bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The power of suggestion: examining the impact of presence or absence of shared first language in the antenatal clinic
Authors: Pilnick Alison , Zayts Olga 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHealthcare encounters involving participants from diverse linguistic backgrounds are becoming more common due to the globalisation of health care and increasing migration levels. Research suggests that this diversity has a significant impact on health outcomes; however less is known about how it is managed in the actual consultation process. This article presents an analysis of antenatal screening consultations video recorded in Hong Kong, using conversation analysis. We consider how the use of a second or subsequent language impacts on these consultations, and on discussions and decisions about further action. The presence or absence of shared first language did not appear to affect the extent to which particular courses of action were promoted or recommended. Recommendations were a common occurrence across consultations with and without shared first language. However, we argue that the routine use of recommendations can be consequential, as second language speakers may have more limited resources to interrogate or contest these. This finding has implications for the ability for professionals to maximise patient involvement in decision‐making.
Does union membership reduce gender earnings differentials? Evidence from employer–employee matched data in China
Authors: Liu Jing , Xing Chunbing , Ge Yuhao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper examines whether union membership reduces gender earnings differentials in the Chinese labour market using an employer–employee matched data set. We have three main findings. First, union membership helps reduce the gender differentials in hourly wage and monthly allowance, but not in monthly basic wage and yearly bonus. Second, ensuring that female workers receive overtime pay is one way by which union membership helps reduce the gender earnings differentials. Third, controlling for firm fixed effects reduces the effect of union membership on the gender gap in hourly wage and monthly allowance, which means that the unobserved firm characteristics might impact the effect of union membership on gender earnings differentials.
Health economic analysis of a cluster‐randomised trial (OptiBIRTH) designed to increase rates of vaginal birth after caesarean section
Authors: Fobelets M , Beeckman K , Healy P , Grylka‐Baeschlin S , Nicoletti J , Devane D , Gross MM , Morano S , Daly D , Begley C , Putman K 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo perform a health economic analysis of an intervention designed to increase rates of vaginal birth after caesarean, compared with usual care.DesignEconomic analysis alongside the cluster‐randomised OptiBIRTH trial (Optimising childbirth by increasing vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) through enhanced women‐centred care).SettingFifteen maternity units in three European countries – Germany (five), Ireland (five), and Italy (five) – with relatively low VBAC rates.PopulationPregnant women with a history of one previous lower‐segment caesarean section; sites were randomised (3:2) to intervention or control.MethodsA cost–utility analysis from both societal and health‐services perspectives, using a decision tree.Main outcome measuresCosts and resource use per woman and infant were compared between the control and intervention group by country, from pregnancy recognition until 3 months postpartum. Based on the caesarean section rates, and maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortality, the incremental cost–utility ratios were calculated per country.ResultsThe mean difference in costs per quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained from a societal perspective between the intervention and the control group, using a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, was: €263 (95% CI €258–268) and 0.008 QALYs (95% CI 0.008–0.009 QALYs) for Germany, €456 (95% CI €448–464) and 0.052 QALYs (95% CI 0.051–0.053 QALYs) for Ireland, and €1174 (95% CI €1170–1178) and 0.006 QALYs (95% CI 0.005–0.007 QALYs) for Italy. The incremental cost–utility ratios were €33,741/QALY for Germany, €8785/QALY for Ireland, and €214,318/QALY for Italy, with a 51% probability of being cost‐effective for Germany, 92% for Ireland, and 15% for Italy.ConclusionThe OptiBIRTH intervention was likely to be cost‐effective in Ireland and Germany.Tweetable abstractThe OptiBIRTH intervention (to increase VBAC rates) is likely to be cost‐effective in Germany and Ireland.
