bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The median effective dose of dexmedetomidine for laryngeal mask airway insertion with propofol 2.0 mg/kg
Authors: KWAK H. J. , MIN S. K. , YOO J. Y. , PARK K. H. , KIM J. Y. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundDexmedetomidine can be used as a co‐induction agent to facilitate laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion with minimal effect on respiratory function. The purpose of the study was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) of dexmedetomidine to facilitate LMA insertion during anaesthesia induction with propofol 2.0 mg/kg without neuromuscular blockade.MethodsTwenty‐two patients, whose American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status was I or II with ages between 18 and 60 years undergoing minor orthopaedic or gynaecological surgery, were enrolled. After an injection of pre‐determined bolus dose of dexmedetomidine over 2 min, anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2.0 mg/kg. The modified Dixon's up‐and‐down method was used to determine the bolus dose of dexmedetomidine, starting from 0.5 μg/kg (step size; 0.1 μg/kg). LMA insertion was conducted 90 s after the propofol injection, and the response of patients was categorized as either ‘success’ or ‘failure.’ResultsInsertion of the LMA was unsuccessful in 12 of 22 patients. The ED50 (95% confidence interval) of dexmedetomidine for successful LMA insertion with propofol 2.0 mg/kg was 0.55 (0.44–0.66) μg/kg. Bradycardia occurred in four patients, and seven patients had an apneic episode.ConclusionThe single dose of dexmedetomidine for successful LMA insertion to be feasible in 50% of patients was 0.55 μg/kg during anaesthesia induction with propofol 2 mg/kg.
Staging systems in bipolar disorder: an International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force Report
Authors: Kapczinski F. , Magalhães P. V. S. , Balanzá‐Martinez V. , Dias V. V. , Frangou S. , Gama C. S. , Gonzalez‐Pinto A. , Grande I. , Ha K. , Kauer‐Sant'Anna M. , Kunz M. , Kupka R. , Leboyer M. , Lopez‐Jaramillo C. , Post R. M. , Rybakowski J. K. , Scott J. , Strejilevitch S. , Tohen M. , Vazquez G. , Yatham L. , Vieta E. , Berk M. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveWe discuss the rationale behind staging systems described specifically for bipolar disorders. Current applications, future directions and research gaps in clinical staging models for bipolar disorders are outlined.MethodWe reviewed the literature pertaining to bipolar disorders, focusing on the first episode onwards. We systematically searched data on staging models for bipolar disorders and allied studies that could inform the concept of staging.ResultsWe report on several dimensions that are relevant to staging concepts in bipolar disorder. We consider whether staging offers a refinement to current diagnoses by reviewing clinical studies of treatment and functioning and the potential utility of neurocognitive, neuroimaging and peripheral biomarkers.ConclusionMost studies to date indicate that globally defined late‐stage patients have a worse overall prognosis and poorer response to standard treatment, consistent with patterns for end‐stage medical disorders. We believe it is possible at this juncture to speak broadly of ‘early’‐ and ‘late’‐stage bipolar disorder. Next steps require further collaborative efforts to consider the details of preillness onset and intermediary stages, and how many additional stages are optimal.
