bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing value‐based health care delivery for haemodialysis
Authors: Parra Eduardo , Arenas María Dolores , Alonso Manuel , Martínez María Fernanda , Gamen Ángel , Aguarón Juan , Escobar María Teresa , Moreno‐Jiménez José María , Alvarez‐Ude Fernando 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesDisparities in haemodialysis outcomes among centres have been well‐documented. Besides, attempts to assess haemodialysis results have been based on non‐comprehensive methodologies. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive methodology for assessing haemodialysis centres, based on the value of health care. The value of health care is defined as the patient benefit from a specific medical intervention per monetary unit invested (Value = Patient Benefit/Cost). This study assessed the value of health care and ranked different haemodialysis centres.MethodA nephrology quality management group identified the criteria for the assessment. An expert group composed of stakeholders (patients, clinicians and managers) agreed on the weighting of each variable, considering values and preferences. Multi‐criteria methodology was used to analyse the data. Four criteria and their weights were identified: evidence‐based clinical performance measures = 43 points; yearly mortality = 27 points; patient satisfaction = 13 points; and health‐related quality of life = 17 points (100‐point scale). Evidence‐based clinical performance measures included five sub‐criteria, with respective weights, including: dialysis adequacy; haemoglobin concentration; mineral and bone disorders; type of vascular access; and hospitalization rate. The patient benefit was determined from co‐morbidity–adjusted results and corresponding weights. The cost of each centre was calculated as the average amount expended per patient per year.ResultsThe study was conducted in five centres (1–5). After adjusting for co‐morbidity, value of health care was calculated, and the centres were ranked. A multi‐way sensitivity analysis that considered different weights (10–60% changes) and costs (changes of 10% in direct and 30% in allocated costs) showed that the methodology was robust. The rankings: 4‐5‐3‐2‐1 and 4‐3‐5‐2‐1 were observed in 62.21% and 21.55%, respectively, of simulations, when weights were varied by 60%.ConclusionsValue assessments may integrate divergent stakeholder perceptions, create a context for improvement and aid in policy‐making decisions.
Measuring interdependence in ambulatory care
Authors: Katerndahl David , Wood Robert , Jaen Carlos R. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryRationale, aims and objectivesComplex systems differ from complicated systems in that they are nonlinear, unpredictable and lacking clear cause‐and‐effect relationships, largely due to the interdependence of their components (effects of interconnectedness on system behaviour and consequences). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the potential for network density to serve as a measure of interdependence, assess its concurrent validity and test whether the use of valued or binary ties yields better results.MethodThis secondary analysis used the 2010 National Ambulatory Care Medical Survey to assess interdependence of ‘top 20’ diagnoses seen and medications prescribed for 14 specialties. The degree of interdependence was measured as the level of association between diagnoses and drug interactions among medications. Both valued and binary network densities were computed for each specialty. To assess concurrent validity, these measures were correlated with previously‐derived valid measures of complexity of care using the same database, adjusting for diagnosis and medication diversity.ResultsPartial correlations between diagnosis density, and both diagnosis and total input complexity, were significant, as were those between medication density and both medication and total output complexity; for both diagnosis and medication densities, adjusted correlations were higher for binary rather than valued densities.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility and validity of using network density as a measure of interdependence. When adjusted for measure diversity, density‐complexity correlations were significant and higher for binary than valued density. This approach complements other methods of estimating complexity of care and may be applicable to unique settings.