Tailored interventions by community pharmacists and general practitioners improve adherence to statins in a Spanish randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oñatibia‐Astibia Ainhoa , Malet‐Larrea Amaia , Larrañaga Belen , Gastelurrutia Miguel Ángel , Calvo Begoña , Ramírez Dulce , Cantero Ignacio , Garay Ángel , Goyenechea Estibaliz 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of health professionals’ intervention on adherence to statins, the influence on total cholesterol levels, and lifestyle patterns in patients with hypercholesterolemia and analyze the differences according to the center of recruitment.Study SettingForty‐six community pharmacies and 50 primary care centers of Spain.Study DesignRandomized controlled trial design (n = 746). Patients were assigned into adherent (ADH) or nonadherent group depending on their initial adherence to statins. Nonadherent patients were randomly assigned to intervention (INT) or nonintervention (NOINT) group. Patients enrolled in the INT group received an intervention depending on the cause of nonadherence. Patients in the ADH and NOINT groups received usual care. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed with multiple imputation to replace the missing data.Data CollectionAdherence, total cholesterol levels, and lifestyle behaviors.FindingsThe odds of becoming adherent during the 6 months was higher in the INT group compared to the NOINT group (OR = 1,49; 95% CI: 1.30‐1.76; P < 0.001), especially in the community pharmacy group (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.81‐3.03; P < 0.001). Adherent patients showed lower values of total cholesterol compared with nonadherent patients at baseline (ADH: 200.3 mg/dL vs NOADH: 216.7 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and at the endpoint (ADH: 197.3 mg/dL vs NOADH: 212.2 mg/dL; P < 0.001). More patients enrolled in the INT group practices exercise at the end of the study (INT: +26.6 percent; P = 0.002), and a greater number of patients followed a diet to treat hypercholesterolemia (+30.2 percent; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe intervention performed by health professionals, especially by community pharmacists, improved adherence to statins by hypercholesterolemic patients, and this improvement in adherence was accompanied by a reduction in total cholesterol levels and a healthier lifestyle.
Distribution and Characteristics of Polyphenoloxidase from Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Sae‐Leaw Thanasak , Benjakul Soottawat 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDistribution of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) from different anatomical parts of Pacific white shrimp was examined. Among all parts, cephalothorax possessed the maximal PPO activity (P < 0.05), followed by pereopods, telson, pleopods, carapace, cuticle, and muscle, respectively. The higher PPO activity in cephalothorax was in line with the greater melanosis in this part during chilled storage. According to activity‐staining toward 3,4‐dihydroxy‐ʟ‐phenylalanine (ʟ‐DOPA), PPO exhibited an activity band with a molecular weight (MW) of 210 kDa. When cephalothorax PPO was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and a series of chromatographic techniques, involving DEAE–Sepharose anion exchange and Sephadex G‐75 gel filtration columns, homogeneity was obtained. Based on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and native‐PAGE, the Sephadex G‐75 fraction showed a single band. The MW band on SDS–PAGE and gel filtration was estimated as 210 kDa, suggesting a monomeric molecule. For the inhibitor study, cysteine and 4‐hexylresorcinol showed competitive inhibition toward PPO, while epigallocatechin gallate and kojic acid demonstrated mixed‐type inhibition toward PPO.Practical ApplicationMelanosis (black spot formation) triggered by polyphenoloxidase (PPO) drastically reduces the shelf‐life of shrimp. PPO was localized in several anatomical parts of Pacific white shrimp with varying activities. Certain compounds, including cysteine, 4‐hexylresorcinol, epigallocatechin gallate, and kojic acid, showed PPO inhibitory activity with different modes of inhibition. The obtained information provided a promising method for manufacturers to keep the prime eating quality of Pacific white shrimp throughout postmortem transportation and storage using selected PPO inhibitors.
