bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selling stem cell based biologics and salesforce alignment for the biomedical device industry
Authors: Jaeger Benjamin , Kopf Dennis 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discover best practices for selling stem cell based biologics and ensuring proper sales force alignment in the biomedical device industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research is based on an immersion into the industry as well as several formal, semi-structured interviews and dozens of informal interviews of surgeons, medical staff and medical device salespersons and managers. Data were also collected and analyzed from wipricepoint.org. The factors analyzed were the number of discharges, average charge per procedure, median age, male/female patient ratio and total hospital charges per year.

Findings
– Secondary data can augment primary data collection to determine the most lucrative markets for salespersons to target their efforts. In addition, the data when combined with sales force specific data can help optimize sales force alignment. Insights into the industry are also given such as how to overcome objections to the use of stem cell based biologics for spinal surgeries.

Research limitations/implications
– Much of the findings are specific to only one industry (medical device sales). However, we do present a generalized process for analyzing a key source of secondary data that could be beneficial to any hospital-serving industry.

Originality/value
– Within the medical equipment industries, approximately 58 per cent of sales territories were either too large or too small (Zoltners and Lorimer, 2000). This paper shows how secondary data sources can be obtained and analyzed to better focus sales force effort.
Assisting students to identify sources: an investigation
Authors: Faix Allison 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– This study aims to look at three classes of first-year students enrolled in an Information Literacy course and examines the difficulties these students encountered when attempting to identify different types of information.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this study, 41 annotated bibliography assignments, in which students were required to state which type of source they had chosen and why were examined and trends in the misidentification of sources were analysed.

Findings
– Students in the study misidentified half of the sources they used, and struggled equally when identifying sources they located through library databases and the Internet. Trends in the misidentification of these sources were analysed, leading to recommendations for assisting students with learning how to identify sources.

Research limitations and implications
– Although the sample size of this study was small, further research into how students identify different types of information would help librarians develop further strategies for teaching source identification as a first step in the source evaluation process.

Originality/value
– Librarians and writing instructors often collaborate to help first-year college students learn how to evaluate the sources they use in research projects, but often overlook making sure these students can first correctly identify the different types of information they are evaluating.
REVIEW: Chemical contaminant effects on marine ecosystem functioning
Authors: Johnston Emma L. , Mayer‐Pinto Mariana , Crowe Tasman P. 
Published: October 2014

Summary

Ecosystem functioning underpins the ecosystem services upon which humans rely. Critical functions, such as primary and secondary productivity, are, however, increasingly threatened by a range of anthropogenic stressors. Although the extent of the threat of contamination is large and has been increasing, pollution is one of the least‐studied stressors in ecology.

We did a systematic review and critical synthesis of the effects of contaminants on marine and estuarine ecosystem functioning. No other stressors besides toxic chemicals were included in this review.

We identified 264 relevant studies across a range of contaminants. Toxic contaminants generally altered marine ecosystem functioning by reducing productivity and increasing respiration. Effects varied, however, according to the type of contaminant and the component(s) of the system studied (e.g. particular trophic levels, functional groups or taxonomic groups). Toxicity studies that included a measure of ecosystem function were strongly biased towards planktonic communities in contrast to studies of biodiversity, which have been dominated by work on soft‐sediment communities. Toxicant studies that included measures of ecosystem function rarely included a measure of biodiversity and rarely interpreted their findings within an ecosystem function context.

Studies that included multiple components of an ecosystem, that is more than one functional group of organisms, were more likely to find no effect of contamination, possibly due to ecological interactions. Studies that suffered from unclear or flawed methodology were more likely to find a significant impact of contaminants on some endpoints of ecosystem functioning than studies with appropriate designs.

