bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on antimalarial drug susceptibility in Colombia, in relation to Pfmdr1 and Pfcrt
Authors: RESTREPO-PINEDA E. , ARANGO E. , MAESTRE A. , ROSÁRIO V. E. DO , CRAVO P. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYIn Colombia, Plasmodium resistance to antimalarials such as chloroquine and antifolates is a serious problem. As a result, the national Colombian health authorities are monitoring the efficacy of alternative drugs and schemes. The study of genetic polymorphisms related with drug resistance is required in the region. In vitro responses to chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine, amodiaquine, desethylamodiaquine, artesunate and dihydroartesunate were carried out by HRP ELISA. SNP analysis in Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes was performed by PCR-RFLP in 77 samples from the North West region of Colombia. In vitro resistance to chloroquine was high (74%), followed by mefloquine (30%) and desethylamodiaquine (30%). A positive correlation between the IC50 of paired drugs was also detected. The allele Pfmdr1 N86 (wild) was present in 100% of the samples and 1246Y (mutant) in 92%. However, their presence did not correlate with in vitro drug resistance. Presence of the mutations K76T and N75E in Pfcrt was confirmed in all samples. Analysis of 4 codons (72, 74, 75 and 76) in pfcrt confirmed the presence of the haplotypes CMET in 91% and SMET in 9% of the samples.
The prevalence and workplace costs of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a large manufacturing firm
Authors: Kessler R. C. , Lane M. , Stang P. E. , Van Brunt D. L. 
Published: April 2008

BackgroundLittle is known about the effects of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on work performance or accidents-injuries.MethodA survey was administered in 2005 and 2006 to employees of a large manufacturing firm to assess the prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD. Respondents (4140 in 2005, 4423 in 2006, including 2656 in both surveys) represented 35–38% of the workforce. ADHD was assessed with the World Health Organization (WHO) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), a validated screening scale for DSM-IV adult ADHD. Sickness absence, work performance and workplace accidents-injuries were assessed with the WHO Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).ResultsThe estimated current prevalence (standard error) of DSM-IV ADHD was 1.9% (0.4). ADHD was associated with a 4–5% reduction in work performance (χ12=9.1,p=0.001), a 2.1 relative-odds of sickness absence (χ12=6.2,p=0.013), and a 2.0 relative-odds of workplace accidents-injuries (χ12=5.1,p=0.024). The human capital value (standard error) of the lost work performance associated with ADHD totaled US$4336 (676) per worker with ADHD in the year before interview. No data were available to monetize other workplace costs of accidents-injuries (e.g. destruction of equipment). Only a small minority of workers with ADHD were in treatment.ConclusionsAdult ADHD is a significantly impairing condition among workers. Given the low rate of treatment and high human capital costs, in conjunction with evidence from controlled trials that treatment can reduce ADHD-related impairments, ADHD would seem to be a good candidate for workplace trials that evaluate treatment cost-effectiveness from the employer's perspective.
Thin plate effects in the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of
elastic solids
Authors: PIRIZ A. R. , LÓPEZ CELA J. J. , SERNA MORENO M. C. , TAHIR N. A. , HOFFMANN D. H. H. 
Published: April 2008

(This article appeared in Volume 24, Number 2, Pages 275–282,
2006)(This article appeared in Volume 24, Number 2, Pages 275–282,
2006)Below is the correct Reference citation for Breil et al. (2005)Breil, J., Hallo, L., Maire, P.H. & Olazabal-Loumé,
M. (2005). Hydrodynamic instabilities in axisymmetric geometry
self-similiar models and numerical simulations. Laser Part.
Beams.23, 155–160.
Simulation results for design and operation of CALUMA, a new low-cost humanoid robot
Authors: Nava Rodriguez Nestor Eduardo , Carbone Giuseppe , Ceccarelli Marco 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThis paper presents simulation results for basic operation of CALUMA (CAssino Low-cost hUMAnoid robot). The new humanoid robot CALUMA is described with its characteristics of low-cost design and easy-operation behavior. A CALUMA model in ADAMS environment has been elaborated. The CALUMA ADAMS model has been used for a dynamic simulation of robot operation. Three modes for the dynamic simulation have been studied, namely straight walking, walking with a grasped object in the hand, and lifting an object. The results of simulating those basic operations show the feasibility of the proposed design for CALUMA robot and validate its operation. Improvements have been illustrated in the design evolution for the robot structure and operation as suggested by simulation results.
