bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PASS versus MBT™ for evaluation of anchorage control in three-dimensional measurements: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Huizhong , Han Bing , Jiang Ruoping , Su Hong , Feng Tingting , Teng Fei , Xu Tianmin 
Published: March 2020

Summary

Background
Growth and development might lead to anchorage loss during orthodontic treatment, such as the mesial drift of molars, the compensation characteristics of upper molars following mandibular growth, or the angulation of molars before treatment. Different anchorage reinforcement devices have been developed to prevent mechanical anchorage loss, but the anchorage loss resulting from physiological factors should also be taken into account.

Objective
To explore the efficacy of a new strategy to control physiologic anchorage compared with that of the conventional straight-wire appliance.

Trial design
Randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods
Participants of Han ethnicity were randomized into the physiologic anchorage spee-wire system (PASS) group or McLaughlin–Bennett–Trevisi (MBT™) straight-wire group by minimization random allocation. The eligibility criteria were patients with a Class I or II molar relationship, permanent dentition (11–35 years old), fixed appliances involving the extraction of at least two upper first premolars, and medium or maximum anchorage requirements. Pre-treatment and post-treatment dental casts were scanned into digital casts and measured using a blinded method. Mesial displacements of the upper first molars were considered as the primary outcome for evaluating anchorage control. Measurements were taken for subgroups based on age.

Results
Data from 60 participants were analysed. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between groups. Mesial displacement of the upper first molar (in mm) was 2.96 ± 1.52 in the PASS group and 2.70 ± 1.66 in the MBT group (P = 0.521). The variation in incisor torque was −6.94 ± 6.35 degree in the PASS group and −11.76 ± 7.65 degree in the MBT group (P = 0. 010). The incisor retraction (in mm) was 4.24 ± 1.99 and 5.67 ± 2.27 in the PASS and MBT groups, respectively (P = 0.012). Adverse effects were not documented in any patient.

Limitation
The study was a single-centre study.

Conclusions
Compared with the MBT group, the PASS group without additional anchorage devices could attain well anchorage control by considering the dentoalveolar compensation of anchor teeth.

Registration
This RCT was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR-TRC-13003260.
Reasons for encounter in primary health care in Brazil
Authors: Chueiri Patricia S , Gonçalves Marcelo Rodrigues , Hauser Lisiane , Wollmann Lucas , Mengue Sotero Serrate , Roman Rudi , Rodrigues Agostinho Rech Milena , Soares Marcelo de Araújo Vianna , Pertile Jamily , Harzheim Erno 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Primary health care (PHC) delivery in Brazil has improved in the last decades. However, it remains unknown whether the Family Health Strategy teams are meeting the health needs of the population.

Objectives
To describe the reasons for encounter (RFEs) in PHC in Brazil and to examine variations in RFEs according to sex, age and geographic region.

Methods
This descriptive study is part of a national cross-sectional study conducted in 2016. The sample was stratified by the number of PHC physicians per geographic region. Physicians who had been working for at least 1 year in the same PHC unit were included. For every participating physician, 12 patients aged ≥18 years who had attended at least two encounters were included. Patients were asked about their RFEs, which were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care.

Results
In 6160 encounters, a total of 8046 RFEs were coded. Seven reasons accounted for 50% of all RFEs. There was a high frequency of codes related to test results, medication renewal and preventive medicine. RFEs did not vary significantly by sex or geographic region, but they did by age group (P &lt; 0.001). The rates of prescriptions, requests for investigations and referrals to specialized care were 71.1%, 42.8%, and 21.3%, respectively.

