bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and Challenges in Supply‐Side Simulation: Physician‐Based Models
Authors: Gresenz Carole Roan , Auerbach David I. , Duarte Fabian 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo provide a conceptual framework and to assess the availability of empirical data for supply‐side microsimulation modeling in the context of health care.Data SourcesMultiple secondary data sources, including the American Community Survey, Health Tracking Physician Survey, and SK&A physician database.Study DesignWe apply our conceptual framework to one entity in the health care market—physicians—and identify, assess, and compare data available for physician‐based simulation models.Principal FindingsOur conceptual framework describes three broad types of data required for supply‐side microsimulation modeling. Our assessment of available data for modeling physician behavior suggests broad comparability across various sources on several dimensions and highlights the need for significant integration of data across multiple sources to provide a platform adequate for modeling. A growing literature provides potential estimates for use as behavioral parameters that could serve as the models' engines. Sources of data for simulation modeling that account for the complex organizational and financial relationships among physicians and other supply‐side entities are limited.ConclusionsA key challenge for supply‐side microsimulation modeling is optimally combining available data to harness their collective power. Several possibilities also exist for novel data collection. These have the potential to serve as catalysts for the next generation of supply‐side‐focused simulation models to inform health policy.
Multinationals vs. Cooperatives: The Income and Efficiency Effects of Supply Chain Governance in India
Authors: Vandeplas Anneleen , Minten Bart , Swinnen Johan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe impact of multinational firms on the domestic agricultural sector in developing countries is controversial, in particular in India. Relying on a unique set of household‐level data from the state of Punjab, we study the biggest dairy company in the world (Nestlé) in India and compare its vertical spillover effects on upstream suppliers to other market channels (informal sector and cooperatives). We find that farmers that supply informal channels are less efficient and earn lower profits per dairy animal than farmers supplying the cooperative and the multinational sector. Furthermore, we find that farmers using the multinational channel are more efficient than farmers in the cooperative channel, but equally profitable. Hence, we do not find that supplying the cooperative channel is more beneficial for local dairy farmers than supplying the multinational channel. Overall, however, dairy productivity and profitability levels are still dramatically low, with substantial scope for dairy development.
Enrichment of an anammox bacterial community from a flooded paddy soil
Authors: Hu Bao‐lan , Shen Li‐dong , Liu Shuai , Cai Chen , Chen Ting‐ting , Kartal Boran , Harhangi Harry R. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Lou Li‐ping , Xu Xiang‐yang , Zheng Ping , Jetten Mike S. M. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis study describes the enrichment of anammox bacteria in a column simulating oxygen limited flooded paddy soils, which are important man‐made ecosystems that receive substantial amounts of fixed nitrogen. The upper 50 cm of the paddy soil, containing a high amount of ammonium [1.6–10.4 mmol N kg (dry weight)−1], was selected as the inoculum for anammox enrichment. After 18 months of incubation with freshwater from the paddy soil ecosystem, the enrichment culture consumed approximately 4 mmol ammonium l−1 day−1 and 5 mmol nitrite l−1 day−1. The maximum specific anammox activity of the culture was 35.7 μmol N g (dry weight)−1 h−1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that anammox cells constituted 50% ± 10% of the enrichment culture. The phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA and the diagnostic hydrazine synthase (hzsA) genes showed that two dominant anammox species were enriched from paddy soil. The enriched Candidatus Anammoxoglobus‐like organisms showed a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 97.5–99.2% to Candidatus Anammoxoglobus propionicus and the Candidatus Jettenia‐like organisms showed 92.1–93.1% 16S rRNA gene identity to Candidatus Jettenia asiatica. Real‐time quantitative PCR of hzsA gene suggested that up to 1010 copies g (dry weight)−1 of soil anammox bacteria were present in the enrichment culture.
