bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients’ perceptions of joint teleconsultations: a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Harrison Robert , MacFarlane Anne , Murray Elizabeth , Wallace Paul 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective  To determine patient perceptions of joint teleconsultations (JTC), with particular reference to reasons underlying, and factors contributing to, patient satisfaction and dissatisfaction with this mode of health delivery.Background  Telemedicine has been welcomed as one way of improving health‐care delivery, by improving patient access to secondary care and specialist services hence widening patient choice, particularly for patients outside major conurbations. However, a recent systematic review found currently available data on patient satisfaction with telemedicine to be methodologically flawed. Qualitative evaluations offer the opportunity to elucidate the details of patient satisfaction with this mode of health‐care delivery.Design  Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews.Setting and participants  Purposive sample of 28 participants of a major randomized controlled trial (Virtual Outreach study) of JTC conducted in one urban and one rural area in Britain.Intervention  Joint teleconferenced consultations with the patient, patient's general practitioner (GP), and a hospital specialist. The patient and GP were sited in the local practice, while the hospital specialist was in the hospital outpatient department, and the two parties were connected by an ISDN2 link and video‐conferencing software.Main outcome measures  Patient experiences of JTC, with particular reference to reasons underlying, and factors contributing to, overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction.Results  Two major themes were identified: customer care and doctor–patient interaction. Patients appreciated the customer care aspects of JTC, particularly the enhanced convenience, reduced costs and improved punctuality associated with JTC. However, there were divergent views about the doctor–patient interactions with some patients expressing a sense of alienation arising from the use of technology, and problems with doctor–patient communication.Conclusions  These data add significantly to the existing literature on patient satisfaction with telemedicine, by elucidating the factors underlying overall satisfaction scores and hence have implications for future service delivery and implementation of telemedicine.
Evolutionary responses of natives to introduced species: what do introductions tell us about natural communities?
Authors: Strauss Sharon Y. , Lau Jennifer A. , Carroll Scott P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBiological invasions dramatically affect the distribution, abundance and reproduction of many native species. Because of these ecological effects, exotic species can also influence the evolution of natives exposed to novel interactions with invaders. Evolutionary changes in natives in response to selection from exotics are usually overlooked, yet common responses include altered anti‐predator defenses, changes in the spectrum of resources and habitats used, and other adaptations that allow native populations to persist in invaded areas. Whether a native population is capable of responding evolutionarily to selection from invaders will depend on the demographic impact of the invader, the genetic architecture and genetic variability of the native population and potentially the history of previous invasions. In some cases, natives will fail to evolve or otherwise adapt, and local or global extinction will result. In other cases, adaptive change in natives may diminish impacts of invaders and potentially promote coexistence between invaders and natives. Here, we review the evidence for evolutionary responses of native species to novel community members. We also discuss how the effects of introduced species may differ from those caused by natural range expansions of native species. Notably, introduced species may come from remote biotas with no previous evolutionary history with the native community. In addition, the rate of addition of introduced species into communities is much greater than all but the most extreme cases of historical biotic exchange. Understanding the evolutionary component of exotic/native species interactions is critical to recognizing the long‐term impacts of biological invasions, and to understanding the role of evolutionary processes in the assembly and dynamics of natural communities.
Effects of water regime on archaeal community composition in Arctic soils
Authors: Høj Lone , Rusten Marte , Haugen Lars Egil , Olsen Rolf A. , Torsvik Vigdis L. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryEffects of water regime on archaeal communities in Arctic soils from Spitsbergen were studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of amplified 16S rRNA genes, with subsequent sequencing of amplicons and ordination analysis of binary DGGE data. Samples with major differences in soil water regime showed significant differences in their archaeal community profiles. Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriaceae and Methanosaeta were detectable only in environments that were wet during most of the growth season, while a novel euryarchaeotal cluster was detected only in less reduced solifluction material. Group 1.3b of Crenarchaeota had a high relative abundance within the archaeal community in a wide range of wet soils. Along a natural soil moisture gradient, changes in archaeal community composition were observed only in upper soil layers. The results indicated that members of Methanomicrobiales were relatively tolerant to soil aeration. Differences in archaeal community composition associated with soil water regime were predominant over regional and seasonal variation, and over differences between individual wetlands. The results suggest that the observed ‘on–off switch’ mechanism of soil hydrology for large‐scale variations in methane emissions from northern wetlands is at least partly caused by differences in the community structure of organisms involved in methane production.
Modelled and measured dynamics of viruses in Arctic winter sea‐ice brines
Authors: Wells Llyd E. , Deming Jody W. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryWe describe a model based on diffusion theory and the temperature‐dependent mechanism of brine concentration in sea ice to argue that, if viruses partition with bacteria into sea‐ice brine inclusions, contact rates between the two can be higher in winter sea ice than in seawater, increasing the probability of infection and possible virus production. To examine this hypothesis, we determined viral and bacterial concentrations in select winter sea‐ice horizons using epifluorescence microscopy. Viral concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 82 × 106 ml−1 of brine volume of the ice, with highest values in brines from coldest (−24 to −31°C) ice horizons. Calculated virus‐bacteria contact rates in underlying −1°C seawater were similar to those in brines of −11°C ice but up to 600 times lower than those in ice brines at or below −24°C. We then incubated native bacterial and viral assemblages from winter sea ice for 8 days in brine at a temperature (−12°C) and salinity (∼160 psu) near expected in situ values, monitoring their concentrations microscopically. While different cores yielded different results, consistent with known spatial heterogeneity in sea ice, these experiments provided unambiguous evidence for viral persistence and production, as well as for bacterial growth, in −12°C brine.
Rapid nitrogen transfer from ectomycorrhizal pines to adjacent ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal plants in a California oak woodland
Authors: He Xinhua , Bledsoe Caroline S. , Zasoski Robert J. , Southworth Darlene , Horwath William R. 
Published: January 2006

