bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decisions on pharmacogenomic tests in the USA and Germany
Authors: Wegwarth Odette , Day Robert W. , Gigerenzer Gerd 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground  With the increase in molecular genetic understanding of disease, diagnostic test development and availability are growing rapidly. This study investigated oncologists’ decision making on using pharmacogenomic tests for cancer treatment and examined cross‐cultural differences between the USA and Germany.Methods  Pilot studies revealed that the following cues play a role in decisions on pharmacogemonic tests: stage of cancer, availability of treatment options, cost of the treatment options, severity of side effects of the treatments, therapeutic consequence of the test, cost of the test and guideline recommendation specifying use of the test. All cues were used for designing the main study comprising nine scenarios, for each of which oncologists were asked to decide whether they would order a pharmacogenomic test.Results  On average, US oncologists opted for the test in 6.5 out of the nine scenarios (SE = 0.2), and German oncologists in 5.4 scenarios (SE = 0.2). The majority of oncologists’ decisions in both the USA (76.1%) and Germany (64%) were best explained by a simple sequential model (heuristical strategy). In the USA, the information about cost of the test was most influential on the decisions; in Germany it was the guideline recommendation of the test. When the side effects of therapy B were described as being more severe within the scenarios, choices in favour of a non‐recommended test increased by about 20% within both samples.Conclusion  Both US and German oncologists were highly inclined to use pharmacogenomic tests, but differed in what information influenced their decisions – a difference possibly explained by the differences in the health insurance systems. Although many oncologists’ heuristical decisions were based on the valid cue of a test's guideline recommendation, an alarming number abandoned it when a therapy had potentially severe side effects.
The Postoperative Recovery Profile (PRP) – a multidimensional questionnaire for evaluation of recovery profiles
Authors: Allvin Renée , Svensson Elisabeth , Rawal Narinder , Ehnfors Margareta , Kling Anna‐Maria , Idvall Ewa 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAims and objectives  The previously developed Postoperative Recovery Profile (PRP) questionnaire is intended for self‐assessment of general recovery after surgery. The aim of this study was to further evaluate the questionnaire regarding the construct validity and ability to discriminate recovery profiles between groups. Furthermore, the item variables of greatest importance during the progress of recovery were investigated.Methods  Post‐operative recovery was assessed during the period from discharge to 12 months after lower abdominal and orthopaedic surgery. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the assessments from the PRP questionnaire and a global recovery scale. Recovery profiles of the diagnose groups were displayed by the cumulative proportion recovered participants over time. The importance of item variables was investigated by ranking ordering.Results  A total of 158 patients were included. Support was given for good construct validity. The result showed that 7.6% of all possible pairs were disordered when comparing the assessments from the PRP questionnaire and the global recovery scale. Twelve months after discharge the PRP assessments discriminated significantly the recovery profiles of the abdominal and orthopaedic groups. The variable pain was one of the top five most important issues at each follow‐up occasion in both study groups. The importance of the item variables was thereby emphasized.Conclusions  The PRP questionnaire allows for evaluation of the progress of post‐operative recovery, and can be useful to assess patient‐reported recovery after surgical treatment both on individual and group levels. Knowledge about recovery profiles can assist clinicians in determining the critical time points for measuring change.
Designing health innovation networks using complexity science and systems thinking: the CoNEKTR model
Authors: Norman Cameron D. , Charnaw‐Burger Jill , Yip Andrea L. , Saad Sam , Lombardo Charlotte 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Complex problems require strategies to engage diverse perspectives in a focused, flexible manner, yet few options exist that fit with the current health care and public health system constraints. The Complex Network Electronic Knowledge Translation Research model (CoNEKTR) brings together complexity science, design thinking, social learning theories, systems thinking and eHealth technologies together to support a sustained engagement strategy for social innovation support and enhancing knowledge integration.Methods The CoNEKTR model adapts elements of other face‐to‐face social organizing methods and combines it with social media and electronic networking tools to create a strategy for idea generation, refinement and social action. Drawing on complexity science, a series of networking and dialogue‐enhancing activities are employed to bring diverse groups together, facilitate dialogue and create networks of networks.Results Ten steps and five core processes informed by complexity science have been developed through this model. Concepts such as emergence, attractors and feedback play an important role in facilitating networking among participants in the model.Conclusions Using a constrained, focused approach informed by complexity science and using information technology, the CoNEKTR model holds promise as a means to enhance system capacity for knowledge generation, learning and action while working within the limitations faced by busy health professionals.
