bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of cell free DNA as a replacement for serum screening for Down syndrome
Authors: Walker Brandon S. , Jackson Brian R. , LaGrave Danielle , Ashwood Edward R. , Schmidt Robert L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this article is to determine the cost effectiveness of cell free DNA (cfDNA) as a replacement for integrated screening using a societal cost perspective.MethodThis study used Monte‐Carlo simulation with one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.ResultsCell free DNA is more effective and less costly than integrated screening. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for cfDNA relative to the integrated test was −$277 955 per case detected (95th percent confidence interval −$881 882 to $532 785).ConclusionCell free DNA screening is a cost‐effective replacement for maternal serum screening when the lifetime costs of Down syndrome live births are considered. The adoption of cfDNA screening would save approximately $277 955 for each additional case detected over integrated screening. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Psychosocial Impact of Family History Screening in Australian Primary Care
Authors: Reid Gabrielle T. , Walter Fiona M. , Emery Jon D. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWhilst the family history is perceived as a routine part of the medical family history it is not used in a systematic way to tailor disease prevention in primary care. Family history questionnaires (FHQs) may have an important role in primary care as a screening tool to support tailored disease prevention. The potential harms and benefits of family history screening in primary care require investigation before routine adoption. This study aimed: first to explore the experience and impact of family history collection via a novel family history questionnaire and subsequent familial risk assessment, and secondly, to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using the questionnaire in Australian primary care. Twenty‐eight semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with patients already enrolled in a family history screening study through their family physician. Qualitative constant comparative analysis was undertaken of transcript data. Common themes included the way in which the family unit, individual stage of life and a number of external triggers interact and contribute to how an individual comes to terms with familial disease risk. Unique findings emerged relating to the Australian perspective of participants. Living in Australia created a barrier to effective communication amongst family members about family health, and family history collection. In addition to the vast geographical distance both within Australia, and between Australia and other countries, there was an additional sense of isolation described within an historical context. The family history screening questionnaire was considered user‐friendly and a worthwhile approach to supporting disease prevention in primary care, although some participants did not retain an accurate understanding of their familial cancer risk. In conclusion, a person's response to family history screening is reliant on a complex interplay of family, personal and external factors, which in turn are driven by their stage of life. The impact of immigration and geographic isolation from family members may further complicate a person's response to undertaking family history screening.
Patient Expectations and Attitudes Towards Specialist Genetic Eye Services
Authors: Clarke E , Combs R , Black G , Hall G 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLittle research has explored the views of patients referred to specialist genetic eye clinics. Future service development must be informed by the perspectives of patients to ensure services are accessible and meet their needs. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with patients referred to the Genetic Eye Clinic in Manchester, UK. Participants were interviewed before their first appointment. The interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Nine interviews took place. Five participants were adults with sight loss and 4 were the parent/carer of a child patient. The major themes identified were: expectations of a medical‐genetic focus to the clinic, psychological adjustment to the diagnosis of an eye condition impacting on counselling and support needs, lack of preparation and restricted expectations due to unfamiliarity with the service and positive attitudes towards genetic research and testing. Key motivating factors for patients attending specialist ophthalmic genetic services are medical‐genetic orientated, including accurate diagnostic and prognostic information, participation in research and clarification of recurrence risks. Some barriers to patients accessing and fully engaging with services were identified. There is a need to raise awareness of the specialist service amongst the public, patient organisations and professionals. Facilitating patient preparation for clinic could improve patient outcomes, and the need for integrated services is reinforced. The results feed into the development of a best practice model for the delivery of specialist ophthalmic genetic services.
Influence of gangue existing states in iron ores on the formation and flow of liquid phase during sintering
Authors: Zhang Guo-liang , Wu Sheng-li , Chen Shao-guo , Su Bo , Que Zhi-gang , Hou Chao-gang 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Gangue existing states largely affect the high-temperature characteristics of iron ores. Using a micro-sintering method and scanning electron microscopy, the effects of gangue content, gangue type, and gangue size on the assimilation characteristics and fluidity of liquid phase of five different iron ores were analyzed in this study. Next, the mechanism based on the reaction between gangues and sintering materials was unraveled. The results show that, as the SiO2 levels increase in the iron ores, the lowest assimilation temperature (LAT) decreases, whereas the index of fluidity of liquid phase (IFL) increases. Below 1.5wt%, Al2O3 benefits the assimilation reaction, but higher concentrations proved detrimental. Larger quartz particles increase the SiO2 levels at the local reaction interface between the iron ore and CaO, thereby reducing the LAT. Quartz-gibbsite is more conductive to assimilation than kaolin. Quartz-gibbsite and kaolin gangues encourage the formation of liquid-phase low-Al2O3-SFCA with high IFL and high-Al2O3-SFCA with low IFL, respectively.
