enough for ionizing the wire, giving place to a dark pause that lasts until a second energy absorption produces a plasma. The delay between the two steps can reach ≈2.2 µs for copper wires of 50 µm diameter charged at an initial voltage of 10 kV. Experimental investigation of variation of the delay between the two steps with different metals, charging voltages, and wire diameters are presented. A relation of the current density with the initial kinetic energy of the plasma and the electrical current rate is devised as a possible explanation of the observed phenomena.
BUDGET IMPACT ANALYSIS OF BELIMUMAB IN TREATING SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Authors: Pierotti Francesca , Palla Iaria , Pippo Lara , Lorenzoni Valentina , Turchetti Giuseppe 
Published: December 2016

Objectives: The study evaluates the costs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the budget impact due to the introduction of belimumab in the Italian setting.Methods: Adaptation to the Italian setting of a budget impact model with a time horizon of 4 years (year 0 without belimumab, years 1–3 with belimumab) to compare treatment, administration, and clinical monitoring costs of standard therapy and of the alternative scenario in which belimumab is administered in addition to the standard therapy to the subgroup of patients selected according to the label approved by the European Medicines Agency. The model takes also into account the costs of flares.Results: Over 3 years, belimumab is able to prevent cumulatively 1,111 severe flares and 3,631 nonsevere flares with a total saving for the Italian National Health System (NHS) of approximately €6.2 million. Budget impact ranges from €4.4 million in the first year to €20.3 million in the third year.Conclusions: The decrease in the number of flare partially counterbalances the costs of the new technology (impact attenuation of approximately 16 percent). These data elucidate the importance to control and monitor the disease progression and to prevent exacerbations, which are the major causes of the increase in costs paid by the NHS and by the society. The financial impact could be replicate on a regional basis, to inform local decision makers. Further developments are possible as the model does not consider the additional clinical and economic benefits of reduced damage accrual and slowed disease progression.