bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in specialist fees: evidence from New Zealand insurance claims
Authors: Law Michael , Brown Paul , Windsor John 
Published: November 2004

Objectives To examine the parity between specialties in reimbursements for surgical procedures in a private, fee-for-service setting and to ascertain whether differences exist after accounting for factors suggested by a Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS). Methods A routinely updated database covering several private insurers (n = 8294 procedures from 1997 to 2002) was used to examine differences in overall and hourly reimbursement. Multiple regression analysis was used to control for factors that might be responsible for differences in payment (location, year, sex of patient and the associated anaesthetist fee). The resulting regression residuals were compared between specialties. Results Large differences between specialties in reimbursements were found in the overall amount paid. For most specialties, these differences were explained by factors such as time for procedure, location, complexity of procedure and sex of patients. However, hourly reimbursements for ophthalmologists were substantially higher (more than 50% above general surgery overall and 72% higher on an hourly basis). Some other smaller differences in overall and hourly reimbursement were also found. Conclusions These results indicate that specialist fees vary significantly but many of the differences are explainable by factors incorporated into the RBRVS. However, significant variation remains for some specialties, most notably ophthalmology. Explanations for the results are discussed, including the possibility that political factors may influence the setting of specialist fees. This raises questions concerning the fairness of reimbursements and resulting solidarity within the medical profession.
Indigenous participation in the “new” New Zealand health structure
Authors: Boulton Amohia , Simonsen Kiri , Walker Tai , Cumming Jacqueline , Cunningham Chris 
Published: November 2004

Objectives This paper presents preliminary evaluative findings from research on key areas of concern to Māori and forms part of a wider project on the 2001 health system reforms in New Zealand. The paper reports on the development and implementation of the Māori Health Strategy, representation in decision making at governance level in District Health Boards, the inclusion of the Treaty of Waitangi in legislation and workforce issues. Methods Key informant interviews with 35 MMāori and non-Māaori respondents, in addition to data from five case study districts, were thematically analysed to gain an understanding of views on the health system reforms to date. Results The development of a Māori Health Strategy and the mandatory inclusion of Māori in governance and consultation processes have had a positive effect on Māori participation in the public health sector. Whereas previously Māori participation was concentrated in health service provision, the inclusion of specific provisions in the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 has resulted in greater Māori inclusion in governance, planning and decision-making roles. However, there are concerns over strategy implementation, sustainability and workforce development. Conclusions Overall, the findings at this stage indicate that there is support for the post-2000 model. Māori and non-Māori alike have identified positive features of the model that could go some way towards contributing to improved Māori health. However challenges still remain.
The Social Capital: Health Relationship in two Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods
Authors: Chavez Roberta , Kemp Lynn , Harris Elizabeth 
Published: November 2004

Objectives Research into the social determinants of health inequalities is increasingly focusing on macro-level forces affecting individuals and communities. The concept of social capital has been at the centre of this research as a potential explanatory framework for understanding these inequalities. The aim of this study was to identify the components that define social capital and its relationship to self-reported health in two neighbourhoods known to be disadvantaged in south-western Sydney. Methods This study uses data from cross-sectional household (door-knock) surveys originally developed as evaluation tools for neighbourhood based interventions. Secondary analyses including factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to provide empirical evidence of the components defining social capital and how these, as a concept, were associated with self-reported health. Results The study revealed six common social capital components in each sample and an additional component in one neighbourhood. These included neighbourhood attachment, support networks, feelings of trust and reciprocity, local engagement, personal attachment to the area, feelings about safety and proactivity in the social context. The social capital model incorporating demographic and socio-economic characteristics explained 23.4% of health variance in one neighbourhood, and 19.3% in the other. Examining the social capital: health relationship revealed that with the exception of feelings of trust and reciprocity, no other social capital component made significant contributions to explaining health variance and that macro-level factors such as housing conditions and employment opportunities emerged as key explanatory factors. Conclusion If interventions are to use social capital as a way of addressing health inequalities, these need to look closely at the role of trust for improving health outcomes of deprived populations as well as ensuring access to resources and infrastructure.
