bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Description and process evaluation of pharmacists’ interventions in a pharmacist-led information technology-enabled multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial for reducing medication errors in general practice (PINCER trial)
Authors: Howard Rachel , Rodgers Sarah , Avery Anthony J , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Objective
To undertake a process evaluation of pharmacists’ recommendations arising in the context of a complex IT-enabled pharmacist-delivered randomised controlled trial (PINCER trial) to reduce the risk of hazardous medicines management in general practices.

Methods
PINCER pharmacists manually recorded patients’ demographics, details of interventions recommended, actions undertaken by practice staff and time taken to manage individual cases of hazardous medicines management. Data were coded, double-entered into SPSS version 15 and then summarised using percentages for categorical data (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) and, as appropriate, means (± standard deviation) or medians (interquartile range) for continuous data.

Key findings
Pharmacists spent a median of 20 min (interquartile range 10, 30) reviewing medical records, recommending interventions and completing actions in each case of hazardous medicines management. Pharmacists judged 72% (95% CI 70, 74; 1463/2026) of cases of hazardous medicines management to be clinically relevant. Pharmacists recommended 2105 interventions in 74% (95% CI 73, 76; 1516/2038) of cases and 1685 actions were taken in 61% (95% CI 59, 63; 1246/2038) of cases; 66% (95% CI 64, 68; 1383/2105) of interventions recommended by pharmacists were completed and 5% (95% CI 4, 6; 104/2105) of recommendations were accepted by general practitioners (GPs), but not completed at the end of the pharmacists’ placement; the remaining recommendations were rejected or considered not relevant by GPs.

Conclusions
The outcome measures were used to target pharmacist activity in general practice towards patients at risk from hazardous medicines management. Recommendations from trained PINCER pharmacists were found to be broadly acceptable to GPs and led to ameliorative action in the majority of cases. It seems likely that the approach used by the PINCER pharmacists could be employed by other practice pharmacists following appropriate training.
T‐cell responses after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Burman Joachim , Fransson Moa , Tötterman Thomas H. , Fagius Jan , Mangsbo Sara M. , Loskog Angelica S. I. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryAutologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis is a potentially curative treatment, which can give rise to long‐term disease remission. However, the mode of action is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate similarities and differences of the CD4+ T‐cell populations between HSCT‐treated patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 9). Phenotyping of memory T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 1 (Th1) and type 17 (Th17) cells was performed. Further, T‐cell reactivity to a tentative antigen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, was investigated in these patient populations. Patients treated with natalizumab (n = 15) were included as a comparative group. White blood cells were analysed with flow cytometry and T‐cell culture supernatants were analysed with magnetic bead panel immunoassays. HSCT‐treated patients had similar levels of Treg cells and of Th1 and Th17 cells as healthy subjects, whereas natalizumab‐treated patients had lower frequencies of Treg cells, and higher frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells. Cells from HSCT‐treated patients cultured with overlapping peptides from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein produced more transforming growth factor‐β1 than natalizumab‐treated patients, which suggests a suppressive response. Conversely, T cells from natalizumab‐treated patients cultured with those peptides produced more interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), IL‐1 and IL‐10, indicating a Th17 response. In conclusion, we demonstrate circumstantial evidence for the removal of autoreactive T‐cell clones as well as development of tolerance after HSCT. These results parallel the long‐term disease remission seen after HSCT.
Modelling the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System's Energy Consumption Under‐Coverage
Authors: Cao Kay , Wong Jason , Kumar Anil 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe new data source for the Australian Energy Statistics, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System, does not require businesses using less than 200 terajoules to report their energy consumption. This results in a data gap in the total industry energy consumption. To estimate the gap, this study models business energy consumption using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2008–09 Energy, Water and Environment Survey and data from the 2008 to 2009 business activity statement unit record estimates. The article discusses the modelling approaches and methodological issues associated with the estimation of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System's energy consumption under‐coverage. It provides estimation results and suggestions for future research, based on available data.
The Henderson Question? The Melbourne Institute and 50 Years of Welfare Policy
Authors: Gregory Robert G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractI discuss selected research contributions of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research to 50 years of welfare policy for those of workforce age and focus particularly on the policy focus of R. F. Henderson, the inaugural director. Following the spirit of his 1960s poverty research, in the mid‐1970s, government doubled unemployment allowances in real terms and increased pensions by approximately 40 per cent. Both income support payments were to be indexed by average wage increases. At the time, unemployment was typically around 1 per cent and the pension take‐up for those of workforce age was also limited. Today, income support take‐up rates have probably increased fivefold. In response, government has adopted a ‘make work pay’ policy over the last two decades and indexed allowances for Consumer Price Index increases and allowances have fallen by 25–35 per cent, relative to community living standards. Pensions continue to be indexed by average wage changes. I address a range of questions arising from this experience, including: Why has government abandoned the Henderson recommendations?; Is there any evidence that a ‘make work pay’ policy is working?
