bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and determination the efficiency of the European health systems
Authors: del Rocío Moreno‐Enguix María , Gómez‐Gallego Juan Cándido , Gómez Gallego María 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe current economic crisis has increased the interest in analyzing the efficiency of health care systems, as their funding is a very important part of the budgets for different countries. In this work determines the efficiency in the health services in European countries applying data envelopment analysis. In addition, the combined application of data envelopment analysis methods and ACP can provide an evaluation of the efficiency with respect to differently oriented productive health systems in the different countries. The results show that models with a lower level of efficiency are those whose input is beds, followed by the models whose input is physicians. Finally, we apply the AD to select a few simple indicators that facilitate control of the level of operational efficiency of a health system.
A retrospective study of the effect of increasing age on success rates of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: O'Brien Yvonne M. , Ryan Michael , Martyn Fiona , Wingfield Mary B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo demonstrate the effect of increasing age on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology, particularly among women aged 40 years or older.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using prospectively collected data for all in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles among women aged 30–35 years or 40–44 years conducted at Merrion Fertility Clinic, Dublin, Ireland, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014. The relationship between age and treatment outcome was assessed.ResultsAmong women aged 30–35 years, 726 cycles led to 281 (38.7%) clinical pregnancies and 242 (33.3%) live births. By contrast, among women aged 40–44 years, 433 cycles led to 102 (23.6%) clinical pregnancies and 64 (14.8%) live births (both P<0.001). The live birth rate was particularly low after cycles among the women aged 42 years (5/89 [5.6%]) or 43 years (2/30 [6.7%]).ConclusionThe success rates of assisted reproductive technology are decreased among women aged older than 40 years. Fertility clinics have a responsibility to fully inform this group about the limitations of assisted reproductive technology.
Re‐activation of aged‐ZVI by iron‐reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens for enhanced reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene
Authors: Yang Zhilong , Wang Xiao‐li , Li Hui , Yang Jie , Zhou Li‐Yang , Liu Yong‐di 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDZero valent iron (ZVI) has been extensively applied in the remediation of groundwater and wastewater contamination. This study aimed to investigate the depassivation effect of iron‐reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens on aged ZVI towards the dechlorination of trichloroethylene in aqueous solutions.RESULTSBoth mmZVI and nZVI showed high reactivity towards TCE until they were passivated. Lepidocrocite was identified as the main corrosion product of nZVI, while green rust was identified as the main corrosion product of mmZVI. More importantly, the combination of iron‐reducing bacteria with aged mmZVI generated greater enhancement of TCE removal than the combination with nZVI. Better bacterium–mineral association conditions determined by SEM and the release of ZVI in the core of aged mmZVI counted for the depassivation effect of iron‐reducing bacterium on aged mmZVI. Moreover, dialysis bag experiments indicated that Shewanella putrefaciens could employ both indirect and direct mechanisms of electron transfer to iron oxide, and the addition of metal chelating agent promoted the iron reducing process greatly. Synergistic mechanisms between dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria (DIRB) and aged ZVI was proposed.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that the contaminants reduction ability of aged ZVI could be recovered to some extent by DIRB and DIRB influenced the long‐term performance of ZVI. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Brain Gene Expression is Influenced by Incubation Temperature During Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Development
Authors: Pallotta Maria Michela , Turano Mimmo , Ronca Raffaele , Mezzasalma Marcello , Petraccioli Agnese , Odierna Gaetano , Capriglione Teresa 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTSexual differentiation (SD) during development results in anatomical, metabolic, and physiological differences that involve not only the gonads, but also a variety of other biological structures, such as the brain, determining differences in morphology, behavior, and response in the breeding season. In many reptiles, whose sex is determined by egg incubation temperature, such as the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius, embryos incubated at different temperatures clearly differ in the volume of brain nuclei that modulate behavior. Based on the premise that “the developmental decision of gender does not flow through a single gene”, we performed an analysis on E. macularius using three approaches to gain insights into the genes that may be involved in brain SD during the thermosensitive period. Using quantitative RT‐PCR, we studied the expression of genes known to be involved in gonadal SD such as WNT4, SOX9, DMRT1, Erα, Erβ, GnRH, P450 aromatase, PRL, and PRL‐R. Then, further genes putatively involved in sex dimorphic brain differentiation were sought by differential display (DDRT‐PCR) and PCR array.Our findings indicate that embryo exposure to different sex determining temperatures induces differential expression of several genes that are involved not only in gonadal differentiation (PRL‐R, Wnt4, Erα, Erβ, p450 aromatase, and DMRT1), but also in neural differentiation (TN‐R, Adora2A, and ASCL1) and metabolic pathways (GP1, RPS15, and NADH12). These data suggest that the brains of SDT reptiles might be dimorphic at birth, thus behavioral experiences in postnatal development would act on a structure already committed to male or female.
