bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cost and resource utilization analysis of micafungin bridging for hemato‐oncological high‐risk patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Heimann Sebastian M. , Vehreschild Maria J.G.T. , Cornely Oliver A. , Franke Bernd , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Kron Florian , Scheid Christoph , Vehreschild Jörg J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous bridging strategies increase exposure of antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk hematological patients. The cost‐effectiveness of such strategies has not been analyzed.MethodsA recent study compared the impact of oral posaconazole (POS) and oral posaconazole with intravenous micafungin bridging (POS‐MIC) as prophylactic antifungal regimens in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (aSCT). Based on data from the Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients (CoCoNut), a health economic evaluation of direct treatment costs was performed to analyze the economic impact of micafungin bridging. Analysis was undertaken based on current guidelines for the German societal perspective with an annual discount rate of 5%, whereby indirect costs were disregarded due to the severity of the underlying disease. Sensitivity analysis of cost calculation with different discount rates was performed to improve robustness of our health economic evaluation.ResultsA retrospective case–control analysis of patients undergoing aSCT between 05/2006 and 07/2011 was performed; 106 patients each in the POS and POS‐MIC group were included. In the POS and POS‐MIC group, mean costs per patient for the treatment on bone marrow transplant ward were €27 228 (95% CI: €24 932–€29 525) vs. €27 894 (95% CI: €26 414–€29 375; P = 0.629), for diagnostic measures €2124 (95% CI: €1823–€2425) vs. €1269 (95% CI: €1168–€1370; P ≤ 0.001), for laboratory findings €10 612 (95% CI: €9681–€11 544) vs. €8836 (95% CI: €8198–€9475; P = 0.002), and for overall antifungal treatment €6105 (95% CI: €4703–€7508) vs. €6943 (95% CI: €5393–€8493; P = 0.428), resulting in mean overall costs per patient of €60 304 (95% CI: €53 969–€66 639) vs. €58 089 (95% CI: €51 736–64 442; P = 0.625).ConclusionsOur health economic evaluation shows micafungin bridging in aSCT patients did not result in excess cost. Higher acquisition costs of antifungal prophylaxis were balanced by a reduced incidence of possible IFD and lower costs for empirical, preemptive, and targeted antifungal therapy as well as lower costs for diagnostic measures and laboratory tests in the micafungin bridging group.
Spatial and temporal distribution of visual information coding in lateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kadohisa Mikiko , Kusunoki Makoto , Petrov Philippe , Sigala Natasha , Buckley Mark J. , Gaffan David , Duncan John 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPrefrontal neurons code many kinds of behaviourally relevant visual information. In behaving monkeys, we used a cued target detection task to address coding of objects, behavioural categories and spatial locations, examining the temporal evolution of neural activity across dorsal and ventral regions of the lateral prefrontal cortex (encompassing parts of areas 9, 46, 45A and 8A), and across the two cerebral hemispheres. Within each hemisphere there was little evidence for regional specialisation, with neurons in dorsal and ventral regions showing closely similar patterns of selectivity for objects, categories and locations. For a stimulus in either visual field, however, there was a strong and temporally specific difference in response in the two cerebral hemispheres. In the first part of the visual response (50–250 ms from stimulus onset), processing in each hemisphere was largely restricted to contralateral stimuli, with strong responses to such stimuli, and selectivity for both object and category. Later (300–500 ms), responses to ipsilateral stimuli also appeared, many cells now responding more strongly to ipsilateral than to contralateral stimuli, and many showing selectivity for category. Activity on error trials showed that late activity in both hemispheres reflected the animal's final decision. As information is processed towards a behavioural decision, its encoding spreads to encompass large, bilateral regions of prefrontal cortex.