Summary

Nitrogen transfer among plants in a California oak woodland was examined in a pulse‐labeling study using 15N. The study was designed to examine N movement among plants that were mycorrhizal with ectomycorrhizas (EM), arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM), or both.
Isotopically enriched N (K15NO3−) was applied to gray pine (Pinus sabiniana) foliage (donor) and traced to neighboring gray pine, blue oak (Quercus douglasii), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) and herbaceous annuals (Cynosurus echinatus, Torilis arvensis and Trifolium hirtum).
After 2 wk, needles of 15N‐treated pines and foliage from nearby annuals were similarly enriched, but little 15N had appeared in nontreated (receiver) pine needles, oak leaves or buckbrush foliage. After 4 wk foliar and root samples from pine, oak, buckbrush and annuals were significantly 15N‐enriched, regardless of the type of mycorrhizal association.
The rate of transfer during the first and second 2‐wk periods was similar, and suggests that 15N could continue to be mobilized over longer times.
Financial behaviours of consumers in credit counselling
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Sorhaindo Benoit , Garman E. Thomas 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPositive financial behaviours of consumers are examined using a national sample of consumers who use credit counselling services in the US from a behavioural economic perspective. The findings indicate that consumers in credit counselling may follow a hierarchical pattern in their financial behaviours, paying off debts and adjusting spending before considering saving. Consumers who are older, have a part‐time job (vs. the unemployed), and report a more secure retirement, a better family relationship, and a higher score of self‐evaluation of financial behaviours are likely to report more positive financial behaviours. Reporting more financial behaviours and a higher score of self‐evaluation of financial behaviours, along with several demographic and perception variables, tend to reduce financial stress and increase financial satisfaction among consumers who use credit counselling services.
An integrative model of consumer satisfaction in the context of e‐services
Authors: Ha Hong‐Youl 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis research examines how customer satisfaction affects its antecedent and outcome variables such as expectation, performance, disconfirmation, word‐of‐mouth, brand loyalty, attribution and repurchase. This research also takes the important integrative step of understanding the consumer behavioural constructs of consumer satisfaction. Although researchers have focused on the antecedents of consumer satisfaction, our integrative model has extended the outcomes of consumer behaviour on consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, this model strongly suggests a positive view of the inter‐relationships between the antecedent variables and outcome variables of satisfaction. In particular, our model is not consistent with Oliver's attribution models in which satisfaction is a consequence of attribution processing. All hypothesized variables were supported by our empirical study. The findings present a variety of guides to formulating marketing strategies for both practitioners and academics.
Understanding consumers’ perception of clothing quality: a multidimensional approach
Authors: Swinker Mary E. , Hines Jean D. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore how consumers evaluate clothing quality. The researchers used a questionnaire based on responses from previous clothing quality research. It included statements to assess consumers’ use of informational cues to evaluate clothing quality and their expectations of high‐quality garments. A total of 146 students completed the questionnaire. An analysis of the data indicated that 75% of the informational cues and 36% of the expectations of a high‐quality garment were used by the respondents when considering the quality of a garment. The results of this study support the multidimensional nature of consumers’ perception of clothing quality using both informational cues and consumers’ expectations of high‐quality garments.
Reversion of the biochemical defects in murine embryonic Sandhoff neurons using a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding hexosaminidase α and β
Authors: Arfi Audrey , Zisling Rivka , Richard Emmanuel , Batista Lionel , Poenaru Livia , Futerman Anthony H. , Caillaud Catherine 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSandhoff disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the intracellular accumulation of GM2 ganglioside, is caused by mutations in the hexosaminidase β‐chain gene resulting in a hexosaminidase A (αβ) and B (ββ) deficiency. A bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding both the hexosaminidase α and β chains (SIV.ASB) has previously been shown to correct the β‐hexosaminidase deficiency and to reduce GM2 levels both in transduced and cross‐corrected human Sandhoff fibroblasts. Recent advances in determining the neuropathophysiological mechanisms in Sandhoff disease have shown a mechanistic link between GM2 accumulation, neuronal cell death, reduction of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) activity, and axonal outgrowth. To examine the ability of the SIV.ASB vector to reverse these pathophysiological events, hippocampal neurons from embryonic Sandhoff mice were transduced with the lentivector. Normal axonal growth rates were restored, as was the rate of Ca2+ uptake via the SERCA and the sensitivity of the neurons to thapsigargin‐induced cell death, concomitant with a decrease in GM2 and GA2 levels. Thus, we have demonstrated that the bicistronic vector can reverse the biochemical defects and down‐stream consequences in Sandhoff neurons, reinforcing its potential for Sandhoff disease in vivo gene therapy.
The Effect of Cuts in Medicare Reimbursement on Hospital Mortality
Authors: Seshamani Meena , Schwartz J. Sanford , Volpp Kevin G. 
Published: January 2006