Multiplex‐PCR Assay for Simultaneous Identification of Lamb, Beef and Duck in Raw and Heat‐Treated Meat Mixtures
Authors: Qin Pei , Hong Yeun , Kim Hae‐Yeong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA multiplex PCR technique was applied for the simultaneous identification of duck, beef and lamb meats in meat mixtures. To simulate food adulteration, lamb and duck meat (10–0.5% each) were mixed into beef (80–99%) and beef and duck meat (10–0.5% each) were mixed into lamb (80–99%). Species‐specific primer sets were designed from the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA. A universal 18S rRNA primer set was also applied as a positive control in the PCR reaction. The sizes of the PCR products for eukaryotes, lamb, beef and duck were 99, 133, 166 and 204 bp, respectively. All primer sets showed specificity in the PCR reactions using template DNAs from 16 animal species. The sensitivity for both single and multiplex PCR was 0.005 ng. The detection limit for target species in raw and heat‐treated (100, 121 and 200C for 20 min) meat mixtures was 1%. This multiplex PCR method successfully discriminated raw and cooked lamb, beef and duck meat samples.Practical ApplicationsIn most food fraud incidents related to lamb and beef, duck meat was used as a contaminant. Validation of the stability of PCR detection after the heat‐treatment of meat samples is important when the method is applied to analyze processed meat products or to monitor meat products in the market. The multiplex PCR assay developed in this study is a rapid and sensitive detection method for the simultaneous identification of lamb, beef and duck meats in both raw and heat‐treated meat mixtures.
The Increasing Convex Order and the Trade–off of Size for Risk
Authors: Liu Liqun , Meyer Jack 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTOne random variable is larger than another in the increasing convex order if that random variable is preferred or indifferent to the other by all decision makers with increasing and convex utility functions. Decision makers in this set prefer larger random variables and are risk loving. When a decision maker whose utility function is increasing and concave is indifferent between such a pair of random variables, a trade‐off of size for risk is revealed, and this information can be used to make comparative static predictions concerning the choices of other decision makers. Specifically, the choices of all those who are strongly more (or less) risk averse than the reference decision maker can be predicted. Thus, the increasing convex order, together with Ross's (1981) definition of strongly more risk averse, can provide additional comparative static findings in a variety of decision problems. The analysis here discusses the decisions to self‐protect and to purchase insurance.
Sexual traits plasticity of the potentially invasive limpet Bostrycapulus odites (Gastropoda: Calyptraeidae) within its natural distribution in South America
Authors: Cledón Maximiliano , Nuñez Jesús Darío , Ocampo Emiliano Hernán , Sigwart Julia D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe slipper limpet Bostrycapulus odites has recently been reported as an introduced species on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Another species in the family Calyptraeidae, Crepidula fornicata, is a problematic invasive species in the Northeast Atlantic, which makes the closely related Bostrycapulus introduction a matter of concern. Information on the biology of B. odites in its natural environment can facilitate predictions on where the species could find favourable conditions for settlement and expansion. Size and sex were recorded for individuals in four populations over 2600 km of the Southwestern Atlantic shoreline, in Argentina and Brazil, covering the whole native latitudinal range of this widely distributed species. Animals were collected by hand in the intertidal or by SCUBA in subtidal locations; specimens were examined to determine shell length, sex, and the presence and number of brooded egg capsules in females. Mean shell length for the whole population did not differ significantly among populations. However, this species experiences sequential hermaphroditism (protandrism), and the size at sexual maturity (minimum male size) increased significantly with latitude. The fecundity of females at all sites increased with size, and the number of brooded egg capsules as well as the average size of capsules was larger in bigger individual females; however, mean fecundity varied among sites independent of mean female body size. This limpet species modifies its reproductive traits with local conditions, and sexual characters develop earlier in more temperate localities.
