bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do projections from bioclimatic envelope models and climate change metrics match?
Authors: Garcia Raquel A. , Cabeza Mar , Altwegg Res , Araújo Miguel B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimBioclimatic envelope models are widely used to describe changes in climatically suitable areas for species under future climate scenarios. Climate change metrics are applied independently of species data to characterize the spatio‐temporal dynamics of climate, and have also been used as indicators of the exposure of species to climate change. Here, we investigate whether these two approaches provide qualitatively similar indications about where biodiversity is potentially most exposed to climate change.LocationSub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWe compared a range of climate change metrics for sub‐Saharan Africa with ensembles of bioclimatic envelope models for 2723 species of amphibians, snakes, mammals and birds. For each taxonomic group, we performed three comparisons between the two approaches: (1) is projected change in local climatic suitability (models) greater in grid cells with larger temporal differences in local climate (metrics); (2) are projected losses or gains of climatically suitable areas (models) greater for species in grid cells with climates that are projected to be less or more available in the future, respectively (metrics); and (3) are projected shifts in the position of climatically suitable areas (models) greater for species in grid cells with climates projected to move farther in space (metrics)?ResultsThe changes in climatic suitability projected by the bioclimatic envelope models covaried with the climatic changes measured with the metrics. Agreement between the two approaches was found for all taxonomic groups, although it was stronger for species with a narrower climatic envelope breadth.Main conclusionsFor sub‐Saharan African vertebrates, projected patterns of exposure to climate change given by climate change metrics alone were qualitatively comparable to bioclimatic model projections of changes in areas of suitable climate for species. Assessments based on climate change metrics can thus be useful for making first‐cut inferences about the potential effects of climate change on regions with poorly known biodiversity.
Study of the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic prevalent hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Sarhan Iman I. , Halawa Mohamed R. , Afify Essam N. , Hebah Hayam A. , Al‐Gohary Eman A. , El‐Shazly Islam O. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractVitamin D is claimed to have an adjuvant effect on glycemic control by dual action on pancreatic β‐cells and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to assess the possible effect of short‐term alfacalcidol supply on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Twenty type 2 diabetic HD patients (using diet and oral drugs but not insulin) were randomly selected from our dialysis unit as well as 20 non‐diabetic HD patients as control. A third group of 12 healthy subjects were studied as well. All three groups were similar in age, sex, and body mass index. Oral alfacalcidol therapy was administrated daily as recommended by Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) guidelines for 12 weeks guided by monthly serum phosphorus and CaxPO4 product. Corrected total calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D), and glucoparameters (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c%], insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment, and β‐cell function by HOMA‐β%) were measured under basal conditions and after 3 months of therapy. 25(OH)D was non‐significantly lower in diabetic than non‐diabetic HD patients, but significantly lower than healthy subjects at the start of the study. However, vitamin D level increased significantly after 3 months of trial, although the levels did not reach normal values. This vitamin D rise was associated with highly significant improvement in concentrations of fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, HbA1c%, and HOMA‐β‐cell function in diabetic and non‐diabetic controls. However, there was a significant rise in insulin resistance after treatment. The percentage of change was evident more in diabetics regarding FBS and 25(OH)D concentration. Adjustment of 25(OH)D level in type 2 diabetic prevalent HD patients may improve, at least with short‐term therapy, glycemic control mainly through improving β‐cell function.