Compensation functions for factors of shifts of finite type
Authors: ANTONIOLI JOHN 
Published: October 2014

Let ${\it\pi}:X\rightarrow Y$ be an infinite-to-one factor map, where $X$ is a shift of finite type. A compensation function relates equilibrium states on $X$ to equilibrium states on $Y$. The $p$-Dini condition is given as a way of measuring the smoothness of a continuous function, with $1$-Dini corresponding to functions with summable variation. Two types of compensation functions are defined in terms of this condition. Given a fully supported invariant measure ${\it\nu}$ on $Y$, we show that the relative equilibrium states of a $1$-Dini function $f$ over ${\it\nu}$ are themselves fully supported, and have positive relative entropy. We then show that there exists a compensation function which is $p$-Dini for all $p>1$ which has relative equilibrium states supported by a subshift on which ${\it\pi}$ is a finite-to-one map onto $Y$.
The Diagnostic Apathia Scale predicts a dose–remission relationship of T-PEMF in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Bech Per , Lunde Marianne , Lauritzen Lise , Straasø Birgit , Lindberg Lone , Vinberg Maj , Undén Mogens , Hellström Lone Christina , Dissing Steen , Larsen Erik Roj 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the apathy subsyndrome in patients with therapy-resistant depression in the dose–remission study with transcranial pulsating electromagnetic fields (T-PEMF).MethodsThe apathy subsyndrome consists of the symptoms of fatigue, concentration and memory problems, lack of interests, difficulties in making decisions, and sleep problems. We evaluated 65 patients with therapy-resistant depression. In total, 34 of these patients received placebo T-PEMF in the afternoon and active T-PEMF in the morning, that is, one daily dose. The remaining 31 patients received active T-PEMF twice daily. Duration of treatment was 8 weeks in both groups. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17) and the Bech-Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES) were used to measure remission. We also focused on the Diagnostic Apathia Scale, which is based on a mixture of items from the MINI and the HAM-D17/MES.ResultsIn patients without apathy, the remission rate after T-PEMF was 83.9% versus 58.8% in patients with apathy (p≤0.05). In patients without apathy receiving one active dose daily 94.4% remitted versus 50% for patients with apathy (p≤0.05). In patients without apathy who received two active doses 69.9% remitted versus 66.7% for patients with apathy (p≤0.05).ConclusionTaking the baseline diagnosis of the apathy syndrome into consideration, we found that in patients without apathy one daily dose of T-PEMF is sufficient, but in patients with apathy two daily doses are necessary. Including the apathy syndrome as predictor in future studies would seem to be clinically relevant.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: need for a balanced nutritional source
Authors: Veena Jayagopalan , Muragundla Anjaneyulu , Sidgiddi Srinivas , Subramaniam Swaminathan 
Published: October 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are an increasingly common chronic liver disease closely associated with diabetes and obesity that have reached epidemic proportions. Reports on the prevalence of NAFLD have suggested that 27–34 % of the general population in the USA and 40–90 % of the obese population worldwide have this disease. Increasing urbanisation rate and associated inappropriate lifestyle changes are not only the risk factors of diabetes, but also unmask genetic predisposition in various populations for the metabolic syndrome and its manifestations including NAFLD and NASH. Lifestyle modifications and balanced nutrition are among the foremost management strategies along with ursodeoxycholic acid, metformin, vitamin E and pentoxifylline. Although weight reduction associated with current therapeutic strategies has shown some promise, maintaining it in the long run is largely unsuccessful. With the safety of pharmacotherapy still being uncertain and can be started only after confirmation, other reasonable interventions such as nutrition hold promise in preventing disease progression. The role of dietary components including branched-chain amino acids, methionine, choline and folic acid is currently being evaluated in various clinical trials. Nutritional approaches sought to overcome the limitations of pharmacotherapy also include evaluating the effects of natural ingredients, such as silymarin and spirulina, on liver disease. Understanding the specific interaction between nutrients and dietary needs in NAFLD and maintaining this balance through either a diet or a nutritional product thus becomes extremely important in providing a more realistic and feasible alternative to treat NAFLD. A planned complete nutritional combination addressing specific needs and helping to prevent the progression of NAFLD is the need of the hour to avert people from ending up with complications.