Assessing the utility of testing aluminum levels in dialysis patients
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Toussaint Nigel D. , Pickering Janice , Beeston Tony , Smith Edward R. , Holt Stephen G. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPlasma aluminum (Al) is routinely tested in many dialysis patients. Aluminum exposure may lead to acute toxicity and levels in excess of ∼2.2 μmol/L (60 μg/L) should be avoided. Historically, toxicity has been caused by excessive dialyzate Al but modern reverse osmosis (RO) water should be Al free. Nevertheless, many units continue to perform routine Al levels on dialysis patients. This single‐center study retrospectively analyzed Al levels in plasma, raw water feed, and RO product between 2010 and 2013 using our database (Nephworks 6) with the aim of determining the utility of these measurements. Two thousand fifty‐eight plasma Al tests in 755 patients (61.9% male, mean age 64.7 years) were reviewed showing mean ± SD of 0.41 ± 0.30 μmol/L. One hundred eleven (5.4%) tests from 61 patients had Al levels >0.74 μmol/L and 45 (73.8%) of these patients were or had been prescribed Al hydroxide (Al(OH)3) as a phosphate binder. Seven patients had Al concentrations >2.2 μmol/L with no source of Al identified in 1 patient. One hundred sixty‐six patients taking Al(OH)3 (78.7% of all patients on Al(OH)3) had levels ≤0.74 μmol/L, the odds ratio of plasma Al > 0.74 μmol/L on Al(OH)3 was 9. The cost of plasma Al assay is $A30.60; thus, costs were $A62,974.80 over the study period. Despite RO feed water Al levels as high as 48 μmol/L, Al output from the RO was almost always undetectable (<0.1 μmol/L) with dialyzate Al levels > 2.2 μmol/L only 3 times since 2010, and never in the last 3 years. Routine unselected testing of plasma Al appears unnecessary and expensive and more selective testing in dialysis patients should be considered.
Trustees versus Directors, Whom Do They Serve? Boards, For‐Profits and the Public Good in the United States
Authors: Fox Garrity Bonnie 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPostsecondary education in the United States is provided by public, not‐for‐profit and for‐profit institutions. Public and not‐for‐profit institutions are expected to serve the public good due to state control or chartering requirements; for‐profit institutions are not. Therefore, the decision to serve the public good is vested in the board. The for‐profit director's role as representative of shareholders' interests does not ensure deference to the public good. Currently, national priorities are aligned with shareholder interests creating an environment ripe for expansion of for‐profit education. However, there are implications as national priorities shift to positions that do not complement shareholder interests. Most critically, continued growth of for‐profit postsecondary education may lead to a reduction of service of the public good by all institutions. Private institutions (not‐for‐profit or for‐profit) exist in every large country; therefore, a thorough analysis of the legal distinctions among sectors is encouraged to understand the implications of growth.
Medical mistrust and patient satisfaction with mammography: the mediating effects of perceived self‐efficacy among navigated African American women
Authors: Molina Yamile , Kim Sage , Berrios Nerida , Calhoun Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundMedical mistrust is salient among African American women, given historic and contemporary racism within medical settings. Mistrust may influence satisfaction among navigated women by affecting women's perceptions of their health‐care self‐efficacy and their providers' roles in follow‐up of abnormal test results.ObjectivesTo (i) examine whether general medical mistrust and health‐care self‐efficacy predict satisfaction with mammography services and (ii) test the mediating effects of health‐related self‐efficacy.DesignThe current study is a part of a randomized controlled patient navigation trial for medically underserved women who had received a physician referral to obtain a mammogram in three community hospitals in Chicago, IL. After consent, 671 African American women with no history of cancer completed questionnaires concerning medical mistrust and received navigation services. After their mammography appointment, women completed health‐care self‐efficacy and patient satisfaction questionnaires.ResultsWomen with lower medical mistrust and greater perceived self‐efficacy reported greater satisfaction with care. Medical mistrust was directly and indirectly related to patient satisfaction through self‐efficacy.ConclusionsPreliminary findings suggest future programmes designed to increase health‐care self‐efficacy may improve patient satisfaction among African American women with high levels of medical mistrust. Our findings add to a growing body of literature indicating the importance of self‐efficacy and active participation in health care, especially among the underserved.
