bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Open Versus Laparoscopic Repair for Primary Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Dirksen Carmen D. , Ament André J. H. A. , Adang Eddy M. M. , Beets Geerard L. , Go Peter M. N. Y. H. , Baeten Cor G. M. I. , Kootstra Gauke 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA cost-effectiveness (CE) analysis was performed of Bassini versus laparoscopic repair for primary inguinal hernia. Incremental costs per 1 -year recurrence-free patient were calculated for the societal and hospital perspective. From the hospital perspective, the incremental CE ratio of laparoscopic repair is 5.348 guilders. From the societal perspective, laparoscopic repair is both less costly and more effective than Bassini repair. Results were sensitive to assumptions about recurrence rates, laparoscopic operating time, and return to work. Laparoscopic repair should replace Bassini repair in order to benefit society. From the hospital perspective, the decision to accept laparoscopic repair depends on the willingness to pay.
Patient and Informal Caregiver Time in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis:A Response to the Recommendations of the Washington Panel
Authors: Brouwer Werner B. F. , Koopmanschap Marc A. , Rutten Frans F. H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe time invested by patients and informal caregivers in treatment and rehabilitation should be valued in a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). The Washington Panel gives recommendations on incorporation of time costs that may misrepresent true societal costs. This article provides alternative recommendations for incorporating costs of time in CEA. Following an opportunity costs approach, time is separated into three parts, each with its own valuation methods: time spent on paid work, unpaid work, and leisure.
Routine Preoperative Investigation: Results of a Multicenter Survey in Italy
Authors: Ricciardi Gualtiero , Angelillo Italo F. , Prete Umberto Del , D'Errico Marcello M. , Grasso Guido M. , Gregorio Pasquale , Schioppa Francesco S. , Triassi Maria , Boccia Antonio 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe conducted a study to acquire information on the current behavior of a sample of Italian surgeons and anesthesiologists about prescribing, interpreting, and using routine preoperative investigations. Consultants in surgery and anesthesiology in 60 hospitals in northern, central, and southern Italy were interviewed. Prescription of these procedures by doctors were driven more by personal experience than by updated scientific knowledge. This practice often led to ineffective and inefficient clinical practice, with healthy patients undergoing useless, time-consuming, costly, and sometimes harmful procedures.
Home Drug Infusion Therapy:A Literature Update
Authors: Balinsky Warren , Mollin Arthur 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper is a literature review and update of home drug infusion therapy (HDIT) in the United States. It concentrates on cost-effectiveness studies of parenteral antibiotic therapy administered in an outpatient setting. This update is timely because Medicare and other payors are under the pressure of cost containment with respect to this modality. Additionally, managed care is redefining reimbursement programs, which will affect HDIT in the future.
Ethical Issues in Technology Assessment:Conceptual Categories and Procedural Considerations
Authors: Heitman Elizabeth 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe practice of health care technology assessment involves ethical considerations in all of its varied functions and techniques. Ethical issues in technology assessment can be grouped into the broad categories of normative concepts, diagnosis, prevention and therapy, research and the advancement of knowledge, and allocation of resources. Moreover, the ethics of the assessment process itself must be evaluated in terms of the integrity of the project's goals, procedures, and effects, and evaluators’ open and self-critical acknowledgment of their purposes. As a relatively new field, technology assessment can benefit from using a variety of analytic approaches as it works to develop its own methods for evaluating ethical issues related to technology.
Which are the Best Information Sources for Identifying Emerging Health Care Technologies?: An International Delphi Survey
Authors: Robert Glenn , Gabbay John , Stevens Andrew 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this survey was to assess potential information sources for identifying new health care technologies. A three-round Delphi study was conducted, involving 38 selected experts who suggested and assessed potential sources by applying agreed criteria. Twenty-six potential information sources were considered. Timeliness, time efficiency, and sensitivity were important criteria in determining which were the most important sources. The eight recommended sources were: pharmaceutical journals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, specialist medical journals, key medical journals, medical engineering companies, private health care providers, newsletters and bulletins from other health technology assessment agencies, and groups of expert health professionals. There is a need to use a combination of sources because the most useful sources will vary according to the type of technology under consideration.