Structural synthesis of maximally regular T3R2-type parallel robots via theory of linear transformations and evolutionary morphology
Authors: Gogu G. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe paper presents structural synthesis of maximally regular T3R2-type parallel robotic manipulators (PMs) with five degrees of freedom. The moving platform has three independent translations (T3) and two rotations (R2). A method is proposed for structural synthesis of maximally regular T3R2-type PMs based on the theory of linear transformations and evolutionary morphology. A one-to-one correspondence exists between the actuated joint velocity space and the external velocity space of the moving platform. The Jacobian matrix mapping the two vector spaces of maximally regular T3R2-type PMs presented in this paper is the 5×5 identity matrix throughout the entire workspace. The condition number and the determinant of the Jacobian matrix being equal to one, the manipulator performs very well with regard to force and motion transmission capabilities. Kinematic analysis of maximally regular parallel robots is trivial and no computation is required for real-time control. This paper presents in a unified approach the structural synthesis of PMs with five degrees of freedom with decoupled and uncoupled motions, along with the maximally regular solutions.
Systematic review of economic evidence on stroke rehabilitation services
Authors: Brady Bruce K. , McGahan Lynda , Skidmore Becky 
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Given the resource-intensive nature of stroke rehabilitation, it is important that services be delivered in an evidence-based and cost-efficient manner. The objective of this review was to assess the evidence on the relative cost or cost-effectiveness of three rehabilitation services after stroke: stroke unit care versus care on another hospital ward, early supported discharge (ESD) services versus “usual care,” and community or home-based rehabilitation versus “usual care.”Methods:A systematic literature review of cost analyses or economic evaluations was performed. Study characteristics and results (including mean total cost per patient) were summarized. The level of evidence concerning relative cost or cost-effectiveness for each service type was determined qualitatively.Results:Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria: three on stroke unit care, eight on ESD services, and four on community-based rehabilitation. All were classified as cost-consequences analysis or cost analysis. The time horizon was generally short (1 year or less). The comparators and the scope of costs varied between studies.Conclusions:There was “some” evidence that the mean total cost per patient of rehabilitation in a stroke unit is comparable to care provided in another hospital ward. There is “moderate” evidence that ESD services provide care at modestly lower total costs than usual care for stroke patients with mild or moderate disability. There was “insufficient” evidence concerning the cost of community-based rehabilitation compared with usual care. Several methodological problems were encountered when analyzing the economic evidence.
Clinical- and cost-effectiveness of pegylated interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: A systematic review and economic evaluation
Authors: Shepherd Jonathan , Brodin Håkan F. T. , Cave Carolyn Backer , Waugh Norman R. , Price Alison , Gabbay John 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:To assess the clinical-effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pegylated interferon alfa (2a and 2b) combined with ribavirin in previously untreated patients with moderate to severe chronic hepatitis C, compared with the current standard treatment, which is nonpegylated interferon alfa combined with ribavirin.Methods:Systematic review and economic evaluation. A sensitive search strategy was applied to several electronic bibliographic databases. Relevant studies were critically appraised and meta-analyzed. A hypothetical cohort of 1,000 patients entered a Markov model and were followed up for a more than 30-year period to predict natural history, duration spent in each health state, and treatment costs.Results:Two fully published Phase III randomized controlled trials were included. Methodological quality was generally good. Dual therapy with pegylated interferon was significantly more effective than nonpegylated dual therapy with a pooled sustained virological response rate (SVR) of 55 percent (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 52–58 percent) compared with 46 percent (95 percent CI, 43–49 percent). The pooled relative risk of remaining infected was 0.83 (95 percent CI, 0.76–0.91 percent). Genotype was the strongest predictor of outcome, with SVRs in patients with the more responsive genotypes 2 and 3 reaching up to 80 percent. The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for pegylated dual therapy compared with nonpegylated dual therapy was £12,123. The cost per QALY remained under £30,000 for most patient subgroups and in sensitivity analyses.Conclusions:Pegylated interferon is clinically effective, represents good value for the money, and is a significant advance in the treatment of this insidious disease.
