bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic evaluation of micafungin versus caspofungin for the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis
Authors: Neoh C. F. , Liew D. , Slavin M. A , Marriott D. , Chen S. C.‐A. , Morrissey O. , Stewart K. , Kong D. C. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundMicafungin demonstrated non‐inferiority to caspofungin as definitive therapy for candidaemia and invasive candidiasis (IC) in a major randomised clinical trial.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate if micafungin is a cost‐saving option compared with caspofungin for treating candidaemia andIC.MethodsA decision analytical model was constructed to capture downstream consequences of using either agent as initial therapy for candidaemia andIC. The main outcomes were treatment success and treatment failure (i.e. death, mycological persistence, emergent infection, clinical failure but microbiological success). Outcome probabilities and treatment pathways were derived from the literature. Cost inputs were from the latest Australian resources, and resource use was estimated by expert panel. The analysis was from theAustralian hospital perspective. Sensitivity analyses usingMonteCarlo simulation were conducted.ResultsMicafungin (AU$52 816) was associated with a lower total cost than caspofungin (AU$52 976), with a net cost‐saving of $160 per patient. This was primarily due to the lower cost associated with alternative antifungal treatment in the micafungin arm. Hospitalisation was the main cost‐driver for both arms. The model outcome was most sensitive to the proportion of treatment success in the micafungin arm. Uncertainty analysis demonstrated that micafungin had a 58% chance of being cost‐saving compared with caspofungin.ConclusionsMicafungin was cost‐equivalent to caspofungin in treating candidaemia andIC, with variation in drug acquisition cost the critical factor.
The dark side of information technology use
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Gupta Ashish , Turel Ofir 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA large body of research has considered the positive aspects of information technology (IT) use. However, emerging research and practice commentary is beginning to focus on complex and often alarming ways in which use of IT affects organisational and social life. This Special Issue focuses on these ‘dark’ effects of IT use.
Voluntary angler logbooks reveal long‐term changes in a lentic pike, Esox lucius, population
Authors: Jansen T. , Arlinghaus R. , Als T. D. , Skov C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSixty‐two years of voluntarily collected angling logbook data from a large natural Danish lake were used to study variation in pike, Esox lucius L., CPUE (catch per unit effort), expressed as no. of captured pike per boat trip, as an index of stock size. Pike CPUE was positively related to pike release rate by anglers and negatively affected by certain commercial fishers. The stocking of young‐of‐the‐year pike and a fishery‐dependent index of perch, Perca fluviatilis L., abundance (which may be pike prey or predator depending on size) did not correlate with pike CPUE. Analyses of the size distribution of pike, based on sizes of annual record trophy pike captured by anglers, confirmed the negative impact of commercial pike fishing and revealed a positive influence of air temperature. It is concluded that high‐quality angler logbooks that record effort and catch can be a cost‐effective tool to inform lake fisheries management by revealing long‐term population trends. Further, state space modelling, a statistical technique not yet seen in recreational fisheries science, is recommended as a tool to model proxies for population dynamics from angler logbook data.
Controlled Delivery of Low‐Dose Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 Using Heparin‐Conjugated Fibrin in the Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion of Rabbits
Authors: Koo Ki‐Hyoung , Lee Jong‐Min , Ahn Jung‐Min , Kim Byung‐Soo , La Wan‐Geun , Kim Chang‐Sung , Im Gun‐Il 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe heparin‐conjugated fibrin (HCF) system has been developed to deliver bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) for a long‐term period and thus enhance bone regeneration. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of the delivery system for spinal fusion with a very low dose of BMP‐2. A total of 15 rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar spine, divided into three groups. The control group received only collagen sponges without BMP‐2, another group (BMP‐only group) received collagen sponges loaded with BMP‐2 (10 μg each side), and the last group (BMP/HCF group) received collagen sponges filled with HCF loaded with BMP‐2 (10 μg each side). All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after surgery, and the fusion was assessed by radiographs, manual palpation, computed tomography scan, and mechanical testing. No case in the BMP/HCF group or in the control group achieved solid fusion, while all cases in BMP‐only group showed evidence of solid fusion. BMP/HCF group had significantly lower fusion rate and tensile strength than BMP‐only group at the dose of 10 μg of BMP‐2. The HCF long‐term delivery system with the low dose of BMP‐2 (10 μg) is ineffective for the induction of lumbar posterolateral fusion in the rabbits.
