bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial illustration of health‐care workforce accessibility index in China: How far has our 2009 health‐care reform brought us?
Authors: Wong Ho Ting , Guo Ying Qi , Chiu Marcus Yu Lung , Chen Si , Zhao Yong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of China's health‐care reform from 2009 to 2011 by examining China‘s annual health‐care workforce statistics of 2008 and 2011.DesignThe design of the study was a secondary data analysis.Main outcome measureThe main outcome measure used was the Primary Health Care Worker Accessibility Index (PHCWA).ResultsThe statistics illustrated the impact health‐care reform had on the provision of primary health care in rural areas. The results showed that the health‐care reform of 2009 generally improved access to the primary health‐care workforce in all 28 areas (range of increase: 13.18–324.0%). However, an increasing disparity in regional health care based on the increase of the standard deviations of PHCWA (range of increase: 36.44–77.10%) may be an issue that policy‐makers and analysts will have to face.ConclusionsConcerted policy efforts from both the provincial and central governments are needed to narrow the gaps. Regional development should not only focus on the economic aspect, but also account for the fact that the adequate provision of primary health care is part of the infrastructure that makes development possible and sustainable.
The Gerbil Spermatozoon – interspecific variation in morphology does not invariably follow murine rodent evolutionary trends in response to predicted intermale sperm competition
Authors: McLennan Hanna J. , Tuke Jonathan , Breed William G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn various groups of mammals, the intensity of intermale sperm competition relates to relative testes mass (RTM) with some evidence suggesting that this may also be the case for some aspects of sperm form. In murid rodents, a large RTM generally correlates with a streamlined sperm head, long apical hook and long tail with most data coming from species in the subfamily Murinae. In this study, RTM and sperm form are compared across 15 species of gerbils, seven from the Tribe Taterillini and eight from the Tribe Gerbillini. Marked interspecific differences in RTM and sperm morphology were observed. However, the Gerbilliscus species with the largest RTM do not have a sperm head with an apical hook nor a longer sperm tail than other species with smaller RTM whereas, by contrast, in the Tribe Gerbillini, species where the sperm head lacks a hook have a relatively small testes mass. We thus suggest that in gerbils, unlike in murine rodents, high levels of postcopulatory sexual selection have not invariably resulted in the evolution of a spermatozoon with a long apical hook and long sperm tail. The possible reasons for this are briefly discussed.
Cationic Albumin‐Conjugated Chelating Agent as a Novel Brain Drug Delivery System in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Kamalinia Golnaz , Khodagholi Fariba , Shaerzadeh Fatemeh , Tavssolian Faranak , Chaharband Farkhondeh , Atyabi Fatemeh , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Amini Mohsen , Dinarvand Rassoul 
Published: May 2015

The critical role of metal ions and in particular iron in oxidative stress and protein aggregation offers chelation therapy as a sensible pharmaceutical strategy in oxidative stress‐induced neuronal damages. In this research, we conjugated an iron‐chelating agent, deferasirox, to cationized human serum albumin molecules in order to develop a novel brain delivery system for the management of neurodegenerative disorders due to the significant role of oxidative stress‐induced neuronal injury in such diseases. Cationized albumin is known to be able to transport to brain tissue via adsorptive‐mediated transcytosis. The developed structures were molecularly characterized, and their conjugation ratio was determined. PC12 cell line was utilized to evaluate the neuroprotective features of these newly developed molecules in the presence of hydrogen peroxide neuronal damage and to identify the mechanisms behind the observed neuronal protection including apoptotic and autophagic pathways. Furthermore, a rat model of Alzheimer's disease was utilized to evaluate the impact of conjugated structures in vivo. Data analysis revealed that the conjugated species were able to hinder apoptotic cell death while enhancing autophagic process. The developed conjugated species were also able to attenuate amyloid beta‐induced learning deficits when administered peripherally.
