bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Chuck Anderson W. , Hailey David , Jacobs Philip , Perry Douglas C. 
Published: April 2008

Background:Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjunct to standard methods of care for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Its use may decrease the risk of infection and lower extremity amputations (LEAs). As part of a Canadian assessment, we estimated the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of HBOT in this application.Methods:We developed a decision model comparing adjunctive HBOT with standard care alone. The population was a 65-year-old cohort with DFU. The time horizon was 12 years taken from a Ministry of Health perspective. The health states were a healed wound with or without a minor LEA, an unhealed wound with no related surgery, and a major LEA. Efficacy data were based on outcomes reported in studies included in a literature review. Cost and capacity needs for treating DFU patients in Canada were estimated using prevalence data from the literature, and cost and utilization data from government records.Results:The 12-year cost for patients receiving HBOT was CND$40,695 compared with CND$49,786 for standard care alone. Outcomes were 3.64 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for those receiving HBOT and 3.01 QALYs for controls. Estimated cost to treat all prevalent DFU cases in Canada was CND$14.4–19.7 million/year over 4 years. If seven-person HBOT chambers were used, a further nineteen to thirty-five machines would be required nationally.Conclusions:Adjunctive HBOT for DFU is cost-effective compared with standard care. Additional HBOT capacity would be needed if it were to be adopted as the standard of care throughout Canada.
Economic evaluation of screening for open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Hernández Rodolfo A. , Burr Jennifer M. , Vale Luke D. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of screening for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in the United Kingdom, given that OAG is an important cause of blindness worldwide.Methods:A Markov model was developed to estimate lifetime costs and benefits of a cohort of patients facing, alternatively, screening or current opportunistic case finding strategies. Strategies, varying in how screening would be organized (e.g., invitation for assessment by a glaucoma-trained optometrist [GO] or for simple test assessment by a technician) were developed, and allowed for the progression of OAG and treatment effects. Data inputs were obtained from systematic reviews. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.Results:Screening was more likely to be cost-effective as prevalence increased, for 40 year olds compared with 60 or 75 year olds, when the re-screening interval was greater (10 years), and for the technician strategy compared with the GO strategy. For each age cohort and at prevalence levels of ≤1 percent, the likelihood that either screening strategy would be more cost-effective than current practice was small. For those 40 years of age, “technician screening” compared with current practice has an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) that society might be willing to pay when prevalence is 6 percent to 10 percent and at over 10 percent for 60 year olds. In the United Kingdom, the age specific prevalence of OAG is much lower. Screening by GO, at any age or prevalence level, was not associated with an ICER &lt; £30,000.Conclusions:Population screening for OAG is unlikely to be cost-effective but could be for specific subgroups at higher risk.
Extracapsular hip fracture management: Cost-consequences analysis of two alternative operative methods
Authors: Papakonstantinou Vassiliki V. , Kaitelidou Daphne , Gkolfinopoulou Kassiani D. , Siskou Olga Ch. , Papapolychroniou Theodoros , Baltopoulos Panagiotis , Liaropoulos Lycourgos 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The aim of this prospective study was to perform a cost and outcome comparison between two alternative operative techniques (osteosynthesis and hemiarthroplasty) used in the treatment of elderly patients with unstable trochanteric hip fracture.Materials and Methods:One hundred seventy-three trochanteric hip fracture patients were followed-up for 1 year after surgery. For each operative technique, hospital treatment's cost per patient was computed. Mortality and complication rate in-hospital and at specific time points after surgery were used as outcome measures. Patients' functional level before and after hip fracture was estimated according to their mobility and ability to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living.Results:The cost for patients undergoing osteosynthesis reached €1,931 per case, whereas for those treated with hemiarthroplasty reached €3,719 per case (2001 rates). There was no statistically significant difference regarding in-hospital mortality and complication rate, as well as mortality and complication rate 1 year after surgery, between the two patient groups.Conclusions:The quite similar performance of the two operative techniques suggests that cost could be the key factor for choosing between them. However, it is critical that many more randomized studies, with larger sample sizes and wider follow-up time periods should be conducted.
Analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the development of a health technology assessment program in Turkey
Authors: Kahveci Rabia , Meads Catherine 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The Turkish healthcare system is currently undergoing reform, and efficient use of resources has become a key factor in determining the allocation of resources. The objective of this study was to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) in the development of a health technology assessment (HTA) program in Turkey.Methods:A SWOT analysis was performed using a literature review and interviews with key people in the Turkish Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labor and Social Security.Results:Regarding recent reforms in health care, investments for information network and databank are the strengths, but the traditional “expert-based” decision making, poor availability of data, and poor quality of data could be seen as some of the weaknesses. Another major weakness is lack of general awareness of HTA. Increasing demand for transparency in decision making, demand for evidence, and demand for credibility by decision makers are some of the opportunities, and current healthcare reforms, i.e., restructuring of healthcare and general health insurance, could also be seen as major opportunities. These opportunities unfortunately could be threatened by lack of funding, and resources are challenged by large, recent national investments.Conclusions:There is a good opportunity for Turkey to use the skills in HTA currently being developed through activities in Europe and the Americas to assist in the development of a much more cost-effective and transparent healthcare system in Turkey.