Assessing the in-hospital survival benefits of intensive care
Authors: Shmueli Amir , Sprung Charles L. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:For an efficient and fair allocation of medical resources, one must know which patients benefit more from medical care. The objective of this study is to assess the differential survival benefits of a general intensive care unit (ICU) by acute diagnoses and by Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores.Methods:The sample included all patients triaged for admission to the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center ICU during a 7-month period (n = 381). The potential effect of ICU on in-hospital survival was estimated by a bivariate (admission–survival) probit model, using crowding in the unit as the identifying variable, controlling for observable patients characteristics: age, sex, acute diagnoses, and APACHE II score. Using the estimates, the differential predicted survival benefits of ICU were calculated for selected general acute diagnoses and for different APACHE II scores.Results:Adjusting for age, sex, and general acute diagnoses, the average potential survival benefit of ICU is 17 percentage points (pts). The benefit of ICU for patients with central nervous system problems, with sepsis, or with respiratory failure are higher than average (23 pts). Adjusting for APACHE II scores as well increases the estimated average potential benefit to 21 pts. Over the range of APACHE II scores, the highest benefit (38 pts of potential benefit) is attained for patients with scores around 22.Conclusions:Survival benefits differ across diagnoses and APACHE II scores. Facing limited resources, admission policies should distinguish between survival probabilities (and survival maximization) and survival benefits (and maximization of ICU benefits). Actual referral and admission policies to the present ICU do not maximize the potential survival benefits of ICU resources.
Can health technologies be assessed using routine data?
Authors: Stevens Andrew J. , Raftery James , Roderick Paul 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The potential of routine data for health technology assessment (HTA) in the United Kingdom was assessed.Methods:Compiled were a comprehensive list of routine databases, their classification according to data characteristics, literature review on their current use, and their comparison with key topics identified as priorities for HTA.Results:Two hundred seventy health-care databases for England or the English regions were identified. Twenty-four included data on both health technology and patient health state. Eleven found some published use in effectiveness evaluation. Of 140 prioritized health technologies, only 22 could be identified in routine databases.Conclusions:Routine data are plentiful but of limited use in HTA. The data sets usually do not include the effect of treatments. Coding is inadequate, and confidentiality regulations will make matters worse. Both need urgent attention.
International Master's Program in health technology assessment and management: Assessment of the first edition (2001–2003)
Authors: Lehoux Pascale , Battista Renaldo N. , Granados Alicia , Gallo Pedro , Tailliez Stéphanie , Coyle Doug , Marchetti Marco , Borgia Piero , Ricciardi Gualtiero 
Published: April 2008

Background:Despite a clear call for greater input from health technology assessment (HTA) in the areas of clinical practice and policy making, there are currently very few formal training programs. The objectives of our Consortium were to (i) develop a master's level program in HTA, (ii) test its content with a group of Canadian and European students, and (iii) evaluate the Program's strengths and weaknesses.Objectives:This study presents the results of our evaluation of the first edition of the Master's Program (2001–2003).Methods:The evaluation relied on (i) a self-administered student questionnaire for each course (n = 142), (ii) interviews with students (n = 10), and (iii) interviews with internship supervisors (n = 5).Results:A vast majority of students were satisfied with the course content and particularly appreciated the exercises and materials presented in an intensive format. However, they needed more systematic feedback from faculty members and recommended increasing the methodology content. The six key characteristics of the program are (i) flexible format adapted to the needs of skilled professionals, (ii) continuous interaction between HTA users and producers, (iii) international academic and professional collaboration, (iv) partnership with HTA agencies, (v) global approach to evidence-based methods and practices, and (vi) multidisciplinary approach.Conclusions:Despite the numerous organizational barriers inherent to creating an international program and several areas for improvement in the Program itself, the Ulysses Project was successful in attaining its objectives. Because there is a growing need for human resources with special training in HTA, further efforts need to be devoted to strengthening the international research capacity in HTA.
Framework for describing and classifying decision-making systems using technology assessment to determine the reimbursement of health technologies (fourth hurdle systems)
Authors: Hutton John , McGrath Clare , Frybourg Jean-Marc , Tremblay Mike , Bramley-Harker Edward , Henshall Christopher 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Australia, Canada, and many European countries now use various forms of health technology assessment (HTA) in decision making regarding the reimbursement of drugs and other health technologies. To achieve a better understanding of the potential for use of HTA in this context, an analytical framework was developed to describe and classify existing fourth hurdle systems.Methods:Based on a review of published literature, and official documentation, the key aspects of a fourth hurdle system were identified at two levels: policy implementation and individual technology decision. Characteristics of the systems were grouped under four main headings: constitution and governance, objectives, use of evidence and decision processes, and accountability. The comprehensiveness and relevance of this framework was assessed by an independent group of experts in HTA. A pilot study was undertaken, using only published sources, to test the feasibility of obtaining the information needed to complete the framework.Results:The framework was found to be sufficiently broad to encompass all the issues of interest regarding the systems, but the proportion of information available from published sources was variable between sections of the framework and between countries, with average availability of 45 percent.Conclusions:The analytical framework will help researchers and policy-makers in individual countries to understand their own systems and will allow some preliminary sharing of experience between countries. More experience of its application is needed to judge whether it will provide the basis for more formal comparison of systems and whether it will determine the appropriateness for particular decision contexts.
