bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychotic experiences are associated with health anxiety and functional somatic symptoms in preadolescence
Authors: Rimvall Martin K. , Jespersen Cecilia Pihl , Clemmensen Lars , Munkholm Anja , Skovgaard Anne Mette , Verhulst Frank , van Os Jim , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Jeppesen Pia 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundHealth anxiety (HA) is an increasing public health problem related to increased health service costs, and associated with functional somatic symptoms (FSS) and considerable personal suffering. Abnormal bodily experiences which may resemble HA and FSS are common in psychotic disorders, but a potential link between HA and psychosis vulnerability in childhood is largely unexplored. The current study estimates the association between subclinical psychotic experiences (PE) and HA and FSS in a general population cohort of preadolescents.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1,572 11–12‐year‐old children from the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000. PE were comprehensibly assessed as either present or not present using the Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia psychosis section. HA and FSS were assessed by self‐report on validated questionnaires. Additional variables on general psychopathology, puberty, and chronic somatic illness were also obtained.ResultsPsychotic experiences were associated with the top 10% high scores of HA (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.2; 95% CI: 2.1–4.8) and FSS (OR 4.6; 95% CI: 3.1–6.9) in univariate analyses. After mutual adjustment, the association was reduced to (HA: OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5–3.5; FSS: OR 3.7; 95% CI: 2.4–4.7), suggesting interdependence. Further adjustment for potential confounders and general psychopathology only reduced the associations slightly: HA OR 2.2 (95% CI: 1.4–3.4); FSS OR 3.3 (95% CI: 2.1–5.2). Secondary analyses of subdimensions of HA showed that PE were associated with fears (OR 3.0; 95% CI: 2.0–4.6) and daily impact of HA symptoms (OR 5.0; 95% CI: 3.4–7.5), but not help seeking (OR 1.2; 95% CI: 0.7–2.1).ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the associations between PE and HA and FSS, respectively. PE were significantly associated with HA and FSS over and above general psychopathology in preadolescence. Individuals with PE expressed high levels of health‐related fears and daily impact, but no corresponding help‐seeking behavior.
Restoration of myocardial glucose uptake with facilitated myocardial glucose transporter 4 translocation contributes to alleviation of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats after duodenal‐jejunal bypass
Authors: Huang Xin , Wu Dong , Cheng Yugang , Zhang Xiang , Liu Teng , Liu Qiaoran , Xia Pingtian , Zhang Guangyong , Hu Sanyuan , Liu Shaozhuang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionDuodenal‐jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery has been reported to effectively relieve diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the specific mechanisms remain largely unknown. The present study was designed to determine the alterations of myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) after DJB and their effects on DCM.Materials and MethodsDuodenal‐jejunal bypass and sham surgeries were carried out in diabetic rats induced by a high‐fat diet and a low dose of streptozotocin, with chow‐diet fed rats as controls. Bodyweight, food intake, glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles were measured at indicated time‐points. Cardiac function was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and hemodynamic measurement. Cardiac remodeling was assessed by a series of morphometric analyses along with transmission electron microscopy. Positron‐emission tomography with fluorine‐18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose was carried out to evaluate the MGU in vivo. Furthermore, myocardial glucose transporters (GLUT; GLUT1 and GLUT4), myocardial insulin signaling and GLUT‐4 translocation‐related proteins were investigated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.ResultsThe DJB group showed restored systolic and diastolic cardiac function, along with significant remission in cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, lipid deposit and ultrastructural disorder independent of weight loss compared with the sham group. Furthermore, the DJB group showed upregulated myocardial insulin signaling, hyperphosphorylation of AKT substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) and TBC1D1, along with preserved soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor proteins, facilitating the GLUT‐4 translocation to the myocardial cell surface and restoration of MGU.ConclusionsThe present findings provide evidence that restoration of MGU is implicated in the alleviation of DCM after DJB through facilitating GLUT‐4 translocation, suggesting a potential choice for treatment of human DCM if properly implemented.
Brighter prospects? Assessing the franchise advantage using census data
Authors: Lafontaine Francine , Zapletal Marek , Zhang Xu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper uses Census microdata to examine how starting a business as a franchise rather than an independent business affects its survival and growth prospects. We assess factors that influence the decision to become a franchisee and use various empirical approaches to correct for selection bias in our performance analyses. We find that franchised businesses on average exhibit higher survival rates than independent businesses; but importantly, the difference is small compared with claims in the trade press. The effect is also short lived: conditional on surviving a year or two, we no longer find survival (or growth) differences. We then explore two potential sources for this small survival advantage, namely franchisors’ screening process and the benefits arising from the brand and business know‐how provided by franchisors. We find evidence that both of the sources contribute to the franchising advantage.