Enhanced Secretion of Heterologous Proteins from Yeast by Overexpression of Ribosomal Subunit RPP0
Authors: Wentz Alane E. , Shusta Eric V. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that single‐gene overexpression of five yeast genes ( CCW12, CWP2, ERO1, RPP0, and SED1) promoted increased secretion levels of several single‐chain antibody fragments and single‐chain T‐cell receptors from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Wentz, A. E.; Shusta, E. V. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2007, 73, (4), 1189–1198). In this study, several proteins possessing different protein folds were secreted from yeast overexpressing each of the five genes to determine the generality of the secretion enhancers. Only one gene encoding a ribosomal subunit ( RPP0) enhanced secretion levels for multiple proteins: a single‐chain antibody (the 4–4–20 anti‐fluorescein scFv) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Protein induction time‐course experiments revealed increased secretion with RPP0 overexpression for 4–4–20 as early as 40 h post‐induction. Effects on GFP secretion levels were not evident until late induction times where overexpression of RPP0 limited post‐secretion protein loss, but absolute yields did not exceed those observed at earlier induction times. The effects of RPP0 overexpression on secreted protein yields did not appear to directly involve ribosome function, but instead RPP0 overexpression indirectly regulated acidification of the yeast medium by preventing upregulation of the yeast plasma membrane H+‐ATPase gene, PMA1. Combining RPP0 overexpression with nutrient supplementation stimulated additional protein secretion for the 4–4–20 scFv with higher per cell secretion that corresponded to 6‐fold increases in volumetric yield.
Enhancement of Mussel Adhesive Protein Production in Escherichia coli by Co‐expression of Bacterial Hemoglobin
Authors: Kim Doil , Hwang Dong Soo , Kang Dong Gyun , Kim Jaoon Y. H. , Cha Hyung Joon 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) have been considered as potential underwater and medical bioadhesives. Previously, we reported a functional expression of recombinant MAP hybrid fp‐151, which is a fusion protein with six type 1 (fp‐1) decapeptide repeats at each type 5 (fp‐5) terminus, with practical properties in Escherichia coli. In the present work, we introduced the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) co‐expression strategy to enhance the production levels of hybrid fp‐151 since VHb has been successfully used for efficient oxygen utilization in several expression systems, including E. coli. In both batch‐type flask and fed‐batch‐type bioreactor cultures, we found that co‐expression of VHb conferred higher cell growth and hybrid fp‐151 production. Its positive effects were significantly increased in high cell density bioreactor cultures as the microaerobic environment was more quickly and severely formed. We obtained a ∼1.9‐fold higher (∼1 g/L) production of MAP fp‐151 from VHb co‐expressing cells in fed‐batch bioreactor cultures as compared to that from VHb non‐expressing cells. Collectively and regardless of the culture type, VHb co‐expression strategy was successful in enhancing the production of recombinant mussel adhesive proteins in the E. coli expression system.
Worksite Study Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating (PACE): Design and Baseline Results
Authors: Beresford Shirley A. A. , Locke Emily , Bishop Sonia , West Briana , McGregor Bonnie A. , Bruemmer Barbara , Duncan Glen E. , Thompson Beti 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: Based on previous worksite‐wide intervention studies and an ecological framework, we created a behavioral intervention program to maintain or reduce weight through healthy eating and physical activity. The design and evaluation plan of the group‐randomized trial and the recruitment of worksites are described. Preliminary results regarding the dietary and physical activity behaviors associated with BMI are discussed.Research Methods and Procedures: The intervention used an ecological framework modified by qualitative methods that identified salient barriers and facilitators of behavioral change. Approximately 30 transportation, manufacturing, utilities, personal, household, and miscellaneous service companies in the greater Seattle area are being recruited to the trial. The study population for the present analysis consists of 18 worksites from the first two randomization waves. Dietary behavior was assessed, not by calories, but by behavioral measures related to BMI. Physical activity behaviors were surveyed. BMI is derived from reported height and weight at baseline.Results: The intervention has been developed with a specified minimum suite of strategies within the defined framework. Response rates to the baseline survey among the 18 worksites are 81% on average. After adjusting for age, gender, race, and education, BMI was associated with frequency of intensity‐adjusted physical activity, sweat‐inducing exercise, fast food meals, soft drinks, eating while doing another activity, and fruit and vegetable intake.Discussion: Worksite‐wide intervention strategies can be adapted to target obesity prevention. Employees are willing to participate in surveys at high rates. Several measures of physical activity and eating choices are associated with baseline BMI.
