bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of nadir haemoglobin level and red blood cell transfusion with mortality and length of stay in surgical specialties: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trentino K. M. , Leahy M. F. , Sanfilippo F. M. , Farmer S. L. , Hofmann A. , Mace H. , Murray K. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryFew studies have investigated if, and how, red cell transfusion and anaemia interact. We analysed 60,955 admissions to three metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia between 2008 and 2017 to determine whether the relationship between red cell transfusion and outcomes in surgical patients differed by lowest (nadir) level of haemoglobin. At levels above 100 g.l−1, in‐hospital, 30‐day and 1‐year mortality were higher with transfusion, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) being 8.80 (4.43–17.45) p < 0.001 and 3.68 (1.93–7.02) p < 0.001 and the adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) being 1.83 (1.28–2.61) p = 0.001, respectively. Likewise, between 90 g.l−1 and 99 g.l−1, in‐hospital, 30‐day and 1‐year mortality were higher with transfusion, the adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) being 3.76 (2.23–6.34) p < 0.001 and 1.96 (1.23–3.12) p < 0.001 and the adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) being 1.34 (1.05–1.70) p = 0.017, respectively. Length of stay was longer with transfusion at nadir haemoglobin levels above 100 g.l−1 and in the following ranges: 90–99 g.l−1, 80–89 g.l−1, 70–79 g.l−1 and 60–69 g.l−1, the adjusted rate ratio (95%CI) being 1.38 (1.25–1.53) p < 0.001, 1.18 (1.10–1.27) p < 0.001, 1.17 (1.13–1.22) p < 0.001, 1.07 (1.02–1.12) p = 0.003 and 1.24 (1.13–1.36) p < 0.001, respectively. Mortality was higher with red cell transfusion at haemoglobin levels greater than 90 g.l−1, whereas at all levels below 90 g.l−1 mortality was not significantly higher or lower. Length of stay was longer with transfusion at nadir haemoglobin levels of 60 g.l−1 or above. Our results suggest that nadir haemoglobin modified the relationship between red cell transfusion and outcomes and adds to the evidence recommending caution before transfusing red cells.
The association between sperm head elongation and semen quality
Authors: Chen F. , Gao L. , Zhou H. , Guo L. , Chen Q. , Gan Y. , Sun X. , Li Q. , Wang K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggested that sperm head shape may serve as an effective indicator of semen quality. However, there lacks research with large sample and quantitative measurement.ObjectivesThe objective of this retrospective study was to explore the association between sperm head elongation (Width/Length ratio) and routine semen parameters.Materials and methodsFrom January 2012 to December 2017, 63 866 semen samples were collected from male subjects at 18–60 years of age. Sperm head elongation and routine semen parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, etc.) were examined with computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems in order to evaluate the association between elongation and semen quality.ResultsLogistic and linear regression models showed that the value of elongation is negatively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, and acrosin activity (all p < 0.001).DiscussionThe results suggested that higher value of elongation is generally associated with higher risks of abnormality in semen quality. The importance of elongation may be explained by abnormal acrosin activity in the round‐headed spermatozoa, which has been reported to cause failure of natural pregnancy.ConclusionsThis study provides a new insight into the sperm head shape, which may be used as a complementary parameter in clinical semen examination and academic research.