Global trends in esophageal cancer
Authors: Malhotra Gautam K. , Yanala Ujwal , Ravipati Advaitaa , Follet Matthew , Vijayakumar M. , Are Chandrakanth 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESEsophageal Cancer (EC) is a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis and significant variations in the incidence, mortality, and histopathology based on geographic regions. The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze these variations to identify patterns and areas for further research.METHODSWe utilized the GLOBOCAN 2012, and Cancer Incidence in five Continents, Volume X (CI5X) database to analyze variations in EC incidence and mortality.RESULTSWe found the EC incidence and mortality is geographically varied with a particularly high burden in East Asia and Eastern/Southern Africa where esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) predominates over adenocarcinoma (AC). Interestingly, there is a dichotomy between the high incidence of esophageal SCC in East Africa and low incidence in West Africa. The global incidence and mortality from EC is expected to rise in the coming decades. Asia, and China in particular, will continue to be the areas most burdened by EC, while Africa is expected to surpass the incidence and mortality rates of Europe.CONCLUSIONSThe global burden of EC is expected to rise in the coming years. Understanding the geographic, environmental, and genetic contributors to the development of EC will be essential in combating its prevalence.
Centrifugeless ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction based on salting‐out phenomenon followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simple determination of phthalate esters in aqueous samples
Authors: Mirparizi Ehsan , Rajabi Maryam , Bazregar Mohammad , Asghari Alireza 
Published: March 2017

A fast, sensitive, and centrifugeless ultrasound‐assisted emulsification microextraction followed by a high‐performance liquid chromatography method is developed for the determination of some phthalate esters in aqueous samples. In this method, a simple approach is followed to eliminate the centrifugation step in dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using an organic solvent whose melting point is near the ambient temperature, consumption of the extracting solvent is efficiently reduced, and the overall extraction time was found to be only 7 min. The variables affecting the method are optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions (75 μL of 1‐undecanol, a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min, and an ultrasound irradiation of 1 min), the proposed method exhibits good preconcentration factors (52–97), low limits of detection (1.0–5.0 ng/mL), and linearities in the range of 5–1500 ng/mL (r2 ≥ 0.995). Finally, the method is successfully applied to the analysis of phthalate esters in the drinking and river water samples. To study the probable release of the phthalate esters from a polyethylene container into boiling water, the boiling water exposed to the polyethylene container was analyzed by the proposed method.