Unscheduled care following attendance at Minor Illness and Injury Units (MIU): cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Rubin Greg 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Minor Illness and Injury Units (MIUs) are becoming a key element in the Urgent Care strategies of Primary Care Trusts. They are intended to both improve access to primary care and to reduce the workload of hospital emergency departments. Their efficiency in resolving patients' needs for health care has been questioned. We sought to describe subsequent health care utilisation among people attending two MIUs in Sunderland, UK.Method  Audit of all patients who attended the MIUs during two separate week‐long blocks with General Practitioner (GP) case note review of those who had been either treated and discharged or referred to their GP.Results  A total of 1995 patients from 38 practices attended during the study period. 1262 (63.3%) were treated and discharged and 281 (14.1%) referred to the GP. In the subsequent 7 days 336 (21.8%) attended their GP, 37 (2.4%) attended an emergency department and 18 (1.2%) reattended the MIU. Overall, 855 (42.9%) of all attenders required further care, and in 265 (29.9%) this was unscheduled.Conclusion  Although most people attending Minor Illness and Injury Units are treated and discharged, subsequent use of health care services is common and in a third of cases is unscheduled. This calls into question the effectiveness of MIUs as an alternative to general practice but may reflect a need for better signposting of patients to the service best suited to their needs.
Routine outcome monitoring and feedback on physical or mental health status: evidence and theory
Authors: Carlier Ingrid V.E. , Meuldijk Denise , Van Vliet Irene M. , Van Fenema Esther , Van der Wee Nic J.A. , Zitman Frans G. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives  Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) is an important quality tool for measuring outcome of treatment in health care. The objective of this article is to summarize the evidence base that supports the provision of feedback on ROM results to (mental) health care professionals and patients. Also, some relevant theoretical aspects are considered.Methods  Literature study (Pubmed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase Psychiatry, 1975–2009) concerning randomized controlled trials (RTC's) of ROM and feedback on physical or mental health status of patients of all ages. Main search terms were routine outcome monitoring/measurement, feedback, health status measurement, patient reported outcome measures.Results  Included were 52 RCT's concerning ROM and feedback with adult or older patients: of these seven RCT's were exclusively focused on physical health and 45 RCT's (also) on the mental health of the patient, although not always in a mental health care setting or as primary outcome measure. There appears to be a positive impact of ROM on diagnosis and monitoring of treatment, and on communication between patient and therapist. Other results were less clear. There were no published RCT's on this topic with children or adolescents.Conclusions  ROM appears especially effective for the monitoring of patients who are not doing well in therapy. Further research into this topic and the clinical‐and cost‐effectiveness of ROM is recommended, especially in mental health care for both adults and children. Also, more theory‐driven research is needed with relevant conceptualizations such as Feedback Intervention Theory, Therapeutic Assessment.
Cost‐utility analysis of bevacizumab versus ranibizumab in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration using a Markov model
Authors: Patel Jignesh J. , Mendes Margaret A.S. , Bounthavong Mark , Christopher Melissa L.D. , Boggie Daniel , Morreale Anthony P. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of intravitreal bevacizumab to ranibizumab in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods A cost‐utility analysis using a Markov model was performed to evaluate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio [ICER, $US per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained] between bevacizumab and ranibizumab from a US payer perspective. Transition probabilities for ranibizumab and bevacizumab were extrapolated from published studies and local institutional data. Utility values, likewise, were obtained from another published study. Mortality rates were determined from the Centers for Disease Control 2003 Life Tables. Resource utilization and total direct costs were estimated using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Veterans Affairs Decision Support System. A hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients was simulated through the model for 20 years. Sensitivity analyses were performed using univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) on all costs, transition probabilities and utility values. An acceptability curve was generated to illustrate the cost‐effectiveness probability of bevacizumab to ranibizumab with increasing willingness‐to‐pay (WTP).Results The cost‐effectiveness ratios (CER) for bevacizumab and ranibizumab were $1405 per QALY and $12 177 per QALY, respectively. The ICER for bevacizumab was dominant compared to ranibizumab. The base‐case CER was sensitive to drug costs of the study medications with a breakeven point of $44 for ranibizumab and $2666 for bevacizumab. PSA revealed a 95% probability of bevacizumab being more cost‐effective than ranibizumab at a WTP of $50 000 per QALY gained.Conclusion Based on a WTP defined at $50 000 per QALY gained, bevacizumab was cost‐effective versus ranibizumab 95% of the time because of lower acquisition costs and increased efficacy.