Factors affecting incidence and severity of leaf spot disease on lettuce caused by Septoriabirgitae
Authors: Lohmeier U. , Farahani‐Kofoet R. Djalali , Kofoet A. , Grosch R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn the 1990s during wet seasons a new disease causing brown leaf spots on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was found for the first time in many lettuce‐growing areas of Austria and Germany. The causal agent, a new pathogenic species called Septoria birgitae, may be responsible for total crop loss. To study how temperature, inoculum density and leaf wetness period influence disease incidence and severity of leaf spot on lettuce caused by S. birgitae, we carried out in vivo experiments in growth chambers and in the field. Additionally, we evaluated the relevance of infected plant debris acting as a primary inoculum source in soil for subsequent crops. S. birgitae produces spores over a wide temperature range between 5°C and 30°C, and can infect plants at temperatures between 10°C and 30°C, with an optimum between 20°C and 30°C. Spores of S. birgitae at a density of at least 103 conidia mL–1 are essential for disease outbreak on lettuce. Because leaf wetness is crucial for releasing conidia from pycnidia, we studied the impact of leaf wetness duration on disease development under various temperature conditions. For relevant leaf spot disease development on lettuce in vivo, a leaf wetness duration of at least 24 h and temperatures higher than 10°C were necessary. Leaf spot disease development in the field required several leaf wetness periods longer than 20 h at approximately 15°C at the beginning of crop cultivation. Incorporating S. birgitae infected plant debris in soil as a primary inoculum was not relevant for leaf spot disease outbreak in the next year. However, in cases of continuous cropping of lettuce on the same field and in the same season, Septoria‐infected lettuce debris may become more relevant.
Stool DNA testing for the detection of colorectal neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kisiel J. B. , Yab T. C. , Nazer Hussain F. T. , Taylor W. R. , Garrity‐Park M. M. , Sandborn W. J. , Loftus E. V. , Wolff B. G. , Smyrk T. C. , Itzkowitz S. H. , Rubin D. T. , Zou H. , Mahoney D. W. , Ahlquist D. A. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundCurrent approaches to the detection of colorectal neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD‐CRN) are suboptimal.AimTo test the feasibility of using stool assay of exfoliated DNA markers to detect IBD‐CRN.MethodsThis investigation comprised tissue and stool studies. In the tissue study, gene sequencing and methylation assays were performed on candidate genes using tissue DNA from 25 IBD‐CRNs and from 25 IBD mucosae without CRN. Mutations on p53, APC, KRAS, BRAF or PIK3CA genes were insufficiently informative, but several aberrantly methylated genes were highly discriminant. In the stool study, we evaluated candidate methylated genes (vimentin, EYA4, BMP3, NDRG4) in a prospective blinded study on buffered stools from 19 cases with known IBD‐CRN and 35 age‐ and sex‐matched IBD controls without CRN. From stool‐extracted DNA, target genes were assayed using quantitative allele‐specific real‐time target and signal amplification method.ResultsIBD‐CRN cases included 17 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and two with Crohn's disease (CD); nine had cancer and 10 had dysplasia. Controls included 25 with UC and 10 with CD. Individually, BMP3, vimentin, EYA4 and NDRG4 markers showed high discrimination in stools with respective areas under the ROC curve of 0.91, 0.91, 0.85 and 0.84 for total IBD‐CRN and of 0.97, 0.97, 0.95 and 0.85 for cancer. At 89% specificity, the combination of BMP3 and mNDRG4 detected 9/9 (100%) of CRC and 80% of dysplasia, 4/4 (100%) of high grade and 4/6 (67%) of low grade.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the feasibility of stool DNA testing for non‐invasive detection of colorectal neoplasia associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Differences in resting corticolimbic functional connectivity in bipolar I euthymia
Authors: Torrisi Salvatore , Moody Teena D , Vizueta Nathalie , Thomason Moriah E , Monti Martin M , Townsend Jennifer D , Bookheimer Susan Y , Altshuler Lori L 
Published: January 2013

Objective:  We examined resting state functional connectivity in the brain between key emotion regulation regions in bipolar I disorder to delineate differences in coupling from healthy subjects.Methods:  Euthymic subjects with bipolar I disorder (n = 20) and matched healthy subjects (n = 20) participated in a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Low‐frequency fluctuations in blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal were correlated in the six connections between four anatomically defined nodes: left and right amygdala and left and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC). Seed‐to‐voxel connectivity results were probed for commonly coupled regions. Following this, an identified region was included in a mediation analysis to determine the potential of mediation.Results:  The bipolar I disorder group exhibited significant hyperconnectivity between right amygdala and right vlPFC relative to healthy subjects. The connectivity between these regions in the bipolar I disorder group was partially mediated by activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).Conclusions:  Greater coupling between right amygdala and right vlPFC and their partial mediation by the ACC were found in bipolar I disorder subjects in remission and in the absence of a psychological task. These findings have implications for a trait‐related and clinically important imaging biomarker.