OSA treatment with CPAP: Randomized crossover study comparing tolerance and efficacy with and without humidification by ThermoSmart
Authors: Boyer Laurent , Philippe Carole , Covali‐Noroc Ala , Dalloz Marie‐Amélie , Rouvel‐Tallec Anny , Maillard Dominique , Stoica Maria , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesAdherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains an issue, as adverse effects (AE) such as rhinitis, dry/congested nose, dry mouth or throat are commonly experienced. The aim of the study was to compare CPAP efficacy and tolerance in severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with or without (w/o) heated humidification using the ThermoSmart system.MethodsMulticenter RCT study in which CPAP‐naive patients with severe OSA and meeting one or more of the following criteria: >65 years, using >1 drying medication, previous nasal symptoms or nasal surgery, were included. Patients were randomized to CPAP w/o heated humidification for 1 month and then crossed‐over to the other treatment arm for another month. Naso‐pharyngeal symptoms, Quality of life (FOSQ‐10), sleepiness (ESS) and CPAP compliance and efficacy data were collected.ResultsForty patients were enrolled: age 62 ± 9 years, diagnostic AHI 46.7 ± 15.3/hour. About 70% were using >1 drying medication, mainly antihypertensives. Both treatment modalities were found to normalize AHI and decrease sleepiness with no differences between 2 modes, compliance (4.63 ± 0.39 vs 4.70 ± 0.36 h/night) or leaks (32.4 ± 2.0 versus 31.1 ± 1.7l/min). With heated humidification, there was a significant decrease in nasal symptoms such as dry/congested nose. At the study end, 26 patients preferred ThermoSmart ON, 3 did not have preference and 11 preferred ThermoSmart OFF.ConclusionThermoSmart helps to decrease nose and throat discomfort because of CPAP therapy, these effects did not translate to better compliance but patients had a preference for ThermoSmart.
Art Philosophy: Ai Weiwei's Forever (2003)
Authors: Sinnerbrink Robert 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMy discussion of Ai Weiwei's Forever (2003) explores this work in response to three philosophical and aesthetic questions: the role of the artworld context in understanding a work; the idea of the artwork as philosophical; and the idea that conceptual works can also be cultural‐political. I suggest that it is the interplay of immediate perceptual encounter and background artworld knowledge that brings the meaning of the work to life. Weiwei's Forever shows how an artwork can be aesthetic (engaging our sensuous perceptual experience), philosophical (posing the question of its own status as an artwork), and cultural‐political (opening the Gallery space to the broader social realities that the work obliquely references). In these ways I claim Forever is a philosophical work that is conceptual and cultural‐political at once.
Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, and Pictorial Realism
Authors: Matthen Mohan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTom Roberts’ Coogee Beach is a topographically meticulous rendering of a well‐known landmark. Michael Newall suggests that it is an exact rendering of the colour. According to him, a moth could camouflage itself on Robert's brushstrokes. This seems to me mistaken on two fronts. First, colour is not atomistically rendered: what the eye sees is not the same at a point as the paint that is put down there. Second, realism is not achieved point by point, each brush‐stroke matching the colour of what it attempts to reproduce. Roberts’ success has to be judged next to the sun‐flattened look of a bright summer's day, not leaf by leaf.
Impact of a brief psychoeducational intervention for reducing alcohol use and related harm in school leavers
Authors: Quinn Catherine A. , Hides Leanne , de Andrade Dominique , Pocuca Nina , Wilson Megan , Kavanagh David J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMany young people engage in risky partying behaviours and excessive alcohol use in the transition period following high school graduation. Despite this, there is limited longitudinal research on adolescents before and after school graduation; and limited evaluation of interventions targeting these high‐risk periods. The present study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the impact of brief psychoeducation interventions on substance use, psychological distress and well‐being during this important life transition.Design and MethodsParticipants were 334 high school leavers (53% female, Mage = 17.14) from Queensland, Australia. They received either: (i) a psychoeducation intervention on safe partying behaviours; (ii) a reconstructed version of the psychoeducation intervention; or (iii) a standard health curriculum control. Surveys were conducted at baseline; 2 weeks, immediately following post‐graduation celebratory event ‘Schoolies’; and 4 months, immediately following university orientation ‘O‐week’.ResultsSignificant time by group effects were found for problem drinking, F(2, 227) = 3.07, P < 0.05, and well‐being, F(4, 439) = 3.54, P < 0.01. There was stability in problem drinking from baseline to follow‐up for the psychoeducation groups but small increases in problem drinking for the control (d = 0.12). Both psychoeducation groups had improvements in well‐being scores from baseline to post‐Schoolies (d = 0.40; 0.20), which were maintained across time. In contrast, the control condition showed a decrease in well‐being scores from baseline to the post O‐week follow‐up (d = 0.15).Discussion and ConclusionsBrief school‐based psychoeducational interventions may result in small improvements in well‐being, and possibly stabilise the trajectory of problematic drinking in high‐risk environments.
