bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of reimbursement program on liver‐related mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Min , Kong Yuan Yuan , Wu Shan Shan , Zhou Jia Ling , Wu Xiao Ning , Wang Lin , Su Jian Ting , Ou Xiao Juan , You Hong , Xie Xue Qin , Wei Zai Hua , Jia Ji Dong 
Published: June 2019

ObjectiveSince July 1, 2011 antiviral therapy for hepatitis B virus infection has been listed as a reimbursable expense for medical insurance in Beijing. This study aimed to assess the impact of this program on liver‐related death for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsProfiles of patients with CHB discharged between January 2008 and December 2015 were retrieved from the Beijing hospital discharge database. Liver‐related deaths in these patients occurring between January 2008 and December 2017 were retrieved by linking them to the death certification database. Liver‐related mortality (number of deaths divided by the observed person‐years) before and after this program was launched was calculated and compared. A Poisson regression was performed to assess the strength of association (risk ratio [RR]) between the reimbursement program and liver‐related mortality.ResultsInformation on 35 943 discharged patients (17 114 patients with non‐cirrhotic and 18 829 with compensated cirrhotic CHB) was retrieved. Altogether 3 832 liver‐related deaths during the 190 695 person‐years were observed. After the reimbursement program was launched, liver‐related mortality per 100 person‐years dropped from 0.38% to 0.16% for patients with non‐cirrhotic CHB, and from 4.03% to 3.39% for those with compensated cirrhosis. The program was associated with a lower risk of developing liver‐related death for patients with non‐cirrhotic CHB (RR 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30‐0.52) and those with compensated cirrhosis (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78‐0.89).ConclusionCoverage of antiviral therapy by basic medical insurance reduced the risk of developing liver‐related death for patients with non‐cirrhotic and with compensated cirrhotic CHB.
Allopatric divergence drives the genetic structuring of an endangered alpine endemic lizard with a sky‐island distribution
Authors: Atkins Z. S. , Amor M. D. , Clemann N. , Chapple D. G. , While G. M. , Gardner M. G. , Haines M. L. , Harrisson K. A. , Schroder M. , Robert K. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change is causing a world‐wide reduction of alpine habitat, leaving many high‐elevation species restricted to sky‐islands and vulnerable to extinction. Understanding the genetic parameters of these populations provides key insight into species diversity, dispersal capacity and vulnerability to disturbance. We examined the impact of past climatic variation on a threatened alpine endemic lizard, the Guthega skink, Liopholis guthega. We analysed SNP and mtDNA data to determine the population structure and phylogeny within this species, providing an understanding of the species’ relatedness, dispersal and viability. We identified significant genetic structure, with the split between populations in Koscuiszko National Park, New South Wales (NSW) and the Bogong High Plains, Victoria (VIC) consistent with Plio‐Pleistocene divergence. However, we also detected evidence of possible historical introgressive hybridization between some NSW populations and the VIC populations. Marked within‐site population structure and significant population differentiation among sites within each state were found, indicating a limited dispersal capacity. Higher levels of genetic diversity within NSW support the correlation between elevation and diversity and implicate Kosciuszko National Park as a historic refugia. Low contemporary habitat availability, little to no capacity for elevational progression and low genetic diversity, particularly in VIC, leaves L. guthega highly vulnerable to threatening processes associated with climate change. Conservation management should consider genetic rescue as a potential method to enhance genetic diversity across this species’ range.
Political Uncertainty and Finance: A Survey
Authors: Dai Lili , Zhang Bohui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAn emerging stream of literature investigates the impact of political uncertainty on financial markets. In this survey, we review this line of literature from four perspectives, namely, asset prices, corporate policies, financial intermediaries, and economy and households, suggesting that political uncertainty generally increases market friction and as a result changes corporate behavior and adversely affects the economy. At the end of the survey, we discuss a few future directions worth being explored in view of the relationship between political uncertainty and finance.
