bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Close the gap for vision: The key is to invest on coordination
Authors: Hsueh Ya‐seng (Arthur) , Dunt David , Anjou Mitchell D , Boudville Andrea , Taylor Hugh 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to estimate costs required for coordination and case management activities support access to treatment for the three most common eye conditions among Indigenous Australians, cataract, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy.DesignCoordination activities were identified using in‐depth interviews, focus groups and face‐to‐face consultations. Data were collected at 21 sites across Australia. The estimation of costs used salary data from relevant government websites and was organised by diagnosis and type of coordination activity.SettingUrban and remote regions of Australia.InterventionsNeeds‐based provision support services to facilitate access to eye care for cataract, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy to Indigenous Australians.Main outcome measuresCost (AUD$ in 2011) of equivalent full time (EFT) coordination staff.ResultsThe annual coordination workforce required for the three eye conditions was 8.3 EFT staff per 10 000 Indigenous Australians. The annual cost of eye care coordination workforce is estimated to be AUD$21 337 012 in 2011.ConclusionsThis innovative, ‘activity‐based’ model identified the workforce required to support the provision of eye care for Indigenous Australians and estimated their costs. The findings are of clear value to government funders and other decision makers. The model can potentially be used to estimate staffing and associated costs for other Indigenous and non‐Indigenous health needs.
Issues that impact on Aboriginal Health Workers' and Registered Nurses' provision of diabetes health care in rural and remote health settings
Authors: King Meri , King Lindy , Willis Eileen , Munt Rebecca , Semmens Frith 
Published: December 2013

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus is an established health problem for Indigenous Australians. One strategy to address this issue is to educate health professionals in diabetes management and education.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to identify important issues that compromise the clinical practice of rural and remote Aboriginal health workers (AHWs) and registered nurses (RNs) who undertook an accredited Australian Diabetes Educators Association diabetes course and to suggest strategies to improve practice.DesignThe design used a qualitative approach and discussion schedule to elicit responses.SettingThe setting involved two Aboriginal community controlled and seven mainstream health services in the Far Western region of New South Wales.ParticipantsThe participants were experienced diabetes educators (RNs and AHWs), managers and students currently enrolled in the course (n = 17).ResultsThe results indicated issues that compromise diabetes practice and identified strategies to improve practice. Issues were: the confusing funding practices by health providers, the duplication of health services, the lack of recognition of diabetes qualifications and the transient nature of Indigenous people. Strategies included the need for: continuous dedicated diabetes health funding, a role clarification for diabetes educators, strategic diabetes planning and the importance of diabetes educators working in partnership.ConclusionThe conclusion from this study indicates that if the delivery of diabetes health services to Indigenous Australians is to improve it is necessary to address these identified issues.
Psychometric evaluation of a Korean version of the 8‐item Medication Adherence Scale in rural older adults with hypertension
Authors: Shin Dong‐Soo , Kim Chun‐Ja 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the psychometric properties of a structured self‐reported 8‐item Korean‐version Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐K) among rural older adults with hypertension.DesignCross‐sectional descriptive survey.SettingA rural community comprising three primary health care posts in Gangwon Province, South Korea.ParticipantsNinety‐two older adults with hypertension who received treatment at primary health care posts.Main outcome measuresParticipants completed an 8‐item MMAS‐K questionnaire, and the community health practitioners manually measured blood pressure. Factor analysis and correlation coefficient for validity and the Kuder–Richardson alpha coefficient for reliability of the MMAS‐K were used, while the association between medication adherence and blood pressure control was determined using Fisher's exact test.ResultsInternal consistency reliability was acceptable with a coefficient alpha of 0.71. The factor analysis of construct validity identified two dimensions of the 8‐item MMAS‐K, explaining 52.22% of the total variance. There was a high correlation between the 8‐item MMAS‐K and the original 4‐item MMAS (r = 0.874), indicating that these scales measure theoretically related constructs for convergent validity. There was a significant association between the 8‐item MMAS‐K score and blood pressure control (P < 0.05), indicating that, for the known‐groups validity, the controlled blood pressure group was more likely to have higher rate of medication adherence than the poor‐control group.ConclusionsThe findings indicate a positive association between medication adherence and blood pressure control. The 8‐item MMAS‐K possesses adequate validity and reliability among rural older adults with hypertension.
Prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Vietnam
Authors: Paudel Prakash , Ramson Prasidh , Naduvilath Thomas , Wilson David , Phuong Ha Thanh , Ho Suit M , Giap Nguyen V 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in school children 12–15 years of age in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Vietnam.DesignProspective, cross‐sectional study.Participants2238 secondary school children.MethodsSubjects were selected based on stratified multistage cluster sampling of 13 secondary schools from urban, rural and semi‐urban areas. The examination included visual acuity measurements, ocular motility evaluation, cycloplegic autorefraction, and examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media and fundus.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual acuity and principal cause of vision impairment.ResultsThe prevalence of uncorrected and presenting visual acuity ≤6/12 in the better eye were 19.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.5–26.3) and 12.2% (95% confidence interval, 8.8–15.6), respectively. Refractive error was the cause of vision impairment in 92.7%, amblyopia in 2.2%, cataract in 0.7%, retinal disorders in 0.4%, other causes in 1.5% and unexplained causes in the remaining 2.6%. The prevalence of vision impairment due to myopia in either eye (–0.50 diopter or greater) was 20.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.8–28.0), hyperopia (≥2.00 D) was 0.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.0–0.7) and emmetropia with astigmatism (≥0.75 D) was 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.2–1.2). Vision impairment due to myopia was associated with higher school grade and increased time spent reading and working on a computer.ConclusionsUncorrected refractive error, particularly myopia, among secondary school children in Vietnam is a major public health problem. School‐based eye health initiative such as refractive error screening is warranted to reduce vision impairment.
Disparities in cataract surgery between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Randall Deborah A , Reinten Tracie , Maher Louise , Lujic Sanja , Stewart Jessica , Keay Lisa , Leyland Alastair H , Jorm Louisa R 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate variation in rates of cataract surgery in New South Wales, Australia by area of residence for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal adults.DesignObservational data linkage study of hospital admissions.ParticipantsTwo hundred eighty‐nine thousand six hundred forty‐six New South Wales residents aged 30 years and over admitted to New South Wales hospitals for 444 551 cataract surgery procedures between 2001 and 2008.MethodsAnalysis of linked routinely collected hospital data using direct standardization and multilevel negative binomial regression models accounting for clustering of individuals within Statistical Local Areas.Main Outcome MeasuresAge‐standardized cataract surgery rates and adjusted rate ratios.ResultsAboriginal people had lower rates of cataract procedures than non‐Aboriginal people of the same age and sex, living in the same Statistical Local Area (adjusted rate ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.68–0.75). There was significant variation in cataract surgery rates across Statistical Local Areas for both Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal people, with the disparity greater in major cities and less disadvantaged areas. Rates of surgery were lower for Aboriginal than non‐Aboriginal people in most Statistical Local Areas, but in a few, the rates were similar or higher for Aboriginal people.ConclusionsAboriginal people in New South Wales received less cataract surgery than non‐Aboriginal people, despite evidence of higher cataract rates. This disparity was greatest in urban and wealthier areas. Higher rates of surgery for Aboriginal people observed in some specific locations are likely to reflect the availability of public ophthalmology services, targeted services for Aboriginal people and higher demand for surgery in these populations.
A divergence of opinion: how those involved in child and family social work are responding to the challenges of the Internet and social media
Authors: Simpson Jennifer E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis discussion paper suggests that there is possibly a divergence of opinion taking place within the field of child and family social work and that the stated positions are influencing how practitioners identify and deal with risks and opportunities afforded by the Internet and social media. The suggested divergence is examined and the conclusion drawn is that what is taking place mirrors the fact that the introduction of any new technology inevitably brings with it division and debate. In seeking to understand the reaction to digital technology, consideration is given to a series of wider social discourses on childhood and risk, which includes the controversial notion that the profession is a harbinger of moral panic and that the management of risk has been broadened from child protection to child safety. The discussion paper concludes by calling for child and family social work practitioners to have a balanced debate that needs to be informed not only by current research but also by an open and honest discussion about personal use and an acknowledgement that there will be difficult moral and ethical questions to work through.