Diagnosis and follow‐up of idiopathic dilatation of inferior vena cava
Authors: Mordi Ify , Manian Usha , Bagur Rodrigo , Tzemos Nikolaos 
Published: April 2019

In the absence of cardiac pathology, the presence of a dilated inferior vena cava (IVC) is considered idiopathic. To date, this phenomenon has only been described in athletic individuals as an adaptation to chronically augmented venous return. This is the largest prospective cohort study, following ten individuals with idiopathic dilated IVC against an age‐matched control group with annual echocardiograms and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for a median of 55 months. No significant difference was found between echocardiography and CMR measurements in IVC diameter assessment both at baseline and at follow‐up. Over the study period, there was no significant progression of the IVC in diameter as measured either by echocardiography or CMR. None of the patients suffered any cardiovascular events, and there were no hospitalizations. Our findings indicate the benign nature of this condition and provide reassurance with regard to future clinical implications.
Stink bug rostrum length vs. stylet penetration potential
Authors: Esquivel Jesus F. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and related species continue to plague cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae), worldwide. Stink bugs utilize their stylets (housed within the rostrum) to feed upon cotton bolls and transmit pathogens that cause seed and boll rot of cotton. Stylet penetration potential of stink bugs is influenced by species and recent observations indicated a phenomenon whereby stink bugs with shorter rostra yielded deeper stylet penetration estimates. The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between rostrum length and known stylet penetration estimates for two pairs of similar‐sized pentatomid species: Chinavia hilaris (Say) vs. Euschistus servus (Say), and Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius) vs. Piezodorus guildinii Westwood. For each species, individual rostral segments were measured to yield total lengths, and measurements were compared against known stylet penetration estimates. Chinavia hilaris and P. guildinii have longer rostra than E. servus and O. pugnax, respectively, yet E. servus and O. pugnax yielded deeper stylet penetration estimates. Deeper stylet penetration by species with shorter rostra can be attributed to differences in the lengths of rostral segments 1 and 2. Euschistus servus and O. pugnax each had significantly longer rostral segments 1 and 2 than C. hilaris and P. guildinii, respectively. Also, the cumulative lengths of rostral segments 1 and 2 comprised a higher overall proportion of the entire rostrum length in E. servus and O. pugnax vs. C. hilaris and P. guildinii, respectively. Rostral segments 1 and 2 are instrumental in the feeding mechanics of these phytophagous species; it is clear that their greater length and their role in stylet penetration model calculations – including the lengths of segments 3 and 4 – override the presumption that total rostrum length equates to stylet penetration potential. This novel finding contributes to the general knowledge of stink bug feeding mechanics.
Pollution effects on disease transmission and economic stability
Authors: Bosi Stefano , Desmarchelier David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this article, we embed a model of disease spread into a Ramsey model. A stock of pollution, viewed as a productive externality, affects both the disease transmission and the consumption demand. An eco‐friendly government levies a proportional Pigouvian tax on production to depollute. We show the coexistence of two steady states in the long run: a disease‐free and an endemic steady state. At the endemic steady state, a higher green‐tax rate always reduces the pollution level. In the short run, we show the existence of limit cycles (through a Hopf bifurcation) as well as more complex dynamics of codimension two (a Gavrilov‐Guckenheimer bifurcation). We complete the study with a numerical illustration of these bifurcations and a new facet of the Green Paradox: a higher tax rate can allow more scope for cycles by lowering the critical aversion to pollution and, thus, contribute to destabilization of the economy and promotion of the intergenerational inequalities.
