bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in health system performance in rural areas of New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Slimings Claudia , Moore Malcolm 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectives(i) To quantify geographic variation in selected health system performance indicators across local government areas of rural New South Wales and (ii) to compare relationships between sociodemographic factors and health system performance indicators across the regions.DesignEcological study.SettingRural New South Wales communities.ParticipantsEighty‐nine local government areas in rural areas comprising 47 inner regional, 33 outer regional, 6 remote and 3 very remote areas.Main outcome measuresDeaths from avoidable causes, public hospital admissions for potentially preventable conditions, screening program participation, immunisation coverage.ResultsThe largest geographic variation between rural areas of New South Wales was seen for avoidable mortality and potentially preventable hospital admissions. The average annual avoidable age‐standardised mortality rate (2013‐2017) ranged from 78.1 per 100 000 population to 493.7 per 100 000 population and the age‐standardised rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations (2016‐2017) ranged from 1491 to 5797 per 100 000 population. Approximately three quarters of local government areas had bowel and breast cancer screening participation rates equivalent to or better than the overall New South Wales rate; however, only 34% of local government areas met the New South Wales rate for cervical cancer screening. The least variation was seen for immunisation coverage; Byron had the lowest immunisation coverage for all 3 ages. The most common explanations for variation between rural local government areas in New South Wales were remoteness and socioeconomic characteristics.ConclusionsThe analysis of health system performance indicators reveals differences among New South Wales rural local government areas. The results highlight specific areas that might benefit from targeted intervention to improve inequities particularly for avoidable mortality and potentially preventable hospitalisations.
Ocular pathogens and antibiotic resistance in microbial keratitis over three years in Harbin, Northeast China
Authors: Xu Shuo , Guo Dawen , Liu Xintian , Jin Xin , Shi Yan , Wang Yingbin , Zhang Nan , Zhang Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeUnderstanding the spectrum of ocular pathogens in a given geographic region is important for devising appropriate practical treatment. Therefore, we examined the pathogen spectrum and antibiotic resistance of microbial keratitis in northeast China.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the microbiology laboratory records of patients diagnosed with microbial keratitis in a tertiary eye hospital in Harbin, northeast China, between 2017 and 2019, and analysed the pathogen spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility.ResultsWe collected 462 specimens, of which 282 exhibited positive cultures. Among these cultures, 257 were bacterial and 25 were fungal. Of the 257 bacterial isolates, 214 (83.27%) were gram positive whereas 43 (16.73%) were gram negative. The most prevalent gram‐positive pathogen was coagulase‐negative staphylococcus (CoNS; 58.37%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus; 20.62%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2.33%). Of the gram‐negative bacterial isolates, 10 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3.89%). The most frequently detected ocular pathogens from fungal isolates were Fusarium species (40%). We also found more culture‐positive cases of bacterial keratitis in summer. Overall, 16.98% S. aureus and 64.00% CoNS isolates were methicillin resistant. These methicillin‐resistant bacteria were also more likely to be resistant to other antibiotics, with multidrug resistance found in 77.78% methicillin‐resistant S. aureus and 90.63% methicillin‐resistant CoNS. However, all gram‐positive isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid.ConclusionCoagulase‐negative staphylococcus are the most common ocular pathogens in northeast China. We also show the prevalence of methicillin resistance and concurrent multidrug resistance among staphylococcal isolates. Monitoring the patterns of antimicrobial resistance could help in the management selection.
Impact of the introduction of pure retroperitoneoscopic living‐donor nephrectomy on perioperative donor outcomes: A propensity score matching comparison with hand‐assisted laparoscopic living‐donor nephrectomy
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi , Hisadome Yu , Sato Yu , Mei Takanori , Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionWe previously reported that the outcomes of pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy are superior to those of hand‐assisted retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy. Consequently, we introduced pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy in our hospital. Here, we compared perioperative outcomes between hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy and pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 315 living‐donor kidney transplantation procedures performed between October 2015 and December 2020 (213 involving hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, October 2015 to June 2019; 102 involving pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy, May 2019 to December 2020). After propensity score matching, 90 transplantations were included in each group (n = 180 overall).ResultsDonors in the pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy group had longer warm ischemia times (P < .001), lower serum C‐reactive protein concentrations and white blood cell counts on postoperative day 1 (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively), and shorter postoperative stays (P < .001) than donors in the hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy group. Five (5.6%) modified Clavien‐classifiable complications occurred in the hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy group; no complications occurred in the pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy group (P = 0.008). One recipient in the hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy group had donor‐related delayed graft function. There were no significant differences between groups in recipient estimated glomerular filtration on postoperative day 7.ConclusionThe introduction of pure retroperitoneoscopic donor nephrectomy was safe and effective. Moreover, it was less invasive and less harmful for donors, compared with hand‐assisted intra‐abdominal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy; recipient outcomes were equivalent.