Mass‐rearing optimization of the parasitoid Psyttalia lounsburyi for biological control of the olive fruit fly
Authors: Chardonnet Floriane , Blanchet Arnaud , Hurtrel Beatrice , Marini Francesca , Smith Lincoln 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Tephritidae), is a direct pest of olives that has invaded the Mediterranean Region and California. Psyttalia lounsburyi (Braconidae), a larval parasitoid from Africa, has been approved for release in the USA as a classical biological agent. However, it has been difficult to rear the parasitoid in the laboratory because it is multivoltine, and the host develops only in fresh olives, which are not available for most of the year. A method to rear the parasitoid on the factitious host, Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) was developed, but it was not very efficient for producing large numbers of parasitoids needed for release. We developed a number of ways to improve the efficiency of rearing, including the frequency and duration of exposure for oviposition, optimizing the density of adult parasitoids, host age, as well as methods to quickly standardize the number of larvae exposed and to count emerging adult parasitoids. We significantly improved the number of progeny produced per female and the sex ratio of progeny. Thanks to these improvements, we produced in 2017 over 119,000 adults and shipped over 53,900 for release in California.
Production and preference mapping of persimmon fruit leather: An optimization study by Box–Behnken
Authors: Dursun Derya , Dalgıç Ali Coşkun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNew and additive‐free persimmon fruit leather was planned to produce and obtain a standard product. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed to characterize the process including hydrocolloid preparation and drying, optimize and investigate the effects of the amount of starch (3, 5, and 7%), product thickness (1, 2, and 3 mm) and convective drying temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C) variables on moisture removal, color, texture profile and sensory attributes. The most preferred leather product was determined evaluating the sensory parameters with Duncan's test (p < .05). A multi‐criteria optimization based on sensory analysis results was achieved using response surface methodology. The optimum process conditions were 4.73% amount of starch, 1.11 mm thickness and 50.26 °C temperature. The amount of starch and its interaction with the other factors had an important effect on leather production. Pearson and principal component correlation analyses were performed to determine whether a correlation existed between the sensory and instrumental analysis parameters. Mutually supportive results were obtained from subjective and qualitative considerations.Practical applicationsThe study presented the production of persimmon fruit leather as a healthy snack and optimization of the process conditions in the scope of an experimental design, which allowed of reducing the number of experiments. This approach enabled the evaluation of individual and interactional effects of each process parameter on important expectations of consumers for a new food product. It is necessary to discuss the results of instrumental and sensory analysis statistically to obtain a standard qualified product.
Declining in liver stiffness cannot indicate fibrosis regression in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A 78‐week prospective study
Authors: Dong Xiao‐Qin , Wu Zhao , Li Jun , Wang Gui‐Qiang , Zhao Hong ,   China HepB‐Related Fibrosis Assessment Research Group
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground and AimLittle reliable data are available about the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for fibrosis monitoring in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients on antiviral therapy. We aimed to assess the accuracy of LSM in fibrosis monitoring during 78‐week antiviral therapy in CHB patients.MethodsFive hundred fifty‐six treatment‐naïve CHB patients with qualified LSM and liver biopsy at baseline were analyzed. Patients receiving entecavir‐based therapy were prospectively followed to 78 weeks for second LSM and liver biopsy. Serologic detection, LSM, and liver biopsy were performed on the same day. Necro‐inflammatory activity was also evaluated.ResultsAreas under receiver operating characteristics curves of LSM at baseline and week 78 for significant fibrosis (≥ F3), advanced fibrosis (≥ F4), and liver cirrhosis (≥ F5) was 0.84, 0.87, 0.83 and 0.76, 0.85, 0.88, respectively. Patients with the same fibrosis stage but higher histology activity index score tend to have higher LSM at baseline. Liver stiffness decreased rapidly (3.8 [1.6–8.6] kPa) in parallel with baseline histology activity index scores from 11.3 (7.8–16.7) kPa at baseline to 6.4 (5.1–8.8) kPa at week 78. Greater decline of LSM in patients with only inflammation improvement was observed as compared with those without inflammation improvement (5.2 [2.5–9.7] vs 1.8 [0.2–8.1] kPa, P = 0.013). Baseline Ishak fibrosis score was the only predictor of 78‐week fibrosis improvement (odds ratio, 1.859; P = 0.000).ConclusionsIn CHB patients receiving 78‐week antiviral treatment, LSM could diagnosis different liver fibrosis stages, decrease in absolute LSM value could reflect the remission of liver inflammation, and baseline Ishak fibrosis score was the only predictor for 78‐week fibrosis reversion.
