bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the cost‐effectiveness of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir in difficult to treat Japanese patients chronically infected with hepatitis C genotype 1b
Authors: McEwan Phil , Ward Thomas , Webster Samantha , Yuan Yong , Kalsekar Anupama , Kamae Isao , Kobayashi Masahiro , Tang Ann , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: August 2015

AimStandard of care for chronic hepatitis C in Japan is currently a pegylated interferon (IFN)‐α + ribavirin (PR)‐based regimen, notably associated with efficacy and tolerability issues. The advent of novel direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) has provided more efficacious and better tolerated treatments. This study investigated the cost‐effectiveness of the daclatasvir + asunaprevir (DCV + ASV) DAA regimen in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b who had previously not responded to or were ineligible for IFN‐containing regimens.MethodsA cost–utility analysis using an established Markov model compared DCV + ASV with simeprevir + PR (SMV + PR), telaprevir + PR (TVR + PR) and no treatment using Japanese‐specific model inputs, with costs and utility values discounted at 2%. A cohort of patients was simulated until death and predicted quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) and costs were estimated. A subgroup analysis of patients with no DCV resistance was conducted.ResultsIn all scenarios, DCV + ASV was predicted to be dominant over the comparator; namely, DCV + ASV was associated with increased QALY gains and decreased cost. In patients treated during the chronic hepatitis C stage, cost reductions were ¥1 057 288–2 619 206, and in patients treated during the compensated cirrhosis (CC) stage, reductions were ¥1 032 224–2 531 930. QALY gains were 0.749–2.609 and 0.874–3.043, respectively. Results improved when considering the subgroup of patients without DCV resistance.ConclusionCost‐effectiveness conclusions are similar for patients treated in the chronic hepatitis C and CC disease stages, with DCV + ASV expected to be cost‐saving versus standard of care in Japan for patients with HCV genotype 1b patients who have failed prior therapy or are IFN‐ineligible/intolerant.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of non‐B non‐C hepatocellular carcinoma patients with modest alcohol consumption
Authors: Urata Yohei , Yamasaki Takahiro , Saeki Issei , Iwai Shuji , Kitahara Masaaki , Sawai Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Kazunari , Aoki Tomoko , Iwadou Shouta , Fujita Naoki , Nakayama Yasuhiro , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Takami Taro , Sakaida Isao 
Published: August 2015

AimAlcoholic hepatocellular carcinoma (ALD‐HCC) accounts for the majority of non‐B non‐C HCC (NBNC‐HCC) cases. Although alcohol is a potent carcinogen, there have been few reports on the influence of modest alcohol consumption in NBNC‐HCC. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of NBNC‐HCC patients with modest alcohol consumption.MethodsFrom 2007 to 2010, 2283 HCC patients were evaluated at 10 hospitals. We collected detailed etiology data of 588 NBNC‐HCC patients and compared the clinical characteristics and prognosis between ALD‐HCC and modest alcohol‐HCC patients.ResultsThere were 69 HCC patients with modest alcohol consumption, accounting for 3% of all HCC patients evaluated. This patient group had significantly more women and higher prevalence of Child–Pugh class A, hypertension and advanced disease stage, and were diagnosed with HCC at an older age than the ALD‐HCC group (266 patients). Additionally, among the modest alcohol‐HCC patients, diabetes was significantly more common in the anti‐hepatitis B core (HBc) negative subgroup than in the anti‐HBc positive subgroup. However, no significant difference in survival was observed between the two patient groups regardless of significant differences in tumor staging. Alcohol consumption and metabolic factors were not significant independent predictors of survival.ConclusionThe clinical characteristics of modest alcohol‐HCC included advanced staging, favorable liver reserve capacity and older age at diagnosis. HCC development in patients with modest alcohol consumption may relate to metabolic factors. Although approximately 30% of the evaluated HCC cases were in advanced stages, the prognosis of NBNC‐HCC patients with modest alcohol consumption was relatively favorable.
Hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma after proton beam therapy: A case report
Authors: Kinjo Nao , Ikeda Yasuharu , Taguchi Kenichi , Sugimoto Rie , Maehara Shinichiro , Tsujita Eiji , Kawano Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Shohei , Egashira Akinori , Minami Kazuhito , Yamamoto Manabu , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi , Okamura Takeshi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDespite the widespread use of proton beam therapy (PBT) as locoregional therapy, there is currently a lack of histological evidence about the therapeutic effect of PBT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We present a case of hepatectomy and histological examination of HCC initially treated by PBT. A 76‐year‐old man with chronic hepatitis C underwent routine ultrasound surveillance, which revealed a 22‐mm HCC in segment 4 of the liver. His hepatic reserve was adequate for surgical resection of the tumor; however, he chose to undergo PBT because of his cardiac disease. The patient received 66 Gy in 10 fractions with no toxicity exceeding grade 1. Six months after completion of PBT, contrast computed tomography showed that the tumor had increased in size to 27 mm, and the marginal part of the tumor, but not the central region, was enhanced. Additionally, two new hypervascular nodules were present in segments 5 and 6. The patient underwent surgical treatment 7 months after PBT. The operation and postoperative clinical course were uneventful. Nine months later, however, computed tomography demonstrated new, small, enhanced nodules in the remnant liver (segments 3, 5 and 6) and sacrum. In conclusion, PBT is a valuable treatment for HCC; however, it is difficult to evaluate therapeutic effect of HCC during the early post‐irradiation period and provide an alternative treatment if PBT is not effective, especially in HCC cases with good liver function.
Medical terminology in online patient–patient communication: evidence of high health literacy?
Authors: Fage‐Butler Antoinette M. , Nisbeth Jensen Matilde 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHealth communication research and guidelines often recommend that medical terminology be avoided when communicating with patients due to their limited understanding of medical terms. However, growing numbers of e‐patients use the Internet to equip themselves with specialized biomedical knowledge that is couched in medical terms, which they then share on participatory media, such as online patient forums.ObjectiveGiven possible discrepancies between preconceptions about the kind of language that patients can understand and the terms they may actually know and use, the purpose of this paper was to investigate medical terminology used by patients in online patient forums.DesignUsing data from online patient–patient communication where patients communicate with each other without expert moderation or intervention, we coded two data samples from two online patient forums dedicated to thyroid issues.ResultsPrevious definitions of medical terms (dichotomized into technical and semi‐technical) proved too rudimentary to encapsulate the types of medical terms the patients used. Therefore, using an inductive approach, we developed an analytical framework consisting of five categories of medical terms: dictionary‐defined medical terms, co‐text‐defined medical terms, medical initialisms, medication brand names and colloquial technical terms. The patients in our data set used many medical terms from all of these categories.Discussion and conclusionsOur findings suggest the value of a situated, condition‐specific approach to health literacy that recognizes the vertical kind of knowledge that patients with chronic diseases may have. We make cautious recommendations for clinical practice, arguing for an adaptive approach to medical terminology use with patients.
The epidemiological feedbacks critical to the evolution of host immunity
Authors: Donnelly R. , White A. , Boots M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe examine in detail how epidemiological feedbacks combine with costs and benefits to determine the evolution of resistance by systematically analysing continuously stable strategies (CSS) for different host–parasite frameworks. The mode of resistance (innate versus acquired), the nature of the host (i.e. life‐history and immunological memory) and the nature of the disease (effects on fertility or mortality) all impact on the feedbacks that are critical to the evolution of resistance. By identifying relationships between CSS investment and the underlying epidemiological feedback for each mode of resistance in each framework, we distil complex feedbacks into simple combinations of selection pressures. When the parasite does not affect fertility, CSS investment reflects only the benefit of resistance and we explain why this is markedly different for innate and acquired resistance. If infection has no effect on host fertility, CSS investment in acquired immunity increases with the square of disease prevalence. While in contrast for evolving innate resistance, CSS investment is greatest at intermediate prevalence. When disease impacts fertility, only a fraction of the host population reproduce, and this introduces new ecological feedbacks to both the cost of resistance and the damage from infection. The multiple feedbacks in this case lead to the alternative result that the higher the abundance of infecteds, the higher the investment in innate resistance. A key insight is that maximal investment occurs at intermediate lifespans in a range of different host–parasite interactions, but for disparate reasons which can only be understood by a detailed analysis of the feedbacks. We discuss the extension of our approach to structured host populations and parasite community dynamics.
Role of fatty acids and micronutrients in healthy ageing: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials set in the context of European dietary surveys of older adults
Authors: Ruxton C. H. S. , Derbyshire E. , Toribio‐Mateas M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundAgeing is a multifaceted and inevitable process involving a decline in health and well‐being that could be ameliorated by dietary modification. We review and discuss the evidence for nutritional interventions that may support healthy ageing.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to identify randomised controlled trials investigating the role(s) of fatty acids and micronutrients in relation to markers of healthy ageing.ResultsEuropean dietary surveys suggest that diets in elderly people are generally high in saturated fat, whereas intakes of vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper are below recommended levels. Thirty‐four studies meeting the criteria were found, with 12 of these investigating the role of fatty acids and 22 considering intakes of micronutrients in relation to healthy ageing. Overall, these studies suggested that certain nutrients were consistent with healthy ageing; for example, omega‐3 fatty acids were helpful for cognitive health, whereas combinations of calcium, vitamin D and K were linked with better bone health.ConclusionsVitamin, mineral and fatty acid intakes are in need of improvement to help elderly populations achieve optimal diet quality and support healthy ageing. This could involve the judicious use of supplements alongside dietary advice. Additional research is needed to determine optimal nutrient doses, combinations and forms in relation to desired health outcomes.