Activation of mTORC1 signalling in rat skeletal muscle is independent of the EC‐coupling sequence but dependent on tension per se in a dose‐response relationship
Authors: Rindom Emil , Kristensen Anders M. , Overgaard Kristian , Vissing Kristian , de Paoli Frank Vincenzo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimmTORC1 is regarded as an important key regulator of protein synthesis and hypertrophy following mechanical stimuli in skeletal muscle. However, as excitation and tension development is tightly coupled in most experimental models, very little and largely indirect evidence exist for such a mechanosensitive pathway. Here, we sought to examine whether activation of mTORC1 signalling is dependent on tension per se in rat skeletal muscle.MethodsTo examine the mechanosensitivity of mTORC1, rat EDL muscles were exposed to either excitation‐induced eccentric contractions (ECC), passive stretching (PAS) with identical peak tension (Tpeak) and Tension‐Time‐Integral (TTI), or ECC with addition of inhibitors of the myosin ATPases (IMA). To further explore the relationship between tension and mTORC1 signalling, rat EDL muscles were subjected to PAS of different magnitudes of Tpeak while standardizing TTI and vice versa.ResultsPAS and ECC with equal Tpeak and TTI produced similar responses in mTORC1 signalling despite different modes of tension development. When active tension during ECC was nearly abolished by addition of IMA, mTORC1 signalling was reduced to a level comparable to non‐stimulated controls. In addition, when muscles were exposed to PAS of varying levels of Tpeak with standardized TTI, activation of mTORC1 signalling displayed a positive relationship with peak tension.ConclusionsThe current study directly links tension per se to activation of mTORC1 signalling, which is independent of an active EC‐coupling sequence. Moreover, activation of mTORC1 signalling displays a positive dose‐response relationship with peak tension.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: high mortality in patients with non‐severe alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Bennett Kris , Enki Doyo G. , Thursz Mark , Cramp Matthew E. , Dhanda Ashwin D. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryBackgroundAlcoholic hepatitis is a serious complication of alcohol misuse. Severe alcoholic hepatitis with its high mortality, has been investigated in detail but ‘nonsevere alcoholic hepatitis’ is poorly characterised. Survival of this group of patients is unknown.AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine 28‐day, 90‐day and 1‐year mortality of patients with nonsevere alcoholic hepatitis.MethodsThe protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42018107451). Embase, Medline and Cochrane Central databases were searched until July 2018. All study designs reporting mortality rates in patients with nonsevere alcoholic hepatitis were eligible. Mortality data were extracted and meta‐analysis performed using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias or National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for case series studies.ResultsTwenty‐five studies (n = 1372 patients; 12 prospective) met criteria. Nonsevere was variably defined based on bilirubin, prothrombin time, and creatinine. Twenty‐eight day mortality (17 studies; n = 993) was 6% (95% CI 3%‐9%; I2 = 67.3%; P < 0.001), 90‐day mortality (15 studies; n = 755) was 7% (4%‐11%, I2 = 64.2%; P < 0.001) and 1‐year mortality (five studies; n = 234) was 13% (4%‐24%; I2 = 72%; P = 0.006). Subgroup analyses by method of diagnosis (histological vs clinical) or study design (prospective vs retrospective) did not reveal differences in mortality.ConclusionNonsevere alcoholic hepatitis is not benign with 6% and 13% 28‐day and 1‐year mortality, respectively. This systematic review demonstrates the paucity of high quality studies in patients with nonsevere alcoholic hepatitis. Our analysis suggests that patients who do not meet criteria for severe alcoholic hepatitis are an important and hitherto overlooked clinical group. Full characterisation of clinical outcome and development of treatment strategies to reduce mortality in this group is a priority.