Conclusion
This novel study opened the ‘black box’ of RFEs in PHC in Brazil. These findings can contribute to redefining the scope of PHC services and reorienting work practices in order to improve the quality of PHC in Brazil.
Detecting regime shifts in communities using estimated rates of change
Authors: Pedersen Eric J , Koen-Alonso Mariano , Tunney Tyler D 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRegime shifts (periods of rapid change punctuating longer periods of lower variability) are observed in a wide range of ecosystems, and effective fisheries management requires the ability to detect these shifts. Detecting shifts is straightforward in single-species time series when transitions are detectable as periods of rapid change. However, shifts in complex and spatially structured communities may be harder to detect. We propose an approach to characterize community regime shifts, using nonparametric spatiotemporal regression models to estimate three indicators of community change (the among-species mean rate of change, mean per-capita rate of change, and standard deviation of per-capita rate of change). These indicators can detect shifts that result in either changes in abundance or composition. We applied our approach to a 37-year community biomass time series that spans the Newfoundland Shelf groundfish collapse. Our method detected a community shift earlier than alternative single-indicator breakpoint approaches and gave additional insight into the spatiotemporal pattern of the change, including detecting three separate periods of change and characterizing the first locations to show signs of recovery. The indicators applied in this study provide novel insights into Newfoundland groundfish dynamics and should be useful in the characterization of other abrupt ecological changes.
Natural mortality estimation using tree-based ensemble learning models
Authors: Liu Chanjuan , Zhou Shijie , Wang You-Gan , Hu Zhihua 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Empirical studies are popular in estimating fish natural mortality rate (M). However, these empirical methods derive M from other life-history parameters and are often perceived as being less reliable than direct methods. To improve the predictive performance and reliability of empirical methods, we develop ensemble learning models, including bagging trees, random forests, and boosting trees, to predict M based on a dataset of 256 records of both Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes. Three common life-history parameters are used as predictors: the maximum age and two growth parameters (growth coefficient and asymptotic length). In addition, taxonomic variable class is included to distinguish Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes. Results indicate that tree-based ensemble learning models significantly improve the accuracy of M estimate, compared to the traditional statistical regression models and the basic regression tree model. Among ensemble learning models, boosting trees and random forests perform best on the training dataset, but the former performs a slightly better on the test dataset. We develop four boosting trees models for estimating M based on varying life-history parameters, and an R package is provided for interested readers to estimate M of their new species.
Understanding the Intersection of Behavioral Risk and Social Determinants of Health and the Impact on an Outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Persons Who Inject Drugs in Philadelphia
Authors: Kim Melissa M , Conyngham S Caitlin , Smith Champagnae , Higgins Dana , Nassau Tanner , Terrell Coleman , Brady Kathleen A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
In 2018, Philadelphia identified an outbreak of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Although conventional HIV surveillance systems capture individual-level behavioral risk, they are not able to capture the social and environmental factors contributing to rapid transmission.

Methods
HIV surveillance data were used to assess demographic, clinical, and behavioral factors for PWID with HIV diagnosed during 2017 and 2018. Social factors such as homelessness, disruption of encampments, and trends in sexual behaviors, drug use and syringe availability among PWID were captured through National HIV Behavioral Surveillance, routine hepatitis and sexually transmitted infection surveillance, and shelter and homeless outreach data.

Results
In 2018, there were 71 new infections among PWID, an increase of 115% since 2016. During this time, opioid overdose deaths peaked at 59 deaths per 100 000 persons, 85% of which involved the use of fentanyl. While overall reported homelessness increased, rates of those living unsheltered rose by 13%. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health identified increased injection frequency, encampment closures, and lack of syringe access as promoters of continued HIV transmission.

Conclusion
The use of conventional surveillance methods only is inadequate for determining HIV risk during outbreaks. Incorporation of individual and aggregate level data on social and environmental determinants is necessary to develop effective outbreak response interventions.
Development and validation of a generic patient experience instrument for measuring specialist outpatient service in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Eliza Lai-Yi , Cheung Annie Wai-Ling , Xu Richard Huan , Yam Carrie Ho-Kwan , Lui Sui-Fai , Yeoh Eng-Kiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objective
The measurement of patients’ experience is an important performance indicator of health care service quality. A reliable and validated instrument to elicit patients’ experience is an important step. This study aimed to develop a generic instrument to elicit patients’ experience in specialist outpatient clinic provision with a rigorous and systematic methodology.

Design
The instrument framework was developed according to findings of a literature review, patient focus group discussions, individual patient in-depth interviews and expert discussion. The framework was tested for psychometric performance with a cross-sectional telephone survey in terms of practicality, validity, reliability and responsiveness.

Setting
26 Public specialist outpatient clinics in Hong Kong were selected.

Participants
Cantonese speaking patients aged 18 or above. Intervention(s): None. Main outcome measure(s): A validated generic patient experience questionnaire measuring Specialist Outpatient Service (SOPEQ).

Results
A proportional sample total of 513 patients from 26 specialist outpatient clinics were recruited, response rate of 56%. The findings indicated that the instrument is practicable and concise. A structure of nine dimensions with 47 items structure was confirmed based on exploratory factor analysis and content validity. These items showed satisfactory internal reliability consistency (α = 0.793) and test–retest reliability ranged from 0.618 to 0.829.

Conclusions
The SOPEQ was established with satisfactory psychometric properties. A valid and reliable measure to evaluate patients’ experience is an important step in providing valuable input from patients’ perspective for policy makers to improve patient-centred services. It also serves as a platform to engage patients and thereby, in improving health care quality and enhancing health outcomes.
Feasibility of de-linking reimbursement of antimicrobials from sales: the Australian perspective as a qualitative case study
Authors: Hillock Nadine T , Merlin Tracy L , Karnon Jonathan , Turnidge John , Eliott Jaklin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a disparity in the economic return achievable for antimicrobials compared with other drugs because of the need for stewardship. This has led to a decline in pharmaceutical companies’ willingness to invest in the development of these drugs and a consequent global interest in funding models where reimbursement is de-linked from sales.

