bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Records management and procurement performance
Authors: Namukasa Juliet 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence procurement records management had on the performance of the procurement function under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS).

Design/methodology/approach
The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Procurement records management was the independent variable, while procurement performance was the dependent variable. The study also adopted a simple correlation and case study design. An accessible population of 101 respondents was identified, with 93 forming a sample. An 88% response rate was realized.

Findings
Results indicated that procurement records management had a significant effect on procurement performance. Whereby, there was a positive and statistically significant relationship between records creation and procurement performance; there was a positive relationship between records maintenance, preservation and procurement performance; and, finally, records access and use also had a positive significant influence on procurement performance.

Research limitations/implications
This research focused on the central region of Uganda, and yet, Uganda has got so many other regions which operate the NAADS programs. This means that research was conducted within a defined scope. Therefore, based on this, the researcher could not generalize the research findings.

Practical implications
Findings imply that ethical practices should be emphasized and custodians of procurement records be held accountable for their actions, as this will help in the support of proper record-keeping and avoid documents not being on file, misplaced or misfiled, which negatively affects procurement performance. Enabling a more efficient information management system results into effective procurement performance that leads to significant cost reduction in both the private and the government sector, especially when digital records are involved.

Social implications
As majority of the NAADS staff were found to possess inadequate knowledge in records maintenance and preservation, the government through the NAADS training committees should organize timely workshops to sensitize staff on how best records maintenance and preservation is core to its operations.

Originality/value
This study contributes to an important area which has not been given attention in the Ugandan context, where there is difficulty of relating the value of effective records maintenance to business management because of the lack of quantifiable evidence. Therefore, the study highlights the influence of records creation, maintenance and use on procurement performance. The review of literature finds that better records management results into better performance of the procurement units in procurement entities.
Personal health records: a new type of electronic medical record
Authors: Hawthorne Kisha Hortman , Richards Lorraine 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
This paper examines existing research on the topic of personal health records (PHRs). Areas covered include PHR/patient portal, recordkeeping, preservation planning, access and provider needs for future reuse of health information. Patient and physician PHR use and functionality, as well as adoption facilitators and barriers, are also reviewed.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper engages in a review of relevant literature from a variety of subject domains, including personal information management, medical informatics, medical literature and archives and records management literature.

Findings
The review finds that PHRs are extensions of electronic records. In addition, it finds a lack of literature within archives and records management that may lead to a less preservation-centric examination of the new PHR technologies that are desirable for controlling the lifecycle of these important new records-type.

Originality/value
Although the issues presented by PHRs are issues that can best be solved with the use of techniques from records management, there is no current literature related to PHRs in the records management literature, and that offered in the medical informatics literature treats the stewardship aspects of PHRs as insurmountable. This paper offers an introduction to the aspects of PHRs that could fruitfully be examined in archives and records management.
Use of reversed latissimus dorsi muscle flap for primary oesophageal repair reinforcement in Boerhaave's syndrome
Authors: Kok Amy Siu‐Yan , Wong Jeff Siu‐Wang , Chow Tam‐Lin 
Published: August 2017

AimBoerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous oesophageal rupture, is a rare but serious condition. The pathology involved is a complete, transmural laceration of the oesophagus. The overall mortality rates are still high (range: 10–60 per cent). Outcomes of oesophageal perforations depend on the duration between diagnosis of perforation and treatment. Primary repair has been identified as the best treatment option, especially for presentation before 24 h. Mediastinal pleura, gastric fundus, pericardial flap and intercostal muscle flap are frequently used. Reversed latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap is another feasible option, especially when the intercostal muscle is inadequate and the length of perforation is long.Patients and MethodsA patient presented with Boerhaave's syndrome with left posterolateral thoracotomy done. Intraoperation found a 4‐cm, full‐thickness perforation over the distal oesophagus. Primary repair and reinforcement with reversed LD muscle flap was performed.ResultsThe patient had an uneventful recovery. Water‐soluble contrast enema confirmed no leakage. He was discharged on postoperative day 10.ConclusionPrimary repair and reinforcement with reversed LD muscle flap is a feasible option when the intercostal muscle is inadequate and the length of the oesophageal perforation is long.
Decreased Expression of Thrombomodulin in Endothelial Cells by Fibroblast Growth Factor‐23/α‐Klotho
Authors: Tanaka Kenji , Salunya Tancharoen , Motomiya Yoshihiro , Motomiya Yasuki , Oyama Yoko , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Maruyama Ikuro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) has been known to be a state of excessive fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23) and α‐Klotho deficiency. Patients undergoing hemodialysis have an increased mortality risk associated with cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction. The mechanism responsible for the relationship of FGF23 to endothelial damage in these patients has been unclear. On the other hands, increasing evidences have demonstrated that thrombomodulin (TM) plays an important role in the endothelial barrier. Here, we report the suppression of membrane TM, in a dose‐dependent manner, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells after FGF23 and FGF23/α‐Klotho stimulation. In addition, the levels of soluble TM, which reflect endothelial cell injury, were much higher in cell supernatants after FGF23 and FGF23/α‐Klotho stimulation than in the control supernatant. This study indicates a possible mechanism by which excessive levels of FGF23 are involved in endothelial TM disruption, which has been implicated as a potential cardiovascular risk factor in patients with CKD, especially in HD patients.
RAS Inhibitor Is Not Associated With Cardiovascular Benefits in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Japan
Authors: Mizobuchi Masahide , Ogata Hiroaki , Onishi Yoshihiro , Fukuma Shingo , Akizawa Tadao , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDefinitive evidence of whether renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition is beneficial on cardiovascular events (CVE) among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of RAS inhibitor usage with CVEs in patients enrolled in the Dialysis Outcomes Practice Pattern Study in Japan (J‐DOPPS). Association of RAS inhibitor prescription with outcomes including all‐cause death, death caused by CVE, and hospitalization due to cardiac failure was investigated by using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Of the 3848 patients enrolled, 1784 (45%) patients were treated by RAS inhibitors. After adjusting for potential cofounders by Cox proportional hazards models, we found a statistically insignificant but positive association of RAS inhibitor usage with death caused by CVE (HR: 1.46, 95%CI: 0.96–2.23, P = 0.08). Similar results were observed in the association of RAS inhibitor with all‐cause death, hospitalization due to cardiac failure, and hospitalization due to CV disease (HR for all‐cause death: 1.24, 95%CI: 0.84–1.48, P = 0.28, HR for hospitalization due to cardiac failure: 1.24, 95%CI: 0.84–1.81, P = 0.28, and HR for hospitalization due to CV disease: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.95–1.51, P = 0.13). Sensitivity analyses using propensity scores gave similar results. RAS inhibition did not show favorable association with CVEs suggesting that RAS inhibition alone was insufficient to reduce the risk of CV complications in patients undergoing HD. Some strategies in addition to RAS inhibition may be needed to protect against CVEs in this population.
Proposal for a gold standard for cosmetic evaluation after breast conserving therapy: Results from the St George and Wollongong Breast Boost trial
Authors: Merie Roya , Browne Lois , Cardoso Jaime S , Cardoso Maria J , Chin Yaw , Clark Catherine , Graham Peter , Szwajcer Alison , Hau Eric 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionBreast cosmesis is an important endpoint of breast conserving therapy (BCT), but a gold standard method of its evaluation is not yet established. The St. George and Wollongong Randomised Breast Boost trial used five different methods of cosmetic assessment, including both subjective and objective, to comprehensively evaluate the cosmetic outcome of the trial patients. This current study analyses the level of concordance between these methods in an attempt to determine a possible standard in the evaluation of breast cosmesis.MethodsPatients attending follow‐up clinic reviews at 5 years post breast radiotherapy were evaluated. Patients completed a cosmesis and functional assessment questionnaire, assessing clinicians completed an EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) cosmetic rating questionnaire and photographs were obtained. The photographs were later assessed by a panel of five experts, as well as analysed using the objective pBRA (relative Breast Retraction Assessment) and the BCCT.core (Breast Cancer Conservative Treatment.cosmetic results) computer software. Scores were dichotomised to excellent/good and fair/poor. Pairwise comparisons between all methods, except pBRA, were carried out using overall agreement calculations and kappa scores. pBRA scores were compared on a continuous scale with each of the other dichotomised scores obtained by the other four methods.ResultsOf 513 St George patients alive at 5 years, 385 (75%) attended St George for follow‐up and