A Multi‐Scale Soil Moisture Monitoring Strategy for California: Design and Validation
Authors: Curtis Jennifer A. , Flint Lorraine E. , Stern Michelle A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA multi‐scale soil moisture monitoring strategy for California was designed to inform water resource management. The proposed workflow classifies soil moisture response units (SMRUs) using publicly available datasets that represent soil, vegetation, climate, and hydrology variables, which control soil water storage. The SMRUs were classified, using principal component analysis and unsupervised K‐means clustering within a geographic information system, and validated, using summary statistics derived from measured soil moisture time series. Validation stations, located in the Sierra Nevada, include transect of sites that cross the rain‐to‐snow transition and a cluster of sites located at similar elevations in a snow‐dominated watershed. The SMRUs capture unique responses to varying climate conditions characterized by statistical measures of central tendency, dispersion, and extremes. A topographic position index and landform classification is the final step in the workflow to guide the optimal placement of soil moisture sensors at the local‐scale. The proposed workflow is highly flexible and can be implemented over a range of spatial scales and input datasets can be customized. Our approach captures a range of soil moisture responses to climate across California and can be used to design and optimize soil moisture monitoring strategies to support runoff forecasts for water supply management or to assess landscape conditions for forest and rangeland management.
Association between PTPN22‐1123G/C and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xuangao , Yang Hye Jeong , Jung Kim Min , Zhang Ting , Qiu Jing Yi , Park Sunmin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies greatly among different ethnic groups, suggesting genetic susceptibility. The several genetic variants of protein tyrosine phosphatase, non‐receptor type 22 (PTPN22‐1123G/C, rs2488457) have been widely examined. We systematically evaluated the association of PTPN22‐1123 and RA risk by pooling the related studies conducted in different races.MethodsLiterature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Korean scientific database, Chinese medical databases, and the Indian medical database to identify eligible studies for determining the association of PTPN22‐1123 and RA risk. The association was assessed in five genetic random effects models including the allelic (AG), recessive (RG), dominant (DG), homozygous (HMG), and heterozygous (HTG) genetic models. Subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity (Asians and non‐Asians) were assessed.ResultsA total of 10 articles were selected that met the criteria including Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Subjects included 14 186 healthy controls and 5735 with RA. The AG, RG, DG, and HMG genetic models showed no heterogeneity, but the HTG model showed heterogeneity. AG and RG did not exhibit publication bias in any of the studies including Asian and non‐Asian subgroups. The overall effect of PTPN22‐1123 on RA risk in all genetic random models showed significant positive associations (AG: odds ratio [OR]: 1.24; CI: 1.08‐1.42; P = 0.002; RG: OR: 1.35; CI: 1.15‐1.59; P = 0.0003; DG: OR: 1.42; CI: 1.09‐1.85; P = 0.009; HMG: OR: 1.69; CI: 1.22‐2.34; P = 0.002). A significant association when pooling the studies was only revealed in non‐Asians (P < 0.05), but no significant relationship was shown in Asians.ConclusionsPeople with C allele in PTPN22‐1123 increased the risk of RA only in non‐Asians.
Nomogram to predict thymoma prognosis: A population‐based study of 1312 cases
Authors: Zhao Mengnan , Yin Jiacheng , Yang Xiaodong , Jiang Tian , Lu Tao , Huang Yiwei , Li Ming , Yang Xinyu , Lin Miao , Niu Hao , Zhan Cheng , Feng Mingxiang , Wang Qun 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundA thymoma is a common cancer within the anterior mediastinum; however, the prognostic characteristics have not been established. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic factors and develop a nomogram for the prognostic prediction of patients with thymoma based on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.MethodsPatients with thymomas diagnosed between 1983 and 2014 were selected. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors, from which a nomogram for thymomas was created. External validation of the nomogram was performed using data from our center.ResultsA total of 1312 patients with thymomas were enrolled. Age, tumor size, Masaoka–Koga stage, chemotherapy administered, and surgery type were independent prognostic factors for OS. A nomogram for OS was formulated based on the independent prognostic factors and validated using an internal bootstrap resampling approach, which showed that the nomogram exhibited a sufficient level of discrimination according to the C‐index in training (0.713, 95% confidence interval 0.685–0.741) and (0.746, 95% confidence interval 0.625–0.867) validation cohorts.ConclusionSeveral prognostic factors for thymomas were identified. The nomogram developed in this study accurately predicted the 5‐year and 10‐year OS rates of patients with thymomas based on individual characteristics. Risk stratification using the survival nomogram could optimize individual therapy and follow‐up.