Estimated trans‐lamina cribrosa pressure difference versus intraocular pressure as biomarker for open‐angle glaucoma. The Beijing Eye Study 2011
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Wang Ning Li , Wang Ya Xing , You Qi Sheng , Xie Xiao Bin , Yang Di Ya , Xu Liang 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeTo examine whether an estimated trans‐lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD) better than intraocular pressure (IOP) correlated with markers for glaucoma.MethodsThe population‐based Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3468 individuals. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) was calculated as CSFP [mmHg] = 0.44 × Body Mass Index [kg/m2] + 0.16 × Diastolic Blood Pressure [mmHg] − 0.18 × Age [Years] − 1.91. TLCPD was IOP–CSFP.ResultsIn the non‐glaucomatous population, mean TLCPD was 5.8 ± 4.1 mmHg and mean estimated CSFP was 8.9 ± 3.7 mmHg. IOP was higher (p = 0.008), CSFP was lower (p < 0.001), and TLCPD was (p < 0.001) higher in the glaucoma group than in the non‐glaucomatous group. The intergroup difference was highest for TLCPD (2.1 mmHg) followed by CSFP (1.7 mmHg) and IOP (0.4 mmHg). Open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) was associated with higher TLCPD [p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 1.14; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.08, 1.19] but not with IOP (p = 0.22; OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.03). In contrast, angle‐closure glaucoma (ACG) was associated with higher IOP (p = 0.03; B: 0.14; OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.30) but not with TLCPD (p = 0.98), after adjustment for age and anterior chamber depth. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was associated with lower TLCPD (p = 0.036) but not with IOP (p = 0.96), after adjusting for gender, age, region of habitation, optic disc area and refractive error. Neuroretinal area and volume were associated with smaller TLCPD (p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively), after adjusting for gender, optic disc area and refractive error, but not with IOP (p = 0.43 and p = 0.25, resp.).ConclusionsIn OAG, but not in ACG, calculated TLCPD versus IOP showed a better association with glaucoma presence and amount of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. It supports the notion of a potential role of low CSFP in the pathogenesis of OAG.
A cow‐level association of ruminal pH on body condition score, serum beta‐hydroxybutyrate and postpartum disorders in Thai dairy cattle
Authors: Chaidate Inchaisri , Somchai Chanpongsang , Jos Noordhuizen , Henk Hogeveen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSubacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows occurs when ruminal pH is below about 5.5. However, the exact threshold level of ruminal pH affecting cow health is still in debate. This investigation was carried out in 505 cows within 31 farms. The postpartum disorders, including dystocia, retained placenta, anestrus, cystic ovary, metritis, clinical mastitis and lameness, were analyzed. Ruminal pH, serum beta‐hydroxy butyrate (SBHB), serum urea nitrogen and body condition score (BCS) were measured once during the 3 to 6 weeks postpartum, while BCS was determined once more at 1 week before calving. Ruminal pH was determinded by ruminocentesis technique. The ruminal pH was evaluated to study the association with BCS, SBHB and postpartum disorders using linear regression in a generalized linear mixed model with farm as a random effect. The results show that low ruminal pH was associated with dystocia, metritis and lameness. Moreover, a low ruminal pH can be found in cows with a high loss of BCS after calving and also in cows with low SBHB postpartum. These findings confirmed the feasibility of the ruminocentesis technique and the association of low ruminal pH on various postpartum disorders at the individual cow level. However, the consequences of low ruminal pH on dairy cow health still needs more exploration for a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms.
Bayesian semiparametric regression in the presence of conditionally heteroscedastic measurement and regression errors
Authors: Sarkar Abhra , Mallick Bani K. , Carroll Raymond J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryWe consider the problem of robust estimation of the regression relationship between a response and a covariate based on sample in which precise measurements on the covariate are not available but error‐prone surrogates for the unobserved covariate are available for each sampled unit. Existing methods often make restrictive and unrealistic assumptions about the density of the covariate and the densities of the regression and the measurement errors, for example, normality and, for the latter two, also homoscedasticity and thus independence from the covariate. In this article we describe Bayesian semiparametric methodology based on mixtures of B‐splines and mixtures induced by Dirichlet processes that relaxes these restrictive assumptions. In particular, our models for the aforementioned densities adapt to asymmetry, heavy tails and multimodality. The models for the densities of regression and measurement errors also accommodate conditional heteroscedasticity. In simulation experiments, our method vastly outperforms existing methods. We apply our method to data from nutritional epidemiology.