Hair cortisol concentration in pre‐ and postpartum dairy cows, and its association with body condition, hock health, and reproductive status
Authors: Endo Natsumi , Kitamura Tomoya , Okubo Mitsuyuki , Tanaka Tomomi 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the profiles of hair cortisol concentrations as an index of chronic stress in dairy cows in association with their health, nutrition, and reproductive parameters. For 25 Holstein dairy cows, hair was collected from the tail switch −19.2 ± 11.4, 44.8 ± 11.9, 103.0 ± 9.9, and 168.0 ± 9.7 days postpartum (L0, L1, L2, and L3, respectively). Body condition scores were negatively correlated with hair cortisol concentrations (r = −0.255), and hock health scores were positively correlated with hair cortisol concentrations (r = 0.236, p < 0.05). Hair cortisol concentrations during the postpartum period showed different patterns according to the time of first artificial insemination (AI) and fertility. Cows that were submitted to first AI by 86 days postpartum showed a peak hair cortisol concentration at L1, whereas cows with delayed first AI had a peak at L2. The hair cortisol concentrations of subfertile (≥168 days) cows were significantly higher at L1 and L2 compared with L0, whereas hair cortisol concentrations of fertile cows (<168 days) were not different among the sampling times. These results indicate that cows with health problems appear to experience greater chronic stress, which may impair their reproductive function.
Adult weight management patients' perceptions of family dynamics and weight status
Authors: Pratt Keeley J. , Ferriby Megan , Brown Callie L. , Noria Sabrena , Needleman Bradley , Skelton Joseph A. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryOur overall objective was to describe the parent‐child, romantic, and family dynamics of adult weight management program (WMP) patients, and associations with children's and partners' weight status. First, we determined if family functioning mediated the effect between parent‐child feeding practices and perceived child weight status, and romantic relationship anxiety and avoidance and perceived partner weight status. Second, we assessed if perceived child and partner weight status moderated the associations between family functioning and parent‐child feeding practices and romantic relationship anxiety and avoidance, respectively. Patients (N=203) who resided with a child and partner from two WMPs completed assessments of parent‐child feeding practices (Child Feeding Questionnaire), romantic relationship anxiety and avoidance (Relationship Structures Questionnaire), family functioning (Family Assessment Device General Functioning Scale), and perceived child and partner weight status. Bivariate analyses determined differences in weight status and relationship dynamics and family functioning, and mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to answer the two research questions. Family functioning was not a mediator between romantic relationship dynamics and partner weight status or parent‐child dynamics and child weight status. Lower family functioning was associated with higher parent‐child restrictive feeding practices, only among children with overweight/obesity. Similarly, lower family functioning was associated with higher anxiety and avoidance in romantic relationships, only for partners with overweight/obesity. Patients with children and/or partners with overweight/obesity reported more impaired family dynamics and functioning, compared to patients with children and/or partners with a healthy weight status.
“Puffy shirt appearance”: Cell crowding at low magnification may represent nevoid melanoma
Authors: Moyer Amanda B. , Diwan A. Hafeez 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma, particularly nevoid melanoma, can masquerade as benign. Helpful differentiating features include nuclear pleomorphism, atypia, prominent nucleoli, absent maturation, and increased mitotic figures. These can be subtle and easily missed unless carefully sought. Thus, the “puffy shirt appearance” concept was born from a Seinfeld episode in which the namesake character unintentionally agreed to wear a pirate‐like puffy shirt. Consequently, he found himself out of place, sporting an outfit with “too much shirt in too little space”. Similarly, at low‐power, nevoid melanoma appears to have “too many cells in too little space”. This is more pronounced and easier to appreciate when there is an associated nevus, where crowded, subtly malignant melanocytes stand out from the evenly distributed, more spaced out benign melanocytes.MethodsTwelve practicing dermatopathologists familiar with the puffy shirt concept in the context of melanoma were surveyed.ResultsHundred percent of participants found it most helpful as a triaging tool, prompting additional work up including higher magnification evaluation, additional levels, consultation, and/or immunohistochemistry.ConclusionsThe crowded cells in the “puffy shirt appearance” catch the eye and should provoke a more thorough inspection of the lesion. This sign is not pathognomonic for melanoma, but prompts more careful evaluation and helps prevent misdiagnosis.