Hard and soft tissue changes around implants installed in regular‐sized and reduced alveolar bony ridges. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Baffone Gabriele , Lang Niklaus P. , Pantani Fabio , Favero Giovanni , Ferri Mauro , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo study bony and soft tissue changes at implants installed in alveolar bony ridges of different widths.Material and methodsIn 6 Labrador dogs, the mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted, and a buccal defect was created in the left side at the third and fourth premolars by removing the buccal bone and the inter‐radicular and interdental septa. Three months after tooth extraction, full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated, and implants were installed, two at the reduced (test) and two at the regular‐sized ridges (control). Narrow or wide abutments were affixed to the implants. After 3 months, biopsies were harvested, and ground sections prepared for histological evaluation.ResultsA higher vertical buccal bony crest resorption was found at the test (1.5 ± 0.7 mm and 1.0 ± 0.7 mm) compared to the control implants (1.0 ± 0.5 mm and 0.7 ± 0.4 mm), for both wide and narrow abutment sites. A higher horizontal alveolar resorption was identified at the control compared to the test implants. The difference was significant for narrow abutment sites. The peri‐implant mucosa was more coronally positioned at the narrow abutment, in the test sites, while for the control sites, the mucosal adaptation was more coronal at the wide abutment sites. These differences, however, did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsImplants installed in regular‐sized alveolar ridges had a higher horizontal, but a lower vertical buccal bony crest resorption compared to implants installed in reduced alveolar ridges. Narrow abutments in reduced ridges as well as wide abutments in regular‐sized ridges yielded less soft tissue recession compared to their counterparts.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of naltrexone implants for the treatment of opioid dependence
Authors: Larney Sarah , Gowing Linda , Mattick Richard P. , Farrell Michael , Hall Wayne , Degenhardt Louisa 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsNaltrexone implants are used to treat opioid dependence, but their safety and efficacy remain poorly understood. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the safety and efficacy of naltrexone implants for treating opioid dependence.Design and MethodsStudies were eligible if they compared naltrexone implants with another intervention or placebo. Examined outcomes were induction to treatment, retention in treatment, opioid and non‐opioid use, adverse events, non‐fatal overdose and mortality. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Data from randomised studies were combined using meta‐analysis. Data from non‐randomised studies were presented narratively.ResultsFive randomised trials (n = 576) and four non‐randomised studies (n = 8358) were eligible for review. The quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Naltrexone implants were superior to placebo implants [risk ratio (RR): 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48, 0.68; k = 2] and oral naltrexone (RR: 0.57; 95% CI 0.47, 0.70; k = 2) in suppressing opioid use. No difference in opioid use was observed between naltrexone implants and methadone maintenance (standardised mean difference: −0.33; 95% CI −0.93, 0.26; k = 1); however, this finding was based on low‐quality evidence from one study.DiscussionThe evidence on safety and efficacy of naltrexone implants is limited in quantity and quality, and the evidence has little clinical utility in settings where effective treatments for opioid dependence are used.ConclusionBetter designed research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of naltrexone implants. Until such time, their use should be limited to clinical trials. [Larney S, Gowing L, Mattick RP, Farrell M, Hall W, Degenhardt L. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of naltrexone implants for the treatment of opioid dependence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:115–128]
Retrospective genetic monitoring of the threatened Yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) reveals genetic erosion but provides valuable insights for conservation strategies
Authors: Beatty Gemma E. , Reid Neil , Provan Jim 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimRetrospective genetic monitoring, comparing genetic diversity of extant populations with historical samples, can provide valuable and often unique insights into evolutionary processes informing conservation strategies. The Yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus) is listed as ‘critically endangered’ in Ireland with only two extant populations. We quantified genetic changes over time and identified genotypes in extant populations that could be used as founders for reintroductions to sites where the species is extinct.LocationIreland.MethodsSamples were obtained from both locations where the species is currently found, including the most threatened site at the Garron Plateau, Co. Antrim, which held only 13 individuals during 2011. Herbarium samples covering the period from 1886 to 1957 were obtained including plants from the same area as the most threatened population, as well as three extinct populations. In total, 422 individuals (319 present‐day and 103 historical) were genotyped at six microsatellite loci. Species distribution modelling was used to identify areas of potentially suitable habitat for reintroductions.ResultsLevel of phenotypic diversity within the most threatened population was significantly lower in the present‐day compared with historical samples but levels of observed heterozygosity and number of alleles, whilst reduced, did not differ significantly. However, Bayesian clustering analysis suggested gradual lineage replacement over time. All three measures of genetic diversity were generally lower at the most threatened population compared with the more substantial extant populations in Co. Mayo. Species distribution modelling suggested that habitat at one site where the species is extinct may be suitable for reintroduction.Main conclusionsThe dominant genetic lineage in the most threatened population is rare elsewhere; thus, care needs to be taken when formulating any potential reintroduction programme. Our findings highlight both the need for genetic monitoring of threatened populations, but also for its swift implementation before levels of diversity become critically low.
Atorvastatin plus omega‐3 fatty acid ethyl ester decreases very‐low‐density lipoprotein triglyceride production in insulin resistant obese men
Authors: Ng T. W. K. , Ooi E. M. M. , Watts G. F. , Chan D. C. , Barrett P. H. R. 