Keeping a Step Ahead: Formative Phase of a Workplace Intervention Trial to Prevent Obesity
Authors: Zapka Jane , Lemon Stephenie C. , Estabrook Barbara B. , Jolicoeur Denise G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:Ecological interventions hold promise for promoting overweight and obesity prevention in worksites. Given the paucity of evaluative research in the hospital worksite setting, considerable formative work is required for successful implementation and evaluation. This paper describes the formative phases of Step Ahead, a site‐randomized controlled trial of a multilevel intervention that promotes physical activity and healthy eating in six hospitals in central Massachusetts. The purpose of the formative research phase was to increase the feasibility, effectiveness, and likelihood of sustainability of the intervention.Research Methods and Procedures:The Step Ahead ecological intervention approach targets change at the organization, interpersonal work environment, and individual levels. The intervention was developed using fundamental steps of intervention mapping and important tenets of participatory research. Formative research methods were used to engage leadership support and assistance and to develop an intervention plan that is both theoretically and practically grounded. This report uses observational data, program minutes and reports, and process tracking data.Results:Leadership involvement (key informant interviews and advisory boards), employee focus groups and advisory boards, and quantitative environmental assessments cultivated participation and support. Determining multiple foci of change and designing measurable objectives and generic assessment tools to document progress are complex challenges encountered in planning phases.Discussion:Multilevel trials in diverse organizations require flexibility and balance of theory application and practice‐based perspectives to affect impact and outcome objectives. Formative research is an essential component.
Development of ACTION! Wellness Program for Elementary School Personnel
Authors: Webber Larry S. , Johnson Carolyn C. , Rose Donald , Rice Janet C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased dramatically in the adult population over the past 2 decades. Almost two‐thirds of the adult population works outside the home; thus, interventions implemented at the worksite are viable for obesity reduction. Elementary schools are worksites that have a number of resources that can encourage a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this paper is to describe the formative research activities and how these were used to design the ACTION! Wellness Program for Elementary School Personnel.Research Methods and Procedures: Formative data were collected using focus groups, a school survey, and an environmental audit. Focus groups were conducted in three elementary schools, whereas the school survey and environmental audit were collected in 24 elementary schools. The intervention was then tested as a pilot study in one school to determine feasibility and receptivity and refine its components.Results: Participants in the focus groups indicated that most had experience with trying to lose weight, some had positive social support, and most had little free time at school; however, most were very receptive to having a weight control intervention program at their school. Eighteen (75%) of the schools had snack vending machines on the school site, and all had cold drink machines. All 24 schools had at least one indoor site that could be used for physical activity programs. All schools were in neighborhoods conducive for walking.Discussion: ACTION! will take advantage of the school resources in implementing an environmental intervention to reduce overweight and obesity. This paper describes the progression of events that led to the final trial.
“Pizza Is Cheaper Than Salad”: Assessing Workers' Views for an Environmental Food Intervention
Authors: Devine Carol M. , Nelson Janet A. , Chin Nancy , Dozier Ann , Fernandez Isabel Diana 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: “Images of a Healthy Worksite” aims to provide easy access to healthful foods and to reduce sedentarism at the worksite—to prevent weight gain. Formative research for the nutrition intervention component was aimed at gaining a broad understanding of the sociocultural role of food and eating among workers and worker perspectives on socially feasible and culturally acceptable environmental intervention strategies.Research Methods and Procedures: Using an adapted PRECEDE health planning model, we conducted ecological, educational, environmental, and administrative assessments at the worksite. Through 15 in‐depth interviews, five focus groups, and community mapping at two sites with 79 administrators, managers, workers, and food service personnel (51% men, 82% white), we assessed workers' perspectives on physical, sociocultural, economic, and policy environments. Data were coded for predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors related to intervention strategies in vending, cafeteria, catering, and informal food environments. After classification for reach, intensity, and sustainability, objectives and evaluation plans were developed for each highly ranked strategy.Results: Key sociocultural factors affecting food and eating included: stress‐related eating in a downsizing workplace, enthusiasm for employer‐sponsored weight gain prevention efforts that respect personal privacy, and the consequences of organizational culture on worker access to the food and eating environment. Workers supported healthier cafeteria and catering options, bringing healthful foods closer, and labeling of healthful options.Discussion: We provide a practical and systematic approach to formative research and assess the interrelatedness of the physical, policy, economic, and sociocultural factors that affect environmental worksite interventions to prevent weight gain among employees.