Artefact expression associated with several cone‐beam computed tomographic machines when imaging root filled teeth
Authors: Vasconcelos K. F. , Nicolielo L. F. P. , Nascimento M. C. , Haiter‐Neto F. , Bóscolo F. N. , Van Dessel J. , EzEldeen M. , Lambrichts I. , Jacobs R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo evaluate the characteristic artefact patterns associated with teeth root filled with Gutta‐percha when scanned with four cone‐beam CT devices.MethodologyWhilst using soft tissue simulation, ten root filled human premolars were placed in empty sockets in a dry human skull. Subsequently, the skull was scanned using 3D Accuitomo 170®, WhiteFox®, Cranex 3D® and Scanora 3D® following clinical protocols with the highest resolution and artefact reduction. After proper image registration in OnDemand3D® software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea), each image slice was evaluated by three trained and calibrated dentomaxillofacial radiologists, which scored absence (0) and presence (1) of cupping artefact, hypodense halos and streak artefacts. Kappa test was performed for intra‐ and interobserver agreement.ResultsA moderate to perfect agreement for each observer (intra‐observer κ = 0.5–1.0) was found. Agreement between the different observers was moderate to almost perfect for the different artefact patterns (interobserver κ = 0.55–0.9). Cupping artefact was the most prevalent (70%), followed by a hypodense halo (35%) and streak artefacts (16%). The Chi‐squared test revealed significantly more streaks in axial slices (P < 0.0001), with some CBCT systems yielding significantly inferior results to others (P < 0.05). The dedicated EndoMode and artefact reduction did not improve the result significantly.ConclusionsThe variation of artefact expression was significantly different amongst CBCT machines for root filled teeth. Continuous efforts are needed to improve CBCT reconstruction algorithms, with a specific focus on reducing artefacts induced by dense dental materials, whilst striving for enhanced image quality at low‐radiation doses.
Fabrication and Luminescence Properties of Transparent Glass‐Ceramics Containing Eu3+‐Doped TbPO4 Nanocrystals
Authors: Hu Fangfang , Wei Xiantao , Jiang Sha , Huang Shan , Qin Yanguang , Chen Yonghu , Duan Chang‐Kui , Yin Min 
Published: October 2014

Eu3+‐doped transparent phosphate precursor glasses and glass‐ceramics containing TbPO4 nanocrystals were successfully fabricated by a conventional high‐temperature melt‐quenching technique for the first time. The formation of TbPO4 nanocrystals was identified through X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected‐area electron diffraction, and photoluminescence emission spectra. The obvious Stark splitting of 5D0‐7FJ (J = 1, 2, 4) transitions of Eu3+and the increase of internal quantum efficiency indicate the incorporation of Eu3+ into TbPO4 nanocrystals. Energy transfer from Tb3+ ions to Eu3+ ions was investigated using excitation and emission spectra at room temperature. The glass‐ceramics obtained have more efficient Tb3+ to Eu3+ energy transfer than the glass, and so serve as good hosts for luminescent materials.
Treatment of paediatric scalp psoriasis with calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation: effectiveness, safety and influence on children's quality of life in daily practice
Authors: Oostveen A.M. , de Jong E.M.G.J. , Donders A.R.T. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Seyger M.M.B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundEvidence on efficacy and safety of topical treatments for paediatric scalp psoriasis is lacking.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation for paediatric scalp psoriasis in daily clinical practice. The influence of this formulation on the quality of life (QoL) was assessed as well.MethodsData of children treated with the scalp formulation were extracted from a prospective observational daily clinical practice registry of children with psoriasis, called Child‐Continuous Assessment of Psoriasis Treatment Use Registry. Severity was expressed by Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI) and the impact on the QoL was reflected by the validated Children's Scalpdex in Psoriasis (CSP).ResultsEighty‐four treatment episodes were analysed. Significant improvements of PSSI score (18.7 ± 11.8 to 12.7 ± 9.4) were demonstrated in the first 12 weeks and this result was well maintained during 48 weeks of follow‐up. Three patients (4.1%) developed striae of the skin (arms, trunk and legs), which are possibly related to the scalp formulation. CSP scores (79.0–46.3) declined significantly after 3 months.ConclusionIn a daily clinical practice cohort of children with scalp psoriasis, calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation was effective with a 32.1% improvement of PSSI at week 12 and a maintenance of this effect until 48 weeks of follow‐up, in combination with improvement of QoL.
Sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) bacterial infection and confinement stress acts on F‐type lectin (DlFBL) serum modulation
Authors: Parisi M G , Benenati G , Cammarata M 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe F‐lectin, a fucose‐binding protein found from invertebrates to ectothermic vertebrates, is the last lectin family to be discovered. Here, we describe effects of two different types of stressors, bacterial infection and confinement stress, on the modulation of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) F‐lectin (DlFBL), a well‐characterized serum opsonin, using a specific antibody. The infection of the Vibrio alginolyticus bacterial strain increased the total haemagglutinating activity during the 16‐day testing period. The DlFBL value showed an upward regulation on the first, second and last days and underwent a slight downward regulation 4 days post‐challenge. In contrast, the effect of confinement and density stress showed a decrease in the plasma concentration of lectin, ranging from 50% to 60% compared with the control. The modulation of DlFBL is in line with the hypothesis that humoral lectins could be involved and recruited in the initial recognition step of the inflammation, which leads to agglutination, and the activation of mechanisms responsible for killing of the pathogens.
Relationships Between Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time and National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index in the Four Types of Premature Ejaculation Syndromes: A Large Observational Study in China
Authors: Gao Jingjing , Xu Chuan , Liang Chaozhao , Su Puyu , Peng Zhen , Shi Kai , Tang Dongdong , Gao Pan , Lu Zhaoxiang , Liu Jishuang , Xia Lei , Yang Jiajia , Hao Zongyao , Zhou Jun , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Besides lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) and acquired premature ejaculation (APE), Waldinger and Schweitzer proposed two addition PE syndromes (variable PE [VPE] and subjective PE [SPE]).

Aim
We assessed the associations between intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) in men with different PE syndromes.

Methods
From September 2011 to September 2012, a total of 4,000 men were enrolled from the Anhui province of China. Subjects were required to complete a verbal questionnaire, including demographic information, medical and sexual history (e.g., IELT), and self-estimated scales (e.g., NIH-CPSI).

Main Outcome Measures
IELT; NIH-CPSI; the new classification of PE syndromes.

Results
Of 3,016 of the men evaluated, 25.80% complained of PE. Distribution of the four PE syndromes among men with complaints of PE was as follows: LPE, 12.34%; APE, 18.77%; VPE, 44.09%; and SPE, 24.81%. Men with complaints of PE reported worse NIH-CPSI scores and lower IELT than men without complaints of PE (P &lt; 0.001 for all). Moreover, total and subdomain scores of NIH-CPSI were higher in men with APE, and IELT was higher in men with SPE. IELT was negatively associated with NIH-CPSI scores in men with complaints of PE. Negative relationships between total and subdomain scores of NIH-CPSI and IELT were stronger in men with APE (total scores: adjusted r = −0.68, P &lt; 0.001; pain symptoms: adjusted r = −0.70, P &lt; 0.001; urinary symptoms: adjusted r = −0.67, P &lt; 0.001; quality of life impact: adjusted r = −0.64, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Men with complaints of PE reported worse NIH-CPSI scores than men without complaints of PE. Relationships between IELT and NIH-CPSI scores were strongest in men with APE.
Cervical Vertebral Trabecular Bone Mineral Density in Great Danes With and Without Osseous‐Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Armstrong J. , da Costa R.C. , Martin‐Vaquero P. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundGreat Danes (GDs) with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) have osteoarthritis (OA) of the cervical vertebrae. OA is often associated with increases in bone mineral density (BMD) in people and dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare the trabecular BMD of the cervical vertebrae between clinically normal (control) GDs and GDs with osseous‐associated CSM by using computed tomography (CT). We hypothesized that the vertebral trabecular BMD of CSM‐affected GDs would be higher than that of control GDs.AnimalsClient‐owned GDs: 12 controls, 10 CSM affected.MethodsProspective study. CT of the cervical vertebral column was obtained alongside a calibration phantom. By placing a circular region of interest at the articular process joints, vertebral body, pedicles, and within each rod of the calibration phantom, trabecular BMD was measured in Hounsfield units, which were converted to diphosphate equivalent densities. Trabecular BMD measurements were compared between CSM‐affected and control dogs, and between males and females within the control group.ResultsDifferences between CSM‐affected and control dogs were not significant for the articular processes (mean = −39; P = .37; 95% CI: −102 to 24), vertebral bodies (mean = −62; P = .08; 95% CI: −129 to 6), or pedicles (mean = −36; P = .51; 95% CI: −105 to 33). Differences between female and male were not significant.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study revealed no difference in BMD between control and CSM‐affected GDs. Based on our findings no association was detected between cervical OA and BMD in GDs with CSM.