Evaluation of solute penetration across the polysulfone membrane with vitamin E coating
Authors: Yamashita Akihiro C. , Masaki Hidenori , Kobayashi Eisuke , Sukegawa Takeshi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractVitamin E (vit E) is coated on polysulfone (PS) dialysis membrane for antioxidative purpose. The membrane, however, has not yet been evaluated from the mass transfer point of view. We investigated this PS membrane with and without vit E coating in vitro ultrafiltration experiments to identify whether or not the coating influences the mass transfer. Dialyzers that included PS membrane with and without vit E coating were investigated. Aqueous test solution of various solutes including vitamin B12 (VB12, MW1355), chymotrypsin (chymo, MW25000), and albumin (alb, MW66000) was prepared, and normal ultrafiltration experiments were performed at 310 K. Reverse ultrafiltration experiments in which test solution was filtered from outside to inside the hollow fiber were also performed. Sieving coefficients (SC) were computed for evaluation. SC for VB12 was the same regardless of vit E coating; however, chymo was 0.82 ± 0.01 and 0.86 ± 0.01, respectively, for the membrane with and without vit E. Thus, it would be understood that vit E coating reduces the pore size of the membrane, resulting the reduced transport of larger solutes. Like other PS membrane, SC for alb was decreased over time regardless of vit E coating. More importantly, although the steady‐state SC for alb was almost identical in two membranes, PS without vit E showed much greater decrease for the first 2 h, while that with vit E showed very little decrease over time, which suggested the reduced fouling effect due to vit E coating. All the SC values found in reverse ultrafiltration were higher than those found in normal ultrafiltration; moreover, the degree of increase with chymo was approximately 5%, whereas that with alb was approximately 430%, which may be explained by a new model in which wedge effect is taken into consideration for the membrane transport. Vit E coating not only has antioxidative effect but also reduces the fouling that is usually caused by various proteins.
Surgical site infection rates in dialysis patients undergoing endovascular procedures
Authors: Urbanes Aris Q. , Litchfield Terry , Graham Kevin , Hutyra Carolyn A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection related to surgery that develops within 30 days after an operation or within 1 year of implant placement. Postoperative SSIs are the most common health‐care‐associated infections, occurring in up to 5% of surgical patients. Endovascular surgical procedures related to vascular access are common in the dialysis population and may cause SSIs. A large outpatient vascular access system developed and implemented a surveillance program to measure and monitor SSIs in their population. The health‐care surveillance system extended to 76 ambulatory care centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. Based on a recorded 92,880 patient encounters, the surveillance system tabulated 12,541 valid patient survey responses documenting self‐reported symptoms of infection within a 30‐day postoperative period. The SSI rate was tabulated based on the presence of two or more specified indicators of infection: antibiotics, pus, dehiscence, pain, warmth, and swelling. Patients undergoing interventional procedures received surveys at discharge. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Survey analysis indicated a less than 3% superficial incisional SSI rate in hemodialysis patients undergoing endovascular procedures. The SSI rate for clean wound procedures is generally 2% or less. These data indicate that dialysis patients undergoing interventional procedures in vascular access centers may have a slightly greater risk of developing SSIs due to the presence of additional risk factors including obesity, diabetes, and age. This study was limited by a set of loose diagnostic criteria self‐reported by patients, which may have overestimated the prevalence of infection. SSIs are a serious medical problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality and increased medical care costs. All providers should consider an active surveillance program following endovascular procedures given the comorbidities associated with the dialysis population.
Hospital discharge summary scorecard: a quality improvement tool used in a tertiary hospital general medicine service
Authors: Singh G. , Harvey R. , Dyne A. , Said A. , Scott I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe assessed the impact of completion and feedback of discharge summary scorecards on the quality of discharge summaries written by interns in a general medicine service of a tertiary hospital. The scorecards significantly improved summary quality in the first three rotations of the intern year and could be readily adopted by other units as a quality improvement intervention for optimizing clinical handover to primary care providers.