A low incidence of iodine‐induced hyperthyroidism following administration of iodinated contrast in an iodine‐deficient region
Authors: Jarvis Carol , Simcox Kim , Tamatea Jade A. U. , McAnulty Kim , Meyer‐Rochow Goswin Y. , Conaglen John V. , Elston Marianne S. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryObjectiveThere are limited data on the incidence of iodinated contrast‐induced thyrotoxicosis, particularly in iodine‐deficient regions. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of iodinated contrast‐induced thyrotoxicosis and to determine whether thyrotoxicosis was more common in patients ≥70 years compared to those <70 years of age.DesignA prospective study of adult patients undergoing an outpatient CT with iodinated contrast was performed.MeasurementsThyroid function tests (TFTs) and urine iodine measurements were performed prior to the scan. TFTs were repeated at 4‐ and 8‐weeks postscan. Changes in TFTs from baseline were analysed.ResultsA total of 102 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, TSH levels dropped (P = 0·0002), and free T3 (FT3) levels increased (P = 0·04) between baseline and week 4 with normalization by week 8; however, these changes were not considered clinically significant. No significant differences in free T4 (FT4) occurred in the overall group (P = 0·82). There were no differences in TFTs between baseline and 4 or 8 weeks for those patients aged <70 compared to ≥70 years. Two patients developed new subnormal TSH values. Of these, one had a 90‐mm follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed while the other had a normal thyroid assessment and TSH spontaneously normalized by 12 weeks.ConclusionsOnly 2% of patients developed subclinical hyperthyroidism following a standard dose of iodinated contrast for CT investigations. Given the low incidence of iodine‐induced thyrotoxicosis, there is no indication for routine pre‐ and post‐CT thyroid function testing in our region.
Pragmatic detection of anxiety and depression in a prospective cohort of voice outpatient clinic attenders
Authors: Montgomery J. , Hendry J. , Wilson J.A. , Deary I.J. , MacKenzie K. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate diagnostic performance of the emotional domain of the VoiSS questionnaire compared with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).DesignCross‐sectional questionnaire study.SettingTertiary referral centre voice clinic.Participants210 consecutive voice clinic patients.Main outcome measuresScreening with VoiSS and HADS questionnaires. Paired comparison, correlation, multinomial logistic regression and receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsA total of 177 returned complete data sets. Ninety‐six patients (54.2%) had functional dysphonia, and 81 (45.8%) had organic laryngeal disorders. Mean total VoiSS score = 39.7/120 (standard deviation (sd) 22.2). Mean emotional VoiSS subscale = 7.6/22 (sd 7.5). Mean HADS anxiety = 6.5/21 (sd 5.2) and depression mean = 7.1/21 (sd 4.8). There were 35 (20%) borderline anxiety and/or depression scores and 30 (17%) scores considered positive for ‘caseness’. There was strong correlation between emotional VoiSS and HADS anxiety (Spearman's Rho = 0.68, P < 0.001) and HADS depression (Spearman's Rho = 0.62, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis exhibited significant association between emotional VoiSS and HADS ‘caseness’ (area under curve = 0.88). In addition, functional dysphonia patients had lower mean VoiSS and HADS scores than patients with identifiable laryngeal abnormalities.ConclusionThe VoiSS emotional subscale strongly correlates with HADS anxiety and depression scores and could be used as a measure of psychological distress. This could allow targeted psychological strategies, without additional psychometric questionnaires. Functional dysphonia has less association with psychological distress than certain organic laryngological disorders.