Acute and 3-month effects of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite, calcium citrate and calcium carbonate on serum calcium and markers of bone turnover: a randomised controlled trial in postmenopausal women
Authors: Bristow Sarah M. , Gamble Greg D. , Stewart Angela , Horne Lauren , House Meaghan E. , Aati Opetaia , Mihov Borislav , Horne Anne M. , Reid Ian R. 
Published: October 2014

Ca supplements are used for bone health; however, they have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which may relate to their acute effects on serum Ca concentrations. Microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (MCH) could affect serum Ca concentrations less than conventional Ca supplements, but its effects on bone turnover are unclear. In the present study, we compared the acute and 3-month effects of MCH with conventional Ca supplements on concentrations of serum Ca, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and bone turnover markers. We randomised 100 women (mean age 71 years) to 1 g/d of Ca as citrate or carbonate (citrate–carbonate), one of two MCH preparations, or a placebo. Blood was sampled for 8 h after the first dose, and after 3 months of daily supplementation. To determine whether the acute effects changed over time, eight participants assigned to the citrate dose repeated 8 h of blood sampling at 3 months. There were no differences between the citrate and carbonate groups, or between the two MCH groups, so their results were pooled. The citrate–carbonate dose increased ionised and total Ca concentrations for up to 8 h, and this was not diminished after 3 months. MCH increased ionised Ca concentrations less than the citrate–carbonate dose; however, it raised the concentrations of phosphate and the Ca–phosphate product. The citrate–carbonate and MCH doses produced comparable decreases in bone resorption (measured as serum C-telopeptide (CTX)) over 8 h and bone turnover (CTX and procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide) at 3 months. These findings suggest that Ca preparations, in general, produce repeated sustained increases in serum Ca concentrations after ingestion of each dose and that Ca supplements with smaller effects on serum Ca concentrations may have equivalent efficacy in suppressing bone turnover.
Identification of the 2-tridecanone responsive region in the promoter of cytochrome P450CYP6B6of the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Li F. , Liu X.N. , Zhu Y. , Ma J. , Liu N. , Yang J.H. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEukaryote transcription is controlled by regulatory DNA sequences and transcription factors, so transcriptional control of gene plays a pivotal role in gene expression. In this study, we identified the region of theCYP6B6gene promoter ofHelicoverpa armigerawhich responds to the plant secondary toxicant 2-tridecanone. Transient transfection assay results from five of stepwise deletion fragments linked to the luciferase reporter gene revealed that the promoter activity of eachCYP6B6fragment was significantly higher than that of their basal activity after the Sf9 cells were treated with 2-tridecanone. Among all, the fragment spanning −373 to +405 bp of theCYP6B6promoter showed an obviously 2-tridecanone inducibility (P<0.0001), which might have the 2-tridecanone responsive element based on promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the nuclear protein extracted from midgut of the 6th instar larva ofH. armigera, reared on 10 mg 2-tridecanone per gram artificial diet for 48 h, could specifically bind to the active region from −373 to 21 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. The combination feature also appeared when using a shorter fragment from −292 to −154 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. Taken together, we found a 2-tridecanone core responsive region between −292 and −154 bp of theCYP6B6promoter. This may lead us to a better understanding of transcriptional mechanism of P450 gene and provide very useful information for the pest control.
A Basic Right to Marry: Israeli Style
Authors: Blecher-Prigat Ayelet 
Published: October 2014

This article questions the value of the basic right to marry that was recognised by the Israeli Supreme Court in the early 2000s as part of the basic right to human dignity. Since its early days, Israeli law has developed a tradition that has diminished the significance of formal marriage as a way to bypass the religious-based restrictions on marriage in Israel, with the emphasis instead on the idea of functional joint intimate lives.Against this legal background, the article explores the basic right to marry. It discusses and analyses the Supreme Court cases that have recognised a basic right to marry. It then considers several options to help in understanding the meaning of this right, and supports an understanding of the right to marry within a framework of equality, according to which human dignity requires equality in affording official recognition to intimate partnerships. Nonetheless, given the potentially limited effect of a basic right to marry in Israel, the article considers the idea of abolishing legal marriage in Israel altogether. Responding to potential critique by reference to the unique Israeli context, it suggests that such abolition could resolve the continuous conflict between Israel's self-definition as a Jewish state and its self-definition as a democratic state in the context of recognising adult intimate relationships. As presented in this article, constitutional limitations do not stand in the way for the State of Israel to abolish legal marriage.