Dysregulation of Diurnal Cortisol Secretion Affects Abstinence Induction during a Lead‐in Period of a Clinical Trial for Depressed Cocaine‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Raby Wilfrid Noel , SanFilippo Lisa , Pavlicova Martina , Carpenter Kenneth M. , Glass Andrew , Onyemekwu Chukwudi , Roginek Eric , Nunes Edward V. 
Published: May 2013

Background and ObjectiveHypothesizing that stress dysregulation may worsen cocaine dependence, we investigated the effect of diurnal cortisol secretion profile, suppression of cortisol secretion, and total cortisol secretion on retention, abstinence‐based voucher earnings, days of cravings, and mood status of participants at the end of a 2‐week medication‐free lead‐in prior to randomization in a clinical trial of mirtazapine (60 mg vs. placebo) for depressed cocaine‐dependent patients.MethodsWe measured saliva cortisol levels at 9 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM on the first two consecutive days of a 2‐week medication‐free lead‐in period. Results from saliva samples were used to estimate the total daily level of cortisol, the diurnal profile of secretion (typical vs. atypical), and response to dexamethasone suppression (.1 mg). Seventy‐seven patients collected saliva samples at baseline, and 65 (85%) were suitable for profile analysis.ResultsPatients with typical profiles (52%) collected significantly more abstinence‐based voucher earnings during the lead‐in (U = 299.50, p = .025). Diurnal secretion profile did not significantly affect mood status, days of craving, or retention. There were no significant effects of suppression of cortisol secretion or of total cortisol levels on any outcome measures.ConclusionIn a subgroup of cocaine‐dependent patients, deviation of cortisol secretion away from the homeostatic diurnal pattern was associated with reduced success at achieving early abstinence, an important determinant of treatment success. (Am J Addict 2014;23:1–6)
“Corporatism with Adjectives”? Conceptualizing Civil Society Incorporation and Indigenous Participation in Latin America
Authors: Chartock Sarah 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEthnodevelopment is a relatively new type of participatory policy that targets the poverty of marginalized ethnic groups with a focus on identity and self-management. While observers have recognized the empirical significance of this new paradigm, little has been done to conceptualize ethnodevelopment. This article argues that national-level ethnodevelopment implementation is a form of corporatism. Examining ethnodevelopment institutions in Ecuador, it shows that the state has structured, subsidized, and partially controlled the indigenous sector through ethnodevelopment policies and agencies. However, certain components of classical corporatism, such as monopolies of representation, do not characterize this paradigm. This article therefore classifies ethnodevelopment as a diminished subtype of corporatism. It challenges corporatism's long association with a particular historical period in the region and finds that Latin American states and social groups have called on historical institutional repertoires in responding to the newly salient ethnic cleavage in the region.
Learning to read in Williams syndrome and Down syndrome: syndrome‐specific precursors and developmental trajectories
Authors: Steele Ann , Scerif Gaia , Cornish Kim , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundIn typical development, early reading is underpinned by language skills, like vocabulary and phonological awareness (PA), as well as taught skills like letter knowledge. Less is understood about how early reading develops in children with neurodevelopmental disorders who display specific profiles of linguistic strengths and weaknesses, such as Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS).MethodsEarly reading, letter knowledge, rhyme matching, phoneme matching and receptive vocabulary were assessed in 26 children with DS and 26 children with WS between 4 and 8 years, as well as in two groups of typically developing (TD) children matched on nonverbal mental age (NVMA controls) or reading (RA controls). Reading was also measured 1 year later in DS, WS and RA controls to assess reading growth and its longitudinal predictors.ResultsDespite poor PA and vocabulary, children with DS displayed good reading and letter knowledge, compared with NVMA controls. Performance of children with WS was equivalent to RA controls and superior to NVMA controls on all tasks. Longitudinal delays emerged in reading in both DS and WS compared with RA controls. Vocabulary was a significant longitudinal predictor of reading growth for all children, but, for both children with DS and WS, and unlike RA controls, letter knowledge and PA were not.ConclusionsChildren with DS and WS display atypical developmental patterns in the earliest stages of reading, further underlining the importance of cross‐syndrome, longitudinal research, which tracks all levels of development in neurodevelopmental disorders. Identifying early syndrome‐specific profiles of strengths and weaknesses underlying literacy development is critical for planning intervention programmes.