Exnovation of Low Value Care: A Decade of Prostate‐Specific Antigen Screening Practices
Authors: Bynum Julie , Passow Honor , Carmichael Donald , Skinner Jonathan 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo examine prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening practice change in subgroups of men defined in guidelines and in various regions and to identify factors associated with change in screening practices.DesignObservational study using serial cross‐sections, 2003 to 2013.SettingNational fee‐for‐service Medicare.ParticipantsMen aged 68 and older eligible for prostate cancer screening.MeasurementsNational PSA screening practices in men aged 68 and older from 2003 to 2013 and change in regional screening rates in men aged 75 and older.ResultsThe PSA screening rate in men aged 68 and older was 17.2% in 2003, 22.3% in 2008, and 18.6% in 2013 (p < .001 for all differences); rates ended slightly lower than rates in 2003 only in men 80 and older. Racial disparities in screening became less pronounced over this period. In men aged 75 and older, change in regional screening rates varied widely, with absolute rates growing by 15 per 100 enrollees in some areas and declining by the same amount in others. Areas with high social capital, a measure associated with diffusion of new ideas, were more likely to decline; malpractice intensity and managed care penetration had no effect.ConclusionStudying Medicare enrollees over time, we found little reduction in PSA screening and even increases according to race and in some regions. The heterogeneous changes across regions suggest that consistent reduction in the use of low‐value care may require change strategies that go beyond evidence and guidelines to include monitoring and feedback on performance. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:29–36, 2019.
Inhaler Technique Education and Exacerbation Risk in Older Adults with Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Maricoto Tiago , Monteiro Luís , Gama Jorge M.R. , Correia‐de‐Sousa Jaime , Taborda‐Barata Luís 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of inhaler education programs on clinical outcomes and exacerbation rates in older adults with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.Setting and ParticipantsOlder adults with asthma or COPD, either in primary or secondary health care and pharmacy setting.MeasurementsWe searched the Medline, Embase, and Central databases according to the main eligibility criteria for inclusion: systematic reviews, meta‐analysis, clinical trials and quasi‐experimental studies; participants aged 65 and older; education on inhaler technique and reporting of disease control and exacerbation rates. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations scale for quality assessment and used a random‐effect model with Mantel–Haenszel adjustment to perform a meta‐analysis.ResultsWe included 8 studies (4 randomized, 4 quasi‐experimental) with a total of 1,812 participants. The most frequent type of intervention was physical demonstration of inhaler technique, training with placebo devices. Five studies showed significant reduction in exacerbation rates (pooled risk ratio=0.71, 95% confidence interval=0.59–0.86; p < .001), although effect on disease control and quality of life showed high discrepancy in the reported results, and all randomized studies revealed uncertainty in their risk of bias assessment.ConclusionAll interventions seemed to improve inhaler performance and clinically relevant outcomes, but a placebo device could be the most effective. There is evidence that interventions reduce exacerbation risk in older adults, although to an overall moderate degree. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:57–66, 2019.
Cause of Death and End‐of‐Life Experiences in Individuals with Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Armstrong Melissa J. , Alliance Slande , Corsentino Pamela , DeKosky Steven T. , Taylor Angela 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the natural history, cause of death, and end‐of‐life experiences of individuals diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).DesignTwenty‐question online survey administered through the Lewy Body Dementia Association.SettingUnited States.ParticipantsCaregivers, family, and friends of individuals who died in the past 5 years with a diagnosis of DLB (survey respondents: n = 658, 89% female, median age 50–69).MeasurementsThe survey included 3 questions about the respondent's background and 17 about the end‐of‐life experiences of the person with DLB. Topics included time from symptom onset and diagnosis to death, cause of death, advance directive completion, end‐of‐life education, hospice use, and location of death. Results were analyzed descriptively.ResultsMost individuals with DLB died within 5 years of diagnosis (median 3–4 years). Respondents indicated that physicians rarely discussed what to expect at the end of life (40% total, but only 22% to a helpful degree) and that the caregiver usually initiated such conversations. Death was usually expected, but fewer than half of respondents felt prepared for what to expect. Seventy‐eight percent used hospice, usually at home or in skilled care, with wide variations in duration. Failure to thrive was the most common cause of death (65%), followed by pneumonia and swallowing difficulties (23%), other medical conditions (19%), and complications from falling (10%) (multiple causes allowed).ConclusionStudy results highlight a critical need for better prognostic counseling and education for persons and families living with DLB. The results of the current study can inform such counseling, but additional studies are needed to further explore expected prognosis of individuals diagnosed clinically with DLB and optimal use of palliative care services. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:67–73, 2019.