Causal analysis in control–impact ecological studies with observational data
Authors: Larsen Ashley E. , Meng Kyle , Kendall Bruce E. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Randomized experiments have long been the gold standard in determining causal effects in ecological control–impact studies. However, it may be difficult to address many ecologically and policy‐relevant control–impact questions‐such as the effect of forest fragmentation or protected areas on biodiversity through experimental manipulation due to scale, costs and ethical considerations. Yet, ecologists may still draw causal insights in observational control–impact settings by exploiting research designs that approximate the experimental ideal.

Here, we review the challenges of making causal inference in non‐experimental control–impact scenarios as well as a suite of statistical tools specifically designed to overcome such challenges. These tools are widely used in fields where experimental research is more limited (i.e., medicine, economics), and could be applied by ecologists across numerous sub‐disciplines.

Using hypothetical examples, we discuss why bias is likely to plague observational control–impact studies in ways that do not surface with experimental manipulations, why bias is generally the barrier to causal inference, and different methods to overcome this bias.

Satellite‐, survey‐ and citizen–science data hold great potential for advancing key questions in ecology that would otherwise be prohibitive to pursue experimentally. However, to harness such data to understand causal impacts of land, environmental and policy changes, we must expand our toolset such that we can improve inference and more confidently advance ecological understanding and science‐informed policy.
Prospective longitudinal comparison study of surgical therapies for peri‐implantitis: 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Dalago HR , Perrotti V , Torres de Freitas SF , Ferreira CF , Piattelli A , Iaculli F , Bianchini MA 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare different surgical therapies to treat peri‐implantitis.MethodsTwenty‐three patients presenting one implant affected by peri‐implantitis were divided into three groups: (i) open flap debridement (OFD) and citric acid decontamination (CAD); (ii) OFD, CAD and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG); (iii) OFD, CAD and implantoplasty. Modified plaque index (MPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), keratinized mucosa (KM) width, probing depth (PD), bleeding or suppuration on probing (B/SOP), and radiographic crestal bone level were registered 1(T1), 2(T2) and 3(T3) years after treatment.ResultsIn Group 1 there was a significant improvement in MPI from baseline to T1, and a significant reduction in PD over time. In Group 2, none of the assessed clinical parameters showed any statistically significant variation over time. In Group 3, there was a significant decrease in PD and B/SOP over time. When comparing the 3 Groups, KM was significanlty greater in Group 2 vs. Group 1 and Group 3 at T1 and T2, and in Group 2 vs. Group 3 at T3.ConclusionAll therapies were successful in the management of peri‐implantitis; however, SCTG maintained the greatest KM width. Surgical therapies combined with mechanical and chemical decontamination contributed to peri‐implant tissue health.
Behavioural response of green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) to volatiles from different rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) clones
Authors: Dardouri Tarek , Gomez Laurent , Schoeny Alexandra , Costagliola Guy , Gautier Hélène 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) can serve as a companion plant to control Myzus persicae (Sulzer) because of the repellent effect of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that it emits. In the present study, we investigated which of five clones of rosemary may reveal a repellent effect on M. persicae and aimed to determine the possible VOCs involved.
Analyses of the mixtures of VOCs released by the different clones revealed the presence of 15 main components. However, each clone was characterized by a specific volatile profile showing the existence of marked chemical variability.
By testing the identified VOCs individually, using a dual‐choice olfactometer, we observed that five volatiles had a significant repulsive effect on M. persicae: bornyl acetate, camphor, α‐terpineol, terpinene‐4‐ol and geranyl acetone. In addition, only one clone of rosemary elicited a significant repulsive action.
Nevertheless, all of the tested clones released compounds that are repellent to the aphid when tested individually. Therefore, the emission of individual volatiles by a rosemary plant is not sufficient to elicit a repellent effect.
The concentration, proportion and even the association/synergy of VOCs in the released olfactory bouquets can probably explain these contrasting results and are worthy of additional exploration in future studies.