An evaluation of northern bobwhite translocation to restore populations
Authors: Downey Michelle C. , Rollins Dale , Hernández Fidel , Wester David B. , Grahmann Eric D. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTNorthern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have been declining in Texas during the last 2 decades. This decline also is occurring in areas with apparently ample habitat such as the Rolling Plains of Texas, USA. The goal of our study was to examine the efficacy of translocating wild‐trapped bobwhites into recently depopulated areas in the eastern Rolling Plains as a method of restoring population size. Our objectives were to document survival (spring‐summer and annual), reproductive efforts, and site fidelity of translocated bobwhites and compare relative abundance of bobwhites between release and control sites to evaluate the efficacy of translocation. We translocated 409 wild bobwhites (n = 186 radio‐marked F) to 2 sites in Shackelford and Stephens counties, Texas, during March 2013 and 2014. Spring‐summer (Mar–Sep) survival ranged between 0.32 and 0.38 (n = 186 bobwhites), and annual survival ranged between 0.19 and 0.23 (n = 186 bobwhites) during 2013–2015. Seventy‐four percent of translocated females that entered the nesting season (i.e., May 1; n = 112 bobwhites) produced a nest, resulting in 125 nests with an apparent nest success of 46.1% and a nesting rate of 1.1 ± 0.1 (SE) nests/female. Site fidelity post‐translocation was moderate to high; 67.7% (n = 44 bobwhites) and 85.1% (n = 40 bobwhites) of translocated bobwhites did not disperse >2 km from their release point during the summers of 2013 and 2014, respectively. Despite this strong demographic performance, relative abundance of bobwhites did not differ between the release and control sites after 2 years as indexed by covey‐call counts (2.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 coveys/point, respectively; P = 0.71) and helicopter surveys (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 bobwhites/km, respectively; P = 0.64). Thus, translocation of bobwhites failed to increase the bobwhite population beyond that of the control during this study. Future translocation research should aim to increase translocation success by investigating methods for increasing survival during the 1‐month period following translocation (e.g., soft‐release, vitamin E and selenium injections) and for improving site fidelity using conspecific attraction. Future research should incorporate genetic measures to assess genetic contribution of translocated individuals to improve evaluation of translocation success. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Extraction efficiency and quantification of dissolved metabolites in targeted marine metabolomics
Authors: Johnson Winifred M. , Kido Soule Melissa C. , Kujawinski Elizabeth B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe field of metabolomics seeks to characterize the suite of small molecules that comprise the end‐products of cellular regulation. Metabolomics has been used in biomedical applications as well as environmental studies that explore ecological and biogeochemical questions. We have developed a targeted metabolomics method using electrospray ionization–liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to analyze metabolites dissolved in seawater. Preparation of samples from the marine environment presents challenges because dilute metabolites must be concentrated and desalted. We present the extraction efficiencies of 89 metabolites in our targeted method using solid phase extraction (SPE). In addition, we calculate the limits of detection and quantification for the metabolites in the method and compare the instrument response factors in five different matrices ranging from deionized water to spent medium from cultured marine microbes. High background organic matter content reduces the instrument response factor for only a small group of metabolites, yet enhances the extraction efficiency for other metabolites on the SPE cartridge used here, a modified styrene‐divinylbenzene polymer called PPL. Aromatic or larger uncharged compounds, in particular, are reproducibly well retained on the PPL polymer. This method is suitable for the detection of dissolved metabolites in marine samples, with limits of detection ranging from < 1 pM to ∼ 2 nM dependent on the dual impacts of seawater matrix on extraction efficiency and on instrument response factors.