The outcome of septorhinoplasty surgery on olfactory function
Authors: Randhawa P.S. , Watson N. , Lechner M. , Ritchie L. , Choudhury N. , Andrews P.J. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesTo assess olfactory outcomes in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery in our unit.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London.ParticipantsForty‐three patients undergoing functional septorhinoplasty (Males = 26; mean age = 34.1 ± 12.2) were recruited into the study.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome of olfactory function was assessed using ‘Sniffin sticks’. Our secondary outcomes were assessment of patient quality of life using the disease specific Sino‐nasal Outcome Test‐23 questionnaire (SNOT‐23) and a visual analogue scale for sense of smell. These measures were repeated at 12 weeks post operatively.ResultsThere was a significant change in the Sniffin’ sticks score post‐operatively (8.3 versus 9.6; P < 0.001). The SNOT‐23 score also showed a significant improvement post‐operatively (53.5 versus 40.4; P < 0.001). A significant improvement was not found in the smell/taste question (question 21) of the SNOT‐23 questionnaire as well as the visual analogue scale for sense of smell. A difference in olfactory outcome was not found between open versus closed approaches, primary versus revision surgery and traumatic versus non traumatic cases.ConclusionsThe results show a measured significant improvement in olfaction following functional Septorhinoplasty but not a subjective improvement in the patients perception of their sense of smell and hence not a clinically significant difference. The reasons for the measured improvement are not clear and are likely to be multifactorial.
A Social Network Analysis of 140 Community‐Academic Partnerships for Health: Examining the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program
Authors: Franco Zeno E. , Ahmed Syed M. , Maurana Cheryl A. , DeFino Mia C. , Brewer Devon D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIntroduction:Social Network Analysis (SNA) provides an important, underutilized approach to evaluating Community Academic Partnerships for Health (CAPHs). This study examines administrative data from 140 CAPHs funded by the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program (HWPP).Methods:Funder data was normalized to maximize number of interconnections between funded projects and 318 non‐redundant community partner organizations in a dual mode analysis, examining the period from 2003–2013.Two strategic planning periods, 2003–2008 vs. 2009–2014, allowed temporal comparison.Results:Connectivity of the network was largely unchanged over time, with most projects and partner organizations connected to a single large component in both time periods. Inter‐partner ties formed in HWPP projects were transient. Most community partners were only involved in projects during one strategic time period. Community organizations participating in both time periods were involved in significantly more projects during the first time period than partners participating in the first time period only (Cohen's d = 0.93).Discussion:This approach represents a significant step toward using objective (non‐survey) data for large clusters of health partnerships and has implications for translational science in community settings. Considerations for government, funders, and communities are offered. Examining partnerships within health priority areas, orphaned projects, and faculty ties to these networks are areas for future research.
Currency Exposure in China under the New Exchange Rate Regime: National Level Evidence
Authors: Nie Jing , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Zhuang , Zhou Si 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe present paper studies China's national level currency exposure since 2005 when the country adopted a new exchange rate regime allowing the renminbi (RMB) to move towards greater flexibility. Using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic and constant conditional correlation‐generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic methods to estimate the augmented capital asset pricing models with orthogonalized stock returns, we find that China equity indexes are significantly exposed to exchange rate movements. In a static setting, there is strong sensitivity of stock returns to movements of China's tradeweighted exchange rate, and to the bilateral exchange rates except the RMB/dollar rate. However, in a dynamic framework, exposure to all the bilateral currency pairs under examination is significant. The results indicate that under the new exchange rate regime, China's gradualist approach to moving towards greater exchange rate flexibility has managed to keep exposure to a moderate level. However, we find evidence that in a dynamic setting, the exposure of the RMB to the dollar and other major currencies is significant. For China, the challenge of managing currency risk exposure is looming greater.
Is There Excess Liquidity in China?
Authors: Liu Tie Ying , Su Chi Wei , Jiang Xu Zhao , Chang Tsangyao 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we developed the recursive unit root tests proposed by Phillips et al. (2013) and used them to identify the beginning and the end of potential excess liquidity in the Chinese monetary market during the period from 1992 to 2013. The result indicates that excess liquidity existed from the third quarter of 2002 to 2013. The analysis shows that since 2003, the inflationary pressure of excess liquidity has remained high. We provide evidence supporting the money illusion hypothesis in China. The recursive unit root test is suited to practical implementation with time series and delivers a consistent date‐stamping strategy for determining the origination and termination of multiple bubbles. Simulations show that the test significantly improves discriminatory power and leads to distinct power gains.