Synthesis and applications. Up to 70% of studies found negative impacts of contaminants on primary production. Toxic contaminants therefore have the potential to greatly affect the ecosystem services and benefits provided by these systems. Our findings will help managers and policymakers to determine whether contaminants are affecting both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in a given context, therefore helping to prioritize areas for remediation. There is still, however, much to understand about the relationships between biological diversity and ecosystem functioning. Our understanding of chemical contaminant effects will remain patchy until direct measures of both variables are undertaken within multiple ecosystems. We therefore recommend the adoption of functional endpoints, such as productivity and respiration, in ecological studies, routine toxicological studies and ecological risk assessment.
Reducing maternal mortality from preeclampsia and eclampsia in low‐resource countries – what should work?
Authors: Goldenberg Robert L. , Jones Bonnie , Griffin Jennifer B. , Rouse Doris J. , Kamath‐Rayne Beena D. , Trivedi Nehal , McClure Elizabeth M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivePreeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) remains a major cause of maternal death in low‐income countries. We evaluated interventions to reduce PE/E‐related maternal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa.DesignMathematical model to assess impact of interventions on PE/E‐related maternal morbidity and mortality.SettingSub‐Saharan Africa countries.PopulationPregnant women in sub‐Saharan Africa in 2012.MethodsA systematic literature review populated a decision‐tree mathematical model with interventions to diagnose, prevent, and treat women with PE/E. The impact of increased use of interventions [diagnostics, transfer to a hospital, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) use, cesarean section/labor induction] on PE/E‐related maternal mortality was analyzed.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of PE/E and PE/E‐associated maternal mortality rates in sub‐Saharan Africa.ResultsWithout interventions, an estimated 20 570 PE/E‐associated deaths would have occurred in sub‐Saharan Africa in 2012. With current low rates of diagnosis, MgSO4 use, transfers and cesarean section/induction rates, about 17 520 maternal deaths were associated with PE/E in 2012. Higher use of MgSO4 would have prevented about 610 deaths. With high diagnostic levels, MgSO4 use, transfer and cesarean section/induction, mortality was reduced to 3750 annual deaths, saving about 13 770 maternal lives. If all MgSO4 use was removed from the model, 4060 maternal deaths would occur, increasing maternal deaths by only 310.ConclusionsIn sub‐Saharan Africa, our model suggests that increasing use of PE/E diagnostics, transfer to higher levels of care and increased hospitalization with cesarean section/induction of labor would substantially reduce maternal mortality from PE/E. Increasing use of MgSO4 would have a smaller impact on maternal mortality.
Laparoscopic excision of a lymphangioma of the cystic duct
Authors: Natoudi Maria , Tsamis Dimitrios , Zoumpouli Christina , Leandros Emmanouil , Albanopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLymphangiomas are benign tumors that originate from malformations of the lymphatic vessels. They are rarely seen in adults and are extremely rare in the cystic duct. Herein, we report the case of a 48‐year‐old woman who presented with a cystic lymphangioma that originated in the cystic duct and was excised laparoscopically. Preoperative imaging revealed the cystic and benign nature of the lesion. Laparoscopic abdominal exploration and excision of the 10‐cm cystic lymphangioma were performed. Four trocar sites were used, and the excision was achieved using clips and electrocautery. The laparoscopic excision of these benign masses is safe and efficacious in experienced hands. This procedure requires preoperative planning and must be individualized.
Thoracoscopic caudal left lower lobectomy in a patient with fused fissure
Authors: Igai Hitoshi , Kamiyoshihara Mitsuhiro , Kawatani Natsuko , Ibe Takashi , Shimizu Kimihiro 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA 72‐year‐old man diagnosed as having primary lung cancer underwent surgical resection using a totally thoracoscopic approach. The thoracoscopic view revealed an incomplete fissure and severe emphysematous change. Therefore, to avoid postoperative air leakage, we decided not to expose the pulmonary artery at the fissure. The inferior pulmonary vein, lower bronchus, and pulmonary artery branches were divided by staplers in a caudal‐to‐head direction, and then the interlobar area was divided. Postoperative air leakage was not observed.
Does chronic rhinosinusitis increase the risk of lung cancer? A population cohort study
Authors: Ng Teik‐Ying , Huang Kuang‐Hua , Tsai Ming‐Hsui , Tai Chih‐Jaan , Ng Yon‐Keat 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsChronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper airway. A previous study of chronic rhinosinusitis and the risks of lung cancer was based on a self‐reported questionnaire concerning rhinosinusitis. Population‐based cohort studies of the correlation between chronic rhinosinusitis and the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer have been limited.ObjectivesIn the present study, we used a population‐based database to investigate the risks related to the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.MethodsWe identified 13 072 patients who were diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis in 1998–2010 as the exposure group. There were 52 288 randomly selected patients as the comparison cohort. We used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database; the Taiwan National Health Insurance programme offers health‐care services to 99% of the 23 million people residing in Taiwan. We compared the incidence of the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer between the two cohorts. The cumulative incidence and hazard ratios of developing the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer were calculated.ResultsThis study included 13 072 participants with chronic rhinosinusitis and 52 288 participants with non‐chronic rhinosinusitis. The risk of the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer was higher in the chronic rhinosinusitis cohort than in the non‐chronic rhinosinusitis cohort, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.52 after controlling for age and gender.ConclusionThis large population‐based cohort study demonstrated that patients in Taiwan with previous chronic rhinosinusitis are at greater risk of developing the adenocarcinoma subtype of lung cancer.
