bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer in elderly Japanese patients: An observational study of financial costs of treatment based on a national administrative database
Authors: Murata Atsuhiko , Muramatsu Keiji , Ichimiya Yukako , Kubo Tatsuhiko , Fujino Yoshihisa , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThere is currently little information on the medical economic outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer (GC) in elderly patients. This study therefore aimed to investigate the medical economic outcomes of ESD in elderly patients with GC using a national administrative database.MethodsA total of 27 385 patients treated with ESD for GC were referred to 867 hospitals in Japan from 2009 to 2011. We collected data from the national administrative database and divided them into two groups according to age: elderly patients (≥80 years; n = 5525) and non‐elderly patients (<80 years; n = 21 860). We compared ESD‐related complications, risk‐adjusted length of stay (LOS) and medical costs during hospitalization between elderly and non‐elderly patients.ResultsThere was no significant difference in ESD‐related complications between elderly and non‐elderly patients (4.3% vs 3.9%, P = 0.152). However, significant differences were observed in mean LOS and medical costs during hospitalization between the two groups (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that elderly patients experienced a significantly longer LOS and higher medical costs. The unstandardized coefficient for LOS in elderly patients was 2.71 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.59–2.84, P < 0.001), while that for medical costs during hospitalization was USD952.1 (95% CI 847.7–1056.5, P < 0.001).ConclusionsLOS and medical costs during hospitalization were significantly higher in elderly patients undergoing ESD for GC than in non‐elderly patients, although there was no difference in the incidence of ESD‐related complications.
A retrospective chart review of the use of rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Australian rheumatology practice
Authors: Nicholls Dave , Zochling Jane , Boers Anthony , Champion Gary , Mathers David , Riordan John , Youssef Peter , Scott James , Griffiths Hedley 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimRituximab is one of nine biologic agents approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Australia. The primary study objective was to analyze the factors that lead to the therapeutic decision to use rituximab in RA.MethodA cross‐sectional, retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who were treated with rituximab and to evaluate their response to treatment.ResultsFactors influencing the prescription of rituximab were identified. The most commonly reported reason for prescribing rituximab was the presence of comorbidities and the presence of seropositive disease. Median rituximab treatment duration was 32.5 months and mean number of treatment cycles was 4.1. Disease activity scores showed significant improvement from baseline to most recent visit. Rituximab treatment was well‐tolerated in this group of RA patients.ConclusionsRituximab was effective in a refractory group of RA patients and appears to be safe in a population with a high prevalence of comorbidities, including malignancy and recurrent infections/bronchiectasis. This study may assist rheumatologists in selecting appropriately targeted therapy in RA.
Risk of tuberculosis with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy: substantially higher number of patients at risk in Asia
Authors: Navarra Sandra V. , Tang Boxiong , Lu Liangjing , Lin Hsiao‐Yi , Mok Chi Chiu , Asavatanabodee Paijit , Suwannalai Parawee , Hussein Heselynn , Rahman Mahboob U. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo assess the potential risk of tuberculosis (TB) in patients treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) agents in Asia.MethodsAbsolute risk increase (ARI) of TB was estimated for three widely used anti‐TNF‐α therapies using published standardized incidence ratios (SIR) from the French Research Axed on Tolerance of bIOtherapies registry and incidence (absolute risk [AR]) of TB in Asia. Assuming an association of increased TB risk with anti‐TNF‐α therapy and country TB AR (incidence), the ARI of TB by country was calculated by multiplying the SIR of the anti‐TNF‐α therapy by the country's TB AR. The numbers needed to harm (NNH) for each anti‐TNF‐α agent and numbers needed to treat (NNT) to reduce one TB event using etanercept therapy instead of adalimumab or infliximab were also calculated for each country.ResultsThe ARI of TB with anti‐TNF‐α therapies in Asian countries is substantially higher than Western Europe and North America and the difference between etanercept versus the monoclonal antibodies becomes more evident. The NNH for Asian countries ranged from 8 to 163 for adalimumab, 126 to 2646 for etanercept and 12 to 256 for infliximab. The NNT to reduce one TB event using etanercept instead of adalimumab therapy ranged from 8 to 173, and using etanercept instead of infliximab therapy the NNT ranged from 13 to 283.ConclusionHigher numbers of patients are at risk of developing TB with anti‐TNF‐α therapy in Asia compared with Western Europe and North America. The relative lower risk of TB with etanercept may be particularly relevant for Asia, an endemic area for TB.
