1,470 research outputs found
Stakeholders Perspectives on the Success Drivers in Ghanaâs National Health Insurance Scheme â Identifying Policy Translation Issues
Background
Ghanaâs National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), established by an Act of Parliament (Act 650), in 2003 and since replaced by Act 852 of 2012 remains, in African terms, unprecedented in terms of growth and coverage. As a result, the scheme has received praise for its associated legal reforms, clinical audit mechanisms and for serving as a hub for knowledge sharing and learning within the context of South-South cooperation. The scheme continues to shape national health insurance thinking in Africa. While the success, especially in coverage and financial access has been highlighted by many authors, insufficient attention has been paid to critical and context-specific factors. This paper seeks to fill that gap.
Methods
Based on an empirical qualitative case study of stakeholdersâ views on challenges and success factors in four mutual schemes (district offices) located in two regions of Ghana, the study uses the concept of policy translation to assess whether the Ghana scheme could provide useful lessons to other African and developing countries in their quest to implement social/NHISs.
Results
In the study, interviewees referred to both âhard and softâ elements as driving the âsuccessâ of the Ghana scheme. The main âhard elementsâ include bureaucratic and legal enforcement capacities; IT; financing; governance, administration and management; regulating membership of the scheme; and service provision and coverage capabilities. The âsoftâ elements identified relate to: the background/context of the health insurance scheme; innovative ways of funding the NHIS, the hybrid nature of the Ghana scheme; political will, commitment by government, stakeholders and public cooperation; social structure of Ghana (solidarity); and ownership and participation.
Conclusion
Other developing countries can expect to translate rather than re-assemble a national health insurance programme in an incomplete and highly modified form over a period of years, amounting to a process best conceived as germination as opposed to emulation. The Ghana experience illustrates that in adopting health financing systems that function well, countries need to customise systems (policy customisation) to suit their socio-economic, political and administrative settings. Home-grown health financing systems that resonate with social values will also need to be found in the process of translation
Stakeholders Perspectives on the Success Drivers in Ghanaâs National Health Insurance Scheme â Identifying Policy Translation Issues
Background: Ghanaâs National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), established by an Act of Parliament (Act 650), in
2003 and since replaced by Act 852 of 2012 remains, in African terms, unprecedented in terms of growth and coverage.
As a result, the scheme has received praise for its associated legal reforms, clinical audit mechanisms and for serving
as a hub for knowledge sharing and learning within the context of South-South cooperation. The scheme continues to
shape national health insurance thinking in Africa. While the success, especially in coverage and financial access has
been highlighted by many authors, insufficient attention has been paid to critical and context-specific factors. This
paper seeks to fill that gap.
Methods: Based on an empirical qualitative case study of stakeholdersâ views on challenges and success factors in four
mutual schemes (district offices) located in two regions of Ghana, the study uses the concept of policy translation to
assess whether the Ghana scheme could provide useful lessons to other African and developing countries in their quest
to implement social/NHISs.
Results: In the study, interviewees referred to both âhard and softâ elements as driving the âsuccessâ of the Ghana
scheme. The main âhard elementsâ include bureaucratic and legal enforcement capacities; IT; financing; governance,
administration and management; regulating membership of the scheme; and service provision and coverage
capabilities. The âsoftâ elements identified relate to: the background/context of the health insurance scheme; innovative
ways of funding the NHIS, the hybrid nature of the Ghana scheme; political will, commitment by government,
stakeholders and public cooperation; social structure of Ghana (solidarity); and ownership and participation.
Conclusion: Other developing countries can expect to translate rather than re-assemble a national health insurance
programme in an incomplete and highly modified form over a period of years, amounting to a process best conceived
as germination as opposed to emulation. The Ghana experience illustrates that in adopting health financing systems
that function well, countries need to customise systems (policy customisation) to suit their socio-economic, political
and administrative settings. Home-grown health financing systems that resonate with social values will also need to
be found in the process of translatio
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Thyroid Hormone Promotes Postnatal Rat Pancreatic β-Cell Development and Glucose-Responsive Insulin Secretion Through MAFA
Neonatal β cells do not secrete glucose-responsive insulin and are considered immature. We previously showed the transcription factor MAFA is key for the functional maturation of β cells, but the physiological regulators of this process are unknown. Here we show that postnatal rat β cells express thyroid hormone (TH) receptor isoforms and deiodinases in an age-dependent pattern as glucose responsiveness develops. In vivo neonatal triiodothyronine supplementation and TH inhibition, respectively, accelerated and delayed metabolic development. In vitro exposure of immature islets to triiodothyronine enhanced the expression of Mafa, the secretion of glucose-responsive insulin, and the proportion of responsive cells, all of which are effects that were abolished in the presence of dominant-negative Mafa. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we show that TH has a direct receptor-ligand interaction with the Mafa promoter and, using a luciferase reporter, that this interaction was functional. Thus, TH can be considered a physiological regulator of functional maturation of β cells via its induction of Mafa
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Novel collaboration and situational awareness environment for leaders and their support staff via self assembling software.