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall: Prenatal sonographic manifestations
Authors: Wie Jeong ha , Kim Ju Yeon , Kwon Ji Young , Ko Hyun Sun , Shin Jong Chul , Park In Yang 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall is a rare, benign lesion that arises from one or more ribs, almost exclusively found in infants. Some cases that developed in the fetal period have been reported, but accurate diagnosis was usually possible only after birth, except in a few cases in which fetal magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were performed. We present a case of a congenital mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall. Although the diagnosis was not confirmed until birth, the prenatal sonographic examination showed strongly suggestive findings. We review the published reports on this condition, and suggest the prenatal sonographic features. Prenatal sonography is valuable in the differential diagnosis of chest mass.
Placental alpha microglobulin‐1 (AmniSure test) versus insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (Actim PROM test) for detection of premature rupture of fetal membranes
Authors: Abdelazim Ibrahim A. , Makhlouf Hanan H. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThis study was designed to compare the accuracy of placental alpha microglobulin‐1 (PAMG‐1) versus insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) to diagnose premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM).Material and MethodsThis comparative prospective study was carried out over 3 years in Al‐Rashid Maternity and Ahmadi Hospitals, Kuwait. One hundred and fifty pregnant women after 37 weeks gestation were included in this study for induction of labor and divided into two groups according to presence or absence of PROM.ResultsIn this study, the sensitivity and specificity (97.3% and 98.7%) of PAMG‐1 to diagnose PROM were statistically insignificant compared with the sensitivity and specificity (89.3% and 82.7%) of IGFBP‐1. The PPV and NPV (98.6% and 97.4%) of PAMG‐1 were also statistically insignificant compared with the PPV and NPV (83.8% and 88.6%) of IGFBP‐1. Also, the accuracy (98%) of PAMG‐1 was statistically insignificant compared with the accuracy (86%) of IGFBP‐1 (P > 0.05).ConclusionAlthough AmniSure test seems to be the most accurate test to diagnose rupture of the fetal membranes with high sensitivity and specificity, in this study the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of AmniSure test to diagnose PROM were statistically insignificant compared with the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of Actim PROM test.
Bilateral uterine artery chemoembolization combined with dilation and curettage for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: A method for preserving the uterus
Authors: Lan Weishun , Hu Daoyu , Li Zhen , Wang Liang , Yang Wenzhong , Hu Shan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to respectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of bilateral uterine artery chemoembolization (UACE) combined with dilation and curettage (D&C) for the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).Material and MethodsOur study was approved by our institutional review board, with informed patient consent. From January 2004 to December 2010, 79 patients with CSP underwent UACE in our institution, with transcatheter infusion of 30–50 mg methotrexate into the bilateral uterine artery before embolization with sponge particles. Within 24–48 h after UACE, D&C was performed on all the patients under the guidance of ultrasonography and hysteroscopy.ResultsAll the 79 patients diagnosed as having CSP were included in our study and their data were analyzed. All the patients recovered completely without severe complications. The average hemorrhage volume during D&C was 30 mL, but none of them needed transfusion. The uteri of all the patients were preserved, and none of them had to undergo hysterectomy. The safety rate was 100%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.5 days.ConclusionsUACE performed prior to D&C is a feasible method and it may reduce hemorrhage complications and risk of hysterectomy in patients with CSP.
Haematological and biochemical values in North American Scottish deerhounds
Authors: Sheerer K. N. , Couto C. G. , Marin L. M. , Zaldívar‐Lopez S. , Iazbik M. C. , Dillberger J. E. , Frye M. , DeNicola D. B. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveSighthounds, including deerhounds, have unique physiological traits that result in laboratory test results that may lie outside reference intervals for the general dog population. Although reference intervals for most analytes are thought to be similar among sighthounds, breed‐specific reference intervals are available mainly for greyhounds. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemical profiles in deerhounds.MethodsVenous blood samples were collected from healthy deerhounds. Haematological and biochemical analytes were examined and reference intervals were established using the 5th and 95th percentiles.ResultsThe reference intervals obtained from 96 dogs for platelets, reticulocytes, total thyroxine, chloride, gamma glutamyl transferase, bilirubin and glucose were lower than the general dog population. Reference intervals for mean cell volume, potassium, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol were higher than the general dog population. Reference intervals for eosinophils and globulin were wider than that of the general population.Clinical SignificanceThese results confirm that differences in haematological and biochemical values exist in the deerhound. Some appear to be shared by all sighthounds but others may be unique to this breed.