Vibration signals of snoring as a simple severity predictor for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wu Hsien‐Tsai , Pan Wen‐Yao , Liu An‐Bang , Su Mao‐Chang , Chen Hong‐Ruei , Tsai I‐Ting , Lin Meng‐Chih , Sun Cheuk‐Kwan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimPolysomnography (PSG), which involves simultaneous monitoring of various physiological monitors, is the current comprehensive tool for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed at validating vibrating signals of snoring as a single physiological parameter for screening and evaluating severity of OSA.MethodsTotally, 111 subjects from the sleep center of a tertiary referral center were categorized into four groups according to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) obtained from PSG: simple snoring group (5 > AHI, healthy subjects, n = 11), mild OSA group (5 ≤ AHI < 15, n = 11), moderate OSA group (15 ≤ AHI < 30, n = 30) and severe OSA group (AHI ≥ 30, n = 59). Anthropometric parameters and sleep efficiency of all subjects were compared. Frequencies of amplitude changes of vibrating signals on anterior neck during sleep were analyzed to acquire a snoring burst index (SBI) using a novel algorithm. Data were compared with AHI and index of arterial oxygen saturation (Δ Index).ResultsThere were no significant differences in age and sleep efficiency among all groups. Bland–Altman analysis showed better agreement between SBI and AHI (r = 0.906, P < 0.001) than Δ Index and AHI (r = 0.859, P < 0.001). Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) showed substantially stronger sensitivity and specificity of SBI in distinguishing between patients with moderate and severe OSA compared with Δ Index (sensitivity: 81.4% vs 66.4%; specificity: 96.7% vs 86.7%, for SBI and Δ Index, respectively).ConclusionSBI may serve as a portable tool for screening patients and assessing OSA severity in a non‐hospital setting.
Elusive Empowerment: Price Information and Disintermediation in Soybean Markets in Malwa, India
Authors: Kumar Richa 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTPrice information provision and disintermediation have often been considered means to empower farmers, since lack of information and multiple intermediaries are seen as major obstacles preventing farmers from obtaining a higher price for their produce. Using the example of soybean in Malwa, central India, which is a cash crop that links farmers to global consumers, this article argues that the very expectation of disintermediation in the soybean supply chain is misleading. India's position in these global networks puts farmers and intermediaries in Malwa in the position of price receivers: they are unable to influence the global price of soybean or manipulate its local price in any way. In this context, providing price information has negligible impact on the final price obtained by farmers. The potential for empowerment has to be understood more broadly, by mapping out the ways in which power is exercised by various actors in the marketplace — one of which is the determination of the quality of a farmer's crop. This article maps such possibilities by examining how norms regarding quality in soybean are created and enforced, and how they are influenced by broader logics that go beyond the soybean marketplace itself.
Acute inhibition of a cortical motor area impairs vocal control in singing zebra finches
Authors: Yazaki‐Sugiyama Yoko , Yanagihara Shin , Fuller Patrick M. , Lazarus Michael 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGenetically targeted approaches that permit acute and reversible manipulation of neuronal circuit activity have enabled an unprecedented understanding of how discrete neuronal circuits control animal behavior. Zebra finch singing behavior has emerged as an excellent model for studying neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying the generation and learning of behavioral motor sequences. We employed a newly developed, reversible, neuronal silencing system in zebra finches to test the hypothesis that ensembles of neurons in the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA) control the acoustic structure of specific song parts, but not the timing nor the order of song elements. Subunits of an ivermectin‐gated chloride channel were expressed in a subset of RA neurons, and ligand administration consistently suppressed neuronal excitability. Suppression of activity in a group of RA neurons caused the birds to sing songs with degraded elements, although the order of song elements was unaffected. Furthermore some syllables disappeared in the middle or at the end of song motifs. Thus, our data suggest that generation of specific song parts is controlled by a subset of RA neurons, whereas elements order coordination and timing of whole songs are controlled by a higher premotor area.
Prognostic value of the full‐scale Periapical Index