Implementing Smart Urban Metabolism in the Stockholm Royal Seaport: Smart City SRS
Authors: Shahrokni Hossein , Årman Louise , Lazarevic David , Nilsson Anders , Brandt Nils 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFor half a century, system scientists have relied on urban metabolism (UM) as a pragmatic framework to support the needed transition toward sustainable urban development. It has been suggested that information and communication technology (ICT) and, more specifically, smart cities can be leveraged in this transition. Given the recent advances in smart cities, smart urban metabolism (SUM) is considered a technology‐enabled evolution of the UM framework, overcoming some of its current limitations. Most significantly, the SUM framework works at high temporal (up to real‐time) and spatial (down to household/individual) resolutions. This article presents the first implementation of SUM in the Smart City Stockholm Royal Seaport R&D project; it further analyzes barriers and discusses the potential long‐term implications of the findings. Four key performance indicators (KPIs) are generated in real time based on the integration of heterogeneous, real‐time data sources. These are kilowatt‐hours per square meter, carbon dioxide equivalents per capita, kilowatt‐hours of primary energy per capita, and share of renewables percentage. These KPIs are fed back on three levels (household, building, and district) on four interfaces, developed for different audiences. The most challenging barrier identified was accessing and integrating siloed data from the different data owners (utilities, building owners, and so forth). It is hard to overcome unless a significant value is perceived. A number of long‐term opportunities were described in the SUM context; among those, it is envisioned that SUM could enable a new understanding of the causalities that govern urbanism and allow citizens and city officials to receive feedback on the system consequences of their choices.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Life Cycle Assessments for Wood Energy Services
Authors: Wolf Christian , Klein Daniel , Weber‐Blaschke Gabriele , Richter Klaus 
Published: August 2015

SummaryEnvironmental impacts of the provision of wood energy have been analyzed through life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques for many years. Systems for the generation of heat, power, and combined heat and power (CHP) differ, and methodological choices for LCA can vary greatly, leading to inconsistent findings. We analyzed factors that promote these findings by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing LCA studies for wood energy services. The systematic review investigated crucial methodological and systemic factors, such as system boundaries, allocation, transportation, and technologies, for transformation and conversion of North American and European LCA studies. Meta‐Analysis was performed on published results in the impact category global warming (GW). A total of 30 studies with 97 systems were incorporated. The studies exhibit great differences in their systemic and methodological choices, as well as their functional units, technologies, and resulting outcomes. A total of 44 systems for the generation of power, with a median impact on GW of 0.169 kilograms (kg) of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2‐eq) per kilowatt‐hour (kWhel), were identified. Results for the biomass fraction only show a median impact on GW of 0.098 kg CO2‐eq * kWhel−1. A total of 31 systems producing heat exhibited a median impact on GW of 0.040 kg CO2‐eq * kWhth−1. With a median impact on GW of 0.066 kg CO2‐eq * kWhel+th−1, CHP systems show the greatest variability among all analyzed wood energy services. To facilitate comparisons, we propose a methodological approach for the description of system boundaries, the basis for calculations, and reporting of findings.
Predictors of Compassion Fatigue and Compassion Satisfaction in Acute Care Nurses
Authors: Kelly Lesly , Runge Jody , Spencer Christina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo examine compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in acute care nurses across multiple specialties in a hospital‐based setting.DesignA cross‐sectional electronic survey design was used to collect data from direct care nurses in a 700‐bed, quaternary care, teaching facility in the southwestern United States.MethodsA total of 491 direct care registered nurses completed a survey measuring their professional quality of life (burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction). Analysis was conducted to assess for differences between demographics, specialties, job satisfaction, and intent to leave their current position.FindingsSignificant predictors of burnout included lack of meaningful recognition, nurses with more years of experience, and nurses in the “Millennial” generation (ages 21–33 years). Receiving meaningful recognition, higher job satisfaction, nurses in the “Baby Boomer” generation (ages 50–65 years), and nurses with fewer years of experience significantly predicted compassion satisfaction. No significant differences were noted across nurse specialties, units, or departments.ConclusionsThis study adds to the literature the impact meaningful recognition may have on compassion satisfaction and fatigue. Our findings provide a potential explanation for the lack of retention of nurses in the millennial generation who leave their positions with limited years of experience. Based on our research, meaningful recognition may increase compassion satisfaction, positively impact retention, and elevate job satisfaction.Clinical RelevanceCompassion fatigue in nurses has clear implications for nursing retention and the quality of care. Organizations willing to invest in reducing compassion fatigue have the potential to improve financial savings by reducing turnover and adverse events associated with burnout.