The Early Experiences of a National System for the Identification and Assessment of Emerging Health Care Technologies in Sweden
Authors: Carlsson Per , Hultin Henric , Törnwall Johanna 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article presents the experiences from a pilot study and the establishment of a permanent system called SBU Alert. The question of establishing a system for the identification and assessment of emerging technologies in health care in Sweden has been on the agenda since the late 1980s. The demand came primarily from policy makers. The pilot study showed that the awareness of the project in the target group (politicians, leading managers, hospital directors, and senior medical advisors) was high. Almost all of those who replied to an assessment questionnaire were in favor of a continuation of the work. In 1997, the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) was selected to establish a permanent organization. This work has resulted in the identification of a number of methodological problems and tentative solutions concerning all components in the SBU Alert system. We have found that a system for systematic identification and early assessment of emerging technologies is a new and promising tool in the health technology assessment arsenal. Still, experiences are limited. Methodology and the impact of early judgments on decision making need further evaluation.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasties: Technology Assessment of Surgical Procedures by Mailed Questionnaires
Authors: Givon Uri , Ginsberg Gary M. , Horoszowski Henri , Shemer Joshua 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA retrospective study comparing 700 consecutive total hip arthroplasties, utilizing four types of implants, was performed. Questionnaires based on hip scores were sent to 593 living patients. Useful responses were received from 363 (61 %) patients. Hip scores and quality-adjusted life-years were calculated. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for all possible biases, demonstrated one cementless implant as superior to all others. We believe that the use of mailed questionnaires is a simple and convenient system of follow-up, saving patients the need for outpatient clinic visits. The validity of such replies, however, has yet to be established.
Econometric Analysis of Variation in Cesarean Section Rates: A Cross-sectional Study of 59 Obstetrical Departments in Sweden
Authors: Eckerlund Ingemar , Gerdtham Ulf-G 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to explain the variation in cesarean section rates among hospitals (obstetrical departments) in Sweden, and to discuss its potential economic consequences. Using data from The Swedish Medical Birth Registry 1991, we made a cross-sectional study of the cesarean section rate at the departmental level. We identified some 20 determinants, demand-related as well as supply-related. A general model including all these regressors was specified. After reducing this model, we were able to explain about one-quarter of the variation. We conclude that the large variation in cesarean section rates indicates inefficiency, due mainly to overutilization, but perhaps also underutilization. It is difficult to calculate the economic consequences or the welfare loss to society. We estimated an additional cost for unnecessary cesarean sections of 13—16 million Swedish crowns (SEK) per year.
A Clinical and Economic Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Transfusions in Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Ortega Ana , Dranitsaris George , Puodziunas Anitasha 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA clinical and economic evaluation of red blood cell (RBC) utilization in cancer patients during chemotherapy is described. Using a randomized sampling process, 100 patients who had received chemotherapy with or without cisplatin were selected (50 in each group). Multiple logistic regression was then used to identify risks factors for transfusion requirements. Twenty-five percent of patients in the cisplatin and 12% in the noncisplatin group received at least one blood transfusion during chemotherapy (p=.09). Depressed hemoglobin levels and cisplatin dosage were identified as risk factors for transfusion requirements. Combining all transfused patients revealed an overall cost of Can $599 (95% Cl: $513–$683) per transfusion. The results of the current study indicated that anemia is a common complication of cancer chemotherapy that can be costly to manage.
Evidence-Informed Patient Choice: Practical Issues of Involving Patients in Decisions About Health Care Technologies
Authors: Entwistle Vikki A. , Sheldon Trevor A. , Sowden Amanda , Watt Ian S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEvidence-informed patient choice involves providing people with research-based information about the effectiveness of health care options and promoting their involvement in decisions about their treatment. Although the concept seems desirable, the processes and outcomes of evidence-informed patient choice are poorly understood, and it should be carefully evaluated.
Estimating the Costs of Hip Fracture and Potential Savings
Authors: Zethraeus Niklas , Gerdtham Ulf-G 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper examines the determinants of hip fracture costs and further evaluates potential savings in costs when the occurrence of hip fracture is prevented. The costs of hip fracture are comprised of direct costs from health care and the social welfare system. Data were collected for 1,080 postmenopausal women admitted from private residence for primary hip fracture surgery during the year of 1992 in the city of Stockholm, Sweden. It was found that the cost of hip fracture is significantly related to age, mortality the year after a fracture, type of fracture, costs 1 year before a fracture, and hospital admission. The savings in direct costs for an average woman surviving the year after a fracture amount to SEK 210,000.
Health State Preferences of Persons with Anxiety
Authors: Patrick Donald L. , Mathias Susan D. , Elkin Eric P. , Fifer Sheila K. , Buesching Don P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe compared patient ratings of the desirability of anxiety health states with measures of psychological distress and functional status and investigated how these ratings predicted treatment by primary care and mental health clinicians. As expected, associations between desirability ratings and psychological and physical health status were low to moderate. Persons who rated their current anxiety health state as more desirable received fewer mental health referrals and were statistically more likely to receive a prescription for psychotropic medication. Simple ratings of health state desirability may help clinicians evaluate patients' views of their health status and discuss potential treatment options.