Effect of short‐term intensive insulin therapy on quality of life in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Opsteen Christine , Qi Ying , Zinman Bernard , Retnakaran Ravi 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Short‐term intensive insulin therapy (IIT) early in the course of type 2 diabetes can improve pancreatic beta‐cell function and even induce normoglycemia that persists post‐therapy. In spite of this benefit, insulin is often delayed until late in the course of disease partly because of its perceived negative impact on quality of life (QOL). Therefore, we sought to examine the effect of early implementation of short‐term IIT on patient‐reported QOL and treatment satisfaction.Methods  A total of 34 patients with type 2 diabetes (5.9 ± 6.6 years duration, on zero to two oral antihyperglycaemic agents) underwent 4–8 weeks of IIT consisting of basal detemir and pre‐meal insulin aspart. Patient‐reported QOL, treatment satisfaction and symptom distress were assessed at baseline and post‐IIT using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36), Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL), and Diabetes Symptoms Checklist‐Revised (DSC‐R).Results  There was a significant improvement in glycated haemoglobin post‐IIT (mean 6.5% vs. 7%; P < 0.001). All 34 patients tolerated IIT well with no severe hypoglycaemia. Following IIT, the SF‐36 showed a significant improvement compared to baseline in reported physical functioning (mean 88.2 vs. 83.3, P = 0.009), general health (69.4 vs. 65.6, P = 0.03), and general mental health (85.2 vs. 82.2, P = 0.04). The DQOL demonstrated a significant improvement in global health perception (P = 0.02), diabetes worry (P = 0.006) and treatment satisfaction (P = 0.007). The DSC‐R revealed a significant improvement in the diabetes‐related total symptom score (P = 0.01).Conclusions  Contrary to popular perception, a short course of IIT resulted in significant improvements in QOL and treatment satisfaction, demonstrating the patient acceptability of early insulin therapy.
Functional and Clinical Aspects of the B‐Cell‐Activating Factor (BAFF): A Narrative Review
Authors: Lied G. A. , Berstad A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractB‐cell‐activating factor (BAFF) influences peripheral B‐cell survival, maturation and immunoglobulin class‐switch recombination and has a range of potential clinical implications. Biological functions of BAFF and its relevance in various clinical disorders including currently investigated BAFF‐targeting therapies are reviewed and discussed based on PubMed search of relevant articles. Serum levels of BAFF are increased in autoimmune diseases including autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis where BAFF concentrations are related to titres of autoantibodies and disease progression. Increased BAFF levels are found in synovial, bronchoalveolar and gut lavage fluids, suggesting local class switching and immunoglobulin production. Clinical relevance and diagnostic potential of BAFF are also noted in patients with allergic diseases, malignancies and infections including hepatitis C virus. BAFF antagonists are promising new therapeutic agents, currently being tried in B‐cell‐related autoimmune diseases. Serum level of BAFF may indicate disease mechanisms and the degree of activity. Determination of BAFF in different body compartments like synovium, airways and gut may also have clinical implications. Results of ongoing clinical trials with BAFF antagonists are eagerly awaited.
Small‐Interfering RNA‐Mediated Identification and Regulation of the Ternary SNARE Complex Mediating RBL‐2H3 Mast Cell Degranulation
Authors: Woska Jr J. R. , Gillespie M. E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDysregulation of mast cell function contributes to allergic and autoimmune disease that affects more than 70 million persons in the United States alone. Identifying novel mast cell targets that mediate disease or disease progression is required for the development of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of allergy/asthma and autoimmune disease. RNA interference technologies offer hope both as basic research tools for target identification and as potential, novel, specific therapeutics. SolubleN‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are a family of evolutionarily conserved proteins that have been postulated to mediate the transport and fusion of inflammatory mediator‐laden vesicles to the membrane in mast cells leading to their subsequent exocytosis. The functional role(s) of specific SNARE family member complexes in mast cell degranulation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterize the functional importance of SNARE complexes in FcεRI receptor‐mediated degranulation of RBL‐2H3 cells utilizing RNA interference. We demonstrate that ternary SNARE complexes of synaptosomal‐associated protein‐23, Syntaxin 4 and vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐7 (VAMP‐7) or VAMP‐8 are directly involved in mast cell degranulation. Additionally, we evaluate the siRNAs directed against these molecules as potential therapeutic agents for disease intervention. These studies have identified specific SNARE proteins and complexes that serve as novel targets for the development of siRNA therapies to treat allergic and autoimmune disease.
