bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘It seems like you're going around in circles’: recurrent biographical disruption constructed through the past, present and anticipated future in the narratives of young adults with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Saunders Benjamin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBiographical disruption and related concepts continue to be widely drawn upon in explaining how individuals experience chronic illness. Through in‐depth examination of the narrative experiences of two young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this article aims to contribute to the continuing theoretical elaboration of biographical disruption, and in turn offer new insights into how young adults experience this condition. The cases are analysed from an interaction‐based, constructionist perspective, through which it is argued that the relapse‐remission nature of IBD can give rise to a particular form of recurrent biographical disruption, constructed in narrative through a complex configuration of past, present and anticipated future experiences. The two young adults are found to give different meaning to this recurrent disruption in terms of its significance and consequences – whilst Samuel represents an ongoing cycle of profound disruption and biographical reinstatement, Edith normalises the cycle of disruption and its role in her ongoing biography. Therefore, moving beyond the notion of ‘normal illness’ observed in previous research literature, the concept of ‘normal recurrent disruption’ is proposed. Finally, it is argued that this recurrent biographical disruption may be experienced particularly severely in young adulthood owing to the unique pressures and expectations of this lifestage.
Who Receives Medicaid in Old Age? Rules and Reality
Authors: Borella Margherita , De Nardi Mariacristina , French Eric 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMedicaid is a government programme that also provides health insurance to the elderly who have few assets and either low income or catastrophic health care expenses. We ask how the Medicaid rules map into the reality of Medicaid recipiency, and we ask what other observable characteristics are important to determine who ends up on Medicaid. The data show that both singles and couples with high retirement income can end up on Medicaid at very advanced ages. We find that, conditioning on a large number of observable characteristics, including those that directly relate to Medicaid eligibility criteria, single women are more likely to end up on Medicaid – so are non‐white people, but, surprisingly, their higher recipiency is concentrated in the higher income percentiles. We also find that people with low incomes who have a high‐school diploma or higher degree are much less likely to end up receiving Medicaid than their less‐educated counterparts. All of these effects are large and depend on retirement income in a very non‐linear way.
Dynamics of mono‐ and dual‐species biofilm formation and interactions between Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Makovcova Jitka , Babak Vladimir , Kulich Pavel , Masek Josef , Slany Michal , Cincarova Lenka 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMicroorganisms are not commonly found in the planktonic state but predominantly form dual‐ and multispecies biofilms in almost all natural environments. Bacteria in multispecies biofilms cooperate, compete or have neutral interactions according to the involved species. Here, the development of mono‐ and dual‐species biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, potentially pathogenic Raoultella planticola and non‐pathogenic Escherichia coli over the course of 24, 48 and 72 h was studied. Biofilm formation was evaluated by the crystal violet assay (CV), enumeration of colony‐forming units (CFU cm−2) and visualization using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In general, Gram‐negative bacterial species and S. aureus interacted in a competitive manner. The tested Gram‐negative bacteria grew better in mixed dual‐species biofilms than in their mono‐species biofilms as determined using the CV assay, CFU ml−2 enumeration, and CLSM and SEM visualization. In contrast, the growth of S. aureus biofilms was reduced when cultured in dual‐species biofilms. CLSM images revealed grape‐like clusters of S. aureus and monolayers of Gram‐negative bacteria in both mono‐ and dual‐species biofilms. S. aureus clusters in dual‐species biofilms were significantly smaller than clusters in S. aureus mono‐species biofilms.
Convergence, Divergence and Hybridity: A Regulatory Governance Perspective on Health Technology Assessment in England and Germany
Authors: Wright John S. F. , Barron Anthony J. G. , Shah Sara M. B. , Klingler Corinna 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCountries adopt different methods and processes to evaluate the benefits and costs of health technologies. It is important to identify and analyse the factors that influence the uptake and use of these methods and processes across countries. In this article, we introduce a regulatory governance approach to the analysis of convergence, divergence and hybridity in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methods, discussing and critically analysing national processes for HTA in two major EU member states: England and Germany. We argue that any reasonably sophisticated account of national approaches to HTA must recognise that globalisation and the emergence of advanced industrial society involves the potential for widely varying processes, methods and evidential requirements. We suggest that this potential also confronts health policy analysts with the challenge of constructing analytical frameworks capable of identifying the diverse institutional, domestic and other factors that shape national approaches to HTA.