DNA–histone complexes as ligands amplify cell penetration and nuclear targeting of anti‐DNA antibodies via energy‐independent mechanisms
Authors: Zannikou Markella , Bellou Sofia , Eliades Petros , Hatzioannou Aikaterini , Mantzaris Michael D. , Carayanniotis George , Avrameas Stratis , Lymberi Peggy 
Published: October 2015

SummaryWe have generated three monoclonal cell‐penetrating antibodies (CPAbs) from a non‐immunized lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 mouse that exhibited high anti‐DNA serum titres. These CPAbs are polyreactive because they bind to DNA and other cellular components, and localize mainly in the nucleus of HeLa cells, albeit with a distinct nuclear labelling profile. Herein, we have examined whether DNA–histone complexes (DHC) binding to CPAbs, before cell entry, could modify the cell penetration of CPAbs or their nuclear staining properties. By applying confocal microscopy and image analysis, we found that extracellular binding of purified CPAbs to DHC significantly enhanced their subsequent cell‐entry, both in terms of percentages of positively labelled cells and fluorescence intensity (internalized CPAb amount), whereas there was a variable effect on their nuclear staining profile. Internalization of CPAbs, either alone or bound to DHC, remained unaltered after the addition of endocytosis‐specific inhibitors at 37° or assay performance at 4°, suggesting the involvement of energy‐independent mechanisms in the internalization process. These findings assign to CPAbs a more complex pathogenetic role in systemic lupus erythematosus where both CPAbs and nuclear components are abundant.
Analysts’ and Investors’ Reactions to Consistent Earnings Signals
Authors: Caylor Marcus L. , Christensen Theodore E. , Johnson Peter M. , Lopez Thomas J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe investigate (1) whether the trajectory of the current‐quarter earnings expectation path (defined by the signs of the forecast revision and the earnings surprise) provides information about future firm performance, and (2) the extent to which analysts and investors react to that information. Our results indicate that analysts underreact more to earnings information revealed by consistent‐signal earnings expectation paths than to earnings information communicated by inconsistent‐signal expectation paths. We also find that the current earnings expectation path provides incremental explanatory power for future abnormal returns, even after controlling for the sign and magnitude of the earnings surprise. Overall, our evidence is consistent with underreaction stemming from analysts’ and investors’ bias in processing the information in consistent‐signal earnings expectation paths.
Student‐generated content in college teaching: content quality, behavioural pattern and learning performance
Authors: Yang X. , Guo X. , Yu S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the quality of course content, behavioural patterns of students and learning performance in teaching of student‐generated content (SGC). A total of 49 third‐year university students in educational technology participated in this study. By combining the methods of questionnaire, lag sequence analysis and interview, the study found that (1) SGC quality was acceptable, (2) SGC process has 14 significant behavioural sequences, and (3) students developed their knowledge and capability and were satisfied with SGC‐based teaching approach. In addition, this study revealed problems and proposed suggestions for SGC‐based course teaching. Finally, implications for course teaching in colleges, the limitations and future research plan were presented.
Factors affecting peri‐implant bone resorption in four Implant supported mandibular full‐arch restorations: a 3‐year prospective study
Authors: Krennmair Stefan , Weinländer Michael , Forstner Thomas , Krennmair Gerald , Stimmelmayr Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPeri‐implant marginal bone‐level (MBL) alteration represents one of the parameters included in the criteria for determining implant health.ObjectiveFactors affecting peri‐implant MBL alteration for 4‐implant‐supported fixed mandibular prostheses (4‐ISFMP) were assessed.Material & MethodsA 3‐year prospective, cohort study was conducted on 44 mandibularly edentulous patients treated with 4‐ISFMP. Peri‐implant MBL alteration was evaluated radiographically at the 12‐, 24‐ and 36‐month follow‐ups considering to patient‐related risk factors [age, gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, cardiovascular disease (CVD), rheumatic disorders (RD)] and implant/prosthesis‐related features (implant location, keratinized gingiva, denture cantilever length, prosthesis supporting zone, opposing dentition) as well as to peri‐implant biological parameters (plaque‐, bleeding‐, calculus index).Results148/176 implants (37 patients, drop‐out: 15%) were followed for 3 years showing significant (p < 0.001) annual differences of MBL alterations over time. The univariate analysis demonstrated differences of MBL alterations for smokers (p = 0.014), for patients with CVD (p = 0.001) and RD (p = 0.011). In the 3‐year multivariate analysis, MBL alteration was influenced by time (p < 0.001) and showed relationship with risk factors as smoking (p < 0.002; OR = 18.965), CVD (p < 0.021; OR = 5.172), RD (p < 0.006; OR = 50.171) and plaque‐index (p = 0.034; OR = 3.252).ConclusionsAlthough peri‐implant MBL alteration increased annually, significant odds ratios, were found for patients‐related risk factors identifying them potentiating the alterations.