Objective. To determine if patients treated at hospitals under different levels of financial strain from the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 had differential changes in 30‐day mortality, and whether vulnerable patient populations such as the uninsured were disproportionately affected.Data Source. Hospital discharge data from all general acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2001.Study Design. A multivariate regression analysis was performed retrospectively on 30‐day mortality rates, using hospital discharge data, hospital financial data, and death certificate information from Pennsylvania.Data Collection. We used 370,017 hospital episodes with one of four conditions identified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality as inpatient quality indicators were extracted.Principal Findings. The average magnitude of Medicare payment reduction on overall net revenues was estimated at 1.8 percent for hospitals with low BBA impact and 3.6 percent for hospitals with a high impact in 1998, worsening to 2 and 4.8 percent, respectively, by 2001. Operating margins decreased significantly over the time period for all hospitals (p<.05). While unadjusted mortality rates demonstrated a disproportionate rise in mortality for patients from high impact hospitals from 1997 to 2000, adjusted analyses show no consistent, significant difference in the rate of change in mortality between high‐impact and low‐impact hospitals (p=.04–.94). Similarly, uninsured patients did not experience greater increases in mortality in high‐impact hospitals relative to low‐impact hospitals.Conclusions. An analysis of hospitalizations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania did not find an adverse impact of increased financial strain from the BBA on patient mortality either among all patients or among the uninsured.
TESTING THE NET BUYING PRESSURE HYPOTHESIS DURING THE ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS: EVIDENCE FROM HANG SENG INDEX OPTIONS
Authors: Chan Kam C. , Cheng Louis T. W. , Lung Peter P. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe investigate net buying pressure in the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index options market during the Asian financial crisis from July 1997 to August 1998. Our findings suggest that during this period, the dramatic changes in volatility overwhelmed the dynamics of supply and demand in the options market. The extremely high realized volatility drove market participants' expectations about future market volatility in the early months of the crisis. Findings during the late‐crisis, pre‐crisis, and post‐crisis periods are consistent with the net buying pressure hypothesis.
The developmental origins of adult disease (Barker) hypothesis
Authors: DE BOO Hendrina A. , HARDING Jane E. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractMany studies have provided evidence for the hypothesis that size at birth is related to the risk of developing disease in later life. In particular, links are well established between reduced birthweight and increased risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke in adulthood. These relationships are modified by patterns of postnatal growth. The most widely accepted mechanisms thought to underlie these relationships are those of fetal programming by nutritional stimuli or excess fetal glucocorticoid exposure. It is suggested that the fetus makes physiological adaptations in response to changes in its environment to prepare itself for postnatal life. These changes may include epigenetic modification of gene expression. Less clear at this time are the relevance of fetal programming phenomena to twins and preterm babies, and whether any of these effects can be reversed after birth. Much current active research in this field will be of direct relevance to future obstetric practice.
Placental assessment: Simple techniques to enhance best practice
Authors: KENT Alison L. , DAHLSTROM Jane E. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground:  The placenta provides a ‘diary’ of the pregnancy. The information provided from pathological assessment of the placenta may provide important clinical information for both the mother and the neonate.Aims:  To develop tools to ensure histopathological assessment of appropriate placentas and uniform provision of clinical history to pathologists to enable clinicopathological assessment.Methods:  A placenta information form was devised that included the following clinical criteria: gestational age, prolonged rupture of membranes at term, suspected maternal/fetal bacterial or viral infection, swabs taken for culture, intrauterine growth restriction, perinatal death, pre‐eclampsia, essential hypertension, diabetes, placenta praevia, multiple pregnancy and cytogenetics. A table was introduced into the midwifery placenta policy indicating clinical criteria for microbiology, histopathological or cytogenetic assessment. A colourful reminder poster was designed and placed in the delivery suite and education sessions were provided. Six‐month review periods were performed prior to and following the two interventions.Results:  The number of placentas submitted for histopathological examination (and meeting the inclusion criteria) increased from 41 (120/296) to 61% (161/266) following the initial interventions and to 82% (262/319) with the introduction of the reminder poster and education sessions. Clinically relevant placental pathology was found in 55 (64%) of cases in these time intervals. Comprehensive clinical history on the pathology report improved from 45 to 98% over the assessment time.Conclusions:  Valuable information on a pregnancy can be provided by ensuring histopathological examination of appropriate placentas with the simple introduction of placental information sheets, updated midwifery policy, education sessions and a colourful reminder poster.
Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Mobility Decline in a Community‐Based Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Blazer Dan G. , Hybels Celia F. , Fillenbaum Gerda G. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether metabolic syndrome is an independent predictor of decline in mobility in an elderly community sample.DESIGN: Biracial community‐based prospective cohort study.SETTING: Urban and rural areas of central North Carolina.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two hundred twenty‐nine older African Americans and whites, mean age 77.0, who were participants in the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly.MEASUREMENTS: Sociodemographic data and data on mobility (a subset of items from the Rosow‐Breslau scale), depression (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), self‐report of medical conditions, body mass index, cognitive function (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire), blood pressure, height, and waist circumference. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose were available from blood samples. Metabolic syndrome was calculated for subjects with complete data.RESULTS: Twenty‐nine percent of the sample met criteria for metabolic syndrome. In bivariate analyses, age, sex, race, education, cognitive impairment, depression, impairment in mobility, history of stroke and heart disease, and metabolic syndrome at baseline were associated with a decline in mobility 4 years later. Regression analysis controlling for the above variables demonstrated that metabolic syndrome persisted as an independent and highly significant predictor of decline in mobility.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that metabolic syndrome may be a distinct risk factor for mobility decline in community‐dwelling older people.
Effect of Amphotericin B and Micafungin Combination on Survival, Histopathology, and Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis in the p47