Estimating multispecies abundance using automated detection systems: ice‐associated seals in the Bering Sea
Authors: Conn Paul B. , Ver Hoef Jay M. , McClintock Brett T. , Moreland Erin E. , London Josh M. , Cameron Michael F. , Dahle Shawn P. , Boveng Peter L. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Automated detection systems employing advanced technology (e.g. infrared imagery, auditory recording systems, pattern recognition software) are compelling tools for gathering animal abundance and distribution data since investigators can often collect data more efficiently and reduce animal disturbance relative to surveys using human observers.

Even with these improvements, analysing animal abundance with advanced technology can be challenging because of potential for incomplete detection, false positives and species misidentification. We argue that double sampling with an independent sampling method can provide the critical information needed to account for such errors.

We present a hierarchical modelling framework for jointly analysing automated detection and double sampling data obtained during animal population surveys. Under our framework, observed counts in different sampling units are conceptualized as having arisen from a thinned log‐Gaussian Cox process subject to spatial autocorrelation (where thinning accounts for incomplete detection). For multispecies surveys, our approach handles incomplete species observations owing to (i) structural uncertainties (e.g. in cases where the automatic detection data do not provide species observations) and (ii) species misclassification; the latter requires auxiliary information on the misclassification process.

As an example of combining an automated detection system and a double sampling procedure, we consider the problem of estimating animal abundance from aerial surveys that use infrared imagery to detect animals, and independent, high‐resolution digital photography to provide information on species composition and thermal detection accuracy. We illustrate our approach by analysing simulated data and data from a survey of four ice‐associated seal species in the eastern Bering Sea.

Our analysis indicated reasonable performance of our hierarchical modelling approach, but suggested a need to balance model complexity with the richness of the data set. For example, highly parameterized models can lead to spuriously high predictions of abundance in areas that are not sampled, especially when there are large gaps in spatial coverage.

We recommend that ecologists employ double sampling when enumerating animal populations with automated detection systems to estimate and correct for detection errors. Combining multiple data sets within a hierarchical modelling framework provides a powerful approach for analysing animal abundance over large spatial domains.
Non–Emergency Department Interventions to Reduce ED Utilization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morgan Sofie Rahman , Chang Anna Marie , Alqatari Mahfood , Pines Jesse M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesRecent health policy changes have focused efforts on reducing emergency department (ED) visits as a way to reduce costs and improve quality of care. This was a systematic review of interventions based outside the ED aimed at reducing ED use.MethodsThis study was designed as a systematic review. We reviewed the literature on interventions in five categories: patient education, creation of additional non‐ED capacity, managed care, prehospital diversion, and patient financial incentives. Studies written in English, with interventions administered outside of the ED, and a comparison group where ED use was an outcome, were included. Two independent reviewers screened search results using MEDLINE, Cochrane, OAIster, or Scopus. The following data were abstracted from included studies: type of intervention, study design, population, details of intervention, effect on ED use, effect on non‐ED health care use, and other health and financial outcomes. Quality of individual articles was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.ResultsOf 39 included studies, 34 were observational and five were randomized controlled trials. Two of five studies on patient education found reductions in ED use ranging from 21% to 80%. Out of 10 studies of additional non‐ED capacity, four showed decreases of 9% to 54%, and one a 21% increase. Both studies on prehospital diversion found reductions of 3% to 7%. Of 12 studies on managed care, 10 had decreases ranging from 1% to 46%. Nine out of 10 studies on patient financial incentives found decreases of 3% to 50%, and one a 34% increase. Nineteen studies reported effect on non‐ED use with mixed results. Seventeen studies included data on health outcomes, but 13 of these only included data on hospitalizations rather than morbidity and mortality. Seven studies included data on cost outcomes. According to the GRADE guidelines, all studies had at least some risk of bias, with four moderate quality, one low quality, and 34 very low quality studies.ConclusionsMany studies have explored interventions based outside the ED to reduce ED use in various populations, with mixed evidence. Approximately two‐thirds identified here showed reductions in ED use. The interventions with the greatest number of studies showing reductions in ED use include patient financial incentives and managed care, while the greatest magnitude of reductions were found in patient education. These findings have implications for insurers and policymakers seeking to reduce ED use.