Utility and safety of adenosine challenge for subtle ventricular pre‐excitation in the pediatric population
Authors: Follansbee Christopher W. , Beerman Lee B. , Wu Liwen , Bertolet Marnie , Arora Gaurav 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionAdenosine challenge (AC) can be used to evaluate possible Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Despite the use of this technique, there is a paucity of studies in the pediatric population evaluating the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of this testing modality.Methods and ResultsAll ACs performed from January 2009 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, adenosine dosing, results, adverse effects, and outcomes including results of electrophysiology studies (EPS) were reviewed. Analysis was conducted between AC positive and negative cohorts. ECG criteria of shortest PR interval, longest QRS duration, and the number of suspected pre‐excited leads were evaluated for inter‐rater reliability and correlation to positive AC. Fifty‐six AC (n = 51) were performed (median age, 13.8; range, 0.3‐20 years). Forty‐one AC were pre‐EPS and 15 post‐EPS due to concern for recurrent WPW. Thirty‐one (76%) pre‐EPS AC were negative, 9 (22%) positive, and 1 (2%) equivocal. EPS was performed following seven positive AC revealing 5 (71%) left posterior and 2 (29%) right posteroseptal AP. The 15 post‐EPS AC were all found to be negative. Mean effective adenosine dose was 0.2 ± 0.11 mg/kg. No adverse events were reported. Mean follow up duration after AC was 314 ± 482 days with no documented arrhythmias.ConclusionAdenosine challenge is an effective and safe testing modality for subtle WPW in the pediatric population. In our population, there were no adverse events or documented arrhythmias in patients following a negative study.
Inflation‐Indexed Bonds and Nominal Bonds: Financial Innovation and Precautionary Motives
Authors: KANG MINWOOK 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper introduces a two‐period monetary general equilibrium model with proportional transaction costs on nominal and inflation‐indexed bonds. This paper demonstrates that financial innovation on indexed bonds causes equilibrium interest rates of the nominal bond to increase when agents have precautionary saving motives. This result implies that ignoring precautionary motives would underestimate savers' welfare gain and overestimate borrowers' welfare gain from innovation on indexed bonds.
The dose of physical activity to minimise functional decline in older general medical patients receiving 24‐hr acute care: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Ley Lenore , Khaw Damien , Duke Maxine , Botti Mari 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo identify evidence for a recommended and feasible activity dose to minimise functional decline in older hospitalised general medical patients.BackgroundQuality 24‐hr care of older patients involves balancing activity to minimise functional decline, with rest to aid recovery. However, there is limited guidance regarding an optimal type and dose of activity to minimise functional decline in hospitalised elders receiving acute medical care.DesignA systematic search and scoping review of the literature were conducted following Joanna Briggs methodological guidance.MethodsThe results were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Study bias was determined using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools.ResultsFifteen primary studies of variable design, rigour and potential for bias were included. Study contexts were general medical wards (n = 11, 73.3%), Acute care of the elderly unit (n = 3, 20%) and a nursing unit (n = 1, 6.7%) located in tertiary referral acute hospitals. Most participants were aged 75–84 years (n = 10, 66%), had variable medical diagnoses and samples were either physically capable (n = 4, 26.7%) of limited physical capability (n = 1, 6.7%) or of mixed capability to mobilise independently (n = 10, 66.7%). Walking at least twice a day for approximately 20 min in total appeared to be associated with less functional decline in older patients of variable physical capabilities, and the overall efficacy of twice‐daily exercise to reduce functional decline was supported.ConclusionThe evidence tentatively supported walking for hospitalised elders, irrespective of physical capability, and based on one RCT, suggested likely benefits of graduated exercise in dependent elders. Insufficient evidence limits prescription of optimal doses of physical activity to minimise functional decline.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review could provide evidence for nurses to promote function in older patients by specifying a dose of physical activity to be undertaken in hospital.