Evaluation of a transparent perfluorodecalin‐infused patch as an adjunct to laser‐assisted tattoo removal: A pivotal trial
Authors: Biesman Brian S. , Costner Cara 
Published: March 2017

Background and ObjectiveLaser‐assisted treatment of tattoos is well recognized to produce opaque epidermal whitening that prevents multiple sequential passes during a single treatment session. The amount of epidermal whitening produced in association with the procedure can be minimized by topical application of perfluorodecalin (PFD), which is an optical clearing agent. This pivotal trial assessed the ability of a transparent PFD‐infused patch used in conjunction with a Q‐switched nanosecond laser in the treatment of tattoos to permit multiple laser passes during a single 5 minute treatment session in comparison to the number of passes that could be completed using conventional treatment of the tattoo with the laser alone.Study DesignThirty subjects (mean age 37 years; 14 males) with predominantly dark blue or black tattoos were enrolled in a split‐tattoo trial. One half of each tattoo was treated conventionally, whereas the other half was treated through the PFD patch. Treatments were performed using a nanosecond Q‐switched 755‐nm Alexandrite laser. The number of treatments performed in a 5‐minute time period was quantified for each side of the tattoo (primary effectiveness outcome). Patient‐reported pain scores and adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.ResultsSignificantly more laser passes could be made on average using the PFD patch compared with treatment using the laser alone (3.7 passes vs. 1.4 passes; P < 0.001). AEs were limited to those expected during laser removal of tattoos. The proportions of subjects with transient edema and erythema were lower in the PFD patch treatment group (36.7% vs. 63.3% and 33.3% vs. 70.0%, respectively); all AEs were transient and resolved quickly. No patient in either group exhibited dyschromia (hypo‐ or hyperpigmentation) in the treatment area at the 1‐month post treatment visit. Additionally, when surveyed at the 1‐month follow‐up visit, all subjects (30/30) preferred to continue laser‐assisted tattoo removal with the PFD patch.ConclusionAn average of 3.7 laser passes were made in a defined 5‐minute treatment session when using the transparent PFD‐infused patch, which is significantly more than was possible with the laser alone (average of 1.4 passes). Use of the PFD patch was associated with improved tolerability compared with conventional treatment, with subjects experiencing fewer and less severe AEs related to epidermal injury. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:335–340, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative genome analysis reveals important genetic differences among serotype O1 and serotype O2 strains of Y. ruckeri and provides insights into host adaptation and virulence
Authors: Cascales Desirée , Guijarro José A. , García‐Torrico Ana I. , Méndez Jessica 
Published: March 2017

AbstractDespite the existence of a commercial vaccine routinely used to protect salmonids against Yersinia ruckeri, outbreaks still occur, mainly caused by nonmotile and lipase‐negative strains (serotype O1 biotype 2). Moreover, epizootics caused by other uncommon serotypes have also been reported. At the moment, one of the main concerns for the aquaculture industry is the expanding range of hosts of this pathogen and the emergence of new biotypes and serotypes causing mortality in fish farms and against which the vaccine cannot protect. The comparative analysis of the genome sequences of five Y. ruckeri strains (150, CSF007‐82, ATCC29473, Big Creek 74, and SC09) isolated from different hosts and classified into different serotypes revealed important genetic differences between the genomes analyzed. Thus, a clear genetic differentiation was found between serotype O1 and O2 strains. The presence of 99 unique genes in Big Creek 74 and 261 in SC09 could explain the adaptation of these strains to salmon and catfish, respectively. Finally, the absence of 21 genes in ATCC29473 which are present in the other four virulent strains could underpin the attenuation described for this strain. The study reveals important genetic differences among the genomes analyzed. Further investigation of the genes highlighted in this study could provide insights into the understanding of the virulence and niche adaptive mechanisms of Y. ruckeri.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for essential tremor: Retrospective analysis of a 19‐year experience
Authors: Niranjan Ajay , Raju Sudesh S. , Kooshkabadi Ali , Monaco Edward , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBackground: Essential Tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder that can be disabling. Initial treatment is in the form of medical therapies. Patients with medically refractory ET seek surgical intervention which include radiofrequency thalamotomy, deep brain stimulation, and radiosurgical thalamotomy. Radiosurgical thalamotomy is a minimally invasive surgical option which is especially valuable for elderly and high surgical risk patients.Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients suffering from medically refractory essential tremor.Methods: During a 19‐year period (1996–2015), 73 patients underwent gamma knife thalamotomy for intractable essential tremor. A median central dose of 140 Gy (range, 130–150) was delivered to the nucleus ventralis intermedius through a single 4‐mm isocenter. We used the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin clinical tremor rating scale to score tremor, handwriting, drawing, and ability to drink fluids. The median time to last follow‐up was 28 months (range, 6–152).Results: After gamma knife thalamotomy, 93.2% improved in tremor. Forty‐four patients (60.3%) experienced tremor arrest or barely perceptible tremor. Eighteen patients (24.7%) noted tremor arrest and complete restoration of motor function. Tremor improvement was sustained at last follow‐up in 96% of patients who experience tremor relief. Mean tremor score improved from 3.19 before to 1.27 after gamma knife thalamotomy (P < 0.0001). Mean handwriting score improved from 2.97 to 1.25 (P < 0.0001). Mean drawing score improved from 3.16 to 1.26 (P < 0.0001). Mean drinking score improved from 3.14 to 1.56 (P < 0.0001). Imaging follow‐up showed three types of lesions: enhancing lesion, streaking along internal capsule on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery, and significant reactive changes. Three patients (4%) experienced temporary adverse radiation effects.Conclusion: Radiosurgery is a safe and valuable treatment option for medically refractory essential tremor, especially for the elderly or those with high surgical risk for DBS or radiofrequency thalamotomy. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bilateral breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps in slim patients
Authors: Mani Maria , Saour Samer , Ramsey Kelvin , Power Kieran , Harris Paul , James Stuart 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundSlim women are not always considered candidates for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction. The study aims to assess the volume considerations and complications of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in bilateral breast reconstruction among slim patients.MethodsAll patients undergoing bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, September 2007‐March 2015, were reviewed. Flap weight was compared to mastectomy weight (weight ratio) and complications were recorded. Subgroup analyses according to Body Mass Index (BMI) were performed.ResultsOne‐hundred seventy patients (340 flaps) were included. There were 42 in the slim‐group (BMI <25) (84 flaps), 70 in the traditional (BMI = 25.0‐29.9) (140 flaps), and 58 in the obese (BMI >30) (116 flaps). There were no significant differences in reconstruction weight ratio between the slim and the traditional groups (1.04 ± 0.31 versus 0.95 ± 0.38, p = .267). When comparing the slim to obese group the ratio was lower for the obese group, inferring that a larger reconstruction was performed (p = .016). Complications was less frequent in the slim group compared to the traditional and the obese groups (31% compared to 50% and to 53% (p = .060 and p = .021, respectively). Donor‐site specific complications did not differ between groups (29% 26% and 29%; p = .823 and .830, respectively).ConclusionThe DIEP flaps may be a safe option for bilateral breast reconstruction among patients with BMI <25 without sacrifice in volume or increase in donor‐site complications; low BMI does not in itself contraindicate bilateral DIEP breast reconstruction.
Cardiometabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes with high fat and low muscle mass: At baseline and in response to exercise
Authors: Terada Tasuku , Boulé Normand G. , Forhan Mary , Prado Carla M. , Kenny Glen P. , Prud'homme Denis , Ito Eiji , Sigal Ronald J. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the interplay between high fat and low muscle mass on cardiometabolic risk factors at baseline and in response to exercise in type 2 diabetes.MethodsUsing baseline percent body fat and skeletal muscle mass index, 248 participants were divided into high fat versus low fat and low muscle versus high muscle. Linear mixed models were used to examine the main effects of fat mass and muscle mass and their interaction on baseline cardiometabolic risk factors and changes in risk factors in response to 6‐month exercise training.ResultsAt baseline, there was a fat mass by muscle mass interaction effect on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; P = 0.009), suggesting that low muscle was associated with elevated HbA1c in those with high fat but not low fat. Significant interactions between baseline fat mass and muscle mass on the exercise‐induced changes in visceral adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and triglyceride concentration indicated that low muscle attenuated the exercise responses in participants with high fat at baseline (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh fat and low muscle may be synergistically associated with higher HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. In participants with high fat mass, low muscle mass may attenuate exercise‐induced improvements in some cardiometabolic risk factors.
Biosimilar insulin: the current landscape
Authors: Llano Andrea , Fisher Miles , McKay Gerry 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe first insulin biosimilar, Abasaglar, is now available in the UK and several more are in development. Biosimilars are manufactured copies of previously approved biopharmaceuticals no longer under patent protection. They are not identical versions of their reference product due to the complexity of their production and resultant protein product.The present article reviews the current biosimilar landscape including manufacture, regulatory requirements, safety and prescribing issues. Abasaglar is used to illustrate the process of biosimilar development and approval. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.