Investors' Herd Behavior: Rational or Irrational?
Authors: Lin William T. , Tsai Shih‐Chuan , Lung Pei‐Yau 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study examines the relationships between the herding of various investor groups and trading noise in the Taiwan stock market to determine whether any of the investor groups tend to herd rationally. The study uses a unique and comprehensive data set on intraday transactions and limit order books of the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). We calculate the high‐frequency herding measures and trading noise in a call auction market. We find that institutional investors are likely to be informed traders and herd rationally based on superior information. Institutional investors' herding has a negative impact on trading noise. Their buy (sell) herding predicts positive (negative) future market returns. By contrast, the herding of individual investors tends to contain limited information, as it increases trading noise; the buy (sell) herding of individuals is negatively correlated with future market returns. These findings are more significant for stocks with higher turnover.
Maternal and Fetal Alternative Complement Pathway Activation in Early Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Hoffman M. Camille , Rumer Kristen K. , Kramer Anita , Lynch Anne M. , Winn Virginia D. 
Published: October 2013

ProblemWe sought to determine whether alternative complement activation fragment Bb (Bb) levels are elevated in the maternal, fetal, and placental blood in cases of severe preeclampsia (PE) compared with normotensive controls.Method of studyThis was a cross‐sectional study of women admitted at ≥24 weeks gestation with or without severe PE. Maternal plasma was collected at the time of enrollment. Umbilical venous cord and intervillous space blood were collected at delivery. Plasma Bb levels were assessed using ELISA. Bb levels were compared between cases and controls.ResultsMedian Bb levels were higher in the maternal plasma of severe PE subjects (n = 24) than in controls (n = 20), 1.45 ± 1.03 versus 0.65 ± 0.23 μg/mL, P < 0.001. In umbilical venous plasma, Bb levels were higher in severe PE subjects (n = 15) compared with controls (n = 15), 2.48 ± 1.40 versus 1.01 ± 0.57 μg/mL, P = 0.01.ConclusionActivation fragment Bb is increased in the maternal and umbilical venous blood of cases of severe PE when compared with normotensive controls. These data provide support for alternative complement pathway involvement in the pathogenesis of severe PE and demonstrate that alternative complement activation occurs not only in the maternal but also in the fetal compartment.
