bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Effect of Rifaximin with and without Lactulose on the Active Bacterial Assemblages in the Proximal Small Bowel and Faeces in Patients with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Schulz Christian , Schütte Kerstin , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Vasapolli Riccardo , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: November 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Gut microbiota play an essential role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Treatment strategies are directed to modulate intestinal microbiota profiles and their function by the administration of the non-absorbable disaccharide lactulose and the non-absorbable antibiotic rifaximin, which are required for long terms, but little is known on their long-term effect on gut microbiota composition and function. <b><i>Aim:</i></b> To characterize the active bacterial assemblages in duodenum and faeces in patients with minimal HE (MHE) before, during and after long-term therapy with rifaximin. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analysed the microbiota composition in 5 patients with liver cirrhosis and MHE treated either with rifaximin 550 mg bid alone continuously for a period of 3 months or combined with lactulose 30–60 mL daily for 3 months. In addition to clinical assessments of HE, biopsies from duodenum and stool samples were analysed for their specific bacterial community applying NGS after RNA isolation before treatment, after 3 months of treatment and 3 months after the end of treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> All 5 patients had a significant improvement of their MHE. Bacterial communities were different and distinct in duodenal samples and faeces. No statistically significant changes were found in the bacterial community profile at the different time points. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Rifaximin therapy with and without lactulose over a period of 3 months does not affect the bacterial community composition. The improvement of HE with rifaximin is lasting also after the end of treatment and therefore a prolonged effect on microbiota metabolic function is suggested.
Fatty Acid Composition of the Erythrocyte Membranes Varies between Early-Term, Full-Term, and Late-Term Infants in Japan
Authors: Kitamura Yohei , Kogomori Chieko , Hamano Hirokazu  , Maekawa Iwao , Shimizu Takashi , Shiga Seigo 
Published: November 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Term infants can be categorized into 3 sub-groups: early term (37w0d to 38w6d), full term (39w0d to 40w6d), and late term (41w0d and beyond). However, the fatty acid composition among the 3 groups of term infants has not been investigated. The association between fatty acid composition and gestational period of term infants in Japan is unclear. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We assessed the fatty acid composition of maternal erythrocyte membranes in the third trimester and of cord erythrocyte membranes at birth in 212 healthy term Japanese infants using data from a prospective hospital-based cohort study. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In maternal erythrocyte membranes, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and omega-3 index were significantly higher in the late-term group than in the early-term group. In cord erythrocyte membranes, DHA levels were not significantly different between the 3 groups; late-term infants showed significantly higher DHA/arachidonic acid (ARA) and lower 20: 3n-6 and ARA levels compared to early-term infants. Gestational period positively correlated with the DHA status in maternal and cord erythrocyte membranes. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Fatty acid composition in maternal and cord erythrocyte membranes varies between early-, full-, and late-term infants, and the greater gestational period may contribute to the relatively high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids status in term infants. Furthermore, maternal DHA status in the third semester directly correlates with gestational period in pregnant Japanese women.
Utilizing the Dynamic Role of Objects to Enhance Cross-Cultural Climate Change Collaborations
Authors: Kalafatis Scott E. , Libarkin Julie C. , Whyte Kyle Powys , Caldwell Chris 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEngagements between climate scientists and communities feature challenges but are also essential for successfully preparing for climate change. This is particularly true for indigenous peoples who are proactively responding to the threats that climate change poses by engaging in collaborations with climate decision-support organizations. The potential for risks and rewards associated with engagements like these makes developing tools for comprehensively, consistently, and equitably assessing cross-cultural climate collaborations a critical challenge. This paper describes a multicultural team’s efforts to develop a survey that can assess collaborations between Native American tribes in the United States and climate science organizations. In the process, the developing survey’s oscillations between acting as a boundary object and acting as an epistemic object in the project revealed common ground as well as existing differences across the cultural, disciplinary, and professional divides involved. Delphi expert elicitation was shown to be an effective approach for negotiating a cross-cultural research effort like this one because of its ability to establish consensus while delineating gaps. This experience highlights that assessing cross-cultural climate collaborations requires that both researchers and the tools that they use have the capacity to identify both common ground and distinctions between climate scientists and the communities with which they collaborate.
An Exploration of Breastfeeding Practices by Bhutanese Women
Authors: Pemo Kinga , Phillips Diane , Hutchinson Alison M. 
Published: November 2018

Background: Researchers have shown beneficial influences of exclusive breastfeeding for women and infants. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 6 months following birth. In Bhutan, researchers have found, through survey research, variable exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months. They have not, however, explored the experiences and views of participants in relation to breastfeeding. Research aim: The aim was to explore first-time mothers’ views, intentions, and experiences related to exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A qualitative, prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study was undertaken using semistructured, audio-recorded interviews at two points of time with first-time mothers prenatally during late third trimester ( n = 24) and at 6 weeks after birth ( n = 22). The framework approach to analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Two themes (breastfeeding, but uncertainty about achieving exclusive breastfeeding and acceptance that breastfeeding is painful) were identified from interviews at term. Five themes were identified from interviews at 6 weeks after birth (lack of timely breastfeeding information and support from health professionals, misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding, being unprepared for the reality of breastfeeding, limited control or choice over feeding, and adoption of cultural and traditional practices). Conclusion: The participants breastfed but did not practice exclusive breastfeeding due to a lack of timely breastfeeding information and inadequate breastfeeding support. While family elders supported breastfeeding, they also promoted the adoption of certain traditional and cultural practices, which affected exclusive breastfeeding.