What influences the choice of assessment methods in health technology assessments? Statistical analysis of international health technology assessments from 1989 to 2002
Authors: Draborg Eva , Andersen Christian Kronborg 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Health technology assessment (HTA) has been used as input in decision making worldwide for more than 25 years. However, no uniform definition of HTA or agreement on assessment methods exists, leaving open the question of what influences the choice of assessment methods in HTAs. The objective of this study is to analyze statistically a possible relationship between methods of assessment used in practical HTAs, type of assessed technology, type of assessors, and year of publication.Methods:A sample of 433 HTAs published by eleven leading institutions or agencies in nine countries was reviewed and analyzed by multiple logistic regression.Results:The study shows that outsourcing of HTA reports to external partners is associated with a higher likelihood of using assessment methods, such as meta-analysis, surveys, economic evaluations, and randomized controlled trials; and with a lower likelihood of using assessment methods, such as literature reviews and “other methods.” The year of publication was statistically related to the inclusion of economic evaluations and shows a decreasing likelihood during the year span. The type of assessed technology was related to economic evaluations with a decreasing likelihood, to surveys, and to “other methods” with a decreasing likelihood when pharmaceuticals were the assessed type of technology.Conclusions:During the period from 1989 to 2002, no major developments in assessment methods used in practical HTAs were shown statistically in a sample of 433 HTAs worldwide. Outsourcing to external assessors has a statistically significant influence on choice of assessment methods.
Improving the process of developing technical reports for health care decision-makers: Using the Theory of Constraints in the Evidence-Based Practice Centers
Authors: Patwardhan Meenal B. , Sarría-Santamera Antonio , Matchar David B. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:To apply the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to the Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) process.Methods:Participants in the EPC process were interviewed, and the technical contracting literature was reviewed. Undesirable effects (UDEs) that might occur in the EPC process were identified and, in a TOC Current Reality Tree (CRT), a fundamental UDE was selected and tracked back to potential root causes, focusing on the core “constraint.” The resulting draft CRT was presented at an EPC directors' meeting and finalized. From possible solutions obtained from interviews and literature, a Future Reality Tree (FRT) was constructed.Results:Three UDEs were identified and thata report is not usedwas deemed fundamentally undesirable. Nine root causes were identified, and using the CRT, a core constraint emerged:EPC partner does not know how to conceptualize and articulate needs, objectives, and specifications. Two change strategies (“injections”) appeared to address the core constraint:establish an ongoing relationship between partners, EPC, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality early in the process, anduse a changes clause; in a FRT the injections lead to the positive outcome—the production of a successful EPCreport that meets partner needsand, therefore,will be used.Conclusions:As with any complex enterprise, the EPC needs to engage in self-reflection and active improvement to maximize its value. The development of technical reports intended to inform decision making represents a complicated area, involving a network of interrelated processes. Using the TOC permitted us to understand process failures; results serve as a guide to improvement.
Health technology assessment in social care: A case study of randomized controlled trial retrieval
Authors: Bayliss Susan E. , Dretzke Janine 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of search strategies in retrieving key documents for a technology assessment report (TAR) on a social care topic.Methods:This study measured the differential yield of relevant studies from various information sources and evaluated strategies in different databases, with particular reference to capturing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a study design.Results:A combination of four major databases would have found all thirty-two key references. One database alone would have found 78 percent, with another two each locating 59 percent. Sixteen percent of the trials were unique references. In non–health care databases, more sensitive search strategies would have resulted in a higher yield of relevant studies, in part due to inconsistent indexing and in part to attempts to restrict searches to RCTs. Although additional terms could be used to increase the sensitivity of the original strategies, this raises the question of trading off time against exhaustiveness, given the greater number of irrelevant references likely to be retrieved.Conclusions:A successful search for evidence on this social care topic would be possible using a combination of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO, supplemented by only limited use of supplementary databases. In areas such as social care where evidence-based research is not yet well established, attempts to replicate searches based on study design do not seem to be advisable, although this may be an area for future research.