A comparison between intensive and conventional cabergoline treatment of newly diagnosed patients with macroprolactinoma
Authors: Rastogi Ashu , Bhansali Anil , Dutta Pinaki , Singh Paramjit , Vijaivergiya Rajesh , Gupta Vaishali , Sachdeva Naresh , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Walia Rama 
Published: January 2013

SummaryContextIntensive treatment with cabergoline may lead to earlier reduction in prolactin and tumour volume in comparison to conventional schedule.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of two different dosing schedules of cabergoline in patients with macroprolactinoma.DesignProspective, randomized trial in drug naive patients assigned to conventional (4 weekly escalation by 0·5 mg per week, group A) or intensive (weekly increase by 1 mg per week followed by 4 weekly escalation, group B) treatment with cabergoline.Outcome measureThe duration required to achieve normoprolactinemia and tumour shrinkage of >50% as a composite end‐point.Results38 patients (19 in each group) completed the study with a mean follow‐up of 64·3 ± 24·9 weeks. More subjects (22%) achieved the composite end‐point in group B (18/19) as compared to the group A (14/19) (P = 0·18). The duration of cabergoline treatment required to achieve the composite end‐point was 13·1 ± 9·5 weeks vs 19·3 ± 15·7 weeks (P = 0·34) in the group A and B, respectively. A reduction in prolactin of ≥90% by the fourth week of cabergoline therapy predicted subsequent normalization of prolactin (AUC 0·78; P = 0·04). A further increase in cabergoline dosage after normalization of prolactin in patients with tumour reduction of <50%, led to further tumour shrinkage by 31·2% in an additional 26·3% of patients.ConclusionsIntensive treatment with cabergoline is not superior to the conventional recommended dosage schedule in respect to the time necessary to achieve normoprolactinemia and ≥50% tumour shrinkage. Clinical trial registry: NCT 01143584.
Screening for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy among adult men with Addison's disease
Authors: Horn Morten A. , Erichsen Martina M. , Wolff Anette S. B. , Månsson Jan‐Eric , Husebye Eystein S. , Tallaksen Chantal M. E. , Skjeldal Ola H. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryObjectivesX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy is an important cause of Addison's disease in boys, but less is known about its contribution to Addison's disease in adult men. After surveying all known cases of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy in Norway in a separate study, we aimed to look for any missed cases among the population of adult men with nonautoimmune Addison's disease.Study designAmong 153 adult men identified in a National Registry for Addison's Disease (75% of identified male cases of Addison's disease in Norway), those with negative indices for 21‐hydroxylase autoantibodies were selected. Additionally, cases with low autoantibody indices (48–200) were selected. Sera from subjects included were analysed for levels of very long‐chain fatty acids, which are diagnostic for X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy in men.ResultsEighteen subjects had negative indices and 17 had low indices for 21‐hydroxylase autoantibodies. None of those with low indices and only one of those with negative indices were found to have X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy; this subject had already been diagnosed because of the neurological symptoms. Cases of Addison's disease proved to be caused by X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy constitute 1·5% of all adult male cases in Norway; the proportion among nonautoimmune cases was 15%.ConclusionsWe found X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy to be an uncommon cause of Addison's disease in adult men. However, this aetiological diagnosis has far‐reaching consequences both for the patient and for his extended family. We therefore recommend that all adult men with nonautoimmune Addison's disease be analysed for levels of very long‐chain fatty acids.