The ‘Continuous Exposition’ and the Concept of Subordinate Theme
Authors: Caplin William E. , Martin Nathan John 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTJames Hepokoski and Warren Darcy's Sonata Theory promotes a fundamental distinction between sonata expositions that are eithertwo‐partorcontinuous. We contend that this binary opposition misconstrues the commonality of formal procedures operative in Classical sonata form. Advocating a form‐functional approach, we hold that all sonata expositions contain a subordinate theme (or at least sufficient functional elements of such a theme), even if the boundary between the transition and subordinate theme is obscured. We illustrate three categories of such a blurred boundary: (1) the transition lacks a functional ending but the subordinate theme still brings an initiating function of some kind; (2) the transition ends normally but the subordinate theme lacks a clear beginning; and (3) the transition lacks an ending and the subordinate theme lacks a beginning, thus effecting a completefusionof these thematic functions. We extend these considerations to another formal type – minuet form – in order to place the technique of fusion as it arises in sonata‐form expositions in a broader perspective. In further comparing a theory of formal functions to Sonata Theory, we invoke the ‘sonata clock’ metaphor, first introduced by Hepokoski and Darcy, and show that our respective clocks have different ‘hour’ markers and run at different speeds. We conclude by examining some of the main conceptual differences that account for the divergent views of expositional structures offered by Sonata Theory and a theory of formal functions, arguing against the former's claim that themedial caesurais a necessary condition for the appearance of a subordinate theme.
Factors predicting clinical nurses' willingness to care for Ebola virus disease‐infected patients: A cross‐sectional, descriptive survey
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Choi Jeong Sil 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify factors predicting clinical nurses' willingness to care for Ebola virus disease (EVD)‐infected patients. Data were collected from 179 nurses employed at 10 hospitals in Korea using self‐reporting questionnaires. Only 26.8% of the participants were willing to care for EVD‐infected patients. Factors predicting their willingness to provide care were their belief in public service, risk perception, and age. Nurses' willingness to provide care was high when their belief in public service was high, low when their risk perception was high, and low as their age increased. In order to strengthen nurses' willingness to care for EVD‐infected patients, education that targets the enhancement of belief in public service should be included in nurse training. Efforts should be directed toward lowering EVD risk perception and developing systematic responses through government‐led organized support.
Heme acquisition mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis – strategies used in a polymicrobial community in a heme‐limited host environment
Authors: Smalley J.W. , Olczak T. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryPorphyromonas gingivalis, a main etiologic agent and key pathogen responsible for initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis requires heme as a source of iron and protoporphyrin IX for its survival and the ability to establish an infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis is able to accumulate a defensive cell‐surface heme‐containing pigment in the form of μ‐oxo bisheme. The main sources of heme for P. gingivalis in vivo are hemoproteins present in saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and erythrocytes. To acquire heme, P. gingivalis uses several mechanisms. Among them, the best characterized are those employing hemagglutinins, hemolysins, and gingipains (Kgp, RgpA, RgpB), TonB‐dependent outer‐membrane receptors (HmuR, HusB, IhtA), and hemophore‐like proteins (HmuY, HusA). Proteins involved in intracellular heme transport, storage, and processing are less well characterized (e.g. PgDps). Importantly, P. gingivalis may also use the heme acquisition systems of other bacteria to fulfill its own heme requirements. Porphyromonas gingivalis displays a novel paradigm for heme acquisition from hemoglobin, whereby the Fe(II)‐containing oxyhemoglobin molecule must first be oxidized to methemoglobin to facilitate heme release. This process not only involves P. gingivalis arginine‐ and lysine‐specific gingipains, but other proteases (e.g. interpain A from Prevotella intermedia) or pyocyanin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Porphyromonas gingivalis is then able to fully proteolyze the more susceptible methemoglobin substrate to release free heme or to wrest heme from it directly through the use of the HmuY hemophore.