The Role of the Coordinating Center in the Obesity Prevention at the Worksite Consortium
Authors: Stevens Victor J. , Donald Judy 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the role of the Coordinating Center for a seven‐project consortium funded through a common request for applications. The seven studies are focusing on prevention and treatment of obesity at worksites. These projects are being conducted at different types of work sites that have diverse employee populations. The Center's functions include identifying opportunities for collaboration, encouraging communication among the project investigators, facilitating the adoption of common measures, combining data from two or more projects to achieve greater statistical power, and pooling data on measures such as physical activity, work productivity, health care use, and return on investment. To these ends, the Coordinating Center helped to develop a committee structure within the consortium, established a communications and data transmission web site, and arranged conference calls, committee meetings, and paper writing groups. The development and implementation of these functions are described in this paper.
Domain annotation of trimeric autotransporter adhesins—daTAA
Authors: Szczesny Pawel , Lupas Andrei 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs), such as Yersinia YadA, Neisseria NadA, Moraxella UspAs, Haemophilus Hia and Bartonella BadA, are important pathogenicity factors of proteobacteria. Their high sequence diversity and distinct mosaic-like structure lead to difficulties in the annotation of their sequences. These stem from the large number of short repeats, the presence of compositionally unusual coiled-coils, fuzzy domain boundaries and regions of seemingly low sequence complexity.
Results: We have developed a workflow, named daTAA, for the accurate domain annotation of TAAs. Its core consists of manually curated alignments and of knowledge-based rules that enhance assignments made by sequence similarity. Compared to general domain annotation servers such as PFAM, daTAA captures more domains and provides more sensitive domain detection, as well as integrated and detailed coiled-coil assignments.
Availability: The daTAA server is freely accessible at http://toolkit.tuebingen.mpg.de/dataa
Contact: andrei.lupas@tuebingen.mpg.de
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Development of a method to reduce the spread of the ascidian Didemnum vexillum with aquaculture transfers
Authors: Denny C. M. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Denny, C. M. 2008. Development of a method to reduce the spread of the ascidian Didemnum vexillum with aquaculture transfers. – ICES Journal of marine Science, 65: 805–810. The colonial ascidian Didemnum vexillum was discovered in Shakespeare Bay (New Zealand) in 2001 and now poses a serious threat to the aquaculture industry. I assess several techniques to eliminate Didemnum from Greenshell™ seed-mussels (Perna canaliculus) in order to reduce the spread of the pest species with aquaculture transfers. Simple approaches based on fresh-water immersion proved ineffective or impractical in controlling Didemnum, so different chemical treatments were evaluated. Initial trials were conducted using acetic acid at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10% for a range of exposure times. However, at concentrations or exposure times tolerated by seed-mussels, Didemnum colonies survived with, on average, ∼80% mortality. These results led to the testing of other chemicals, and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) was identified as a potential candidate. It was determined that dipping Didemnum in a 0.5% solution of bleach for 2 min was a 100% effective method of treatment that also left seed-mussels relatively unaffected.
Multiple assessments of introduced seaweeds in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Mathieson Arthur C. , Pederson Judith R. , Neefus Christopher D. , Dawes Clinton J. , Bray Troy L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Mathieson, A. C., Pederson, J. R., Neefus, C. D., Dawes, C. J., and Bray, T. L. 2008. Multiple assessments of introduced seaweeds in the Northwest Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 730–741. Historical and recent floristic studies, rapid assessment surveys, and molecular investigations were used to evaluate the occurrence of 20 seaweeds introduced to the Northwest Atlantic, including 2 green, 4 brown, and 14 red algae. Based on floristic comparisons of Mount Desert Island and Casco Bay, ME, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, some initial records of seaweed introductions were documented, as well as increased numbers of non-indigenous taxa. Detailed floristic studies in southern ME and NH from the mid-1960s to 2007 have revealed expansive patterns for two Asiatic taxa (Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides and Neosiphonia harveyi). Rapid assessment surveys conducted between the Bay of Fundy and Long Island, NY, during four summers (2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007) revealed seven introduced species and a recent expansion of the Asiatic red alga Grateloupia turuturu into the Gulf of Maine. Molecular evaluations confirmed the presence of several cryptic introduced species of Porphyra from Asia. A synopsis of the dates of introduction, probable vectors, and sources of these 20 introduced taxa in the Northwest Atlantic is given, as well as comparisons of numbers of non-indigenous taxa from other geographies.