consented to photography. Results showed that assessment by physicians in clinic and patient self‐assessment were more favourable regarding overall cosmetic outcome than evaluation of photographs by the panel or the BCCT.core software. Excellent/good scores by clinician‐live and patient self‐assessments were 93% and 94% respectively (agreement 89%), as compared to 75% and 74% only by BCCT.core and panel assessments respectively (agreement 83%, kappa 0.57). For the pBRA measurements, there was a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between scores for excellent/good versus fair/poor cosmesis by all four methods. The range of median pBRA measurements for fair/poor scores was 13.4–14.8 and for excellent/good scores was 8.0–9.4.ConclusionIncorporating both BCCT.core assessment and patient self‐assessment could potentially provide the basis of a gold standard method of breast cosmetic evaluation. BCCT.core represents an easy, time efficient, reproducible, cost effective and reliable method, however, it lacks the functional and psychosocial elements of cosmesis that only patient self‐reported outcomes can provide.
Novel phytoplasma strains of X‐disease group unveil genetic markers that distinguish North American and South American geographic lineages within subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U
Authors: Pérez‐López E. , Wei W. , Wang J. , Davis R.E. , Luna‐Rodríguez M. , Zhao Y. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPhytoplasmas in the X‐disease group (16SrIII) are highly diverse in terms of geographic distributions, vectorship and plant host specificity. Such biological and ecological diversity is often correlated with distinctive genetic markers present in evolutionarily conserved genes. Based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers in the 16S rRNA gene sequences, 29 subgroups have been delineated, with most of them being found in the Americas. However, it has been unknown whether distinct geographic lineages are present within a given subgroup. Prior to this study, phytoplasmas belonging to subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U were reported only in countries located in South America. In the present study, we identified new phytoplasmas strains closely related to the reference strains of the two subgroups in Mexico, a North American country. These newly identified Mexican strains possess unique RFLP, single nucleotide polymorphism, and fragmental deletion markers in 16S rRNA‐ and/or ribosomal protein‐encoding genes. Since these markers consistently distinguished the Mexican strains from their South American counterparts, they may represent emerging or previously unknown North American geographic lineages of the subgroups 16SrIII‐J and 16SrIII‐U.
The Pediatric Submersion Score Predicts Children at Low Risk for Injury Following Submersions
Authors: Shenoi Rohit P. , Allahabadi Sachin , Rubalcava Daniel M. , Camp Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesPediatric submersion victims often require admission. We wanted to identify a cohort of children at low risk for submersion‐related injury who can be safely discharged from the emergency department (ED) after a period of observation.MethodsThis was a single‐center retrospective derivation/validation cross‐sectional study of children (0–18 years) who presented postsubmersion to a tertiary care, children's hospital ED from 2008 to 2015. We reviewed demographics, comorbidities, and prehospital and ED course. Primary outcome was safe discharge at 8 hours postsubmersion: normal mentation and vital signs. To identify potential scoring factors, any p‐value of ≤0.25 was included in binary logistic regression; p‐values < 0.05 were included in the final score. In the validation data set, we generated a one‐point scoring system for each normal ED item. Receiver operating characteristic curves with area under the curve (AUC) were generated to test sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe derivation data set consisted of 356 patients and validation data set of 89 patients. Five factors generated a safe discharge score at 8 hours: normal ED mentation, normal ED respiratory rate, absence of ED dyspnea, absence of need for airway support (bag‐valve mask ventilation, intubation, and CPAP), absence of ED systolic hypotension (maximum score = 5; range = 0–5). Only the 80 patients with values for all five factors were included in the sensitivity/specificity analysis. This resulted in an AUC of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.71–0.91; p < 0.001). Based on the sensitivity/specificity analysis, the discriminative ability peaks at 75% with a score of ≥3.5. A score of 4 or higher in the ED would suggest a safe discharge at 8 hours (sensitivity = 88.2% [95% CI = 72.5%–96.7%]; specificity = 62.9% [95% CI = 44.9%–78.5%]; positive predictive value = 69.8% [95% CI = 53.9%–82.8%]; negative predictive value = 84.6% [95% CI = 65.1%–95.6%]).ConclusionsA risk score can identify children at low risk for submersion‐related injury who can be safely discharged from the ED after observation.
Change in Care Transition Practice for Patients With Nonspecific Chest Pain After Emergency Department Evaluation 2006 to 2012
Authors: Yiadom Maame Yaa A. B. , Baugh Christopher W. , Jenkins Cathy A. , Collins Sean P. , Bhatia Monisha C. , Dittus Robert S. , Storrow Alan B. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesFrom 2005 to 2010 health care financing shifts in the United States may have affected care transition practices for emergency department (ED) patients with nonspecific chest pain (CP) after ED evaluation. Despite being less acutely ill than those with myocardial infarction, these patients’ management can be challenging. The risk of missing acute coronary syndrome is considerable enough to often warrant admission. Diagnostic advances and reimbursement limitations on the use of inpatient admission are encouraging the use of alternative ED care transition practices. In the setting of these health care changes, we hypothesized that there is a decline in inpatient admission rates for patients with nonspecific CP after ED evaluation.MethodsWe retrospectively used the Nationwide ED Sample to quantify total and annual inpatient hospital admission rates from 2006 to 2012 for patients with a final ED diagnosis of nonspecific CP. We assessed the change in admission rates over time and stratified by facility characteristics including safety‐net hospital status, U.S. geographic region, urban/teaching status, trauma‐level designation, and hospital funding status.ResultsThe admission rate for all patients with a final ED diagnosis of nonspecific CP declined from 19.2% in 2006 to 11.3% in 2012. Variability across regions was observed, while metropolitan teaching hospitals and trauma centers reflected lower admission rates.ConclusionThere was a 41.1% decline in inpatient hospital admission for patients with nonspecific CP after ED evaluation. This reduction is temporally associated with national policy changes affecting reimbursement for inpatient admissions.