Hard won lessons learned in the evaluation field: Implications for behavioural insights practice
Authors: McDavid Jim , Henderson Kathryn 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article explores parallels between the recent emergence of Behavioural Insights (BI) as an applied public policy‐related field and the first years of the evaluation field (dating back to the 1960s). We identify four developments in the evaluation field and implications relevant for BI. We then identify three challenges that lie ahead for BI, with the most significant involving professionalizing BI practice. We identify several advantages to professionalization, one being an improved capacity to speak truth to power. The evaluation field, globally, is exploring steps to professionalize practice, but given the continued emergence of competing approaches, in theory and practice, it is an open question whether professionalization can be successful. Understanding challenges in the evaluation field can inform BI efforts to professionalize as a regular contributor to government assessment and improvement of policies and programs.
Communication of health risk in substance‐dependent populations: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Goh Melvin C. W. , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Raftery Dayle K. , Ingram Isabella 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIssuesIndividuals with substance use problems are at greater risk of chronic diseases due to their unhealthy lifestyle behaviours (e.g. alcohol use, smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition). There is increasing evidence that health risk communication is crucial in improving risk perception and knowledge of chronic diseases, and both factors are associated with health behaviour change. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of evidence on health risk communication on people with substance use problems.ApproachA systematic search identified peer reviewed studies from the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus. Data were extracted from the included studies and a narrative synthesis of the results was conducted.Key FindingsEight articles, representing five unique studies, were included in the review. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was considered to be low. The studies evaluated the use of message framing and personalised/customised recommendations across smoking cessation and patient engagement with methadone maintenance treatment. Results revealed that message framing, specifically gain‐framed messages, had a positive impact on smoking cessation. Risk perception, sex and level of nicotine dependence were also found to be associated with smoking cessation.Implications and ConclusionsThe limited number of studies provides preliminary evidence that health risk communication promotes smoking cessation. However, studies included in the review were characterised by heterogeneous methods and measures. Further investigation of health risk communication using adequately powered randomised controlled trial is warranted.
Application of specialized pro‐resolving mediators in periodontitis and peri‐implantitis: a review
Authors: Ali Muhanad , Yang Fang , Plachokova Adelina S. , Jansen John A. , Walboomers X. Frank 
Published: February 2021

AbstractScaling and root planning is a key element in the mechanical therapy used for the eradication of biofilm, which is the major etiological factor for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis. However, periodontitis is also a host mediated disease, therefore, removal of the biofilm without adjunctive therapy may not achieve the desired clinical outcome due to persistent activation of the innate and adaptive immune cells. Most recently, even the resident cells of the periodontium, including periodontal ligament fibroblasts, have been shown to produce several inflammatory factors in response to bacterial challenge. With increased understanding of the pathophysiology of periodontitis, more research is focusing on opposing excessive inflammation with specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs). This review article covers the major limitations of current standards of care for periodontitis and peri‐implantitis, and it highlights recent advances and prospects of SPMs in the context of tissue reconstruction and regeneration. Here, we focus primarily on the role of SPMs in restoring tissue homeostasis after periodontal infection.
Cod movement ecology in a warming world: Circumpolar arctic gadids
Authors: Pettitt‐Wade Harri , Loseto Lisa L. , Majewski Andrew , Hussey Nigel E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderstanding fish movement in the Arctic is paramount during the current era of rapidly warming seas, receding sea ice and associated shifting species distributions and fishing effort. We synthesized the literature and identified key knowledge gaps on the movement ecology of Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) and Polar/Ice cod (Arctogadus glacialis, both Gadidae) in the context of climate change. Standardized web‐based English‐language literature searches yielded 51 articles directly relevant and 122 indirectly relevant for the movement ecology of these species combined. Most articles were primarily relevant toB. saida(85% of total filtered articles), occurred during open water season (49/38%) with focus on distribution (32/22%), predators (30/22%), seasonal spawning/feeding movements (22/19%), sea ice association (22/26%), climate change (20/15%) and vertical movements (17/19%) with few focused on horizontal dynamics (3/0%;B. saida/A. glacialis, respectively). Disproportionate data resolution has resulted in greater predictive power of movement models for the European (29% of articles) and North American (86%) Arctic regions relative to the logistically challenging Central Arctic Ocean and Russian‐Siberian Arctic shelves (both 7%). The movements of circumpolar Arctic gadids are dependent on complex dynamics that include regional currents, the longevity of ice‐flows and polynyas, water stratification and coastal hydrology. Dependence on these interactive and often co‐dependent processes highlights major pathways and barriers to movement and distribution at higher latitudes. Despite a recent increase in impactful research, there is a critical need for more direct research on circumpolar gadid movements to aid understanding of climate change impacts on Arctic ecosystems and fisheries.