Alveolar osteitis: a critical review of the aetiology and management
Authors: Veale B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAlveolar osteitis (dry socket; AO) is a well‐recognised complication following tooth extraction where accelerated breakdown of the clot within the socket results in increased localised inflammation and severe discomfort for the patient. Conventional treatment is quick and simple, with different medicated packing available for topical treatment. Recent literature on the subject advises against some approaches to treatment, and strengthened evidence that appropriate perioperative management may significantly reduce the incidence of AO. It is the purpose of this article to review these findings and summarise what current evidence suggests to be the best approach for treatment and prevention of AO, as well as identifying key risk factors.
Assessment of three placement techniques for individualized positioning of the tip of the tracheal tube in children under the age of 4 years
Authors: Moll Jens , Erb Thomas O. , Frei Franz J. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundAccurate positioning of the tip of the tracheal tube (tube tip) is challenging in young children. Prevalent clinical methods include placement of intubation depth marks, palpation of the tube cuff in the suprasternal notch, or deliberate mainstem intubation with subsequent withdrawal. To compare the predictability of tube tip positions, variability of the resulting positions in relation to the carina was determined applying the three techniques in each patient.MethodsIn 68 healthy children aged ≤4 years, intubation was performed with an age‐adapted, high‐volume low‐pressure cuffed tube adjusting the imprinted depth mark to the level of the vocal cords. The tube tip‐to‐carina distance was measured endoscopically. Thereafter, placements using (I) cuff palpation in the suprasternal notch and (II) auscultation to determine change in breath sounds during withdrawal after bronchial mainstem intubation were completed in random order.ResultsTube tip position above the carina was higher when using depth marks (mean = 36.8 mm) compared with cuff palpation in the suprasternal notch (mean = 19.0 mm). Variability, expressed as sd, was lowest with the mainstem intubation technique (5.2 mm) followed by the cuff palpation (7.4 mm) and the depth mark technique (11.2 mm) (P < 0.005).ConclusionAuscultation after deliberate mainstem intubation and cuff palpation resulted in a tube tip position above the carina that was shorter and more predictable than placement of the tube using depth markings.
Through the Glass Darkly: searching for safety signals in physiological monitoring
Authors: Wolf Andrew R. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryPerioperative monitoring of ventilation, gas exchange, heart rate, blood pressure, and other basic physiological measures give important information on the well‐being of the child in the perioperative period. However, despite this level of surveillance, perioperative events that appear to be unheralded still occur. Improvements in alarms and alarm design combined with integrated analysis of monitored parameters that map to adverse outcomes may provide earlier warning of potential danger. Near real‐time analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability can provide information on autonomic function and cardiac reserve, while devices such as tissue oximetry may be beneficial to optimize regional and global blood flow.
Standing Laparoscopic Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty of the Vaginal Rings does not Modify the Sperm Production and Motility Characteristics in Intact Male Horses
Authors: Gracia‐Calvo LA , Ezquerra LJ , Martín‐Cuervo M , Durán ME , Tapio H , Gallardo JM , Peña FJ , Ortega‐Ferrusola C 
Published: October 2014

ContentsLaparoscopic hernioplasty techniques have been developed in the recent years to avoid the recurrence of inguinal hernias and to spare the testicles for breeding purposes in stallions. However, there have been no previous comprehensive and systematic studies of the reproductive outcomes and prognoses for stallions after inguinal hernioplasty. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the possible effects of one of these techniques (standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty) on the sperm production and motility characteristics of six healthy stallions that received this procedure based on 1‐year follow‐ups. There were no significant differences in the measured sperm variables (assessments based on theDSO,MOT,PMOT,VSL,VCLandVAP) during 1‐year follow‐ups.