A Spatial Assessment of Dentist Supply in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Meyer Stephen P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe geographic patterns of dentists have seldom been studied beyond very broad assessment. This article demonstrates, with location quotient and hot‐spot analyses, the unevenness of general dentist and dental specialist resources throughout the Canadian province of Ontario and the presence of “dental clusters” within the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and Windsor. While many municipalities in the province have no or relatively few dental offices, municipalities that are comparatively rich in both general and specialized dentists are rare and tend to be part of larger urban environments (typically census metropolitan areas), characterized by higher growth rates, higher median incomes, and lower median ages. Dentist office hot‐spots within metropolitan areas occur in or near the downtown and in more peripheral/suburban locales. “High sales” dentist offices in suburban hot‐spots appear to benefit from prosperous locations and supply deficits nearby, whereas inner‐city “dentist districts” may form in part because of localization economies. Understanding where relative dentist under‐supply occurs within a jurisdiction and why other locations are dentist‐rich is important from a policy perspective so that geographic inequities, and associated spatial accessibility issues, can be more comprehensively appraised.
Comparison of healthcare priorities in childhood and early/late adolescence: analysis of cross‐sectional data from eight countries in the Council of Europe Child‐friendly Healthcare Survey, 2011
Authors: Bensted R. , Hargreaves D. S. , Lombard J. , Kilkelly U. , Viner R. M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate healthcare priorities among children (≤12 years), early adolescents (13–15 years) and late adolescents (16–18 years).MethodsA total of 2023 respondents from eight European countries rated the importance of nine healthcare factors. The relative importance of these factors was compared within and between age groups, using mean score differences and logistic regression.ResultsThe most important item for all age groups was being listened to. Children rated pain control and the presence of parents more important than either understanding the doctor or being able to ask questions. Among adolescents, these differences disappeared for pain control and were reversed for parental presence. The changes in relative priorities between childhood and adolescence remained significant after adjusting for sex, long‐standing illness and nationality (all P < 0.001).ConclusionHealthcare priorities evolve significantly between childhood and early adolescence. However, being listened to is the most important priority at all ages.
Setipiprant, a selective CRTH2 antagonist, reduces allergen‐induced airway responses in allergic asthmatics
Authors: Diamant Z. , Sidharta P. N. , Singh D. , O'Connor B. J. , Zuiker R. , Leaker B. R. , Silkey M. , Dingemanse J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundCRTH2 is a G‐protein‐coupled receptor on T helper2 cells that mediates pro‐inflammatory effects of prostaglandin D2 in allergic responses.ObjectiveTo investigate the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of setipiprant (ACT‐129968), a selective orally active CRTH2 antagonist, in allergic asthmatics and to assess the protective effects of multiple doses of this drug against allergen‐induced airway responses.MethodsIn this 3‐centre, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study, 18 allergic asthmatic males were randomized to setipiprant 1000 mg or matching placebo b.i.d. for 5 consecutive days. Study periods were separated by a washout of ≥ 3 weeks. On study day 4, subjects underwent a standardized allergen challenge and airway response was recorded by FEV1 until 10 h post‐allergen. Airway responsiveness to methacholine and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) were measured pre‐ and post‐dosing. The effects of both treatments on the allergen‐induced airway responses were compared by a paired Student's t‐test.ResultsFifteen subjects completed the study per‐protocol and were included in the analysis. Overall, setipiprant was well tolerated and no clinically relevant adverse events occurred. Trough plasma concentrations showed a high inter‐subject variability. Compared with placebo, setipiprant significantly reduced the allergen‐induced late asthmatic response (LAR), inhibiting the area under the response vs. time curve (AUC(3–10 h)) by on average 25.6% (P = 0.006) and significantly protected against the allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine (P = 0.0029). There was no difference in the early asthmatic response (EAR) or in allergen‐induced changes in eNO between treatments.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceSetipiprant at multiple oral doses was well tolerated and reduced both the allergen‐induced LAR and the associated AHR in allergic asthmatics. Our findings confirm that CRTH2 may be a promising target for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Certification, Forest Conservation, and Cattle: Theories and Evidence of Change in Brazil
Authors: Newton Peter , Alves‐Pinto Helena Nery , Pinto Luís Fernando Guedes 
Published: June 2014

AbstractVoluntary certification programs for agricultural and forest products have been developed to improve the environmental and social sustainability of production processes. The new Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) cattle certification program aims to reduce deforestation in the cattle supply chain, with a focus on Brazil. Drawing on information from interviews with key actors in Brazil, this article discusses the mechanisms that may enable the SAN cattle program to achieve these goals and to avoid critiques that have been leveled at other commodity certification programs. The program sets higher standards for sustainability than any existing policy or incentive mechanism. Participation in the program may generate significant indirect financial and non‐financial benefits. The program may also influence the supply chain more widely: by demonstrating that certifiable, traceable, sustainable cattle production is viable; by “raising the bar” of sustainability standards through rigorous criteria; and by creating new markets and incentives. While the scaling up and impact of the SAN cattle program will depend in part on how it is supported or constrained by other interventions in the same sector, the program appears to be characterized by a rigorous program design that is necessary, if not sufficient, to catalyze reduced rates of forest loss.