Defined benefit pension de‐risking and corporate risk‐taking
Authors: Silverstein Brian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractU.S. corporate sponsors of defined benefit (DB) pension plans in recent years have been de‐risking by paying premiums to transfer their pension plan assets and liabilities to the balance sheets of third‐party insurers. The passage of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP‐21) in 2012 provided the pension funding relief necessary to make de‐risking a mainstream corporate activity. This study provides the first empirical analysis of plan and firm factors that cause a firm to de‐risk its DB pension plans. We find a positive association between de‐risking and aggregate corporate risk‐taking. The results also show that de‐risking, on average, has a stronger effect on corporate financing policy than investment policy, leading to an increase in credit risk reflected in a firm's credit rating and cost of debt. Also, we present suggestive evidence that the reallocation of pension risk increases firm idiosyncratic risk and excess returns.
Understanding water and energy fluxes in the Amazonia: Lessons from an observation‐model intercomparison
Authors: Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , Albert Loren P. , Longo Marcos , Baker Ian , Levine Naomi M. , Mercado Lina M. , da Araujo Alessandro C. , Christoffersen Bradley O'Donnell , Costa Marcos H. , Fitzjarrald David R. , Galbraith David , Imbuzeiro Hewlley , Malhi Yadvinder , von Randow Celso , Zeng Xubin , Moorcroft Paul , Saleska Scott R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTropical forests are an important part of global water and energy cycles, but the mechanisms that drive seasonality of their land‐atmosphere exchanges have proven challenging to capture in models. Here, we (1) report the seasonality of fluxes of latent heat (LE), sensible heat (H), and outgoing short and longwave radiation at four diverse tropical forest sites across Amazonia—along the equator from the Caxiuanã and Tapajós National Forests in the eastern Amazon to a forest near Manaus, and from the equatorial zone to the southern forest in Reserva Jaru; (2) investigate how vegetation and climate influence these fluxes; and (3) evaluate land surface model performance by comparing simulations to observations. We found that previously identified failure of models to capture observed dry‐season increases in evapotranspiration (ET) was associated with model overestimations of (1) magnitude and seasonality of Bowen ratios (relative to aseasonal observations in which sensible was only 20%–30% of the latent heat flux) indicating model exaggerated water limitation, (2) canopy emissivity and reflectance (albedo was only 10%–15% of incoming solar radiation, compared to 0.15%–0.22% simulated), and (3) vegetation temperatures (due to underestimation of dry‐season ET and associated cooling). These partially compensating model‐observation discrepancies (e.g., higher temperatures expected from excess Bowen ratios were partially ameliorated by brighter leaves and more interception/evaporation) significantly biased seasonal model estimates of net radiation (Rn), the key driver of water and energy fluxes (LE ~ 0.6 Rn and H ~ 0.15 Rn), though these biases varied among sites and models. A better representation of energy‐related parameters associated with dynamic phenology (e.g., leaf optical properties, canopy interception, and skin temperature) could improve simulations and benchmarking of current vegetation–atmosphere exchange and reduce uncertainty of regional and global biogeochemical models.
Non‐destructive detection of moisture content in Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerate L.) silage in wrapped round bales using microstrip transmission line sensor and its transmitted microwaves
Authors: Matsuo Morinobu , Kon Seitaro , Takimoto Hiroki , Osada Akira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper demonstrates a non‐destructive method for measuring the moisture content of silage in wrapped round bales (WRBs) via microwave signals using a microstrip transmission line (MSTL) sensor and vector network analyzer under outdoor conditions. We analyzed the relationships between the amplitude changes (Δα) and phase shifts (Δφ) of the microwave‐transmitted signals from the WRB surfaces without tearing their films. The press MSTL method was strongly suggested over the touch MSTL method for the non‐destructive measurement of WRB qualities. We also obtained strongly negative and significant correlations between the slopes of the linear regression lines (Δφ–Δα ratios) and moisture contents for frequencies in the range of 3.6–6.2 GHz. Thus, in this frequency zone, the press MSTL method can be effectively used to determine the moisture content of silage in WRBs.