Is hidradenitis suppurativa associated with anaemia?: a population‐based and hospital‐based cross‐sectional study from Denmark
Authors: Miller I.M. , Johansen M.E. , Mogensen U.B. , Zarchi K. , Ellervik C. , Jemec G.B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammatory diseases may be associated with anaemia of inflammation. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory dermatological disease associated with metabolic comorbidities, low quality of life and fatigue. Anaemia may cause fatigue, and it has been hypothesized that HS‐related fatigue may be partly due to anaemia.ObjectiveOur objective was to investigate a possible association between HS and anaemia.MethodsWe performed a hospital‐based and population‐based cross‐sectional study investigating the red blood cell profile, i.e. haemoglobin.ResultsWe identified a total of 32 hospital HS individuals, 430 population HS individuals and 20,780 population non‐HS control individuals. The age‐sex‐smoking‐adjusted analyses showed no differences in the haemoglobin level of the HS groups vs. the control group. Analyses of the anaemic subgroup of HS individuals revealed that 60% had normocytic anaemia and 40% microcytic anaemia, in concordance with anaemia of inflammation.ConclusionIn contrast to our hypothesis, this study showed that HS is not associated with anaemia. Thus, anaemia may not be the cause of the described fatigue in HS patients. Furthermore, the results indicate that if an HS patient does suffer from anaemia it is most likely to be normocytic or microcytic and thus compatible with anaemia seen in other chronic inflammatory disorders.
Cost–benefit of reflectance confocal microscopy in the diagnostic performance of melanoma
Authors: Pellacani G. , Witkowski A. , Cesinaro A.M. , Losi A. , Colombo G.L. , Campagna A. , Longo C. , Piana S. , De Carvalho N. , Giusti F. , Farnetani F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe sub‐optimal diagnostic accuracy for melanoma leads to excise a high number of benign lesions, with consequent costs. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) improves diagnostic specificity, thus possibly inducing a reduction in unnecessary excisions and related costs.ObjectiveTo estimate the influence of RCM on number of benign lesions needed to excise (NNE) a melanoma, in term of clinical outcomes and costs per patient.Patients and MethodsSkin neoplasms excised by the dermatology public service in the Province of Modena were retrieved form centralized pathology database. Differences in NNE between the territorial service (using dermoscopy only) and the University Hospital (adding also RCM to the patients’ workflow) were calculated and cost analysis was performed through a micro‐costing approach.ResultsA large reduction in benign lesions excised at University Hospital was evident, leading to NNE of 6.25 for University Hospital, compared to 19.41 for Territorial Dermatology. Since 4320 unnecessary excisions can be saved every million inhabitants, an overall yearly saving of over 280,000 Eur can be expected from the use of RCM.ConclusionsThe systematic use of RCM was dramatically affecting the number of benign lesions excised, and this can be translated in a significant cost–benefit advantage.
The role of clinical evidence in emergent therapies: an empirical study on femoropopliteal stent‐angioplasty in Europe
Authors: Bourdon Elmar , Schüller Katharina , Diehl Steffen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectiveA delayed availability of clinical evidence in rapidly emerging therapies is considered a major problem. In this study, we examined whether evidence from clinical studies has influenced the therapy of a major disease in industrial countries, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), using novel femoropopliteal stent‐angioplasty.MethodThis analysis of retrospective time series data uses multivariate linear regression to investigate associations between published clinical evidence on femoropopliteal stent‐angioplasty from Q3/2004 to Q4/2010 and the demand for femoropopliteal stents in Germany, France, Italy and the UK between Q1/2005 and Q4/2010, controlling for the prevalence of PAD risk factors, cardiovascular drug demand, reimbursement of health care providers for stent implantation, stent selling prices of manufacturers and economic indicators.ResultsWe did not observe any association of published clinical evidence with femoropopliteal stent demand in Germany, France, Italy and the UK, while we observed such associations for varying control variables at different time lags respectively.ConclusionWe observed no association between published clinical evidence of femoropopliteal stent‐angioplasty and its use in any of the four countries. The country‐specific context and practice‐related variables at a centre and individual doctor level may have limited the role of published clinical evidence in emerging femoropopliteal stent‐angioplasty. More research is needed at this context, centre and individual level.