A database system for the registration of complications and failures in cochlear implant surgery applied to over 1000 implantations performed in Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Authors: Theunisse H J , Mulder J J , Pennings R J E , Kunst H P M , Mylanus E A M 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjective:To create a system for the uniform registration and classification of complications and failures in cochlear implant surgery, and apply it to all the patients who underwent implantation in our clinic.Method:The definition of a medical complication was established, and data for all cochlear implantations performed between 1987 and 2012 were entered into a custom-made database system.Results:One or more medical complications were registered in 19.0 per cent of 1003 cochlear implantations. The incidence of ‘hard failure’ was 2.3 per cent. Findings revealed a decrease in device failures over the years; the rate of medical complications remained constant.Conclusion:Our database system, which is available free of charge, enables fast and accurate data entry. There were a relatively high number of (minor) complications in our series, but comparison with the relevant literature is difficult. This emphasises the need for a uniform definition of ‘complication’ as it relates to cochlear implant surgery, and an appropriate classification system for such complications.
The psychosocial impact of hearing aids in children with otitis media with effusion
Authors: Qureishi A , Garas G , Mallick A , Parker D 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground:In children, otitis media with effusion is treated using grommets or hearing aids. Parents considering treatment options express concerns regarding the psychosocial impact of hearing aids in terms of self-esteem and bullying. This study assessed the psychosocial impact of hearing aid use.Methods:A cross-sectional study was undertaken comparing hearing aid users to non hearing aid users with regard to their attitudes towards hearing aids. All subjects, who had been diagnosed with otitis media with effusion, were aged less than 16 years, were without disability and attended mainstream schools. A questionnaire was designed and utilised.Results:The study comprised 47 children with hearing aids and 50 with grommets. Significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) were noted with regard to perceptions related to bullying, feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment. The overall negative perceptions of non hearing aid users were not reported by hearing aid users.Conclusion:Children with hearing aids do not suffer from bullying or low self-esteem to the extent perceived by parents. This information is useful for informed decisions regarding treatment of otitis media with effusion.
Mark–recapture investigation onOctopus vulgarisspecimens in an area of the central western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mereu Marco , Agus Blondine , Cannas Rita , Cau Alessandro , Coluccia Elisabetta , Cuccu Danila 
Published: October 2014

T-bar anchor tags and Petersen discs were used during a preliminary mark–recapture experiment in the wild on 268Octopus vulgaris.Discs, despite causing some injuries, were characterized by a quicker healing (within 5 days) and a higher retention rate than T-bar tags (about 97% versus 22%, respectively), therefore they were considered the best technique for tagging the animals in the subsequent growth studies. From 2010 to 2013, a total of 1604O. vulgaris(74.4% with a total weight <300 g) were tagged with discs and released in an area of the central western Sardinian Sea (western Mediterranean Sea). Ninety-one specimens were recaptured after 4–63 days of freedom, 59 of which (31 males and 28 females) showed positive growth increments after a minimum time of 8 days at liberty. In general, a high individual variability (0.96–9.09 g day−1) and higher mean daily growth rates in females (3.07–3.65 g day−1) than in males (2.08–2.98 g day−1) were recorded, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using tag–recapture data, the first exponential growth curves for both sexes ofOctopus vulgarisof small–medium size from the Mediterranean Sea were obtained, and compared with those available in the literature for the species.
Spatial and temporal variability of small-sized copepod assemblages in a shallow semi-enclosed embayment (Kalloni Gulf, NE Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Papantoniou Georgia , Danielidis Daniel B. , Spyropoulou Alexandra , Fragopoulu Nina 
Published: October 2014

The small-sized copepod community structure (<1 mm) and its response to environmental variability was examined during an annual cycle in Kalloni Gulf, a semi-enclosed coastal system in the NE Aegean Sea. Α 90 µm net was used in order to adequately sample the smaller copepod fractions. In the copepod ecology the spatial patterns dominated over the seasonal. Total copepod abundance increased towards the inner gulf area while diversity indices followed the opposite trend. The inner gulf copepod assemblage area was affected by the increasing magnitude of eutrophication, characterized by high abundance values, low species richness and dominance of a single species (e.g.Oithona nana). A clear seasonal succession of species was observed, ordered by temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, heterotrophic bacterial biomass, organic and inorganic nutrients. Freshwater inputs and the subsequent nutrient inflow was a dominant phenomenon enhancing copepod production and negatively affecting the biodiversity of the assemblage. The great contribution of copepod larval stages in the total community and their year-round presence indicate the continuous production of copepods during the annual cycle, highlight the importance of the smaller size fraction and encourage the use of finer mesh-size nets when assessing the structure and dynamics of copepod communities.