This is the final report on the Sandia Fellow LDRD, project 117865, 08-0281. This presents an investigation of self-assembling software intended to create shared workspace environment to allow online collaboration and situational awareness for use by high level managers and their teams
Human blood-brain barrier receptors for Alzheimer's amyloid-beta 1- 40. Asymmetrical binding, endocytosis, and transcytosis at the apical side of brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayer.
This is the published version. Copyright 1998 by American Society for Clinical Investigation.A soluble monomeric form of Alzheimer's amyloid-beta (1-40) peptide (sAbeta1-40) is present in the circulation and could contribute to neurotoxicity if it crosses the brain capillary endothelium, which comprises the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. This study characterizes endothelial binding and transcytosis of a synthetic peptide homologous to human sAbeta1-40 using an in vitro model of human BBB. 125I-sAbeta1-40 binding to the brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayer was time dependent, polarized to the apical side, and saturable with high- and low-affinity dissociation constants of 7.8+/-1.2 and 52.8+/-6.2 nM, respectively. Binding of 125I-sAbeta1-40 was inhibited by anti-RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) antibody (63%) and by acetylated low density lipoproteins (33%). Consistent with these data, transfected cultured cells overexpressing RAGE or macrophage scavenger receptor (SR), type A, displayed binding and internalization of 125I-sAbeta1-40. The internalized peptide remains intact > 94%. Transcytosis of 125I-sAbeta1-40 was time and temperature dependent, asymmetrical from the apical to basolateral side, saturable with a Michaelis constant of 45+/-9 nM, and partially sensitive to RAGE blockade (36%) but not to SR blockade. We conclude that RAGE and SR mediate binding of sAbeta1-40 at the apical side of human BBB, and that RAGE is also involved in sAbeta1-40 transcytosis
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The uptake and use of a minimum data set (MDS) for older people living and dying in care homes: a realist review.
BACKGROUND: Care homes provide long term care for older people. Countries with standardised approaches to residents' assessment, care planning and review (known as minimum data sets (MDS)) use the aggregate data to guide resource allocation, monitor quality, and for research. Less is known about how an MDS affects how staff assess, provide and review residents' everyday care. The review aimed to develop a theory-driven understanding of how care home staff can effectively implement and use MDS to plan and deliver care for residents. METHODS: The realist review was organised according to RAMESES (Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: and Evolving Standards) guidelines. There were three overlapping stages: 1) defining the scope of the review and theory development on the use of minimum data set 2) testing and refining candidate programme theories through iterative literature searches and stakeholders' consultations as well as discussion among the research team; and 3) data synthesis from stages 1 and 2. The following databases were used MEDLINE via OVID, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ASSIA [Applied Social Sciences Citation Index and Abstracts]) and sources of grey literature. RESULTS: Fifty-one papers informed the development of three key interlinked theoretical propositions: motivation (mandates and incentives for Minimum Data Set completion); frontline staff monitoring (when Minimum Data Set completion is built into the working practices of the care home); and embedded recording systems (Minimum Data Set recording system is integral to collecting residents' data). By valuing the contributions of staff and building on existing ways of working, the uptake and use of an MDS could enable all staff to learn with and from each other about what is important for residents' care CONCLUSIONS: Minimum Data Sets provides commissioners service providers and researchers with standardised information useful for commissioning planning and analysis. For it to be equally useful for care home staff it requires key activities that address the staff experiences of care, their work with others and the use of digital technology. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42020171323
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus debulking surgery in advanced tubo-ovarian cancers: pooled analysis of individual patient data from the EORTC 55971 and CHORUS trials