The Effect of Board of Directors’ IT Awareness on CIO Compensation and Firm Performance
Authors: Yayla Ali Alper , Hu Qing 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTChief information officers (CIOs) play increasingly strategic roles in firms in this competitive global economy, which is now largely powered by information technology (IT). However, research has shown a lack of board of directors’ oversight on CIO‐ and IT‐related issues. Drawing on agency, resource dependence, and alignment theories, we investigate the effect of board of directors’ IT awareness on CIO compensation structure and firm performance. We conduct cross‐sectional time series analyses of data collected from various sources. Our study underlines three important findings. First, we show that some commonly known executive compensation determinants, such as individual characteristics and governance structure, do not have significant effects on CIO compensation structure. Second, with regard to CIO compensation structure, firms respond to increasing information asymmetry differently according to the level of IT awareness of their boards. Finally, firms perform better when their boards have higher levels of IT awareness, and this positive effect of IT awareness is considerably larger in IT intensive industries. Overall, our study provides empirical support for the important role of boards’ IT awareness in shaping CIO compensation and improving firm performance. Our results suggest that boards with functional area knowledge—or higher IT awareness in this case—can more effectively monitor and better incentivize executives, and consequently lead to better firm performance.
Optimal Temporal Customer Purchasing Decisions Under Trade‐In Programs with Up‐Front Fees
Authors: Yin Rui , Tang Christopher S. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTTo entice customers to purchase both current and new generation products over time, many firms offer different trade‐in programs including programs that require customers to pay an up‐front fee. To examine the effectiveness of the trade‐in programs, we develop a two‐period model in which a firm sells the first generation product in the first period and the second generation product in the second period; however, the firm offers a trade‐in program that customers can participate in when purchasing the first generation product in the first period. To participate, each customer has to pay a nonrefundable fee in the first period so that she has the option to trade‐in her first generation product and receive a prespecified trade‐in value to be used for the purchase of the second generation product in the second period. To capture market heterogeneity and market uncertainty, we examine the case when the valuation of the first generation product varies among customers and the valuation of the second generation product is uncertain a priori. By analyzing a two‐period game, we determine the optimal purchasing behavior of each rational customer, and we show that the firm is always better off by offering its own trade‐in programs. Also, our numerical analysis reveals that trade‐in programs can benefit the firm significantly especially when (i) the residual value of the first generation product is high; (ii) the expected incremental value of the second generation product is high; or (iii) the valuation of the second generation product is highly uncertain.