phox

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Mouse Model of Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Dennis Carly G. , Greco William R. , Brun Yseult , Youn Richard , Slocum Harry K. , Bernacki Ralph J. , Lewis Russell , Wiederhold Nathan , Holland Steven M. , Petraitiene Ruta , Walsh Thomas J. , Segal Brahm H. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. We characterized the effects of single and combination antifungal therapy on survival, histopathology, and laboratory markers of fungal burden in experimental aspergillosis in the p47

phox

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knockout mouse model of CGD. CGD mice were highly susceptible to intratracheal
Aspergillus fumigatus
challenge, whereas wild-type mice were resistant. CGD mice were challenged intratracheally with a lethal inoculum (1.25 × 10
4
CFU/mouse) of
A. fumigatus
and received one of the following regimens daily from day 0 to 4 after challenge (
n
= 19 to 20 per treatment group): (i) vehicle, (ii) amphotericin B (intraperitoneal; 1 mg/kg of body weight), (iii) micafungin (intravenous; 10 mg/kg), or (iv) amphotericin B plus micafungin. The rank order of therapeutic efficacy based on prolonged survival, from highest to lowest, was as follows: amphotericin B plus micafungin, amphotericin B alone, micafungin alone, and the vehicle. Lung histology showed pyogranulomatous lesions and invasive hyphae, but without hyphal angioinvasion or coagulative necrosis. Treatment with micafungin alone or combined with amphotericin B produced swelling of invasive hyphae that was not present in mice treated with the vehicle or amphotericin B alone. Assessment of lung fungal burden by quantitative PCR showed no significant difference between treatment groups. Serum galactomannan levels were at background despite documentation of invasive aspergillosis by histology. Our findings showed the superior efficacy of the amphotericin B and micafungin combination compared to either agent alone after
A. fumigatus
challenge and also demonstrated unique features of CGD mice as a model for experimental aspergillosis.