Rapid combined genotyping of factor V, prothrombin and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase single nucleotide polymorphisms using minor groove binding DNA oligonucleotides (MGB probes) and real-time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Louis Magali , Dekairelle Anne France , Gala Jean-Luc 
Published: November 2004

AbstractRisk factors for cardiovascular diseases and venous thromboembolism involve both acquired and hereditary conditions. Among the latter, mutations in genes coding for coagulation factors (
Declines in serum free and bound choline concentrations in humans after three different types of major surgery
Authors: Ilcol Yesim Ozarda , Uncu Gurkan , Goren Suna , Sayan Erkan , Ulus Ismail H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWe examined the changes in circulating choline status in humans in response to major surgery by measuring serum free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations before, during and 1–72h after total abdominal hysterectomy, off-pump coronary artery graft surgery or brain tumor surgery. Preoperatively, the mean serum free and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations in patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy (n=26), off-pump coronary artery grafting surgery (n=34) or brain tumor surgery (n=24) were 12.3±0.5, 12.1±0.4 and 11.4±0.4μmol/l, and 2495±75, 2590±115 and 2625±80μmol/l, respectively. Serum free choline and phospholipid-bound choline concentrations decreased from these baseline values to 8.8±0.7 (p<0.001), 8.8±0.5 (p<0.001) and 8.2±0.4μmol/l (p<0.001), and 2050±108 (p<0.001), 2166±59 (p<0.001) and 1884±104μmol/l (p<0.001) at 1h after hysterectomy, off-pump bypass graft surgery or brain tumor surgery, respectively. They remained at these low levels for 24h and then gradually increased towards the preoperative values at 48–72h postoperatively. Serum cortisol increased postoperatively in all surgical patients for 24h and its levels were inversely correlated with serum free and bound choline concentrations. These results show that circulating free and bound choline concentrations decrease for 72h after total abdominal hysterectomy, off-pump coronary artery graft surgery or brain tumor surgery in humans.
Multicenter evaluation of the commutability of a potential reference material for harmonization of enzyme activities
Authors: Scharnhorst Volkher , Apperloo Joke , Baadenhuijsen Henk , Vader Huib L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractStandardization of laboratory results allows for the use of common reference intervals and can be achieved via calibration of field methods with secondary reference materials. These harmonization materials should be commutable, i.e., they produce identical numerical results independent of assay principle or platform. This study assessed the commutability of a cryolyoprotectant-containing harmonization material, obtained from the Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Clinical Laboratories, that is intended to harmonize measurements of enzyme activities within the Dutch project “Calibration 2000”. The catalytic concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyltransferase and creatine kinase were analyzed in pooled patient sera and in the reference material in 14 laboratories. On liquid chemistry analyzers the harmonization material behaves like patient material. The enzyme activities measured in it fall on the regression lines calculated from activities measured in serum samples. For dry chemistry analyzers the activities of all enzymes measured in the harmonizator differ from the serum-based regression line. We show that this is due to the sucrose-containing cryolyoprotectant in the harmonization material. For each enzyme, correction factors were calculated that compensated for the bias and proved to be constant between reagent lots. Depending on the enzyme activity measured, application of these factors leads to 2- to 10-fold reduction of between-laboratory percentage coefficient of variation. Thus, additives to (potential) reference materials may alter their matrix in a way that interferes with analysis on certain test systems. The bias caused may be quantifiable and correctable. Establishment of correction factors leads to analytical uncertainties and costs. Therefore, matrix-based materials without additives should be selected as reference materials.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with uveitis but not with deep venous thrombosis in Behçet's disease
Authors: Feki Moncef , Houman Habib , Ghannouchi Mehdi , Smiti-Khanfir Monia , Hamzaoui Kamel , Matri Leila El , Mebazaa Abderraouf , Kaabachi Neziha 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPlasma homocysteine was assessed in Behçet's disease (BD) patients in order to determine the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in BD and to test its association with clinical manifestations of the disease. The study included 59 patients with BD and 118 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B
External Quality Assessment for biochemical markers of myocardial damage: an Italian experience