When Is the ‘right’ Time to Initiate an Assessment of a Health Technology
Authors: Mowatt Graham , Bower D. Jane , Brebner John A. , Cairns John A. , Grant Adrian M. , Mckee Lorna 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThere is currently no generally accepted formula for the optimal timing of health technology assessments (HTAs). This paper presents some of the relevant issues and then reviews the existing literature on timing of HTAs. It finds that the literature that specifically addresses these issues is limited. There is a consensus that HTAs should be initiated at an early stage of the development of a new health technology, and repeated during the life cycle of the technology. However, the questions of reliably identifying new technologies at an early stage in their development and of deciding on a detectable critical point for starting evaluation are not resolved. It is proposed that a system of categorization and prioritization of health technologies should be developed to allow decisions to be made as to when a strongly precautionary approach is required and how the limited resources available for HTA could be optimally deployed.
Competence and Compliance in Antenatal Care: Experience from Sweden
Authors: Åberg Anders , Lindmark Gunilla 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSwedish antenatal care is staffed by midwives working within the primary health care system, but with close collaboration with the hospital. The compliance to the program both from staff and mothers is very high, with 13.2 visits on average. There is a regional variation both in the number of visits and in the use of routine tests.
Antenatal Care in Denmark: Assessments of Program, Staff Competence, Compliance, and Outcome
Authors: Kristensen Finn Børlum 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAntenatal care in Denmark is shared between general practitioners, midwives, and hospital departments. A minimum of 9 visits is officially recommended for all pregnant women. In 1987, 80% made 10 or more visits. An inadequate number of visits in relation to recommendations was most frequent in the lowest social group. Risk of stillbirth and neonatal death varied substantially between social groups even after taking account of number of visits made.
Diagnostic and Preventive Possibilities of Excessive Drinking in Antenatal Care
Authors: Larsson Gunilla 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAlcoholism among women has increased during the last decades. Thus it is likely that an increasing number of pregnancies will involve risk of alcohol damage to the fetus. In this article, two antenatal programs are presented to identify pregnancies at risk. Adequate alcohol information seems to be sufficient for socially drinking women, whereas alcoholic women need extensive support to abstain from alcohol. The psychosocial support was not experienced as intrusive.
Perspectives of Users of the Services
Authors: Oakley Ann 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article draws on social science evidence concerning the views and experiences of those using the antenatal services. It identifies several important themes in this evidence, including the need to consider pregnancy a normal process, to provide care that is sensitive to individual circumstances and that offers continuity of care throughout the antenatal period, and the obligation on providers to assess scientifically the effectiveness of the care they give.
Antenatal Diagnosis of Intrauterine Growth Retardation by Ultrasound
Authors: Maršál Karel 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUltrasound estimation of fetal weight or ultrasound measurement of fetal abdomen alone enables identification of small-for-gestational-age fetuses. A prerequisite for this is a reliable dating of pregnancy, which is provided by a routine ultrasound screening in the first half of gestation. The fetal growth can be followed by serial fetometric measurements. As a standard, charts of intrauterine growth based on the ultrasonic measurement can be used. As a secondary diagnostic test for monitoring fetal health in pregnancies suspected of intrauterine growth retardation, Doppler ultrasound evaluation of fetal and uteroplacental hemodynamics provided useful for early detection of imminent fetal distress.
The ET Interview: Professor J. Tinbergen
Authors: Magnus Jan R. , Morgan Mary S. 
Published: March 2009

Jan Tinbergen is one of the founding fathers of econometrics, publishing in the field from 1927 until the early 1950s. This was the frontier age of econometrics when the distinction between mathematical economics and econometrics, let alone between theoretical and applied econometrics, did not yet exist. Tinbergen's approach to economics has always been a practical one. This was highly appropriate for the new field of econometrics, and enabled him to make important contributions to conceptual and theoretical issues, but always in the context of a relevant economic problem. The development of the first macroeconometric models, the solution of the identification problem, and the understanding of dynamic models are perhaps his three most important legacies to econometrics. Tinbergen was awarded the first Nobel Memorial Prize in economics in 1969 (jointly with Ragnar Frisch) for his contributions to econometrics.Tinbergen's desire to communicate his ideas to others is matched by a talent for clear and direct writing. This gives his econometric work great appeal and an apparent simplicity which should not be underestimated. This talent was also fruitfully applied to the development of pedagogical tools for teaching econometrics to his students.Since the early 1950s Tinbergen's interests have moved on and he has made notable contributions to such diverse fields as the theory of economic policy, development planning, and income distribution. Tinbergen's political and pacifist views have always been an important element in his economics, and even, as this interview shows, his econometrics. His overriding aim has been to improve the welfare of the less fortunate in this world.It is now 60 years since Tinbergen's first article in economics appeared, yet he shows no signs of retiring. We met him on May 27, 1986, in the study of his house in The Hague, where he has lived for most of his working life and which bears the hallmarks of continued study and writing. Most of the discussion during the afternoon concerned his econometric work published in the 1930s and 1940s. He gave us his views of those early developments—both what he thought then and how he sees them now. What follows is an edited transcript of the conversation. We hope that this interview will bring alive to the readers of the 1980s the issues and difficulties faced by econometricians in the 1930s, as well as Tinbergen's characteristic response to those problems. One of Tinbergen's attributes is a considerable modesty about his own achievements; the reader should bear this in mind when reading his remarks.