Assessing the correlation between trichoscopic features in lichen planopilaris and lichen planopilaris activity index
Authors: Lajevardi Vahide , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Moghanlou Samane , Ansari Mahsa , Teimourpour Amir , Daneshpazhooh Maryam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesVideodermoscopy is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of cicatricial alopecias such as lichen planopilaris. Lichen planopilaris activity index is used for evaluating lichen planopilaris severity. Our aim was to examine the utility of videodermoscopy in the assessment of lichen planopilaris severity.MethodsOne hundred and seventeen histopathologically confirmed lichen planopilaris patients under went videodermoscopy. Lichen planopilaris activity index was calculated according to cicatricial alopecia standardised flowchart. Differences and correlations between trichoscopic features, clinical findings and lichen planopilaris activity index were calculated.ResultsMost trichoscopic features had statistically significant higher prevalence than similar clinical findings. Targetoid pigment pattern, perifollicular scale and milky‐red areas were significantly correlated with lichen planopilaris activity index (P‐value < 0.05). There was statistically significant correlation between targetoid pigment pattern and positive anagen pull test (P‐value < 0.001).ConclusionUsing trichoscopic features in calculating lichen planopilaris activity index with videodermoscope can help in early lichen planopilaris diagnosis and improve post‐treatment follow‐up.
Soil and vegetation differences across ecological boundaries in an arid South African ecosystem
Authors: Osman Rua , Masubelele Mmoto , Khomo Lesego , Chimphango Samson B. M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBoundaries are the most reactive nodes in landscapes and may be hypersensitive to global change in climate and land use. Investigations on how soils govern vegetation boundaries are scant, particularly in arid and semiarid ecosystems. The Tankwa Karoo National Park (TKNP) is a unique arid biodiversity hotspot with an unrivalled aridity gradient from < 100 mm MAP to about 700 mm in < 10 km. We investigated the abruptness of four soil‐vegetation boundaries separating eight communities. Two 50 m transects were established across four boundaries for 24 descending point transects, in which the cover‐abundance of each plant encounter at 1 m intervals was recorded. In addition, three soil samples were collected from the top 5 cm in each of the four boundaries and twelve patches. Soil and vegetation parameters altogether indicated three boundary syndromes that were context dependent: (a) a sharp boundary, (b) a gradual boundary or (c) no boundary exists. Soil respiration recorded here, and perhaps other ecosystem processes, was mediated by the soil‐vegetation boundaries. These nodes should be the focus of ecological studies since they reveal much more than the constituent patches themselves.
Does fentanyl epidural analgesia affect breastfeeding: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mahomed Kassam , Wild Kellie , Brown Consuela , Green Ann 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundConcerns have been expressed in relation to a possible negative effect of fentanyl epidural analgesia on breastfeeding rates. A 2016 systematic review was inconclusive and suggested cohort studies be performed with control groups to allow for other potential confounding factors.AimsTo assess the effect of fentanyl epidural analgesia in labour on breastfeeding practices.Material and MethodsA prospective cohort study, conducted at a metropolitan hospital, Ipswich, Queensland. Eligible women were first‐time mothers, wishing to breastfeed after a vaginal birth at term. Women who had fentanyl epidural only (107) were compared with women who had subcutaneous morphine only (90), and women who had neither subcutaneous morphine nor epidural (107).ResultsFewer women in the fentanyl epidural analgesia group were fully breastfeeding when leaving hospital (54.2% compared to 69.2% in the no analgesia group and 77.8% in the subcutaneous morphine group; P < 0.05). At 6 weeks postpartum, there was no evidence of difference between the groups (43% for fentanyl epidural analgesia, 52.3% for no analgesia group and 48.9% for subcutaneous morphine group; P = 0.63). Rates of induction of labour, instrumental birth and admission to special care nursery differed significantly between groups and when controlled for these, there was no association between fentanyl epidural analgesia and breastfeeding at discharge (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.74; 95% CI 0.39–1.41) or at 6 weeks postpartum (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.41–1.38).ConclusionOur study did not find an association between fentanyl epidural analgesia in labour and rates of fully breastfeeding at discharge and at 6 weeks postpartum.