Exploring the expectations, needs and experiences of general practitioners and nurses towards a proactive and structured care programme for frail older patients: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bleijenberg Nienke , Ten Dam Valerie Hester , Steunenberg Bas , Drubbel Irene , Numans Mattijs E. , De Wit Niek J. , Schuurmans Marieke J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo report the expectations and experiences of general practitioners and practice nurses regarding the U‐CARE programme, to gain a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators in providing proactive, structured care to frail older people and to determine whether implementation is feasible.BackgroundCare for older patients with complex care needs in primary care is fragmented, reactive and time consuming. A structured, proactive care programme was developed to improve physical functioning and quality of life in frail older patients.DesignAn explanatory mixed‐methods study nested in a cluster‐randomized trial.MethodsThe barriers to and needs for the provision of structured, proactive care, and expectations regarding the U‐CARE programme were assessed with pre‐questionnaires sent to all participating general practitioners (n = 32) and practice nurses (n = 21) in October 2010. Postquestionnaires measured experiences with the programme after 5 months. Twelve months later, focus group meetings were conducted.ResultsPractice nurses and general practitioners reported that it was difficult to provide proactive and structured care to older patients with multi‐morbidity, different cultural backgrounds and low socioeconomic status. Barriers were a lack of time and financial compensation. Most general practitioners and practice nurses indicated that the programme added value for the coordination of care and allowed them to provide structured care.ConclusionThis explanatory mixed‐methods study showed that general practitioners and practice nurses perceived the U‐CARE programme as feasible in general practice. A transition was made from reactive, ad hoc care towards a proactive and preventive care approach.
Nursing intellectual capital theory: testing selected propositions
Authors: Covell Christine L. , Sidani Souraya 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo test the selected propositions of the middle‐range theory of nursing intellectual capital.BackgroundThe nursing intellectual capital theory conceptualizes nursing knowledge's influence on patient and organizational outcomes. The theory proposes nursing human capital, nurses' knowledge, skills and experience, is related to the quality of patient care and nurse recruitment and retention of an inpatient care unit. Two factors in the work environment, nurse staffing and employer support for nurse continuing professional development, are proposed to influence nursing human capital's association with patient and organizational outcomes.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsThe study took place in 2008 in six Canadian acute care hospitals. Financial, human resource and risk data were collected from hospital departments and unit managers. Clearly specified empirical indicators quantified the study variables. The propositions of the theory were tested with data from 91 inpatient care units using structural equation modelling.ResultsThe propositions associated with the nursing human capital concept were supported. The propositions associated with the employer support for nurse continuing professional development concept were not. The proposition that nurse staffing's influences on patient outcomes was mediated by the nursing human capital of an inpatient unit, was partially supported.ConclusionSome of the theory's propositions were empirically validated. Additional theoretical work is needed to refine the operationalization and measurement of some of the theory's concepts. Further research with larger samples of data from different geographical settings and types of hospitals is required to determine if the theory can withstand empirical scrutiny.
The effect of educational audiotape programme on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Hoseini Shirzad , Soltani Fahimeh , Babaee Beygi Mohammadali , Zarifsanaee Nahid 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate use of educational audiotape programme on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).BackgroundAnxiety and depression after CABG are the most common complications, having a negative impact on the prognosis of heart disease, leading to special needs according to their new physical and mental conditions.DesignRandomised clinical trial.MethodsThis study conducted in Iran, 70 patients undergoing CABG were included and divided into two equal groups, the control group and intervention group. They were followed up for six weeks. An audiotape educational programme was given to the intervention group after surgery in addition to the routine training. But patients in the control group received only routine training. Anxiety and depression were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a standardised questionnaire for anxiety and depression. Data were collected before and six weeks after the intervention. For the comparison of mean scores between the groups, the data were analysed in spss, version 16, using independent T‐test and paired T‐test.ResultsThe mean scores obtained in both anxiety and depression dimensions were significantly different between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionsAudiotape educational programme used by patients undergoing CABG decreases the level of their anxiety and depression after cardiac surgery.Relevance to clinical practiceThe most significant finding was the importance of audiotape educational programme to meet the needs of the CABG patients, which suggest that patient education through audiotape can be effective in self‐care after heart surgery and nurses can use an audiotape containing preparatory information to improve outcomes and reduce anxiety and depression in patients having CABG.
MULTIUNIT AUCTIONS
Authors: Kwasnica Anthony M. , Sherstyuk Katerina 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe survey experimental research on multiunit auctions with an emphasis on topics that may be of a unifying interest to experimental, as well as theoretical and empirical economists. Topics include static and dynamic multiunit auctions; combinatorial auctions and efficient auction design; simultaneous and sequential auctions; bidder asymmetry and endogenous entry, and collusion in auctions. We also discuss behavioral regularities observed in multiunit auction experiments.