Health Care Organization and Delivery in Argentina: A Case of Fragmentation, Inefficiency and Inequality
Authors: Novick Gabriel E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFragmentation is a common trait of most Latin‐American systems. In Argentina the lack of integration among sub systems has a deep impact on health care access and financial sustainability, leading to exclusion, inefficiency, inequality, lack of transparency in administration and one of the highest burdens of household catastrophic out‐of‐pocket spending in Latin America. The national budget, although within the average of the region, is insufficient to cover the health care needs of the uninsured and to fully address the imbalances in social determinants of health. In this article, we first present the organizational and financial structure of the health care system. We then analyse the system dynamics and local health care history, and we explore a few possible lines of action and reforms for the next decade. This analysis may provide lessons for other countries in the region with analogous contexts and facing similar challenges.
Impact of early personal‐history characteristics on the Pace of Aging: implications for clinical trials of therapies to slow aging and extend healthspan
Authors: Belsky Daniel W. , Caspi Avshalom , Cohen Harvey J. , Kraus William E. , Ramrakha Sandhya , Poulton Richie , Moffitt Terrie E. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryTherapies to extend healthspan are poised to move from laboratory animal models to human clinical trials. Translation from mouse to human will entail challenges, among them the multifactorial heterogeneity of human aging. To inform clinical trials about this heterogeneity, we report how humans’ pace of biological aging relates to personal‐history characteristics. Because geroprotective therapies must be delivered by midlife to prevent age‐related disease onset, we studied young‐adult members of the Dunedin Study 1972–73 birth cohort (n = 954). Cohort members’ Pace of Aging was measured as coordinated decline in the integrity of multiple organ systems, by quantifying rate of decline across repeated measurements of 18 biomarkers assayed when cohort members were ages 26, 32, and 38 years. The childhood personal‐history characteristics studied were known predictors of age‐related disease and mortality, and were measured prospectively during childhood. Personal‐history characteristics of familial longevity, childhood social class, adverse childhood experiences, and childhood health, intelligence, and self‐control all predicted differences in cohort members’ adulthood Pace of Aging. Accumulation of more personal‐history risks predicted faster Pace of Aging. Because trials of anti‐aging therapies will need to ascertain personal histories retrospectively, we replicated results using cohort members’ retrospective personal‐history reports made in adulthood. Because many trials recruit participants from clinical settings, we replicated results in the cohort subset who had recent health system contact according to electronic medical records. Quick, inexpensive measures of trial participants’ early personal histories can enable clinical trials to study who volunteers for trials, who adheres to treatment, and who responds to anti‐aging therapies.
DNA damage and senescence in osteoprogenitors expressing Osx1 may cause their decrease with age
Authors: Kim Ha‐Neui , Chang Jianhui , Shao Lijian , Han Li , Iyer Srividhya , Manolagas Stavros C. , O'Brien Charles A. , Jilka Robert L. , Zhou Daohong , Almeida Maria 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAge‐related bone loss in mice results from a decrease in bone formation and an increase in cortical bone resorption. The former is accounted by a decrease in the number of postmitotic osteoblasts which synthesize the bone matrix and is thought to be the consequence of age‐dependent changes in mesenchymal osteoblast progenitors. However, there are no specific markers for these progenitors, and conclusions rely on results from in vitro cultures of mixed cell populations. Moreover, the culprits of such changes remain unknown. Here, we have used Osx1‐Cre;TdRFP mice in which osteoprogenitors express the TdRFP fluorescent protein. We report that the number of TdRFP‐Osx1 cells, freshly isolated from the bone marrow, declines by more than 50% between 6 and 24 months of age in both female and male mice. Moreover, TdRFP‐Osx1 cells from old mice exhibited markers of DNA damage and senescence, such as γH2AX foci, G1 cell cycle arrest, phosphorylation of p53, increased p21CIP1 levels, as well as increased levels of GATA4 and activation of NF‐κB – two major stimulators of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Bone marrow stromal cells from old mice also exhibited elevated expression of SASP genes, including several pro‐osteoclastogenic cytokines, and increased capacity to support osteoclast formation. These changes were greatly attenuated by the senolytic drug ABT263. Together, these findings suggest that the decline in bone mass with age is the result of intrinsic defects in osteoprogenitor cells, leading to decreased osteoblast numbers and increased support of osteoclast formation.