Bortezomib consolidation following autologous transplant in younger and older patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in two phase III trials
Authors: Straka Christian , Knop Stefan , Vogel Martin , Müller Jürgen , Kropff Martin , Metzner Bernd , Langer Christian , Sayer Herbert , Jung Wolfram , Dürk Heinz A. , Salwender Hans , Wandt Hannes , Bassermann Florian , Gramatzki Martin , Rösler Wolf , Wolf Hans‐Heinrich , Brugger Wolfram , Fischer Thomas , Liebisch Peter , Engelhardt Monika , Einsele Hermann 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveA post hoc analysis of two phase III trials was carried out to explore the influence of age and treatment factors on the effect of bortezomib consolidation on progression‐free survival (PFS) post autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were assigned to one of two trials (ClinicalTrials.gov IDs: NCT00416273, NCT00416208), which were conducted in parallel, based on age (18‐60 or 61‐75 years, respectively). Following induction and ASCT, patients were randomized 1:1 to four 35‐day cycles of bortezomib consolidation (1.6 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22) or observation only.ResultsMedian PFS with bortezomib consolidation vs observation was 33.6 vs 29.0 months (P = 0.3599) in patients aged 18‐60 years (n = 202), and 33.4 vs 26.4 months (P = 0.0073) in patients aged 61‐75 years (n = 155), respectively. Bortezomib consolidation post‐ASCT appeared to equalize outcomes between older and younger patients who received prior treatment of differing intensity. This suggests that the effect of consolidation may be relative and may depend on the composition and intensity of induction and high‐dose therapy.ConclusionOlder patients receiving less intensive prior treatment could experience a larger PFS benefit from bortezomib consolidation.
Dementia‐friendly community indicators from the perspectives of people living with dementia and dementia‐family caregivers
Authors: Wu Suh‐Mian , Huang Hsiu‐Li , Chiu Yi‐Chen , Tang Li‐Yu , Yang Pei‐Shan , Hsu Jung‐Lung , Liu Chien‐Liang , Wang Woan‐Shyuan , Shyu Yea‐Ing L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo identify dementia‐friendly communities’ indicators and their current conditions in Taiwan from the perspectives of people with dementia and dementia‐family caregivers.DesignThis qualitative study explored the opinions and experiences of people with dementia and dementia‐family caregivers regarding dementia‐friendly communities.MethodsParticipants (16 people with dementia and 20 family caregivers) were recruited from neurological clinics, day care centres for people with dementia and support groups for family caregivers in the Taipei community from July ‐ October, 2016. Data were collected in face‐to‐face interviews, which were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed by Miles and Huberman's (1994) guidelines.ResultsSimilar indicators for dementia‐friendly communities were identified in Taiwan as in other countries, including dementia‐friendly care services, dementia‐friendly hospitals, dementia‐friendly community environment, dementia‐friendly transportation, dementia‐friendly stores and shops, dementia friendly people, integrated dementia‐related information and community contribution‐ and ‐involvement opportunities for people with dementia. However, Taiwanese people with dementia and family caregivers described no emphasis on the potential of people with dementia to contribute to developing dementia‐friendly communities and more top‐down expectations for the government's role.ConclusionThese indicators can be a guide for developing and evaluating dementia‐friendly communities in Taiwan. Differences between Taiwan and Western developed countries in indicators for dementia‐friendly communities can be further explored. Community nursing assessment, interventions, and evaluation based on these dementia‐friendly communities indicators can be further developed.ImpactThis study developed indicators for dementia‐friendly communities in an Asian country. These indicators can be used as a guide for developing and evaluating dementia‐friendly communities.