Substrate selection for urine spraying in captive wildcats
Authors: Ruiz‐Olmo J. , Such‐Sanz A. , Piñol C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study documents the urine spraying behaviour of wildcats, Felis silvestris. Urine spraying is considered a short term visual mark and the main form of scent marking by felids. When urine spraying, a wildcat raises up its tail and ejects backwards a spray of urine against a prominent object of its surrounding environment. The selection of a urinating substrate should maximize the communicating value of the mark, but the factors that influence this selection are poorly understood. We hypothesized that urine spraying marks are not placed randomly, but that wildcats select marking post based on traits that enhance the effectiveness of the scent mark, by maximizing their detectability, diffusion or persistence. This study shows that wildcats select common juniper, Juniperus communis, to spray their urine mark on not because of the physical traits of the plant, but based on the species. The effectiveness of an olfactive mark has to do with the degradation and oxidation of its chemical components. The common juniper has a high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) with antioxidant activity. We therefore suggest that wildcats can recognize the VOC composition of different plants, and based on its VOC, select those plants which could enhance the olfactory effectiveness of the mark. Thus, the recognition of volatile compounds in the surrounding environment should be important in the marking behaviour of wildcats.
Dose‐dependent reduction of replication elongation rate by (p)ppGpp in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: DeNapoli Jessica , Tehranchi Ashley K. , Wang Jue D. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryDNA replication is regulated in response to environmental constraints such as nutrient availability. While much is known about regulation of replication during initiation, little is known about regulation of replication during elongation. In the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, replication elongation is paused upon sudden amino acid starvation by the starvation‐inducible nucleotide (p)ppGpp. However, in many bacteria including Escherichia coli, replication elongation is thought to be unregulated by nutritional availability. Here we reveal that the replication elongation rate in E. coli is modestly but significantly reduced upon strong amino acid starvation. This reduction requires (p)ppGpp and is exacerbated in a gppA mutant with increased pppGpp levels. Importantly, high levels of (p)ppGpp, independent of amino acid starvation, are sufficient to inhibit replication elongation even in the absence of transcription. Finally, in both E. coli and B. subtilis, (p)ppGpp inhibits replication elongation in a dose‐dependent manner rather than via a switch‐like mechanism, although this inhibition is much stronger in B. subtilis. This supports a model where replication elongation rates are regulated by (p)ppGpp to allow rapid and tunable response to multiple abrupt stresses in evolutionarily diverse bacteria.
Therapeutic Patient Education in Children with Atopic Dermatitis: Position Paper on Objectives and Recommendations
Authors: Barbarot Sébastien , Bernier Claire , Deleuran Mette , De Raeve Linda , Eichenfield Lawrence , El Hachem May , Gelmetti Carlo , Gieler Uwe , Lio Peter , Marcoux Danielle , Morren Marie‐Anne , Torrelo Antonio , Stalder Jean Francois ,   The Oriented Patient‐Education Network in Dermatology
Published: March 2013

AbstractPoor adherence is frequent in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), leading to therapeutic failure. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) helps patients with chronic disease to acquire or maintain the skills they need to manage their chronic disease. After a review of the literature, a group of multispecialty physicians, nurses, psychologists, and patients worked together during two international workshops to develop common recommendations for TPE in AD. These recommendations were structured as answers to nine frequently asked questions about TPE in AD: What is TPE and what are its underlying principles? Why use TPE in the management of AD? Who should benefit from TPE in AD? How can TPE be organized for AD? What is the assessment process for TPE in AD? What is the evidence of the benefit of TPE in AD? Who are the people involved in TPE? How should TPE be funded in dermatology? What are the limits of the TPE process?
Comparison of recombinant human erythropoietin and darbepoetin alpha in children
Authors: Can Ceren , Emre Sevinç , Bilge Ilmay , Yilmaz Alev , Şirin Aydan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to compare the clinical efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and darbepoetin alpha (DA) in the treatment of anemia in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodThirty‐four (13 female, 21 male) CKD patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 11.42 ± 4.05 years. Nine patients were on hemodialysis, 18 were on peritoneal dialysis and seven patients were in CKD stage 4.ResultsSeventeen patients received rHuEPO and the remaining 17 patients received DA. Hemoglobin (Hb) was not significantly different between the two groups during monthly follow up and at the end of 6 months (P > 0.05), but there was a significant increase within each group at the end of 6 months (P = 0.01 for rHuEPO; P = 0.02 for DA). Hb was not different between the patients on and not on dialysis in both groups at the end of the study (P > 0.05). The efficacy of the s.c. and i.v. routes was similar within each group (P > 0.05). Systolic hypertension was observed in only one patient in the DA group, no other adverse effect was observed in either groups.ConclusionDA is a reasonable alternative to rHuEPO in the treatment of anemia in pediatric CKD patients, due to its clinical efficacy, convenience of use, patient compliance and tolerability.