Phytate degradation, intestinal microbiota, microbial metabolites and immune values are changed in growing pigs fed diets with varying calcium–phosphorus concentration and fermentable substrates
Authors: Heyer Charlotte Maria Elisabeth , Schmucker Sonja , Burbach Katharina , Weiss Eva , Eklund Meike , Aumiller Tobias , Capezzone Filippo , Steuber Julia , Rodehutscord Markus , Hoelzle Ludwig Eduard , Seifert Jana , Mosenthin Rainer , Stefanski Volker 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe present study assessed effects of diets containing varying calcium–phosphorus (CaP) concentration and fermentable substrates on digestibility of diets, intestinal microbiota and immune system using 32 crossbred pigs (initial BW 54.7 kg). In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, pigs were fed either a corn–soybean meal (CSB) or corn–field pea (CFP) diet with either low [‐] (4.4 g Ca/kg; 4.2 g total P/kg) or high [+] (8.3 g Ca/kg; 7.5 g total P/kg; supplemented with monocalcium phosphate) CaP content for a period of 9 weeks. In week 8, blood samples were taken, and at the end of the trial, all pigs were euthanized to collect digesta and mesenteric lymphoid tissue. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P was greater (p < 0.05) for pigs fed the CaP+ and CFP diets than CaP‐ and CSB diets. The myo‐inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) concentration in jejunal digesta was higher (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than in CaP‐ fed pigs. In addition, caecal and faecal InsP5 isomer concentration were greater (p < 0.05) for CSB than CFP diets. In the caecum, gene copy numbers of saccharolytic bacteria, such as Eubacterium rectale and Roseburia spp., as well as SCFA concentration were higher (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than CaP‐ diets. In particular, innate immune cell numbers, such as natural killer cells, dendritic cells, monocytes and neutrophils, were greater (p < 0.05) for CaP+ than CaP‐ fed pigs. Diets high in CaP resulted in higher abundance of potential beneficial bacteria and might promote the first line of defence enhancing the activation of the cellular adaptive immune response, thereby possibly decreasing the risk for intestinal disturbances. These results strongly suggest that both, CaP supply and dietary ingredients differing in fermentability, may beneficially affect gut health through increase in SCFA‐producing bacteria and/or bacteria with anti‐inflammatory properties.
Primary insomnia patients’ performances during simulated car following and urban driving in the afternoon
Authors: Perrier Joy , Amato Jean‐Noël , Berthelon Catherine , Bocca Marie‐Laure 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAccording to epidemiological studies, insomnia is associated with an increase in risk of traffic accidents. Recent investigations revealed that patients with insomnia had driving performance impairment under monotonous conditions. However, it is unclear whether other driving abilities may be impacted by insomnia, especially those needing more attentional resources than those involved in monotonous driving. Other findings revealed that impaired performances are more likely to occur with the increase of cognitive demands. However, such tests did not reflect difficulties in situations of everyday life expressed by patients with insomnia, such as driving in an urban environment with traffic and critical situations. Therefore, behaviour in situations encountered in everyday life has to be explored. The aim of the present study was to assess driving performances of patients with insomnia in daily routine tasks such as urban and car‐following tests. For this purpose, 15 patients with insomnia and 16 good sleepers performed an urban test of driving with original risk scenarios and a car‐following test during the middle afternoon. No significant behavioural difference between patients with insomnia and good sleepers has been found in both the urban test and the car‐following test, showing that patients with insomnia have no impairment in behaviour implicated in daily contexts driving tasks of short period of time performed in the late afternoon. Although our results provide a first step towards knowledge of behavioural performance during daily routine driving tasks in patients with insomnia, future studies are needed using on‐the‐road driving tests and/or different population of patients with insomnia before generalisation.
Asymmetric effects of oil revenue shocks on government spending composition and productive sectors: new evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Olayungbo David Oluseun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOil revenue plays an important role in meeting government obligations in Nigeria. It accounts for almost 90 per cent of the total export earnings and government spending. Given the high relevance of oil in Nigeria, this paper examines the asymmetric effects of oil revenue shocks on government spending and the real sectors from 1970 to 2017. We find no long‐run equilibrium relationships among oil revenue and the variables of interest. However, when we allow for non‐linear relationship, cointegration is found to exist only for negative oil revenue and the variable of interest. Both the asymmetric variance decomposition and the generalised asymmetric impulse response function show positive responses of agricultural output and capital expenditure to negative oil revenue shocks while only manufacturing output and recurrent expenditure respond negatively. We recommend that the government should not depend solely on oil exports as the major source of revenue but also create incentive in the non‐oil sectors for complementary revenue generation.