Impact of glove occlusion on cumulative skin irritation with or without hand cleanser–comparison in an experimental repeated irritation model
Authors: Antonov Dimitar , Kleesz Peter , Elsner Peter , Schliemann Sibylle 
Published: January 2013

Background. Irritant contact dermatitis remains a substantial problem in the food processing industries. Irritants that are weak by themselves, such as glove occlusion and mild detergents, could interact to produce contact dermatitis.Objectives. To model the irritant action of an antibacterial hand cleanser and glove occlusion, with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a positive control. The effects of a pre‐exposure cream and a post‐exposure cream were also investigated.Methods. A modified repeated short‐time occlusive irritation test with 20 healthy volunteers, and application of irritants over 4 days, with pre‐exposure and post‐exposure creams and overnight glove occlusion, was performed. The changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) served as a measure of the irritant damage to the epidermal barrier.Results. The antibacterial cleanser and the glove occlusion separately induced only minor increases in TEWL. When combined, the two showed a tandem effect, as the TEWL increase was significantly higher, and was similar to that seen with the positive control, SLS. The pre‐exposure and post‐exposure creams alone significantly mitigated the cumulative irritation, and this effect was strongest when the two creams were combined.Conclusions. Irritant contact dermatitis may develop through the tandem effects of long‐term glove occlusion and the accumulation of barrier damage from hand washing, even when mild hand cleansers are employed.
Significance of elevated transplant renal artery velocities in the postoperative renal transplant patient
Authors: Siskind Eric , Lombardi Pamela , Blum Mark , Tyrell Richard , Villa Manuel , Kuncewitch Michael , Olsen Elizabeth M. , Alex Asha , Lumermann Leandro , Bhaskaran Madhu C. , Jhaveri Kenar D. , Sachdeva Mala , Calderon Kellie , Greben Craig , Putterman Daniel , Gandras Eric , Caplin Drew , D’ Agostino Catherine , Pellerito John , Coppa Gene , Molmenti Ernesto P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroductionNon‐invasive imaging studies can provide visualization of allograft perfusion in the postoperative evaluation of newly transplanted renal allografts.AimThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the significance of elevated renal artery velocities in the immediate postoperative period.MethodsPeak systolic velocities (PSVs) were obtained in the transplanted renal artery of 128 patients immediately after transplantation. Repeat allograft Doppler ultrasonography was performed on patients with elevated values.ResultsOf the 128 patients, 57 (44.5%) had severely elevated Doppler velocities >400 cm/s on the initial studies. Three patients within this category had persistently elevated values of >400 cm/s, warranting angiographic visualization of the renal vessels. Stent placement within the transplanted renal artery was required in two of these patients. There was normalization of the PSV in the remaining patients.ConclusionsRoutine allograft Doppler ultrasonography in the immediate postoperative period allows for visualization of allograft perfusion. Elevated renal artery velocities in the immediate postoperative period do not necessarily represent stenosis requiring intervention. Failure of the PSV to normalize may require further intervention, and angiography continues to be the gold standard.