Palaeosols and palaeokarst beneath subaerial unconformities in an Upper Devonian isolated reef complex (Judy Creek), Swan Hills Formation, west‐central Alberta, Canada
Authors: CHOW NANCY , WENDTE JACK 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSubaerial unconformities are used widely for palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographic reconstructions, sequence stratigraphy and petroleum reservoir assessments. Recognition and interpretation of these unconformities, particularly those with associated palaeosols, may be problematic in Lower and Middle Palaeozoic carbonate successions because of the collective effect of limited land plant development, superficial similarities between some pedogenic and marine features, and overprinting by later diagenesis. The isolated Judy Creek reef complex in the Lower Frasnian Swan Hills Formation in west‐central Alberta, Canada, contains two subaerial unconformities, R0.5 and R4, which formed as a consequence of relative sea‐level falls of at least regional scale. Deposits beneath these unconformities have distinctive palaeosol and palaeokarst features. The lower unconformity, R0.5, occurs at the top of a progradational reefal phase of stromatoporoid rudstones–floatstones and peloidal packstones–grainstones and has been recognized in at least one other isolated Swan Hills reef complex (Snipe Lake). Palaeosol–palaeokarst profiles beneath this unconformity extend as deep as ca 2 m below the unconformity. These profiles are characterized by the presence of small rhizoliths, laminar calcretes, ferroan dolomite glaebules, desiccation cracks, breccias, green shale and solution vugs. The upper unconformity, R4, occurs at the top of a backstepping phase of reef growth and has been correlated widely between isolated reefs and carbonate banks on both the western and eastern shelves of the Central Alberta Basin. Palaeosol–palaeokarst profiles, extending as deep as ca 9·5 m beneath the R4 unconformity, are distinguished by abundant, sub‐horizontal desiccation cracks filled with green shale, occurring in peloidal wackestones–packstones. Comparison of the R0.5 and R4 profiles indicates that the major intrinsic controls on the development and modification of the profiles are parent‐material lithology, particularly the prior degree of induration and particle size; the low topographic relief at the top of the reef interior; and limited vegetation of the exposed reef top due to unfavourable growth conditions and geographic isolation. In addition to climate, the major extrinsic controls are the extent of relative sea‐level fall, estimated to be 2·5 to 3 m and 13 to 14 m associated with the R0.5 and R4 unconformities, respectively, and the degree of shoreface erosion during the ensuing marine transgression, estimated to be up to 3 m. This study highlights the complex interplay of mainly physical and chemical processes influencing the formation of subaerial unconformities in carbonate environments during the Devonian, before major evolutionary innovations among vascular land plants led to more intense pedogenesis.
Effects of weeding and nitrogen treatmerts on maize yields in Nigeria
Authors: REMISON S. U. 
Published: September 2010

Summary:The effects of handweeding and of varying timing of applications of nitrogen were examined in three experiments on maize grown in Southern Nigeria. At two weedy sites which had been cropped for several years, weed competition lowered maize yields by 50% and two hand weedings at 3 and 7 weeks after planting were as satisfactory as more extended weedings. At the third site after an extended fallow period weed competition was not severe. Splitting of nitrogen application generally had no advantage over a single application of the same amount. There was no significant interaction between nitrogen and weeding treatments at any site.
Inhibition of seed germination and early stem elongation of Cuscuta australis by ethofumesate
Authors: GIANNOPOLITIS C. N. 
Published: September 2010

Summary:Hmergence of dodder (Cuseuta australis R. Br.) was unexpecledly prevented in plois of a sugarbeet field where ethofumesate had been applied at 1.6 Kg/ha. Appropriate laboratory tesls have shown that ethofumesate is a potent inhibitor of dodder seed germination (I D50= 10 μg/ml) and of early stem elongalion (ID50= 73μg/ ml). Wheat. a standard susceptible species to field applications of ethofumesate, is equally susceptible to inhibition of stem elongation (ID50=68 μg/ml), but it is far less susceptible to inhibition of germination (I D50=188 μg/ml). Compared to propyzamide. ethofiimesate is a stronger inhibitor of germination. Metolachlor and Hercules 22234 [eihyl N‐chloroacetyl‐N‐(2,6‐diethylphenyl) aminoacetate] are also active in inhibiting dodder germination and stem elongation, but at higher concentrations than ethofumesate. Current methods of controlling dodder in sugarheets may be improved with inclusion of pre‐emergence use of ethofumesate.
The efficacy of several herbicides in the vineyard and their toxicity to grapevines
Authors: GUR A. , GIL Y. , BRAVDO B. 
Published: September 2010

Summary:Application of several herbicides and a combination of herbicides in two vineyards resulted in a perfect control of Bermuda grass by glyphosate and mixed or alternate applications of MSMA and dalapon. Johnson grass was eliminated by MSM A with and without the addition of dalapon. Dalapon combined with MSMA reduced the yield of the grapevines and their growth, as measured by the weight of pruning. Yields were also significantly reduced by aminotriazole and in one vineyard also by simazine. Reduced vegetative growth was caused by MSMA and glyphosphate.MSMA and glyphosphate reduced the chlorophyll content of the grape leaves and the reducing sugar content of the canes in winter. Amino triazole reduced the reducing sugar content of both leaves and canes and the nitrogen content of the canes. In one vineyard simazine reduced the chlorophyll content of the leaves and increased the nitrogen content of the canes. MSMA alone and in combination with dalapon increased the arsenic content of leaves, canes and fruits of grapevines. Arsenic levels were the highest in the canes, but still did not exceed 0.6 ppm. Levels were lowest in fruits and did not exceed 0.1 ppm. Dalapon reduced the chlorophyll content of leaves in June and increased it in July. It also affected the reducing sugar content of leaves and canes without affecting yields or growth.