Patient satisfaction after sclerotherapy of venous malformations in children
Authors: Nakahata Kengo , Uehara Shuichiro , Zenitani Masahiro , Nakamura Masahisa , Osuga Keigo , Okuyama Hiroomi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe have introduced and performed percutaneous sclerotherapy on pediatric patients, and information regarding the mid‐ and long‐term results after percutaneous treatment of peripheral venous malformations is necessary to counsel patients and their parents about the outcome of the therapy. This study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the long‐term satisfaction of pediatric patients following percutaneous sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs).MethodsA total of 53 children younger than 16 years of age with VMs who underwent sclerotherapy were included in this study. Self‐assessment questionnaires regarding the treatment effectiveness and patients' satisfaction were sent to 50 of 53 patients. Sclerotherapy was performed using 3% polidocanol, absolute ethanol, or 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO).ResultsThe median numbers of sessions per patient was 2.0 (range, 1‐12), and the median follow‐up time was 1.8 years (range, 6months‐8.3years). Forty‐two patients (84%) returned the questionnaire. The most frequent symptom was swelling (95%, 40/42) before sclerotherapy. After treatment, patients felt less pain (82%, 23/28), functional limitation (78%, 14/18), swelling (70%, 28/40), and cosmetic disfigurement (59%, 13/22). None of the patients responded “worse” for any symptoms, and 30 patients (71%) reported being “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the treatment.ConclusionPercutaneous sclerotherapy of VMs was safe and effective for relieving symptoms in our pediatric patients, and many of them were satisfied with the outcomes.
Exploring the gaps in the evidence‐based application of narrowbandUVBfor the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Madigan Lauren M. , Al‐Jamal Mohammed , Hamzavi Iltefat 
Published: December 2015

SummaryWhile narrowband ultraviolet light B (NB‐UVB) has become integral to the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, evidence‐based guidelines have been lacking with regard to dosing and administration. This is largely the result of heterogeneous study designs, ambiguous methodologies, disparate dosing strategies, and the use of varied, and somewhat arbitrary, outcome measures. In the absence of prospective trials to address each of these concerns, the available literature regarding the application ofNB‐UVBfor vitiligo was reviewed and the authors now pose a set of questions to the phototherapy community in an attempt to highlight gaps within our understanding. We aim to stimulate discussion, elicit expert opinion, and identify areas for future research to move toward a unified and safe treatment guideline for patients afflicted by this disease.
The gender differences in the inhibitory action of UVB‐induced melanocyte activation by the administration of tranexamic acid
Authors: Hiramoto Keiichi , Yamate Yurika , Sugiyama Daijiro , Takahashi Yumi , Mafune Eiichi 
Published: December 2015

SummaryBackgroundTranexamic acid has an inhibitory action on ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced melanocyte activation. This study examined the sex differences in the inhibitory action of tranexamic acid on UVB‐induced melanocyte activation.MethodsWe irradiated the eye and ear of male and female mice with UVB at a dose of 1.0 kJ/m2 using a 20SE sunlamp. We orally administered tranexamic acid (750 mg/kg/day) at 30 min before UVB exposure.ResultsTranexamic acid inhibited the UVB‐induced epidermal melanocyte activation, and the effect was more remarkable under UVB eye irradiation than under UVB ear irradiation. Furthermore, the melanocyte activity suppression effect was stronger in female mice than in male mice. Following the administration of tranexamic acid, the female displayed increased blood levels of β‐endorphin and μ‐opioid receptor and estradiol receptor β expression in comparison with the male. Furthermore, the effect of melanocyte activity suppression in the female mice was decreased by the administration of tamoxifen (antagonist of estrogen receptor) or naltrexone (antagonist of μ‐opioid receptor).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the suppression by tranexamic acid of the UVB‐induced melanocyte activation (UVB sensitivity) is stronger in female mice than in male mice and that female hormones and β‐endorphin play an important role in this sex difference.
Molecular and biological characterization of Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV, Pomovirus) isolates from the potato‐growing regions of Colombia
Authors: Gil J. F. , Adams I. , Boonham N. , Nielsen S. L. , Nicolaisen M. 