One‐year efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: results of a 26‐week extension to a 26‐week main trial
Authors: Gough S. C. L. , Bode B. W. , Woo V. C. , Rodbard H. W. , Linjawi S. , Zacho M. , Reiter P. D. , Buse J. B. 
Published: May 2015

AimsTo confirm, in a 26‐week extension study, the sustained efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with either insulin degludec or liraglutide alone, in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsInsulin‐naïve adults with type 2 diabetes randomized to once‐daily IDegLira, insulin degludec or liraglutide, in addition to metformin ± pioglitazone, continued their allocated treatment in this preplanned 26‐week extension of the DUAL I trial.ResultsA total of 78.8% of patients (1311/1663) continued into the extension phase. The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration at 52 weeks was reduced from baseline by 1.84% (20.2 mmol/mol) for the IDegLira group, 1.40% (15.3 mmol/mol) for the insulin degludec group and 1.21% (13.2 mmol/mol) for the liraglutide group. Of the patients on IDegLira, 78% achieved an HbA1c of <7% (53 mmol/mol) versus 63% of the patients on insulin degludec and 57% of those on liraglutide. The mean fasting plasma glucose concentration at the end of the trial was similar for IDegLira (5.7 mmol/l) and insulin degludec (6.0 mmol/l), but higher for liraglutide (7.3 mmol/l). At 52 weeks, the daily insulin dose was 37% lower with IDegLira (39 units) than with insulin degludec (62 units). IDegLira was associated with a significantly greater decrease in body weight (estimated treatment difference, −2.80 kg, p < 0.0001) and a 37% lower rate of hypoglycaemia compared with insulin degludec. Overall, all treatments were well tolerated and no new adverse events or tolerability issues were observed for IDegLira.ConclusionsThese 12‐month data, derived from a 26‐week extension of the DUAL I trial, confirm the initial 26‐week main phase results and the sustainability of the benefits of IDegLira compared with its components in glycaemic efficacy, safety and tolerability.
Vincristine efficacy and safety in treating immune thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study of 35 patients
Authors: Stirnemann Jérôme , Kaddouri Najett , Khellaf Medhi , Morin Anne‐Sophie , Prendki Virginie , Michel Marc , Mekinian Arsène , Bierling Philippe , Fenaux Pierre , Godeau Bertrand , Fain Olivier 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAlthough vincristine (VCR) is sometimes prescribed for newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), its efficacy in refractory ITP and sustained efficacy has yet to be demonstrated. We describe our clinical experience and recommend vincristine's correct place in ITP management. This retrospective study analysed data from 35 patients with newly diagnosed (ND), persistent (P) or chronic (C) ITP treated with VCR. The initial response rate, defined as >30 × 109 platelets/L, reached 86% after a median of 7 [interquartile range (IQR) 6–13] days. In ND and P ITP, even when previous therapies were inefficient, initial response was 87.5%, suggesting that this treatment could be used particularly in rescue. Median survival time, without failure or relapse, was 15 months (Kaplan–Meier curve). Predictive factors (univariate analysis) of an initial and long‐term response were a small number of prior treatments received. However, at 2 yr, only seven patients had sustained response. Eight (23%) patients experienced adverse events: neuropathy for seven and bowel obstruction for one. Vincristine efficacy in ITP was confirmed, and it could be a good strategy for treating resistant ITP, especially in emergencies. In this era of new therapeutics, VCR deserves to remain on the list of ITP treatments because of its initial efficacy, safety and low cost.
Fatigue crack growth and delamination behaviours of advanced Al‐Li alloy laminate under single tensile overload
Authors: Huang Y. , Liu J. Z. , Huang X. , Zhang J. Z. , Yue G. Q. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper, fatigue crack growth and delamination behaviours of a new fibre metal laminate (FML) named as Al‐Li alloy laminate were tested under different single tensile overloads and compared with those of glass laminate aluminium reinforced epoxy. The results indicate that the crack growth rate of Al‐Li alloy laminate after overload applied can quickly get back to its original level when the crack grows outside of the overload plastic zone. The overload has no influence on the delamination shape and size of Al‐Li alloy laminate. These results are obviously different from those found in the present study for GLARE, in which the crack growth rate cannot recover after overload, even though the crack is far beyond the overload plastic zone. A kink nearby the location of overload applied was found in the obtained delamination shape. This study provides some new results for better understanding the damage tolerance mechanism of FMLs.