Evaluation of COVID‐19 phobia and the feeling of loneliness in the geriatric age group
Authors: Cihan Fatma G. , Gökgöz Durmaz Funda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveSocial isolation and quarantine are unusual precautions taken all over the world against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Some legal sanctions were made in order to protect vulnerable age groups such as the geriatric population, to make them stay at home. These measures, which are vital for pandemic management, have negative psychological effects on elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to reveal how pandemic process affected individuals over 65 years old psychosocially.Materials and methodsSocio‐demographic characteristics questionnaire, the COVID‐19 Phobia Scale (C19P‐S) and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly individuals were used. Descriptive analysis, Mann‐Whitney U‐test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, Pearson correlation analysis were performed for data analysis.ResultsA total of 130 elderly people (80 women, 50 men) were included in the study. Of the participants, 61.5% were women, 67.7% were married and mean age was 71.53 ± 5.57 (min. 65‐max. 87) years old. The C19P‐S scores were significantly higher in women, singles, people living alone, those living in an apartment, and those with higher economic and educational level (P = .001). There was a strong positive correlation between age and total loneliness score. Loneliness scores were significantly higher in singles, those with higher levels of education and income, those who live alone, who was a relative of a healthcare worker, and whose relatives were infected with COVID‐19 (P < .05).ConclusionOur study revealed that elderly individuals, who have to comply with social isolation rules, have increased fear and loneliness due to coronavirus. Considering this situation, timely psychological treatment and social support measures should be taken.
The stratum corneum water content and natural moisturization factor composition evolve with age and depend on body site
Authors: Boireau‐Adamezyk Elise , Baillet‐Guffroy Arlette , Stamatas Georgios N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe study objective was to examine if age and chronic environmental exposure affect the water content and the composition of the natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) of the stratum corneum (SC).MethodsForty healthy Caucasian women 18‐70 years of age were recruited. Measurements were done on the cheek and on two skin sites on the arm (one relatively protected and one exposed to environmental factors). SC water content and NMF composition were measured by Raman confocal microspectroscopy.ResultsThe SC water content was gradually reduced with age, reaching statistically significant levels only on the exposed arm site. The SC water content remained higher on the face than on the two arm sites throughout the ages tested. The age‐dependent concentration changes of various amino acids were species‐specific, potentially indicating different protein sources. Interestingly, on the arm sites, the sum of decreasing amino acid concentrations is compensated by the sum of those increasing, resulting in constant total amino acid content. However, on the face, the total amino acid content statistically increased with age potentially relating to the declining cell turnover rates. The lactate content was higher on the face for all ages and statistically decreased on both arm sites.ConclusionBoth chronological aging and chronic exposure to environmental factors mildly affect SC hydration, while they have variable effects in the concentrations of NMF components. The dynamics of NMF composition may at least partially explain the age‐related changes in SC hydration.
BSHI guideline: HLA matching and donor selection for haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
Authors: Little Ann‐Margaret , Akbarzad‐Yousefi Arash , Anand Arthi , Diaz Burlinson Natalia , Dunn Paul P. J. , Evseeva Irina , Latham Katy , Poulton Kay , Railton Dawn , Vivers Sharon , Wright Paul A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA review of the British Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (BSHI) Guideline ‘HLA matching and donor selection for haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation’ published in 2016 was undertaken by a BSHI appointed writing committee. Literature searches were performed and the data extracted were presented as recommendations according to the GRADE nomenclature.
The impact of emotions on stereotyping in workplace selection: The role of certainty appraisals
Authors: Benkendorf Daniel L. , Sommer Kristin L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn appraisal tendency approach was adopted to explore the influence of emotional certainty on stereotyping and judgment in a workplace context. Across two studies, participants completed an emotional memory task designed to induce emotions representing two different levels of emotional certainty (certain versus uncertain). They then reviewed interview footage, a résumé, and qualifying criteria before rating a hypothetical job candidate’s personality and employability. Study 1 revealed that emotions high in certainty (compared to uncertainty) led to more favorable personality and employability ratings for attractive compared to unattractive candidates. Study 2 produced the same pattern of results for younger (compared to older) candidates. We conclude that certainty appraisals associated with temporary, incidental emotions are a useful predictor of the likelihood that stereotypes will be applied during decision making.