A COMPETITIVE MODEL OF WORKER REPLACEMENT AND WAGE RIGIDITY
Authors: Snell Andy , Thomas Jonathan P. , Wang Zhewei 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe adapt the models of Menzio and Moen (2010) and Snell and Thomas (2010) to consider a labor market in which firms can commit to wage contracts but cannot commit not to replace incumbent workers. Workers are risk averse, so that there exists an incentive for firms to smooth wages. Real wages respond in a highly nonlinear manner to shocks, exhibiting downward rigidity, and magnifying the response of unemployment to negative shocks. We also consider layoffs and show that for a range of shocks labor hoarding occurs while wages are cut. We argue these features are consistent with recent evidence. (JEL E32, J41)
Taking advantage of neural development to treat glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Zhiyuan , Lin Chia‐Ching John 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is by far the most common and most malignant primary adult brain tumor (World Health Organization grade IV), containing a fraction of stem‐like cells that are highly tumorigenic and multipotent. Recent research has revealed that GBM stem‐like cells play important roles in GBM pathogenesis. GBM is thought to arise from genetic anomalies in glial development. Over the past decade, a wide range of studies have shown that several signaling pathways involved in neural development, including basic helix–loop–helix, Wnt–β‐catenin, bone morphogenetic proteins–Smads, epidermal growth factor–epidermal growth factor receptor, and Notch, play important roles in GBM pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight the significance of these pathways in the context of developing treatments for GBM. Extrapolating knowledge and concepts from neural development will have significant implications for designing better strategies with which to treat GBM.
Can high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography imaging of subchondral and cortical bone predict condylar fracture inThoroughbred racehorses?
Authors: Trope G. D. , Ghasem‐Zadeh A. , Anderson G. A. , Mackie E. J. , Whitton R. C. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyHigh‐resolution 3Dimaging may improve the prediction and/or early identification of condylar fractures of the distal metacarpus/tarsus and reduce the frequency of breakdown injury in racehorses.ObjectivesTo test the hypotheses that horses suffering condylar fractures have higher bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the distal metacarpal epiphysis, greater subchondral bone thickness at the fracture site and higher second moment of inertia in the metacarpal midshaft as identified with high‐resolution 3Dimaging.Study designCross‐sectional study using cadaver material.MethodsThoroughbreds that died on racetracks were grouped as: 1) horses with third metacarpal (McIII) fractures with a condylar component (cases, n = 13); 2) horses with no limb fracture (controls, n = 8); 3) horses with fractures in other bones or suspensory apparatus disruption (other fatal injuries, n = 16). The palmar condyles ofMcIIIand the midshaft were examined with high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT). Statistical analysis included logistic regression and Spearman's correlation.ResultsThere were no significant differences inBV/TVof distalMcIIIand second moment of inertia of the midshaft between cases and controls. Epiphyseal boneBV/TVwas greater in injured limbs of horses with any fatal limb injury (Groups 1and3combined) compared with controls (odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.42, P = 0.034). An epiphysealBV/TV>0.742 resulted in a sensitivity of 82.8% and specificity of 62.5% in identifying horses with fatal limb injury. In horses without condylar fracture, increased subchondral bone thickness was associated with palmar osteochondral disease lesions in the adjacent condyle (rs= 0.65, P<0.001).ConclusionsIncreasedBV/TVof the distal metacarpus may have some value for identifying horses at risk of any fatal breakdown injury but not metacarpal condylar fractures. Measurement of parasagittal groove subchondral bone thickness is complicated by adjacent palmar osteochondral disease lesions. Thus, high‐resolution imaging of the distal metacarpus appears to have limited ability to identify horses at risk of condylar fractures.
The academic librarian as co‐investigator on an interprofessional primary research team: a case study
Authors: Janke Robert , Rush Kathy L 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the role librarians play on research teams. The experiences of a librarian and a faculty member are situated within the wider literature addressing collaborations between health science librarians and research faculty.MethodsA case study approach is used to outline the involvement of a librarian on a team created to investigate the best practices for integrating nurses into the workplace during their first year of practice.ResultsLibrarians contribute to research teams including expertise in the entire process of knowledge development and dissemination including the ability to navigate issues related to copyright and open access policies of funding agencies.DiscussionThe librarian reviews the various tasks performed as part of the research team ranging from the grant application, to working on the initial literature review as well as the subsequent manuscripts that emerged from the primary research. The motivations for joining the research team, including authorship and relationship building, are also discussed. Recommendations are also made in terms of how librarians could increase their participation on research teams.ConclusionThe study shows that librarians can play a key role on interprofessional primary research teams.