Objectives
To explore the perspective of stakeholders regarding the feasibility of de-linked reimbursement of antimicrobials in Australia.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants sourced from the pharmaceutical industry and individuals representing public-sector payers or regulators. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed using the framework method.

Results
Five key themes were identified in the interviews: funding silos are a barrier to de-linking reimbursement; varying levels of supporting evidence are (currently) required for funding depending upon setting; funding status or cost is used as a stewardship tool; a de-linked model may cost more; and concerns regarding governance and access to antimicrobials exist in the private sector.

Conclusions
Australia’s current multi-tiered funding of medicines across different levels of government was perceived as a barrier to de-linked reimbursement. Participants felt that the responsibility for antimicrobial funding and stewardship should be integrated and centralized. Implementing a nationally funded de-linked reimbursement model for new antimicrobials would require a review of funding decision-making criteria, given that most MDR infections are off-label indications and could not then be funded through the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Findings from this study could be applicable to other countries with reimbursement frameworks similar to Australia.
Nazi Crimes Before West German Courts
Authors: Richter Ida 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Fritz Bauer was one of the main figures of post-war West Germany who fought to bring Nazi perpetrators to trial before German courts at a time when the prevailing general climate and mentality was one of impunity and a need to make a ‘clean break’. This article investigates whether Bauer’s ideas can be set in relation to today’s notions of international criminal justice. Looking for this connection seems an obvious and necessary endeavour, since Bauer’s work focused on prosecuting Nazi crimes, which were dealt with initially by the International Military Tribunal of Nuremberg, the first international criminal tribunal in history. However, this connection has rarely been studied. By taking the example of Bauer’s views on criminal responsibility of the staff at Auschwitz, expressed in relation to the first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial (1963-1965), this article demonstrates that his ideas stood out from common legal opinions in West Germany at the time. It also shows elements in his thinking corresponding to the concept of joint criminal enterprise in today’s international criminal law. The article will also argue that although Bauer’s far-reaching understanding of criminal liability made its way into legal practice only to a limited extent, this must be seen within the historical context of West German jurisprudence concerning Nazi crimes in the 1960s, the period in which Bauer worked.
Synovial Sarcoma: A Series of Small Tumors in Active Duty Service Members
Authors: Bates Taylor , Kao Erica , Alderete Joseph , Lybeck Dustin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Synovial Sarcoma is a soft tissue sarcoma with a propensity to imitate a benign neoplasm. It is most common in males 15–40 years old, typically presents as a slow growing painful mass, and often arises insidiously without alarm to the patient. Three patients with synovial sarcomas who had each undergone an index procedure to treat a small presumedly benign mass that was later identified as synovial sarcoma were reviewed. All three patients required re-excision of the tumor and tumor bed and are currently undergoing routine surveillance. All patients exhibited the classic translocation t(X;18) (p11.2; q11.2) and all were of the monophasic type. All lesions were less than 35 mm in greatest longitudinal dimension on MRI. None have experienced recurrences of synovial sarcoma to date. Healthcare providers should be aware of the synovial sarcoma’s propensity to masquerade as a benign disease and the characteristic clinical and radiological findings. We advocate for a low threshold to obtain advanced imaging and consideration of a tissue diagnosis prior to excision. A referral to an orthopedic oncologist should be considered and biopsy should only be performed where the definitive treatment will take place if malignancy is identified.
Anisotropic infall in the outskirts of OmegaWINGS galaxy clusters
Authors: Salerno Juan Manuel , Martínez Héctor J , Muriel Hernán , Coenda Valeria , Vulcani Benedetta , Poggianti Bianca , Moretti Alessia , Gullieuszik Marco , Fritz Jacopo , Bettoni Daniela 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
We study the effects of the environment on galaxy quenching in the outskirts of clusters at 0.04 &lt; z &lt; 0.08. We use a subsample of 14 WINGS and OmegaWINGS clusters that are linked to other groups/clusters by filaments and study separately galaxies located in two regions in the outskirts of these clusters according to whether they are located towards the filaments’ directions or not. We also use samples of galaxies in clusters and field as a comparison. Filamentary structures linking galaxy groups/clusters were identified over the Six Degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey Data Release 3. We find a fraction of passive galaxies in the outskirts of clusters intermediate between that of the clusters and the field’s. We find evidence of a more effective quenching in the direction of the filaments. We also analyse the abundance of post-starburst (PS) galaxies in the outskirts of clusters focusing our study on two extreme sets of galaxies according to their phase-space position: backsplash and true infallers. We find that up to $\sim 70{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of PS galaxies in the direction of filaments are likely backsplash, while this number drops to $\sim 40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ in the isotropic infall region. The presence of this small fraction of galaxies in filaments that are falling into clusters for the first time and have been recently quenched, supports a scenario in which a significant number of filament galaxies have been quenched long time ago.
Proactively Offered Text Messages and Mailed Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smokers in Primary Care Practices: A Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Kruse Gina R , Park Elyse R , Chang Yuchiao , Haberer Jessica E , Abroms Lorien C , Shahid Naysha N , Howard Sydney , Haas Jennifer S , Rigotti Nancy A 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionProactive, population health cessation programs can guide efforts to reach smokers outside of the clinic to encourage quit attempts and treatment use.Aims and MethodsThis study aimed to measure trial feasibility and preliminary effects of a proactive intervention offering text messages (TM) and/or mailed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to smokers in primary care clinics. From 2017 to 2019 we performed a pilot randomized trial comparing brief telephone advice (control: BA), TM, 2 weeks of mailed NRT, or both interventions (TM + NRT). Patients were identified using electronic health records and contacted proactively by telephone to assess interest in the study. We compared quit attempts, treatment use, and cessation in the intervention arms with BA.ResultsOf 986 patients contacted, 153 (16%) enrolled (mean age 53 years, 57% female, 76% white, 11% black, 8% Hispanic, 52% insured by Medicaid) and 144 (94%) completed the 12-week assessment. On average, patients in the TM arms received 159 messages (99.4% sent, 0.6% failed), sent 19 messages, and stayed in the program for 61 days. In all groups, a majority of patients reported quit attempts (BA 67% vs. TM 86% [p = .07], NRT 81% [p = .18], TM + NRT 79% [p = .21]) and NRT use (BA 51% vs. NRT 83% [p = .007], TM 65% [p = .25], TM + NRT 76% [p = .03]). Effect estimates for reported 7-day abstinence were BA 10% versus TM 26% (p = .09), NRT 28% (p = .06), and TM + NRT 23% (p = .14).ConclusionsProactively offering TM or mailed nicotine medications was feasible among primary care smokers and a promising approach to promote quit attempts and short-term abstinence.ImplicationsProactive intervention programs to promote quit attempts outside of office visits among smokers enrolled in primary care practices are needed. TM have potential to engage smokers not planning to quit or to support smokers to make a planned quit attempt. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of testing a proactive treatment model including TM and/or mailed NRT to promote quit attempts, treatment use, and cessation among nontreatment-seeking smokers in primary care.ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT03174158.
Predictors of Smoking Cessation Attempts and Success Following Motivation-Phase Interventions Among People Initially Unwilling to Quit Smoking
Authors: Klemperer Elias M , Mermelstein Robin , Baker Timothy B , Hughes John R , Fiore Michael C , Piper Megan E , Schlam Tanya R , Jorenby Douglas E , Collins Linda M , Cook Jessica W 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Most people who smoke cigarettes are not willing (ie, not ready) to make a quit attempt (QA) at any given time. Unfortunately, interventions intended to increase QAs and the success of QAs are only modestly effective. Identifying processes leading to QAs and quitting success could guide intervention development.