Women's attitude towards routine human platelet antigen‐screening in pregnancy
Authors: Winkelhorst Dian , Loeff Rosanne M. , van den Akker‐Van Marle M. Elske , de Haas Masja , Oepkes Dick 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionFetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a potentially life‐threatening disease with excellent preventative treatment available for subsequent pregnancies. To prevent index cases, the effectiveness of a population‐based screening program has been suggested repeatedly. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate women's attitude towards possible future human platelet antigen‐screening in pregnancy.Material and methodsWe performed a cross‐sectional questionnaire study among healthy pregnant women receiving prenatal care in one of seven participating midwifery practices. Attitude was assessed using a questionnaire based on the validated Multidimensional Measurement of Informed Choice model, containing questions assessing knowledge, attitude and intention to participate.ResultsA total of 143 of the 220 women (65%) completed and returned the questionnaire. A positive attitude towards human platelet antigen‐screening was expressed by 91% of participants, of which 94% was based on sufficient knowledge. Attitude was more likely to be negatively influenced by the opinion that screening can be frightening. Informed choices were made in 87% and occurred significantly less in women from non‐European origin, 89% in European women vs. 60% in non‐European women (p = 0.03).ConclusionsPregnant women in the Netherlands expressed a positive attitude towards human platelet antigen‐screening in pregnancy. We therefore expect a high rate of informed uptake when human platelet antigen‐screening is implemented. In future counseling on human platelet antigen‐screening, ethnicity and possible anxiety associated with a screening test need to be specifically addressed.
Studies on supplementary desalted mother liquor on digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, and energy and nitrogen balance in Thai native cattle
Authors: Sakai Takashi , Angthong Wanna , Takeda Motoharu , Oishi Kazato , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Kumagai Hajime 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFour Thai native steers were used to determine the adequate levels of supplementary desalted mother liquor (DML) for energy and nitrogen balances and ruminal fermentation. The crude protein and sodium chloride contents of DML were 25.5% and 60.3% on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively. A 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment was conducted by adding different amounts of DML to three experimental diets (T1: 1.1%, T2: 2.2%, T3: 3.4% sodium chloride concentration with supplementary DML on a DM basis) and comparing their effects with those of a control diet (C) containing 1.0% commercial salt on a DM basis. The animals were given the experimental diets and rice straw daily at 1.2% and 0.8% of body weight, respectively, on a DM basis. No significant differences in the apparent digestibility of nutrients were observed among treatments. T3 achieved the lowest nitrogen retention (P < 0.05), followed by C, T2 and T1. The ratios of energy retention to gross energy were higher in T1 and T3 than T2, and that in C was lowest (P < 0.05). Supplementary NaCl concentration at 1% and 2% can be replaced with DML without an adverse effect on the digestibility of nutrients or on the nitrogen and energy retention.
The effect of authentic m‐learning activities on student engagement and motivation
Authors: Alioon Yasaman , Delialioğlu Ömer 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAuthentic collaborative m‐learning activities were designed, developed and implemented for a computer networking course. The effect of the activities on student engagement and motivation were analyzed using a mixed method research design. Moreover, the effect of the iterative design of the content and instructional process of authentic m‐learning activities on students' engagement and motivation were analyzed in the study. The activities were implemented for two consecutive semesters and were modified based on the findings from the first semester. Student engagement survey and motivation questionnaire were used to collect quantitative data, student interview protocol was used to collect qualitative data for further investigation. The findings from the first semester indicated that the engagement categories “personal development” and “satisfaction from the course” had the highest mean scores. In the second semester, the highest mean score belonged to the “personal development” category, followed by “collaborative learning.” Comparison of the results from two semesters revealed that the improvements in the content of the activities and instructional process increased the “collaboration” among students as well as their “interaction with instructor.” Paired sample t‐tests revealed a difference in indicators of student motivation within groups in both semesters. Analysis of the interview data showed that students perceived the authentic activities as an appropriate tool for enhancement in “communication” and “collaboration” opportunities.
Source organic matter analysis of saltmarsh sediments using SIAR and its application in relative sea‐level studies in regions of C4 plant invasion
Authors: Craven Kieran F. , Edwards Robin J. , Flood Rory P. 