A paucity of liver disease in Canadian Inuit with chronic hepatitis B virus, subgenotype B6 infection
Authors: Minuk G. Y. , MacRury S. , Uhanova J. , Caouette S. , Coleman N. , Cummings K. , Larke B. , Vardy L. , Triet Huyn C. , Osiowy C. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryClinical observations suggest that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in the Canadian Inuit are less often associated with serious adverse outcomes than has been described in other HBV‐infected patient populations. The aim of this study was to document the clinical and biochemical features, liver‐related morbidity and all‐cause mortality in Canadian Inuit with chronic HBV infections. Administrative databases were reviewed for individuals identified as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive during a 1983–85 seroepidemiological survey of viral hepatitis in Baffin Island, Canada. An equal number of age‐ and gender‐matched HBsAg‐negative individuals from the same communities served as controls. Baseline HBV viral loads, genotypes and specific mutations were compared in HBsAg‐positive survivors and nonsurvivors. A subset of surviving HBsAg‐positive carriers were reassessed 25–30 years following their initial diagnosis for evidence of advanced liver disease and changes to their serological/virological findings. One hundred and forty four HBsAg‐positive individuals were identified. All were Canadian Inuit. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 ± 17 years and 69 (61%) were male. Median follow‐up was 23 years (range: 2–28 years). Viral quantitation from stored sera could be performed in 70 infected individuals. The median viral load was 4.3 log 10 IU/ml (range: 2.3–8.8 log 10 IU/ml), and all were genotype B, subgenotype B6. Liver biochemistry, morbidity and all‐cause mortality rates were similar in HBsAg‐positive carriers and controls. Following multivariate analyses, only age at diagnosis predicted mortality in HBsAg carriers. In a subset of 30 HBsAg‐positive survivors who underwent follow‐up assessments, clinical, biochemical and radiological examinations of the liver were essentially normal. 23/30 (77%) remained HBsAg positive and 17/19 (90%) HBV‐DNA positive. The genotype and prevalence of genomic mutations in this cohort remained largely unchanged, but quantifiable viral loads were significantly lower (P < 0.003). The results of this study suggest that chronic HBV infections in the Canadian Inuit are infrequently associated with serious adverse outcomes. Whether this finding reflects unique features of the host, presence or absence of external factors that influence the course of HBV and/or intrinsic properties of the HBV B6 subgenotype remains to be determined.
Changes in grouping patterns of saiga antelope in relation to intrinsic and environmental factors in Mongolia
Authors: Buuveibaatar B. , Fuller T. K. , Fine A. E. , Chimeddorj B. , Young J. K. , Berger J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFactors that affect group sizes in large ungulates are generally poorly understood for species from remote regions. Understanding grouping patterns is important for effective species management, but is lacking for the endangered Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica). We studied seasonal changes in the group size and social structure of saigas in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors in western Mongolia during 2009–2012. To identify group size and composition, we observed saigas monthly while conducting monitoring surveys, and weekly while tracking radio‐collared animals. We observed 9268 individuals; median group size was 6.5 (se = 1.7; range = 1–121), and groups of 1–5 animals were most common. Seasonality exerted strong effects with the smallest groups in June and largest in December. The largest mixed and nursery groups formed during pre‐rutting and summer seasons, respectively, but no seasonal differences were detected for bachelor groups. The best fitting model, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, predation rate and season as covariates, explained ∼76% of the variation in monthly ‘typical’ group size. Our results are concordant with studies of other arid‐adapted ungulates and suggest vegetation productivity, predation rate and biological cycles are responsible for saiga grouping patterns in Mongolia.
Are declines of an endangered mammal predation‐driven, and can a captive‐breeding and release program aid their recovery?
Authors: McCleery R. , Oli M. K. , Hostetler J. A. , Karmacharya B. , Greene D. , Winchester C. , Gore J. , Sneckenberger S. , Castleberry S. B. , Mengak M. T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDeclines of imperiled small mammals are often attributed to predation without investigating the relative influence of survival and reproductive parameters on population growth. Accordingly, declines in the endangered Key Largo woodrat Neotoma floridana smalli (KLWR) population have been attributed to predation by feral cats Felis catus, Burmese pythons Python molurus bivittatus and raccoons Procyon lotor. We estimated survival, recruitment and realized population growth rates from four capture–mark–recapture studies to determine if the pattern of demographic variation was consistent with predation as the primary cause of KLWR declines. Additionally, we evaluated the KLWR captive‐breeding and release program by comparing survival of captive‐born and released KLWRs to wild‐born KLWRs. The realized population growth rate of wild‐born KLWRs had a strong pattern of covariation with recruitment; covariation between the realized population growth rate and apparent survival was negligible. Consistent with demographic theory, our results suggest that KLWR population dynamics were driven primarily by variation in recruitment, and that periodic reductions in recruitment led to population declines. We found that the survival curve and the first month (S1) and first 3‐month (S1–3) survival estimates for the wild‐born KLWRs [S1 = 0.929 (0.890–0.968); S1–3 = 0.942 (0.919–0.965)] were considerably higher (χ2 = 33.9, 1 d.f., P < 0.001) than released KLWRs [S1 = 0.521 (0.442–0.600); S1–3 = 0.561 (0.493–0.629)]. Low survival rates from predation limited the success of the captive‐breeding and release program. This study illustrates the importance of pre‐release conditioning of captive‐bred animals and the importance of considering reproductive parameters in conjunction with survival estimates to understand the drivers of population decline.