Aims and Methods
This is a secondary analysis of a randomized factorial trial of 6 weeks of motivation-phase interventions among primary care patients (N = 517) who were initially unwilling to quit but were willing to reduce their smoking. Using logistic regression, we controlled for treatment condition and tested whether baseline or change in smoking-related constructs after 6 weeks of treatment predicted (1) making an at least 24 h QA between weeks 6 and 26 and (2) quitting success at week 26 (7-day point-prevalence abstinence among those who made a QA). Predictors included cigarettes/day, time to first cigarette, motivation to quit, quitting self-efficacy, anticipated urges to smoke if quit, positive affect, negative affect, and time spent around others who smoke.

Results
In multivariable models that included all smoking-related constructs, changes in the following variables predicted initiating a QA above and beyond other variables: greater baseline time to first cigarette (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60), increases in time to first cigarette (OR = 1.27), and increases in quitting self-efficacy (OR = 1.14). Increased motivation to quit predicted conversion of a QA into quitting success at 26 weeks (OR = 1.36).

Conclusion
Predictors of making a QA differed from predictors of quitting success. Predictors of QAs and success could each serve as important treatment targets of motivation-phase interventions.

Implications
Motivation-phase interventions for people initially unwilling to quit smoking cigarettes may be improved by striving to increase their (1) time to first cigarette and quitting self-efficacy to promote QAs and (2) motivation to quit to promote quit success. Future experimental tests of such interventions are needed to identify causal determinants of QAs and quitting success.