Published: April 2017

The introduction of invasive Spartina grasses (C4 plant) into previously C3‐dominated saltmarshes of western Europe complicates the reconstruction of past relative sea‐level (RSL) using sediment geochemistry‐based approaches. We apply a Bayesian mixing model (SIAR – Stable Isotope Analysis in R) to identify organic carbon (Corg) source contributions to saltmarsh sediment and correct δ13C values for the contaminating influence of C4 vegetation. We first assess the performance of SIAR by simulation, producing synthetic saltmarsh sediment samples with variable contributions from three organic matter sources (C3 plants, C4 plants and particulate organic matter (POM)) and then comparing these known contributions to those determined by SIAR. For each source type, SIAR 68% credible intervals include true source contribution in 70% of calculations (n = 60) and all three sources were incorporated within credible intervals for 45% of sediment samples (n = 20). SIAR improves the mean absolute error of source contribution predictions by up to 26% compared to a conventional ternary mixing model approach. We then apply SIAR to real sediment samples recovered along transects spanning the intertidal zones at two contrasting saltmarshes in the inner and outer Shannon estuary, western Ireland. SIAR identified decreasing Corg contributions from POM with increasing elevation in the intertidal zone, reflecting differences in tidal inundation with height. Sediment δ13C values across the intertidal zones varied by 4.4‰ in the inner estuary and 9.4‰ in the outer estuary. Removal of the invasive C4 signatures reduced these differences to 0.5‰ and to 2.4‰ in the inner and outer estuary, respectively, with the larger range due to increased deposition of marine POM. Although subtle, when used in combination with additional proxies, these geochemical gradients can assist in RSL reconstruction. This will be most effective when POM from marine sources is a significant carbon source.
Decision‐making and future planning for children with life‐limiting conditions: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Popejoy E. , Pollock K. , Almack K. , Manning J. C. , Johnston B. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn the last decade, the number of children with life‐limiting and life‐threatening conditions in England has almost doubled, and it is estimated that worldwide, there are 1.2 million children with palliative care needs. Families and professionals caring for children with life‐limiting conditions are likely to face a number of difficult treatment decisions and develop plans for future care over the course of the child's life, but little is known about the process by which these decisions and plans are made.MethodsThe purpose of this review is to synthesize findings from qualitative research that has investigated decision‐making and future planning for children with life‐limiting conditions. A systematic search of six online databases was conducted and identified 887 papers for review; five papers were selected for inclusion, using predefined criteria. Reference list searching and contacting authors identified a further four papers for inclusion.ResultsResults sections of the papers were coded and synthesized into themes. Nineteen descriptive themes were identified, and these were further synthesized into four analytical themes. Analytical themes were ‘decision factors’, ‘family factors’, ‘relational factors’ and ‘system factors’.ConclusionsReview findings indicate that decision‐making and future planning is difficult and needs to be individualized for each family. However, deficits in understanding the dynamic, relational and contextual aspects of decision‐making remain and require further research.
Navigating uncharted terrain: Domestic adoptions in Kenya
Authors: Stuckenbruck Denise , Roby Jini L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOver 2 million children are cared for in kinship care in Kenya, and approximately 100,000 are believed to be living in residential care centres. Under leading international policy instruments ratified and domesticated by Kenya, domestic adoption is considered an option to be promoted and regulated in ensuring children's right to family‐based care. In this qualitative study, the authors interviewed 21 participants regarding the cultural and social contexts of domestic adoption in Kenya. Common beliefs and attitudes reflect a misunderstanding of the legal implications of adoption, the centrality of lineage as a vehicle for defining family membership and inheritance, and strong stigma regarding infertility. Main barriers to adoption include fear of exposing infertility, worry about corrupt practices, and reluctance to grant full inheritance rights to a child unrelated by blood. Despite these challenges, some couples are adopting to fulfil their desire for a child, as an expression of charity, and in some cases for practical reasons such as obtaining insurance for a kin child. The authors recommend placing children in adoption only with proper preparation and ethical procedures and suggest long‐term approaches to promoting adoptions that will ensure full rights of family membership for the child.
Reported normal values and weighted means for commonly used echocardiography pulsed Doppler and tissue Doppler measurements
Authors: Dencker Magnus , Stagmo Martin 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPulsed Doppler (PW) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) measurements are part of every echocardiography examination for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and filling pressure. The purpose of this study was to summarize published data on normal values for PW and TDI measurements. A PubMed search was performed on the 10th of October 2016 to identify relevant articles. Studies were considered relevant if they included more than 200 healthy individuals. A total of 13 studies were identified. Of these, 13 studies with 7777 subjects reported PW measurement over the mitral valve, six studies with 4082 subjects reported PW measurement in the pulmonary vein and 10 studies with 5988 subjects reported TDI. We also report weighted mean values for 14 different variables. As expected, measurements varied with age. There were no major differences between men and women. In contrast, there was a large difference in reported values between studies, in corresponding age groups. This review therefore raises caution about relying on normal values from just one study.