Statin prescribing according to gender, age and indication: what about the benefit–risk balance?
Authors: Wallach‐Kildemoes Helle , Stovring Henrik , Holme Hansen Ebba , Howse Kenneth , Pétursson Hálfdán 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationales, aims and objectivesThe increasing dispensing of statins has raised concern about the appropriateness of prescribing to various population groups. We aimed to (1) investigate incident and prevalent statin prescribing according to indication, gender and age and (2) relate prescribing patterns to evidence on beneficial and adverse effects.MethodsA cohort of Danish inhabitants (n = 4 424 818) was followed in nationwide registries for dispensed statin prescriptions and hospital discharge information. We calculated incidence rates (2005–2009), prevalence trends (2000–2010) and absolute numbers of statin users according to register proxies for indication, gender and age.ResultsIn 2010, the prevalence became highest for ages 75–84 and was higher in men than women (37% and 33%, respectively). Indication‐specific incidences and prevalences peaked at ages around 65–70, but in myocardial infarction, the prevalence was about 80% at ages 45–80. Particularly, incidences tended to be lower in women until ages of about 60 where after gender differences were negligible. In asymptomatic individuals (hypercholesterolaemia, presumably only indication) aged 50+, dispensing was highest in women. The fraction of statin dispensing for primary prevention decreased with age: higher for incident than prevalent prescribing. Independent of age, this fraction was highest among women, e.g. 60% versus 45% at ages 55–64. The fraction for potential atherosclerotic condition (PAC, e.g. heart failure) increased with age.ConclusionPrevalence of statin utilization was highest for ages 75–84, although indication‐specific measures were relatively low. Despite inconclusive evidence for a favourable risk–benefit balance, statin prescribing was high among people aged 80+, asymptomatic women and PAC patients.
Responding to cough presentations: an interview study with Cambodian pharmacies participating in a National Tuberculosis Referral Program
Authors: Bell Carolyn A. , Pichenda Koeut , Ilomäki Jenni , Duncan Gregory J. , Eang Mao Tan , Saini Bandana 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesAsia‐Pacific carries a high burden of respiratory‐related mortality. Timely referral and detection of tuberculosis cases optimizes patient and public health outcomes. Registered private pharmacies in Cambodia participate in a National Tuberculosis Referral Program to refer clients with cough suggestive of tuberculosis to public sector clinics for diagnosis and care. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical intentions of pharmacy staff when presented with a hypothetical case of a client with prolonged cough suggestive of tuberculosis.MethodA random sample of 180 pharmacies was selected. Trained interviewers administered a hypothetical case scenario to trained pharmacy staff. Participants provided ‘yes’/‘no’ responses to five clinical actions presented in the scenario. Actions were not mutually exclusive. Data were tabulated and compared using chi‐square tests or Fisher's exact tests.ResultsOverall, 156 (92%) participants would have referred the symptomatic client in the case scenario. Participants who would have referred the client were less likely to sell a cough medicine (42% vs. 100%, P < 0.001) and less likely to sell an antibiotic (19% vs. 79%, P < 0.001) than those who would not have referred the client.ConclusionInvolving pharmacies in a Referral Program may have introduced concepts of appropriate clinical care when responding to clients presenting with cough suggestive of tuberculosis. However, results showed enhancing clinical competence among all referral programme participants particularly among non‐referring pharmacies and those making concurrent sales of cough‐related products would optimize pharmacy‐initiated referral. Further research into actual clinical practices at Referral Program pharmacies would be justified.