Authors: Zaninotto Martina , Sciacovelli Laura , Pagani Franca , Panteghini Mauro , Plebani Mario 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn 1999 the Centre of Biomedical Research (CRB) in co-operation with the Italian interdisciplinary and intersociety Working Group on Markers of Myocardial Damage proposed a national external quality assurance scheme that was granted in accordance with the UK Clinical Pathology Accreditation Standards in 2001. The scheme, which stresses the importance of educational aspects in quality assurance, was scientifically designed to ensure that it would provide an objective assessment of participants' performance and promote quality improvements to meet the needs of participants. The present paper reports on the data collected in EQA cycles conducted to evaluate improvements in the performance of participants and in related methods. The findings obtained demonstrate that during the 4-year experience the scheme provided opportunities to improve the performance of laboratories and promoted an efficient, more satisfactory approach to analytical aspects. The number of unacceptable performances decreased from 11.6% to 5.6% for troponin I, from 19.5% to 9.0% for myoglobin and from 13.2% to 4.3% for creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB). During cycles in 2001 and 2002, inter-variability (coefficient of variation, CV%) data for all markers appeared satisfactory and showed a significant improvement (lower than 10%), in particular for procedures automated on Dade Behring Dimension and Beckman Access systems. However, reference values/decisional limits declared by laboratories and those suggested by the manufacturers are not comparable, even within the same diagnostic system. The findings demonstrate that participation in EQA schemes provided an opportunity for participating laboratories to continuously improve the quality of their services.
Two‐dimensional Bimetal‐Embedded Expanded Phthalocyanine Monolayers: A Class of Multifunctional Materials with Fascinating Properties
Authors: Long De‐Bing , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Feng Qingqing , Li Xingxing , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Yang Jinlong , Yang Li‐Ming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe expanded phthalocyanine (EPc) single‐layer sheets with embedded double transition metals (labeled as TM2EPc) are predicted to be a novel class of highly stable 2D materials with a series of fascinating properties by means of systematic first‐principles calculations, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations. Excitingly, the ferromagnetic Cr2EPc and antiferromagnetic Mn2– and Fe2–EPc have high magnetic transition temperatures of 223 (TC), 217 (TN), and 325 K (TN), respectively. This makes them promising candidates for low‐dimensional spintronic applications. Unexpectedly, V2EPc is an antiferromagnetic metal with Dirac cone, while ferromagnetic Cr2EPc exhibits Dirac half‐metallicity. The ultra‐high Fermi velocities near Dirac cones render them promising candidates for applications in high‐speed nanoelectronics and spintronics. Several architectured type‐II heterojunctions show promising power conversion efficiency with maximum 25.19% for Ni2EPc/2H‐WSe2, which has great potential in excitonic solar cell applications. Diverse promising properties endow this class of materials multifunction, which paves the way towards the future applications in nanoelectronics, spintronics, optoelectronics, and photovoltaics.
Constructing [2.2]Paracyclophane‐Based Ultrasensitive Optical Fluorescent‐Phosphorescent Thermometer with Cucurbit[8]uril Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Qiu Xujun , Zheng Teng , Runowski Marcin , Woźny Przemysław , Martín Inocencio R. , Soler‐Carracedo Kevin , Piñero Claudia Espinosa , Lebedkin Sergei , Fuhr Olaf , Bräse Stefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe pursuit of developing novel approaches to fully organic and efficient phosphorescent materials is in high demand. The optical activity of such functional, organic phosphorescent/fluorescent materials may exhibit great temperature dependence, allowing their application as advanced, highly sensitive molecular thermometers. In this study, a rational strategy involving host–guest complexation and polymerization of [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) based molecules with cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) to suppress the molecular motion and promote temperature‐dependent phosphorescence is presented. The rigid cavity of CB8 provides an ideal microenvironment to host PCP molecules 1 and 2, significantly enhancing the photophysical performance after complexation. Co‐polymerizing phosphors 1 and 2 with acrylamide is an efficient method for improving phosphorescence. Incorporating CB8 into the resulting P‐1 and P‐2 polymers enhances phosphorescence performance. Importantly, the obtained materials exhibit a big structure‐dependent spectral shift and change of phosphorescence lifetimes with temperature, allowing novel, phosphorescence‐based, and purely organic optical thermometers to be developed. The practical applications of PCP‐based luminescent materials in temperature sensing via a multi‐parameter approach are showcased, i.e., using fluorescence spectral shift and changes in bandwidth, as well as phosphorescence lifetimes, exhibiting thermal sensitivity of ≈17.7 cm−1 °C−1, 47.8 cm−1 °C, and 5.2% °C−1, respectively.