Operational Perspectives on Extended Producer Responsibility
Authors: Atasu Atalay 
Published: October 2018

SummaryWe revisit three important assumptions about extended producer responsibility (EPR) that originate from academia, policy, or practice: (1) A central objective of EPR should be to induce product designs for the environment; (2) collective EPR implementations mute incentives to design for the environment; and (3) more stringent EPR policy parameters will generate better environmental outcomes. We discuss the potential shortcomings of these assumptions from an operations perspective and their implications for academic and policy research.
The Use of Video Calls in Early Labor Care: Exploring Midwives’ Views of the Potential Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Faucher Mary Ann , Roberts Julie , Divall Bernie , Spiby Helen 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionThis qualitative research study explored the research question of whether midwives in the United States and the United Kingdom see potential benefits and challenges of using video‐calling technology to assess and support women in early labor. Early labor calls to maternity units are a locus of dissatisfaction for childbearing women. Although staying at home has benefits for women, some feel uncared for or unwelcome when they are asked to delay traveling to the maternity unit and may struggle to manage their pain at home. Midwives must build rapport and make accurate assessments over the telephone, without the visual and non‐verbal cues they would use in face‐to‐face care. Admission to maternity units prior to establishment of active labor can lead to increased intervention and higher cesarean rates. Thus, it is important to identify innovative strategies to support women in early labor at home.MethodsQualitative data were gathered through audio‐recorded focus group and individual interviews in 3 UK sites (n = 21) and 2 US sites (n = 32). Data were managed with Atlas.ti qualitative software and thematic content analysis was conducted.ResultsPreliminary analysis shows that most of the midwives see potential benefits of a video‐calling service, including enhanced assessment capacity through visual cues and increased reassurance for women and their partners. However, some midwives had significant concerns about introducing video calls into early labor care, including doubts about the reliability of the technology and discordant phone types. Within the health care context, legal issues, confidentiality, privacy concerns, and appearing professional, empathic, and focused during video calls were raised. Discussion between midwives about which women had internet access raised concerns about equity. There were variations across types of practices and birth settings that reflected continuity of care and type of call coverage for labor that create challenges to integrating the technology within practices. In some settings, implementation would require consideration of documentation, dedicated call lines, and the development of new policies.DiscussionFindings from the completed analysis will be discussed in the context of US and UK maternity care settings, drawing on evidence from the use of video calling in other specialties.
Perspectives from Providers and Mothers on the Benefits of and Barriers to Respectful Maternity Care in a Refugee Camp Setting in Thailand
Authors: Madeira Anjali , Avery Melissa , Buesseler Heather 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionRecent evidence suggests the lack of respectful maternity care (RMC) may indirectly contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality. Compared to more stable settings, provision of RMC in emergency, conflict‐affected, and transitional contexts poses a greater challenge, though few studies have focused on RMC in these settings. This study aimed to describe providers’ and women's perspectives on benefits of and barriers to RMC in a conflict‐affected setting. An additional aim was to better understand the extent to which Burmese refugee women are experiencing disrespect and abuse during their maternity care, including care processes and interactions with providers.MethodsIn‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with maternity care providers and women giving birth in the previous 4 months were conducted at clinics in 2 refugee camps in Thailand and in a nearby Thai government referral hospital in August 2014. Participant observation occurred in the labor and postpartum wards and delivery rooms of these facilities. Recorded sessions were translated, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for common themes.ResultsEleven mothers and 14 providers, including midwives, traditional birth attendants, nurses, and physician interns, participated in either a focus group discussion or in‐depth interview exploring experiences receiving or delivering maternity care. Major themes emerging from the data included patient‐centered care, care equity, and trust. Both providers and women shared numerous experiences of disrespectful or abusive care. Subthemes related to these experiences were lack of patient privacy or consent, verbal and physical abuse by providers, ethnic and religious discrimination, and lack of mutual trust between patient and provider. High caseloads, language barriers, and patient‐provider educational disparities were also identified by providers as major barriers to providing RMC.DiscussionRefugee women are experiencing disrespectful and abusive care in both camp settings and a government referral facility. Challenges to RMC delivery in conflict‐affected settings include language and cultural barriers, provider stress, and lack of mutual trust. More research is needed among displaced women and their providers to fully characterize barriers to RMC and develop effective interventions to overcome them in emergency contexts around the world.