Published: December 2013

AimTo test the effect of atorvastatin (ATV) and ATV plus ω‐3 FAEEs on VLDL‐TG metabolism in obese, insulin resistant men.MethodsWe carried out a 6‐week randomized, placebo‐controlled study to examine the effect of ATV (40 mg/day) and ATV plus ω‐3 FAEEs (4 g/day) on VLDL‐TG metabolism in 36 insulin resistant obese men. VLDL‐TG kinetics were determined using d5‐glycerol, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and compartmental modelling.ResultsCompared with the placebo, ATV significantly decreased VLDL‐TG concentration (−40%, p < 0.001) by increasing VLDL‐TG fractional catabolic rate (FCR) (+47%, p < 0.01). ATV plus ω‐3 FAEEs lowered VLDL‐TG concentration to a greater degree compared with placebo (−46%, p < 0.001) or ATV monotherapy (−13%, p = 0.04). This was achieved by a reduction in VLDL‐TG production rate (PR) compared with placebo (−32%, p = 0.008) or ATV (−20%, p = 0.03) as well as a reciprocal increase in VLDL‐TG FCR (+42%, p < 0.05) compared with placebo.ConclusionIn insulin resistant, dyslipidaemic, obese men, ATV improves VLDL‐TG metabolism by increasing VLDL‐TG FCR. The addition of 4 g/day ω‐3 FAEE to statin therapy provides further TG‐lowering by lowering VLDL‐TG PR.
Coronary Flow Reserve Predicts Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Independently of Systolic and Diastolic Function
Authors: Snoer Martin , Olsen Rasmus Huan , Monk‐Hansen Tea , Pedersen Lene Roerholm , Haugaard Steen B. , Dela Flemming , Prescott Eva 
Published: December 2013

AimsDespite revascularization and optimal medical treatment, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have reduced exercise capacity. In the absence of coronary artery stenosis, coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a measure of coronary microvascular function, and a marker of future poor outcome in CAD patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship among CFR, systolic and diastolic function, peripheral vascular function, and cardiopulmonary fitness in CAD patients.Methods and ResultsForty patients with median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 49 (interquartile 46–55) with documented CAD without significant left anterior descending artery (LAD) stenosis underwent cardiorespiratory exercise test with measurement of VO2peak, digital measurement of endothelial function and arterial stiffness, and an echocardiography with measurement of LVEF using the biplane Simpson model, mitral early (E) and late (A) inflow velocities, and tissue Doppler diastolic (e′) and systolic (s′) velocities. Peak coronary flow velocity (CFV) was measured in the LAD using pulse‐wave Doppler. CFR was calculated as the ratio between peak CFV at rest and during vasodilator stress. Median CFR was 2.22 (1.90–2.62) and VO2peak was 21.8 (17.6–25.5). VO2peak correlated significantly with CFR (r = 0.57, P < 0.001), E/e′ (r = −0.35, P = 0.04), and s′ (r = 0.41, P = 0.01) and with LVEF (r = 0.35, P = 0.03). CFR remained independently associated with VO2peak after adjustment for systolic and diastolic function.ConclusionsCoronary flow reserve measured noninvasively predicts cardiopulmonary fitness independently of resting systolic and diastolic function in CAD patients, indicating that cardiac output during maximal exercise is dependent on the ability of the coronary circulation to adapt to the higher metabolic demands of the myocardium.
Morphological and physiological properties of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐expressing wide‐field amacrine cells in the ChAT‐EGFP mouse line
Authors: Knop Gabriel C. , Pottek Mark , Monyer Hannah , Weiler Reto , Dedek Karin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMammalian retinas comprise a variety of interneurons, among which amacrine cells represent the largest group, with more than 30 different cell types each exhibiting a rather distinctive morphology and carrying out a unique function in retinal processing. However, many amacrine types have not been studied systematically because, in particular, amacrine cells with large dendritic fields, i.e. wide‐field amacrine cells, have a low abundance and are therefore difficult to target. Here, we used a transgenic mouse line expressing the coding sequence of enhanced green fluorescent protein under the promoter for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT‐EGFP mouse) and characterized a single wide‐field amacrine cell population monostratifying in layer 2/3 of the inner plexiform layer (WA‐S2/3 cell). Somata of WA‐S2/3 cells are located either in the inner nuclear layer or are displaced to the ganglion cell layer and exhibit a low cell density. Using immunohistochemistry, we show that WA‐S2/3 cells are presumably GABAergic but may also release acetylcholine as their somata are weakly positive for ChAT. Two‐photon‐guided patch‐clamp recordings from intact retinas revealed WA‐S2/3 cells to be ON‐OFF cells with a homogenous receptive field even larger than the dendritic field. The large spatial extent of the receptive field is most likely due to the extensive homologous and heterologous coupling among WA‐S2/3 cells and to other amacrine cells, respectively, as indicated by tracer injections. In summary, we have characterized a novel type of GABAergic ON‐OFF wide‐field amacrine cell which is ideally suited to providing long‐range inhibition to ganglion cells due to its strong coupling.