Published: December 2015

Potato mop‐top virus (PMTV) causes necrotic flecks inside and on tubers in temperate countries. In South America, these symptoms have not been observed, although the presence of the virus has been confirmed in the Andes and in Central America. To characterize PMTV isolates from the Andes, soil samples were taken from the main potato‐producing regions in Colombia and virus was recovered by planting Nicotiana benthamiana as bait plants. The complete genomes of five isolates were sequenced and three of the isolates were inoculated to four different indicator plants. Based on sequence comparisons, three types of RNA‐CP (RNA2) and RNA‐TGB (RNA3) were found. The isolates from the centre of the country (CO3 and CO4) were similar to isolates from Europe. The genomes of CO1, CO2 and CO5 differ from other PMTV isolates, placing them in a separate clade in phylogenetic trees. The three Colombian isolates (CO1, CO2 and CO5) only induced slightly different symptoms in the indicator plants. However, the isolate from the northwest of the country (CO1) induced stronger symptoms in N. benthamiana including severe stunting. A correlation between the genotype of the isolates and the symptoms they induced on indicator plants was not found.
A Theory of Soft Capture
Authors: Agrell Per J. , Gautier Axel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an alternative model for capture that is based not on reciprocity but on congruence of interests between the firm and the regulator. A regulator is charged by a political principal to provide an imperfect signal for the type of a regulated firm. Only the firm can observe its type, and the production of a signal is costly. The firm can provide a costless alternative signal of lower accuracy to the regulator. In a self‐enforcing equilibrium, the regulator transmits the firm‐produced signal and saves information‐gathering costs, and the firm enjoys higher information rents.
The Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary at Gorgonilla Island, Colombia, South America
Authors: Bermúdez Hermann D. , García Jenny , Stinnesbeck Wolfgang , Keller Gerta , Rodríguez José Vicente , Hanel Michael , Hopp Jens , Schwarz Winfried H. , Trieloff Mario , Bolívar Liliana , Vega Francisco J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe discovery of a new Cretaceous/Palaeogene (K/Pg) bathyal marine sequence on Gorgonilla Island, SW Colombia, extends the presence of Chicxulub impact spherule deposits to the Pacific region of northern South America and to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The Gorgonilla spherule layer is approximately 20 mm thick and consists of extraordinarily well‐preserved glass spherules up to 1.1 mm in diameter. About 70–90% of the spherules are vitrified, and their chemical composition is consistent with Haiti (Beloc) impact glass spherules. Normal size‐grading, delicate spherule textures, welded melt components and an absence of bioturbation or traction transport suggest that the Gorgonilla spherule layer represents an almost undisturbed settling deposit.
Assessing the accuracy of a point‐of‐care analyzer for hyperlipidaemia in western Kenya
Authors: Park Paul H. , Chege Patrick , Hagedorn Isabel C. , Kwena Arthur , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Pastakia Sonak D. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe prevalence of hyperlipidaemia, along with other non‐communicable diseases, is on the rise in low‐ and middle‐income countries. CardioChek PA is a point‐of‐care lipid measuring device, which seeks to overcome laboratory‐based diagnostic barriers by providing immediate results without dependency on significant laboratory infrastructure. However, it has not been validated in Kenya. In this study, we assess the accuracy of CardioChek PA with respect to the gold standard laboratory‐based testing.MethodsIn Webuye, Kenya, two blood samples were collected from 246 subjects to simultaneously measure the lipid levels via both CardioChek PA and the gold standard. All subjects were adults, and geographic stratified sampling methods were applied. Statistical analysis of the device's accuracy was based on per cent bias parameters, as established by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH recommends that per cent bias be ≤±3% for low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, ≤±5% for high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, ≤±5% for total cholesterol (TC) and ≤±4% for triglycerides (TG). Risk group misclassification rates were also analysed.ResultsThe CardioChek PA analyzer was substantially inaccurate for LDL cholesterol (−25.9% bias), HDL cholesterol (−8.2% bias) and TC (−15.9% bias). Moreover, those patients at higher risk of complications from hyperlipidaemia were most likely to be misclassified into a lower risk category.ConclusionCardioChek PA is inaccurate and not suitable for our clinical setting. Furthermore, our findings highlight the need to validate new diagnostic tools in the appropriate setting prior to scale up regardless of their potential for novel utility.