Delaying voiding, limiting fluids, urinary symptoms, and work productivity: A survey of female nurses and midwives
Authors: Pierce Heather M. , Perry Lin , Gallagher Robyn , Chiarelli Pauline 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the relationships between workplace bladder practices, urinary symptoms, and work productivity.DesignCross‐sectional observational survey.MethodsSurveys were distributed June–November 2016 to at least 600 female nurses and midwives at three urban hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Nurses self‐reported restricted workplace access to toilets, delaying voiding, limiting of fluid intakes and urinary symptoms at work. Logistic modelling was used to examine whether nurses’ bladder practices impaired their time management, ability to concentrate or perform physical demands.ResultsOf 353 useable surveys, one in five nurses (22.4%; N = 79) reported restricted access to toilets at work, most (77.1%; N = 272) delayed voiding and one in four (26.9%; N = 95) limited fluid intakes to delay voiding at work. Almost half the sample had urinary symptoms at work (46.7%; N = 165); delaying voiding increased the likelihood of impaired mental concentration and limiting fluid intakes increased the likelihood of impaired time management.ConclusionAs workplace access to toilets and related bladder practices are modifiable, associated urinary symptoms and productivity loss may be preventable.ImpactNurses’ often experience restricted accesses to amenities due to job demands and workplace environments. The impact of nurses’ poor bladder practices in the workplace is not known. In this study most nurses delayed voiding and many purposefully limited fluid intakes at work. These behaviours impacted a nurse's ability to manage time and/or concentrate at work. Results have implications for nurses’ personal health, the design of workplace environments, workforce management, occupational health policy, and patient care.
Chemical and physical treatments damage Caucasian and Afro‐ethnic hair fibre: analytical and image assays
Authors: Bloch L.D. , Goshiyama A.M. , Dario M.F. , Escudeiro C.C. , Sarruf F.D. , Velasco M.V.R. , Valente N.Y.S. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSensory and structural characteristics of hair can be modified by chemical and physical treatments, as dyeing, brushing, but also by external factors, as sunlight radiation. However, quantitative data relating damage to the degree of hair curliness and treatments are missing.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of chemical and physical treatments on different types of hair.MethodsIn this study, we compared the effects of bleaching/dyeing, thioglycolate‐based straightening, brushing/flat iron and UVA/Vis radiation on different types of hair: Caucasian (straight dark brown, straight blond, wavy dark brown and curly dark brown) and Afro‐ethnic hair.ResultsBleaching/dyeing and UVA/Vis radiation increased combing work of Afro‐ethnic hair tresses, indicating damage to the cuticle scales, which was confirmed by SEM images. Further, bleaching/dyeing caused wear on cuticles with high protein loss and reduction on the tryptophan content, independently of the hair curliness, which characterizes those procedures as very aggressive to hair structure. Straightening using ammonium thioglycolate, due to the oxidative treatment evolved, caused significant colour fading in brown/black tresses, while UVA/Vis radiation affected the colour of only blond hair tresses since they are poor in eumelanin, the photoprotective and photostable melanin molecule.ConclusionThe combination of analytical and image techniques contributed to understanding how the hair shape is related to the type of damage caused by several chemical and physical treatments. These findings contribute to the development of safety cosmetics that insure the beauty of curly hair, both Caucasian and Afro‐ethnic hair.
Creating Guardians of Physiologic Birth: The Development of an Educational Initiative for Student Midwives in the Netherlands
Authors: Thompson Suzanne M. , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne J. , Low Lisa Kane , De Vries Raymond 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWomen want positive birth experiences with high quality maternity care that is neither too much, too soon, nor too little, too late. Research confirms the effectiveness of midwifery care, and the midwifery approach to birth as physiologic may counter the upward trend of the unnecessary medicalization of birth. The role of guardian of physiologic birth is seen as central to midwifery practice; however, medical hegemony has led to the subordination of midwives, which inhibits them in fulfilling the role as guardian of physiologic birth. Learning to become powerful advocates of physiologic birth creates midwives able to speak up for effective, evidence‐based maternity care and challenge the unnecessary use of obstetric intervention. Midwifery education has a role to fulfil in molding midwives who are able to assume this role. This brief report describes the development of an educational prototype aimed at increasing student midwife agency as an advocate of physiologic birth. This was done using rapid prototyping (RP) methodology, in which important stakeholders gave input and feedback during the educational design and development process. Input from stakeholders led to the inclusion of persuasive communication strategies and discussion and debate as teaching methodologies in order to increase student midwife agency to argue for physiologic birth. Reflective evidence‐based practice, using the Optimality Index‐Netherlands, allowed students to reflect on their practice while providing a framework for discussion. Working with the RP methodology allowed for the development of a prototype that reflected the needs of midwifery stakeholders and was mindful of material and human resources.