Authors: Kirkevang L.‐L. , Ørstavik D. , Wenzel A. , Væth M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether the full‐scale Periapical Index (PAI) can predict the periapical status over time in nonroot filled and root filled teeth.MethodologyFull‐mouth radiographic surveys of a random sample from a general population were performed in 1997, 2003 and 2008. The present investigation included 330 persons who participated in all three examinations and 143 persons who participated in the first and second examination. At each examination, the presence or absence of a tooth and of a root filling was recorded, and a PAI score (1–5) was assigned to all teeth. Retreatment of a root filling was recorded for root filled teeth. Statistical analysis was carried out using ordinal logistic regression and logistic regression and computed as Wald's tests.ResultsAt baseline, nonroot filled teeth had lower PAI scores than root filled teeth (P < 0.0001). A high baseline PAI increased the risk of extraction for both root filled (P < 0.001) and nonroot filled teeth (P < 0.001). At 5‐year follow‐up, PAI scores were higher when baseline PAI scores had been higher. The overall pattern for root filled and nonroot filled teeth was similar, however, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In particular, the follow‐up PAI score for nonroot filled teeth with baseline PAI score 1 or 2 was significantly lower than that of root filled teeth (P < 0.001). For root filled teeth with baseline PAI score 3, 4 or 5, the trend was reversed as they overall had slightly lower PAI scores at follow‐up (P = 0.023).ConclusionRepeated radiographic assessments of teeth using the full‐scale PAI reveal that each of the five scores had distinct prognostic value for the course of periapical disease over a 5‐year period for both nonroot filled and root filled teeth.
A research protocol for testing relationships between nurse workload, missed nursing care and neonatal outcomes: the neonatal nursing care quality study
Authors: Tubbs‐Cooley Heather L. , Pickler Rita H. , Mark Barbara A. , Carle Adam C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimWe describe an innovative research protocol to test the role of missed nursing care as a mediator of the association between nurse workload and patient outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit.BackgroundIncreases in nurses' workloads are associated with adverse patient outcomes in neonatal intensive care settings. Missed nursing care is a frequently hypothesized explanation for the association between workload and outcomes. Few studies to date have tested missed care as a variable that mediates the workload–outcomes relationship.DesignWe use a longitudinal, observational study design.MethodsWe will recruit approximately 125 nurses (80% of target population) providing direct patient care in one neonatal intensive care unit. Four, 6‐week data collection cycles occur over 1 year. At the end of every shift, nurses report on their workloads and the frequency with which specific patient care activities were missed for each infant cared for during the shift. Infant‐specific nurse reports of missed care are linked to shift‐level infant outcomes data extracted from the electronic health record. Funding for the study began in July 2012; Research Ethics Committee approval was granted in December 2012.DiscussionMissed care may explain the effects of nurse workload on patient outcomes. This research will generate preliminary evidence regarding the causal relationships among nurses' workloads, missed care and infant outcomes that we will confirm in a future multi‐site study.
Cardiomyocyte‐specific role of miR‐24 in promoting cell survival
Authors: Guo Chuner , Deng Yangmei , Liu Jiandong , Qian Li 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCardiomyocyte cell death is a major contributing factor to various cardiovascular diseases and is therefore an important target for the design of therapeutic strategies. More recently, stem cell therapies, such as transplantation of embryonic or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell‐derived cardiomyocytes, have emerged as a promising alternative therapeutic avenue to treating cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, survival of these introduced cells is a serious issue that must be solved before clinical application. We and others have identified a small non‐coding RNA, microRNA‐24 (miR‐24), as a pro‐survival molecule that inhibits the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. However, these earlier studies delivered mimics or inhibitors of miR‐24 via viral transduction or chemical transfection, where the observed protective role of miR‐24 in cardiomyocytes might have partially resulted from its effect on non‐cardiomyocyte cells. To elucidate the cardiomyocyte‐specific effects of miR‐24 when overexpressed, we developed a genetic model by generating a transgenic mouse line, where miR‐24 expression is driven by the cardiac‐specific Myh6 promoter. The Myh6‐miR‐24 transgenic mice did not exhibit apparent difference from their wild‐type littermates under normal physiological conditions. However, when the mice were subject to myocardial infarction (MI), the transgenic mice exhibited decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, improved cardiac function and reduced scar size post‐MI compared to their wild‐type littermates. Interestingly, the protective effects observed in our transgenic mice were smaller than those from earlier reported approaches as well as our parallelly performed non‐genetic approach, raising the possibility that non‐genetic approaches of introducing miR‐24 might have been mediated via other cell types than cardiomyocytes, leading to a more dramatic phenotype. In conclusion, our study for the first time directly tests the cardiomyocyte‐specific role of miR‐24 in the adult heart, and may provide insight to strategy design when considering miRNA‐based therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Antibody‐ and aptamer‐strategies for GvHD prevention
Authors: Oelkrug Christopher , Sack Ulrich , Boldt Andreas , Nascimento Isis C. , Ulrich Henning , Fricke Stephan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPrevention of Graft‐versus‐Host‐Disease (GvHD) by preserved Graft‐versus‐Leukaemia (GvL) effect is one of the major obstacles following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently used drugs are associated with side effects and were not able to separate GvHD from the GvL‐effect because of general T‐cell suppression. This review focuses on murine models for GvHD and currently available treatment options involving antibodies and applications for the therapeutic use of aptamers as well as strategies for targeting immune responses by allogenic antigens.