Nitrous oxide emissions during establishment of eight alternative cellulosic bioenergy cropping systems in the North Central United States
Authors: Oates Lawrence G. , Duncan David S. , Gelfand Ilya , Millar Neville , Robertson G. Philip , Jackson Randall D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils are a key sustainability metric of cropping systems. During crop establishment, disruptive land‐use change is known to be a critical, but under reported period, for determining GHG emissions. We measured soil N2O emissions and potential environmental drivers of these fluxes from a three‐year establishment‐phase bioenergy cropping systems experiment replicated in southcentral Wisconsin (ARL) and southwestern Michigan (KBS). Cropping systems treatments were annual monocultures (continuous corn, corn–soybean–canola rotation), perennial monocultures (switchgrass, miscanthus, and poplar), and perennial polycultures (native grass mixture, early successional community, and restored prairie) all grown using best management practices specific to the system. Cumulative three‐year N2O emissions from annuals were 142% higher than from perennials, with fertilized perennials 190% higher than unfertilized perennials. Emissions ranged from 3.1 to 19.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1 for the annuals with continuous corn > corn–soybean–canola rotation and 1.1 to 6.3 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1 for perennials. Nitrous oxide peak fluxes typically were associated with precipitation events that closely followed fertilization. Bayesian modeling of N2O fluxes based on measured environmental factors explained 33% of variability across all systems. Models trained on single systems performed well in most monocultures (e.g., R2 = 0.52 for poplar) but notably worse in polycultures (e.g., R2 = 0.17 for early successional, R2 = 0.06 for restored prairie), indicating that simulation models that include N2O emissions should be parameterized specific to particular plant communities. Our results indicate that perennial bioenergy crops in their establishment phase emit less N2O than annual crops, especially when not fertilized. These findings should be considered further alongside yield and other metrics contributing to important ecosystem services.
Influence of quinoa roasting on sensory and physicochemical properties of allergen‐free, gluten‐free cakes
Authors: Rothschild Jeffrey , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Onwulata Charles , Singh Mukti , Menutti Lorena , Jambazian Pera , Omary María B. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to determine pasting properties of non‐roasted (NR) and roasted quinoa (RQ) and to investigate the effect of RQ on consumer acceptance and physicochemical properties of an allergen‐free, gluten‐free cake formulation. Quinoa seeds were roasted at 177 °C for 15 (R15), 30 (R30) and 45 min (R45), and flours were analysed for pasting properties. Five cakes including a commercial chocolate cake (CCC) and cakes made with NR and RQ flours were evaluated for preference by fifty panelists. Quality parameters included colour, water activity, moisture content, firmness, weight and height. Peak and final viscosity increased with roasting time. The NR cake had the highest sensory scores for appearance, colour and texture. On flavour and overall acceptability, CCC was the highest. Regarding quality data, CCC, NR and R15 cakes had similar L* values, while CCC had the lowest a*, b*, aw, moisture content and firmness values.
Epidemiology and diagnostic testing for hemochromatosis and iron overload
Authors: Adams P. C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryHemochromatosis is the most common genetic disease in northern European populations. Body iron stores progressively increase in most patients, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, heart failure, arthritis, and pigmentation. Simple blood tests such as the serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are useful to suggest the diagnosis which can be confirmed in most cases with a simple genetic test for the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene. However, these blood tests are often misinterpreted and there are rare patients with iron overload without HFE mutations. A diagnostic approach is presented based on a large referral practice and a population‐based study (HEIRS) which screened for iron overload in 101 168 participants.