Progesterone Elicits an Inhibitory Effect upon LPS‐Induced Innate Immune Response in Pre‐Labor Human Amniotic Epithelium
Authors: Flores‐Espinosa Pilar , Pineda‐Torres Montzerrat , Vega‐Sánchez Rodrigo , Estrada‐Gutiérrez Guadalupe , Espejel‐Nuñez Aurora , Flores‐Pliego Arturo , Maida‐Claros Rolando , Paredes‐Vivas Yuriria , Morales‐Méndez Iyari , Sosa‐González Irma , Chávez‐Mendoza Angel , Zaga‐Clavellina Verónica 
Published: October 2013

ProblemInfection of human fetal membranes elicits secretion of pro‐inflammatory modulators through its innate immune capacities. We investigated the effect of lipopolysacharide (LPS) and progesterone (P4) upon expression of TLR‐4/MyD88, TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and HBD2 on the human amniotic epithelium.Method of studyExplants of the human amniotic epithelium were pre‐treated with 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 μm of P4; then cotreated with 1000 ng/mL LPS. TLR‐4 was immuno‐detected, and concentrations of MyD88, TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and HBD2 were quantified by ELISA.ResultsP4 significantly reduced the expression of LPS‐induced TLR‐4/MyD88. LPS increased the concentrations of TNFα, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and HBD2 by factors of 30‐, eight, three, three, and fivefold, respectively. P4 at 1.0 μm was the most effective dose to blunt the secretion of TNFα, IL‐6, and HBD‐2. RU‐486 blocks the effect of P4.ConclusionP4 inhibited LPS‐induced TLR‐4/MyD88 and pro‐inflammatory factors in the human amniotic epithelium. These results could explain partially how P4 can protect the amniotic region of fetal membranes and generate a compensatory mechanism that limits the secretion of pro‐inflammatory modulators, which could jeopardize the immune privilege during pregnancy.
Impact of maternal negative affectivity on light alcohol use and binge drinking during pregnancy
Authors: Stene‐Larsen Kim , Torgersen Leila , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Normann Per T. , Vollrath Margarete E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether maternal negative affectivity, a tendency to frequent negative emotions and views, is associated with light alcohol use and binge drinking during pregnancy.DesignCohort.SettingNorway 1999–2008.PopulationThe study includes complete information on 66 111 pregnant women and their partners.MethodsWe used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort study (MoBa) representing 39% of the pregnant population.Main outcome measuresLight alcohol use (0.5–2 units one to four times per month) and binge drinking (an intake of 5 alcohol units or more) measured with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C).ResultsFor each unit increase in maternal negative affectivity the odds for light alcohol use increased with 27% in the first trimester [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–1.36], and 28% in the second trimester (95% CI 1.18–1.39). With respect to binge drinking, each unit increase in maternal negative affectivity was associated with 55% higher odds in the first trimester (95% CI 1.44–1.67), and 114% higher odds in the second trimester (95% CI 1.70–2.69).ConclusionsNegative affectivity is associated with both light alcohol use and binge drinking during pregnancy. The mechanisms mediating the relation between negative affectivity and alcohol use in pregnancy should be investigated further.
A prospective study of diagnostic conversion of major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder in pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Sharma Verinder , Xie Bin , Campbell M Karen , Penava Debbie , Hampson Elizabeth , Mazmanian Dwight , Pope Carley J 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the rate of, and risk factors for, a change in diagnosis from major depressive disorder to bipolar disorder, and from bipolar II disorder to bipolar I disorder in pregnancy and postpartum.MethodsPatients with a prior history of major depressive disorder or bipolar II disorder were recruited between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation and followed through to one year postpartum. Diagnostic interviews were conducted using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV at study intake and repeated using the Mini‐International Psychiatric Interview at one, three, six, and 12 months after childbirth. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the association between various risk factors and diagnostic switch.ResultsA total of 146 participants completed the intake interview and at least one follow‐up interview postpartum. Of these, 92 were diagnosed with major depressive disorder and 54 with bipolar II disorder at intake. Six women (6.52%) experienced a diagnostic change from major depressive disorder to bipolar II disorder during the first six months after childbirth. There were no cases of switching to bipolar I disorder, but in one participant the diagnosis changed from bipolar II disorder to bipolar I disorder during the three months after childbirth. Bipolar switch was associated with a family history of bipolar disorder.ConclusionsThe postpartum period appears to be a time of high risk for a new onset of hypomania in women with major depressive disorder. Our rate of diagnostic switching to bipolar II disorder (6.52%) is at least 11‐ to 18‐fold higher than the rates of switching in similar studies conducted in both men and women.