Implementing and interpreting local‐scale invasive species distribution models
Authors: Brummer Tyler J. , Maxwell Bruce D. , Higgs Megan D. , Rew Lisa J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimUse of local‐scale non‐native plant species (NNS) distribution models has the potential to decrease survey effort and improve population prioritization for management. We developed and evaluated data collection methods and minimum sampling requirements to inform local‐scale models of NNS distribution. We also evaluated overall model predictive performance for 16 species at two sites and determined how classes of variables contributed to model performance and suggest invasion drivers.LocationWyoming and Idaho, USAMethodsA simulation study was used to test the efficiency of different sampling methods to predict imposed species distributions. Empirical distribution models of species occurrence data from two environmentally disparate sites were cross‐validated at increasing sample sizes, and the asymptotic maximum predictive performance and relative contribution of classes of variables were determined for 16 NNS.ResultsTransect sampling was the most efficient method for maximizing model performance after accounting for logistics. Minimum sample sizes to reach model maximum predictive performance were similar for the simulation (< 0.5% of study area) and empirical studies (mean of 0.13% using transects). Maximum predictive performance tended to be greater at the site with steeper environmental gradients, and topo‐climatic/biotic variables were most important to model improvement.Main conclusionsLocal‐scale SDMs can be useful to NNS managers. Using transect methodology, enough data can be collected (ca. 0.13% of the management area) to fit models within logistical/budgetary constraints. These models are most predictive for well‐established species as opposed to new invaders and in areas with steeper environmental gradients. Finally, topo‐climatic/biotic predictors are the most important variables for predicting more established species, but disturbance and dispersal limitation should be considered and quantified to ensure variables associated with dominant processes are included in the SDM.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Systolic Excursion: A Distinguishing Echocardiographic Finding in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: López‐Candales Angel , Edelman Kathy 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundEven though chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) and acute pulmonary embolism (aPE) increase pulmonary vascular resistance and result in right ventricular (RV) dilatation and systolic dysfunction; both conditions operate through drastically different mechanisms. Unfortunately, simple echocardiographic examination might be insufficient to distinguish both entities. This study attempted to determine which objective measures would be useful in differentiating aPE from cPH.MethodsStandard measures of main RV as well as RV outflow tract (RVOT) size and systolic performance calculations were retrospectively measured from 15 patients with confirmed aPE by chest computed tomography and compared with similar data collected from the same number of age‐matched patients with moderate (mcPH), severe (scPH), and patients without PH.ResultsAlthough a positive McConnell sign was seen in 60% of aPE patients and in 17% of the cPH patients, all aPE had a profound reduction in RVOT systolic excursion when compared with cPH patients. Furthermore, maximal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, velocity time integral of the RVOT ejection signal, end‐systolic or end‐diastolic RV to left ventricle (LV) dimension ratio were not useful to distinguish aPE from any of the 2 forms of cPH.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that measurement of RVOT systolic excursion not only is feasible but also extremely useful in identifying aPE and it is particularly helpful in differentiating it from patients with either mcPH or scPH. This variable might be useful to estimate the global impairment in RV contractility and acute hemodynamic derangement seen in aPE.
Assessment of Left Atrial Function after Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Vavuranakis Manolis , Kavouras Charalampos , Vlasseros Ioannis , Aggeli Constantina , Felekos Ioannis , Vrachatis Dimitrios A. , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundΤhe influence of atrial septal occluders in left atrial (LA) function after percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has not been thoroughly studied.MethodsTwenty‐five patients (mean age 40.7 ± 12 years) undergoing percutaneous PFO closure were enrolled in this study. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed 3 and 6 months before the procedure. Volumetric indices (active emptying fraction: LA AEF, expansion index: LA EI, and passive emptying fraction: LA PEF), strain and strain rate (SR), were calculated during the contractile, reservoir, and conduit LA phases for the lateral, anterior, and inferior LA walls with TTE.ResultsAfter 3 months, a decrease in the SR of the LA anterior wall was observed (from 2.12 ± 0.22 to 1.66 ± 0.26, P < 0.045), while the LA lateral wall strain was found to be increased (from 0.708 ± 0.15 to 0.783 ± 0.159, P < 0.001). Moreover, simultaneously LA AEF was greater compared with baseline (from 31.0 ± 1.6 to 34.0 ± 1.6, P < 0.004). However, all these alterations reversed at 6 months.ConclusionsSegmental LA function is altered transiently after percutaneous PFO closure with a septal occlude. The LA anterior wall SR decreases, while the lateral wall strain increases. The impact of these alterations needs further clarification.