Electric pulp test threshold responses in healthy incisors, canines, premolars and molars
Authors: Šimović Marija , Pavušek Ivan , Ivanišević Malčić Ana , Jukić Silvana , Prpić Mehičić Goranka , Matijević Jurica 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the range of threshold responses of healthy dental pulps and test the reproducibility of the electric pulp test (EPT). Forty‐nine dental students participated in the study. Sound teeth in both arches, except third molars, were included. The teeth were isolated using cotton rolls and dried with compressed air, and the threshold responses were recorded. Participants stopped the stimulus increase by pressing the switch at the first sensation of discomfort. The measurements were repeated after 30 days. The obtained data were analysed using SPSS®16.0. The mean thresholds for the maxillary incisors, canines, premolars and molars were 10.77, 21.07, 21.88 and 34.07 μA, and for mandibular incisors, canines, premolars and molars 9.81, 18.7, 19.24 and 30.1 μA respectively. The differences between the two measurements were statistically significant for teeth 32, 31, 41 and 42. The EPT was shown to be reproducible for all the teeth tested except mandibular incisors.
Intercropping flowering plants in maize systems increases pollinator diversity
Authors: Norris Stuart L. , Blackshaw Rod P. , Critchley C. Nigel R. , Dunn Robert M. , Smith Kate E. , Williams John , Randall Nicola P. , Murray Philip J. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Maize is a poorly competitive crop. Accordingly, soil preparation and high application rates of herbicides are required to reduce early competition with weeds. This leaves a large amount of bare ground with few flowering weeds, providing a poor farmland habitat for pollinators.
The present study evaluates the effect of four different maize management regimes on pollinator diversity and community composition.
Flowering plants intercropped with maize attracted pollinators, helping to support pollinator communities. Similar intercropping techniques using a grass ground cover did not increase pollinator density, demonstrating that pollinator richness, density and diversity is intrinsically linked to the presence of flowering plants.
A maize system with a diverse intercrop may make it possible for pollinators to thrive; however, these systems may only be sufficiently attractive to bring pollinators in temporarily from the surrounding areas.
These results show that there can be significant improvements to pollinator diversity, density and community composition as a result of modifying maize cultivation practices; however, these benefits must be balanced with yield penalties of approximately 60% to farmers.
Woody vegetation composition and diversity in woodlands inside and outside a Forest Reserve in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Abiem Iveren , Saha Sonali , Manu Shiiwua A. , Elisha Emmanuel B. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProtected areas such as forest reserves are often assumed to be best ways to conserve biodiversity and maintain intact ecosystems. We examined woody plant composition and diversity in the gallery forest and savannah woodland habitats of Amurum Forest Reserve and areas immediately surrounding it in Jos, Nigeria. A total of 100 10 × 10 m sample plots were established inside and outside the reserve. All woody plants ≥1 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were identified and measured. A total of 7,564 individual plants categorized as 134 species from 44 families were recorded. Overall species diversity was significantly higher in the Forest Reserve than outside the reserve, although more species were encountered outside the reserve. Our findings suggest that, protected areas and the areas surrounding them are important for the conservation of biodiversity as the areas outside protected areas also contain species of conservation value. The continuous degrading areas outside protected areas isolates them and poses a serious threat to the long‐term viability of wildlife populations, so it is important that biodiversity in protected areas and their surrounding areas be conserved.
Perceived human–elephant conflict and its impact for elephant conservation in northern Congo
Authors: Nsonsi Félicien , Heymans Jean‐Claude , Diamouangana Jean , Mavinga Franck Barrel , Breuer Thomas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHuman–elephant conflict is a common conservation problem throughout Africa, but poorly studied where forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) occur. Here, we investigated people's perceptions towards the impact of elephants around Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park, northern Congo. We aimed to understand the perceptual differences amongst residents of four villages that varied substantially in the degree of conservation benefits received. We used a multivariate analysis to investigate how socio‐economic variables, such as employment, wealth, education and ethnicity, influenced perceptions. Using both quantitative and qualitative data, we found that the majority of respondents experienced elephant impacts, mainly through crop raiding. Residents of the village where the local conservation project is based had significantly more positive perceptions of elephants, whereas perceptions of farmers were mostly negative. We identified some misunderstandings regarding the responsibilities of elephant impact mitigation regarding benefit sharing, stakeholder involvement and lawbreaking, but also willingness to apply mitigation measures. To mitigate the prevalent impact of elephants, a comprehensive approach of measuring impact, exploring community‐based mitigating strategies and understanding of the root causes of the conflict is crucial. We propose a long‐term programme within logging concessions organizing groups of farmers to cooperate on mitigation techniques and explore alternative incomes.