Magnetocaloric‐Responsive Hydrogel Nanoarchitectonics for Pyroptosis‐Relay‐Immunotherapy to Suppress Post‐Operation Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis
Authors: Wang Siyu , Jing Huaqing , Yang Rui , Heger Zbynek , Krizkova Sona , Zhou Yue , Liang Xiaoyang , Adam Vojtech , Li Nan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlthough a widely used option in contemporary anticancer treatment, surgery still causes serious issues, including post‐operation recurrence and the development of metastases. Immunotherapy, often following surgical resection of a tumor, has demonstrated benefits in improving the therapeutical outcomes of surgery. However, antigen generation and presentation play an essential role in reversing limited T‐cell responses or immunological resistance. Thus, a gelatin‐tannic acid gel (GelTA) crosslinked bimetallic (Zn0.35Fe0.65) magnetocaloric‐responsive hydrogels (GelTAMNPs) are developed to mediate pyroptosis‐relay‐immunotherapy for suppressing post‐operation tumor recurrence and metastasis. After surgical resection of tumor, GelTAMNPs generate hyperthermia inducible by alternating magnetic field and release ions (Fe3+, Fe2+, and Zn2+), reinforcing pyroptosis. Subsequently, the cell contents and cytokines released due to pyroptosis act as a “relay baton” passed from the tumor to the lymph nodes, leading to an enhanced systemic immune response. Combined with the PD‐1 immune checkpoint blockade, the recurrence and metastasis are significantly suppressed. An in vivo preclinical study on B16F10 tumor‐bearing mice demonstrates a long‐lasting immunological activation due to post‐surgical administration of GelTAMNPs. Altogether, the presented hydrogel exhibits a potential high magnetic sensitive pyroptosis‐relay‐immunotherapeutic platform for postoperative adjuvant treatment.
2D Molecular Ferroelectric with Large Out‐of‐plane Polarization for In‐Memory Computing
Authors: Yao Jie , Feng Zi‐Jie , Hu Zhenliang , Xiong Yu‐An , Pan Qiang , Du Guo‐Wei , Ji Hao‐Ran , Sha Tai‐Ting , Lu Junpeng , You Yu‐Meng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract2D ferroelectric materials with out‐of‐plane polarization are crucial for future nanoscale logic devices due to the increasing demand for energy‐efficient architectures in artificial intelligence. However, only a few 2D out‐of‐plane ferroelectrics are confirmed experimentally. As an important branch of ferroelectrics, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics show flexible structures, making them eligible for constructing multifunctional materials. Here, a 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectric (6‐BHA)2CdBr4(6‐BHA is 6‐bromohexylamine) is designed, which crystallizes in polar point groupCc. It experiences the reversal phase transition at 317.8 K and possesses multiaxial ferroelectric properties. More interestingly, it exhibits a large spontaneous polarization value of 3.26 µC cm−2in out‐of‐plane direction of the film compared with typical 2D ferroelectrics. Moreover, an inverter based on (6‐BHA)2CdBr4is fabricated, which serves as a proof of concept for the feasibility for logic‐in‐memory devices. This work not only enriches the family of molecular ferroelectrics but also shows the potential to create the next generation of in‐memory computing devices, nanoelectronics devices, and ultra‐high‐density memories.