A Theoretical Rationale why Furan‐side Monoadduct is More Favorable Toward Diadduct Formation in 8‐Methoxypsoralen and Thymine Complexes
Authors: Huang Xuebin , Zhang Rubo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe photoinduced mechanism of formation of mono‐ and diadducts between 8‐MOP and thymine bases is studied using the ONIOM(MPWB1K/6–31 + G(d,p):B3LYP/6–31G(d,p):UFF) and B3LYP/6–31 + G(d,p) methods. The relevant cycloaddition displays favorable energy barriers and reaction energies in the triplet excited state, which involves the initial formation of a diradical followed by ring closure via singlet–triplet interaction. The monoadduct on the pyrone side is favored over the furan side when comparing reaction energies. The distinguishing feature in the formation of the monoadducts is that the furan‐side adduct displays a better photostability, which is a relatively high‐barrier exothermic reaction, and thus the energy balance of the monoadduct on the furan side toward final diadduct formation is favored.
Influence of infection on malaria‐specific antibody dynamics in a cohort exposed to intense malaria transmission in northern Uganda
Authors: Proietti C. , Verra F. , Bretscher M. T. , Stone W. , Kanoi B. N. , Balikagala B. , Egwang T. G. , Corran P. , Ronca R. , Arcà B. , Riley E. M. , Crisanti A. , Drakeley C. , Bousema T. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe role of submicroscopic infections in modulating malaria antibody responses is poorly understood and requires longitudinal studies. A cohort of 249 children ≤5 years of age, 126 children between 6 and 10 years and 134 adults ≥20 years was recruited in an area of intense malaria transmission in Apac, Uganda and treated with artemether/lumefantrine at enrolment. Parasite carriage was determined at enrolment and after 6 and 16 weeks using microscopy and PCR. Antibody prevalence and titres to circumsporozoite protein, apical membrane antigen‐1 (AMA‐1), merozoite surface protein‐1 (MSP‐119), merozoite surface protein‐2 (MSP‐2) and Anopheles gambiae salivary gland protein 6 (gSG6) were determined by ELISA. Plasmodium falciparum infections were detected in 38·1% (194/509) of the individuals by microscopy and in 57·1% (284/493) of the individuals by PCR at enrolment. Antibody prevalence and titre against AMA‐1, MSP‐119, MSP‐2 and gSG6 were related to concurrent (sub‐)microscopic parasitaemia. Responses were stable in children who were continuously infected with malaria parasites but declined in children who were never parasitaemic during the study or were not re‐infected after treatment. These findings indicate that continued malaria infections are required to maintain antibody titres in an area of intense malaria transmission.
Nudge to Health: Harnessing Decision Research to Promote Health Behavior
Authors: Li Meng , Chapman Gretchen B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe review selected literature that examines how biases in decision making can be utilized to encourage individual health behavior, such as vaccination, and promote policy decisions, such as resource allocation. These studies use simple interventions to nudge people towards more optimal health decisions without restricting decision‐makers’ freedom of choice. Examples include framing effects, defaults, implementation intentions, position effects, social norm, incentives, and emotions. We suggest that nudges are an effective way to promote healthy behavior.
D category IV: a group of clinically relevant and phylogenetically diverse partial D
Authors: von Zabern Inge , Wagner Franz F. , Moulds Joann M. , Moulds John J. , Flegel Willy A. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe D typing strategies in several European countries protect carriers of D category VI (DVI) from anti‐D immunization but not carriers of other partial D. Besides DVI, one of the clinically most important partial D is D category IV (DIV). A detailed description and direct comparison of the different DIV types was missing.Study Design and MethodsRHD nucleotide sequences were determined from genomic DNA. D epitope patterns were established with commercial monoclonal anti‐D panels.ResultsDIV comprises several variants of the D antigen with distinct serology, molecular structures, evolutionary origins, and ethnic prevalences. The DIV phenotype is determined by 350H shared by all, but not limited to, DIV variants which are further divided into DIVa and DIVb. The DIVa phenotype is expressed by DIV Type 1.0 harboring 350H and the dispersed amino acids 62F, 137V, and 152T. The DIVb phenotype is expressed by DIV Type 3 to Type 5 representing RHD‐CE‐D hybrids. Four of the six postulated DIV variants were encountered among 23 DIV samples analyzed. Of 12 DIV carriers with anti‐D, 10 were female and seven likely immunized by pregnancy. Two DIV‐related alleles are newly described: DWN, which differs from DIV Type 4 by 350D and epitope pattern. DNT carries 152T, known to cause a large D antigen density.ConclusionDIV alleles arose from at least two independent evolutionary events. DIV Type 1.0 with DIVa phenotype belongs to the oldest extant human RHD alleles. DIV Type 2 to Type 5 with DIVb phenotype arose from more recent gene conversions. Anti‐D immunization, especially dreaded in pregnancies, will be avoided not only in carriers of DVI but also in carriers of other D variants like DIV, if our proposed D typing strategy is adopted.