Additive Interactive Regression Models: Circumvention of the Curse of Dimensionality
Authors: Andrews Donald W.K. , Whang Yoon-Jae 
Published: March 2009

This paper considers series estimators of additive interactive regression (AIR) models. AIR models are nonparametric regression models that generalize additive regression models by allowing interactions between different regressor variables. They place more restrictions on the regression function, however, than do fully nonparametric regression models. By doing so, they attempt to circumvent the curse of dimensionality that afflicts the estimation of fully non-parametric regression models.In this paper, we present a finite sample bound and asymptotic rate of convergence results for the mean average squared error of series estimators that show that AIR models do circumvent the curse of dimensionality. A lower bound on the rate of convergence of these estimators is shown to depend on the order of the AIR model and the smoothness of the regression function, but not on the dimension of the regressor vector. Series estimators with fixed and data-dependent truncation parameters are considered.
Autoregressive Errors in Singular Systems of Equations
Authors: Dhrymes Phoebus J. 
Published: March 2009

We consider a system of m general linear models, where the system error vector has a singular covariance matrix owing to various “adding up” requirements and, in addition, the error vector obeys an autoregressive scheme. The paper reformulates the problem considered earlier by Berndt and Savin [8] (BS), as well as others before them; the solution, thus obtained, is far simpler, being the natural extension of a restricted least-squares-like procedure to a system of equations. This reformulation enables us to treat all parameters symmetrically, and discloses a set of conditions which is different from, and much less stringent than, that exhibited in the framework provided by BS.Finally, various extensions are discussed to (a) the case where the errors obey a stable autoregression scheme of order r; (b) the case where the errors obey a moving average scheme of order r; (c) the case of “dynamic” vector distributed lag models, that is, the case where the model is formulated as autoregressive (in the dependent variables), and moving average (in the explanatory variables), and the errors are specified to be i.i.d.
Trending Multiple Time Series: Editor's Introduction
Authors: Phillips Peter C.B. 
Published: March 2009

One of the more obvious empirical characteristics of macroeconomic time series is their tendency to grow, or trend, over time. Dealing with this trendnonstationarity in models of multiple time series has been a major agenda of econometric research for much of the last decade and has produced an enormous literature. Equally, the goal of developing a general asymptotic theory of inference for stochastic processes has been a long-standing concern of probabilists and statisticians. Finally, understanding and modeling trend processes and cyclical activity lie at the nerve center of much of modern macroeconomics. As a consequence, research on nonstationary time series has brought statisticians, econometricians, and macroeconomists close together in productive ways that simply could not have been anticipated 10 years ago.The focus of this symposium issue ofEconometric Theoryis inference from multiple time series data with trends, and the symposium brings together researchers with these diverse interests. The papers included in the issue were, with two exceptions, presented at a conference called “Trending Multiple Time Series,” held at Yale University in the fall of 1993 under the financial sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. All of the papers were written by conference participants. The conference was the fourth in a series of small conferences at Yale on the general theme of “Applications of Functional Limit Theory to Econometrics and Statistics.”
Hua Kuo-feng's Pre-Cultural Revolution Hunan Years, 1949–66: The Making of a Political Generalist
Authors: Oksenberg Michel , Yeung Sai-cheung 
Published: March 2009

Speaking to his comrades at the important Chengtu meeting in March 1958, nearly two months after he had already announced his intention to resign the chairmanship of the People's Republic, Chairman Mao described the dynamics of Chinese politics:Comrades working in the provinces will sooner or later come to the Centre. Comrades at the Centre will sooner or later either die or leave the scene. Khrushchev came from a local area. At the local level the class struggle is more acute, closer to natural struggle, closer to the masses. This gives the local comrades an advantage over those at the Centre.