Collagen Scaffolds Functionalized by Cu2+‐Chelated EGCG Nanoparticles with Anti‐Inflammatory, Anti‐Oxidation, Vascularization, and Anti‐Bacterial Activities for Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Ma Lei , Tan Yunfei , Tong Qiulan , Cao Xiaoyu , Liu Danni , Ma Xiaomin , Jiang Xian , Li Xudong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSkin injury is a common health problem worldwide, and the highly complex healing process poses critical challenges for its management. Therefore, wound dressings with salutary effects are urgently needed for wound care. However, traditional wound dressing with a single function often fails to meet the needs of wound repair, and the integration of multiple functions has been required for wound repair. Herein, Cu2+‐chelated epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles (EAC NPs), with radical scavenging, inflammation relieving, bacteria restraining, and vascularization accelerating capacities, are adopted to functionalize collagen scaffold, aiming to promote wound healing. Radical scavenging experiments verify that EAC NPs could efficiently scavenge radicals. Additionally, EAC NPs could effectively remove Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. H2O2 stimuli‐responsive EAC NPs show slow and sustained release properties of Cu2+. Furthermore, EAC NPs exhibit protective effects against H2O2‐induced oxidative‐stress damage and anti‐inflammatory activity in vivo. Physicochemical characterizations show that the introduction of EAC NPs does not disrupt the gelation behavior of collagen, and the composite scaffolds (CS) remain porous structure similar to collagen scaffold. Animal experiments demonstrate that CS could promote wound healing through improving the thickness of renascent epidermis and number of new vessels. CS with multiple salutary functions is a promising dressing for wound care.
Recent Advances in Implantable Neural Interfaces for Multimodal Electrical Neuromodulation
Authors: Wang Liu , Liu Shengnan , Zhao Wentai , Li Jiakun , Zeng Haoxuan , Kang Shaoyang , Sheng Xing , Wang Lizhen , Fan Yubo , Yin Lan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectrical neuromodulation plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes among individuals suffering from neurological disorders. Implantable neural interfaces are vital components of the electrical neuromodulation system to ensure desirable performance; However, conventional devices are limited to a single function and are constructed with bulky and rigid materials, which often leads to mechanical incompatibility with soft tissue and an inability to adapt to the dynamic and complex 3D structures of biological systems. In addition, current implantable neural interfaces utilized in clinical settings primarily rely on wire‐based techniques, which are associated with complications such as increased risk of infection, limited positioning options, and movement restrictions. Here, the state‐of‐art applications of electrical neuromodulation are presented. Material schemes and device structures that can be employed to develop robust and multifunctional neural interfaces, including flexibility, stretchability, biodegradability, self‐healing, self‐rolling, or morphing are discussed. Furthermore, multimodal wireless neuromodulation techniques, including optoelectronics, mechano‐electrics, magnetoelectrics, inductive coupling, and electrochemically based self‐powered devices are reviewed. In the end, future perspectives are given.
In Situ Mitochondrial Biomineralization for Drug‐Free Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Zeng Pei , Zhai Tianyou , Zhao Yanli , Liang Huageng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe common clinical chemotherapy often brings serious side effects to patients, mainly due to the off‐target and leakage of toxic drugs. However, this is fatal for some specific clinical tumors, such as brain tumors and neuroma. This study performs a drug‐free approach by encapsulating black phosphorus (BP) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) in liposomes with surface‐modified triphenylphosphonium (BCLT) to develop mitochondria targeting calcification for cancer therapy without damaging normal cells. BCLT preferentially accumulates inside tumor mitochondria and then is activated by near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation to produce abundant PO43− and Ca2+ to accelerate in situ mitochondrial mineralization, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer cell death. More importantly, both PO43− and Ca2+ are essential components of metabolism in the body, and random gradient diffusion or premature leakage does not cause damage to adjacent normal cells. This achievement promises to be an alternative to conventional chemotherapy in clinical practice for many specific tumor types.