Background: Individual patient data from two randomised trials comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with upfront debulking surgery in advanced tubo-ovarian cancer were analysed to examine long-term outcomes for patients and to identify any preferable therapeutic approaches for subgroup populations. Methods: We did a per-protocol pooled analysis of individual patient data from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 55971 trial (NCT00003636) and the Medical Research Council Chemotherapy Or Upfront Surgery (CHORUS) trial (ISRCTN74802813). In the EORTC trial, eligible women had biopsy-proven International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC or IV invasive epithelial tubo-ovarian carcinoma. In the CHORUS trial, inclusion criteria were similar to those of the EORTC trial, and women with apparent FIGO stage IIIA and IIIB disease were also eligible. The main aim of the pooled analysis was to show non-inferiority in overall survival with neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared with upfront debulking surgery, using the reverse Kaplan-Meier method. Tests for heterogeneity were based on Cochran's Q heterogeneity statistic. Findings: Data for 1220 women were included in the pooled analysis, 670 from the EORTC trial and 550 from the CHORUS trial. 612 women were randomly allocated to receive upfront debulking surgery and 608 to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 7¡6 years (IQR 6¡0â9¡6; EORTC, 9¡2 years [IQR 7¡3â10¡4]; CHORUS, 5¡9 years [IQR 4¡3â7¡4]). Median age was 63 years (IQR 56â71) and median size of the largest metastatic tumour at diagnosis was 8 cm (IQR 4¡8â13¡0). 55 (5%) women had FIGO stage IIâIIIB disease, 831 (68%) had stage IIIC disease, and 230 (19%) had stage IV disease, with staging data missing for 104 (9%) women. In the entire population, no difference in median overall survival was noted between patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and upfront debulking surgery (27¡6 months [IQR 14¡1â51¡3] and 26¡9 months [12¡7â50¡1], respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 0¡97, 95% CI 0¡86â1¡09; p=0¡586). Median overall survival for EORTC and CHORUS patients was significantly different at 30¡2 months (IQR 15¡7â53¡7) and 23¡6 months (10¡5â46¡9), respectively (HR 1¡20, 95% CI 1¡06â1¡36; p=0¡004), but was not heterogeneous (Cochran's Q, p=0¡17). Women with stage IV disease had significantly better outcomes with neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared with upfront debulking surgery (median overall survival 24¡3 months [IQR 14¡1â47¡6] and 21¡2 months [10¡0â36¡4], respectively; HR 0¡76, 95% CI 0¡58â1¡00; p=0¡048; median progression-free survival 10¡6 months [7¡9â15¡0] and 9¡7 months [5¡2â13¡2], respectively; HR 0¡77, 95% CI 0¡59â1¡00; p=0¡049). Interpretation: Long-term follow-up data substantiate previous results showing that neoadjuvant chemotherapy and upfront debulking surgery result in similar overall survival in advanced tubo-ovarian cancer, with better survival in women with stage IV disease with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This pooled analysis, with long-term follow-up, shows that neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a valuable treatment option for patients with stage IIICâIV tubo-ovarian cancer, particularly in patients with a high tumour burden at presentation or poor performance status
The Vehicle, Spring 1974
Table of Contents
PhotoJim Painterpage 1
Six Poems of the LandRay Schmuddepage 5
At Last to Find FreedomJann Briesacherpage 7
The Last IrisMarjorie Thoelepage 9
(Untitled)Melinda E. Recordpage 10
MenJan Schroederpage 10
ImpressionsJudy Bardpage 11
ScaredAnita Surpage 11
Loved and LostJan Schroederpage 12
Dripped-Over WaxAnita Surpage 13
The Crowded RoomWilliam E. Uteschpage 14
A River in IllinoisJames Jonespage 14
Sneeze SeasonDarlene A. Moorepage 14
ChangesMark Chianakaspage 15
PhotoJim Painterpage 16
Wedding VowsJann Briesacherpage 17
PhotoJim Painterpage 18
PhotoJim Painterpage 19
PhotoJim Painterpage 20
PhotoJim Painterpage 21
PhotoJim Painterpage 22
PhotoLarry Smyserpage 23
From Outside ColoradoRay Schmuddepage 24
Dairy QueenGayle Gleichmanpage 26
With Sunstreaks in our HairNancy Broom Brownpage 33
PhotoJim Painterpage 34
Water\u27s EdgeMarjorie Thoelepage 35
My 665th Illusion of SanityGordon Glessnerpage 36
Is it my turn to do the laundry again??? Jann Briesacherpage 38
TV Teachingbobbdoddpage 39
GuidanceWendy Diane Wielandpage 40
PhotoJim Painterpage 41
RaindropsJane Ann Beerspage 42
WaitingJan Schroederpage 42
To JonJudy Bardpage 43
One Autumn Day in 1971E. Christmanpage 43
More Surely Than Picture AlbumsMarjorie Thoelepage 44
WingspanningNancy Broom Brownpage 45
ReligionMelinda E. Recordpage 45
Rosalie StevensonMark Holleypage 46
PhotoJim Painterpage 47
WhiteShirley A. Rardinpage 48
The Beginning of a Perfect DayShirley A. Rardinpage 49
PhotoMichael Chenpage 50
Rosethorn Wall of June 17bobbdoddpage 51
ManJan Schroederpage 51
HaikuJudy Bardpage 51
You know it leaves me emptyJames Osbornepage 52
For JesseJames Osbornepage 52
EndingsMark Chianakaspage 53
ConfusionGary L. Owenspage 53
PhotoMichael Chenpage 54
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 54
Journey of just oneNancy Broom Brownpage 55
Blackbirds in IllinoisJames Jonespage 56
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 56
PhotoMichael Chenpage 57
I am a poemDarlene A. Moorepage 57
A Glimpse of ParadiseJann Briesacherpage 57
PhotoJim Painterpage 58
PoemSheila Marie Foorpage 59
In my windowBarbara S. Meyerpage 59
Section 4., Draft 3bobbdoddpage 60
PhotoJim Painterpage 61
PoemJann Briesacherpage 61
PhotoGary Deanpage 62
I amWilliam E. Uteschpage 62
To a tank-car in IllinoisJames Jonespage 63
PoemJane Ann Beerspage 63
PoemsJann Briesacherpage 63
Editor\u27s Pagepage 64https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1031/thumbnail.jp
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