Clinical implications of omics and systems medicine: focus on predictive and individualized treatment
Authors: Benson M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMany patients with common diseases do not respond to treatment. This is a key challenge to modern health care, which causes both suffering and enormous costs. One important reason for the lack of treatment response is that common diseases are associated with altered interactions between thousands of genes, in combinations that differ between subgroups of patients who do or do not respond to a given treatment. Such subgroups, or even distinct disease entities, have been described recently in asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancer. High‐throughput techniques (omics) allow identification and characterization of such subgroups or entities. This may have important clinical implications, such as identification of diagnostic markers for individualized medicine, as well as new therapeutic targets for patients who do not respond to existing drugs. For example, whole‐genome sequencing may be applied to more accurately guide treatment of neurodevelopmental diseases, or to identify drugs specifically targeting mutated genes in cancer. A study published in 2015 showed that 28% of hepatocellular carcinomas contained mutated genes that potentially could be targeted by drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. A translational study, which is described in detail, showed how combined omics, computational, functional and clinical studies could identify and validate a novel diagnostic and therapeutic candidate gene in allergy. Another important clinical implication is the identification of potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for predictive and preventative medicine. By combining computational and experimental methods, early disease regulators may be identified and potentially used to predict and treat disease before it becomes symptomatic. Systems medicine is an emerging discipline, which may contribute to such developments through combining omics with computational, functional and clinical studies. The aims of this review are to provide a brief introduction to systems medicine and discuss how it may contribute to the clinical implementation of individualized treatment, using clinically relevant examples.
Peers Increase Late Adolescents' Exploratory Behavior and Sensitivity to Positive and Negative Feedback
Authors: Silva Karol , Shulman Elizabeth P. , Chein Jason , Steinberg Laurence 
Published: August 2015

Adolescents take more risks with peers than when alone. It is not clear how peer presence affects adolescents' risky decision making, however. We used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT)—a game used to assess decision making involving risk and reward—to examine how peers affect late adolescents' exploration of relevant environmental cues, ability to learn from the outcomes (positive and negative) of that exploration, and ability to integrate feedback to adjust behavior toward optimal long‐term outcomes. One hundred and one 18‐ to 22‐year old males (M = 19.8 years) were randomly assigned to play the IGT either alone or observed by peers. Late adolescents tested with observers engaged in more exploratory behavior, learned faster from both positive and negative outcomes, and evinced better task performance than those tested alone.
Determinants of Work‐at‐Home Arrangements for German Employees
Authors: Sarbu Miruna 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFlexible work arrangements such as allowing employees to work at home are increasingly widespread among firms. Using individual‐level data from 10,884 German employees, this paper analyses the determinants of working at home. The analysis is based on descriptive analyses and a discrete choice model. The results reveal that men have a higher probability to work at home, but women are more likely to work at home intensively. Education, tenure, and the use of computers increase the probability of working at home whereas firm size and young age of employees reduce it. Having children less than 6 years old, overtime, and work time have a positive impact on both working at home and on working at home intensively.
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 102
Authors: Ruzicka Alex , Grossman Jeffrey , Bouvier Audrey , Herd Christopher D. K. , Agee Carl B. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMeteoritical Bulletin 102 contains 3141 meteorites including 12 falls (Boumdeid (2003), Boumdeid (2011), Braunschweig, Chelyabinsk, Dongyang, Draveil, Heyetang, Indian Butte, Katol, Ladkee, Ouadangou, Xining), with 2611 ordinary chondrites, 264 HED achondrites, 124 carbonaceous chondrites, 30 ureilites, 20 Martian meteorites, 16 primitive achondrites, 16 Rumuruti chondrites, 15 mesosiderites, 12 iron meteorites, 10 lunar meteorites, 9 enstatite chondrites, 4 enstatite achondrites, 4 Pallasites, 4 ungrouped achondrites, and 2 angrites, and with 1708 from Antarctica, 956 from Africa, 294 from South America, 126 from Asia, 47 from North America, 6 from Europe (including Russia), and 4 from Oceania. Information about approved meteorites can be obtained from the Meteoritical Bulletin Database (MBD) available on line at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/.