Bayesian Experimental Design for Models with Intractable Likelihoods
Authors: Drovandi Christopher C. , Pettitt Anthony N. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
In this paper we present a methodology for designing experiments for efficiently estimating the parameters of models with computationally intractable likelihoods. The approach combines a commonly used methodology for robust experimental design, based on Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, with approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to ensure that no likelihood evaluations are required. The utility function considered for precise parameter estimation is based upon the precision of the ABC posterior distribution, which we form efficiently via the ABC rejection algorithm based on pre-computed model simulations. Our focus is on stochastic models and, in particular, we investigate the methodology for Markov process models of epidemics and macroparasite population evolution. The macroparasite example involves a multivariate process and we assess the loss of information from not observing all variables.
Multilevel Cross-Dependent Binary Longitudinal Data
Authors: Serban Nicoleta , Staicu Ana-Maria , Carroll Raymond J. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
We provide insights into new methodology for the analysis of multilevel binary data observed longitudinally, when the repeated longitudinal measurements are correlated. The proposed model is logistic functional regression conditioned on three latent processes describing the within- and between-variability, and describing the cross-dependence of the repeated longitudinal measurements. We estimate the model components without employing mixed-effects modeling but assuming an approximation to the logistic link function. The primary objectives of this article are to highlight the challenges in the estimation of the model components, to compare two approximations to the logistic regression function, linear and exponential, and to discuss their advantages and limitations. The linear approximation is computationally efficient whereas the exponential approximation applies for rare events functional data. Our methods are inspired by and applied to a scientific experiment on spectral backscatter from long range infrared light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data. The models are general and relevant to many new binary functional data sets, with or without dependence between repeated functional measurements.
Being in the users' shoes: Anticipating experience while designing online courses
Authors: Rapanta Chrysi , Cantoni Lorenzo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWhile user‐centred design and user experience are given much attention in the e‐learning design field, no research has been found on how users are actually represented in the discussions during the design of online courses. In this paper we identify how and when end‐users' experience—be they students or tutors—emerges in designers' discussions during their meetings in well‐established open universities. More precisely, we observed 15 design meetings of two design teams during the development of specific online courses. Designers' discourse was analysed on the basis of six dimensions regarding relevant actors, contents and strategies (purposes) of user experience anticipation. Results show the emergence of a solution‐oriented anticipatory discourse in form of scenarios regarding how learners and tutors will react to the course and the proposed activities. Moreover, this discourse is related to an emergent type of users‐based expertise, translated as the capacity of some designers to empathise with the end‐users more than other designers do. The participation of designers with this type of expertise in e‐learning design teams emerges as relevant for the decisions related to the course activities, interface or overall experience. Further research is invited towards this direction.Further discussion on this article can be found in “Being in the users' shoes: Is there maybe another way?” (DOI: 10.1111/bjet.12104).
Maintaining distinctions under threat: Heterosexual men endorse the biological theory of sexuality when equality is the norm
Authors: Falomir‐Pichastor Juan M. , Hegarty Peter 
Published: October 2013

According to social identity theory, group members sometimes react to threats to their group's distinctiveness by asserting the distinctiveness of their group. In four studies (n = 261) we tested the hypothesis that heterosexual men with a greater propensity to be threatened by homosexuality would react to egalitarian norms by endorsing biological theories of sexuality. Heterosexual men, but not women, with narrow prototypes of their gender in‐group endorsed biological theories the most (Study 1). Heterosexual men with higher gender self‐esteem, with heterosexist attitudes, who endorsed traditional gender roles, and with narrow prototypes of their gender in‐group, endorsed the biological theories more when egalitarian norms rather than anti‐egalitarian norms (Studies 2 and 3) or pro‐minority ideologies that emphasized group differences (Study 4) were made salient. These findings show group‐level reactive distinctiveness among members of a high‐status group in a context of threat to the unique privileges that they once enjoyed.