Pakistan Registry of Intensive CarE (PRICE): Expanding a lower middle-income, clinician-designed critical care registry in South Asia
Authors: Hashmi M , Beane A , Taqi A , Memon MI , Athapattu P , Khan Z , Dondorp AM , Haniffa R 
Published: November 2018

Introduction In resource-limited settings – with inequalities in access to and outcomes for trauma, surgical and critical care – intensive care registries are uncommon. Aim The Pakistan Society of Critical Care Medicine, Intensive Care Society (UK) and the Network for Improving Critical Care Systems and Training (NICST) aim to implement a clinician-led real-time national intensive care registry in Pakistan: the Pakistan Registry of Intensive CarE (PRICE). Method This was adapted from a successful clinician co-designed national registry in Sri Lanka; ICU information has been linked to real-time dashboards, providing clinicians and administrators individual patient and service delivery activity respectively. Output Commenced in August 2017, five ICU’s (three administrative regions – 104 beds) were recruited and have reported over 1100 critical care admissions to PRICE. Impact and future PRICE is being rolled out nationally in Pakistan and will provide continuous granular healthcare information necessary to empower clinicians to drive setting-specific priorities for service improvement and research.
Patient Preferred and Perceived Control in Dental Care Decision Making
Authors: Reissmann D.R. , Bellows J.C. , Kasper J. 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Shared decision making is increasingly considered the most desirable model for making decisions in medical and dental settings. It supports patients by empowering them to play an active role in the decision-making process. However, dental patients’ involvement needs and perceptions have not yet been sufficiently assessed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess patients’ preferred roles in decision making for a range of dental treatments and whether patients’ preferences are being met. Methods: Based on a cross-sectional study design, dental patients’ autonomy preferences and actual perceived roles were surveyed in the context of existing dental appointments in a consecutive sample of 101 adult dental patients (aged 20 to 79 y). The questionnaire for the assessment of patient preferred and perceived roles in dental decision making consisted of 14 items, each representing a decision in the broad spectrum of preventive and restorative dental treatment planning, and was administered before the dental appointment and immediately afterward. Responses for each item were indicated on an ordinal 5-point scale, which was adapted from the Control Preference Scale. Differences in overall levels of control and responses for each decision were tested for statistical significance per the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. Furthermore, a multilevel mixed effects linear regression model was computed. Results: Patients rated their preferred role in decision making more active and involved than their perceived role. This effect was observed and statistically significant ( P < 0.05) for 11 of 14 treatment decisions. Perceived roles (follow-up) matched the preferred roles (baseline) for less than half of patients. None of the sociodemographic characteristics had a substantial statistical effect on whether perceived roles matched the preferred roles. Conclusion: Dental patients’ perceived roles in decision making do not meet their preferences. Dentists should allow and encourage their patients to be more active in decision making. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Since dental patients’ perceived roles in decision making do not meet their preferences, clinicians should encourage and enable their dental patients to fulfill the role in decision making that they prefer. This may help in the future to not only fulfill the right of patients to be informed but also empower them to play an active role in the decision-making process and reduce the risk of decisional conflicts.
High Plaque Levels after Thorough Toothbrushing: What Impedes Efficacy?
Authors: Ebel S. , Blättermann H. , Weik U. , Margraf-Stiksrud J. , Deinzer R. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives: Previous studies have shown high levels of dental plaque after toothbrushing and poor toothbrushing performance. There is a lack of evidence about what oral hygiene behavior predicts persistent plaque. The present cross-sectional study thus relates toothbrushing behavior to oral cleanliness after brushing and to gingivitis. Methods: All young adults from a central town in Germany who turned 18 y old in the year prior to the examination were invited to participate in the study. They were asked to clean their teeth to their best abilities while being filmed. Videos were analyzed regarding brushing movements (vertical, circular, horizontal, modified Bass technique) and evenness of distribution of brushing time across vestibular (labial/buccal) and palatinal (lingual/palatinal) surfaces. Dental status, gingival bleeding, and oral cleanliness after oral hygiene were assessed. Results: Ninety-eight young adults participated in the study. Gingival margins showed persistent plaque at 69.48% ± 12.31% sites (mean ± SD) after participants brushed to their best abilities. Regression analyses with the brushing movements and evenness of distribution of brushing time as predictors explained 15.2% (adjusted R2 = 0.152, P = 0.001) of the variance in marginal plaque and 19.4% (adjusted R2 = 0.194, P < 0.001) of the variance in bleeding. Evenness of distribution of brushing time was the most important behavioral predictor. Conclusion: Even when asked to perform optimal oral hygiene, young German adults distributed their brushing time across surfaces unevenly. Compared with brushing movements, this factor turned out to be of more significance when explaining the variance of plaque and bleeding. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Results of this study can help clinicians and patients understand the meaning of specific behavioral aspects of toothbrushing for oral cleanliness and oral health.
Elective uterine artery embolization prior to laparoscopic resection of interstitial pregnancy: two cases and literature review
Authors: Verbeeck Iris , Donders Francesca , Buyck Pieter-Jan , Timmerman Dirk , Van Holsbeeck Andries , Cornelissen Sandra A , Van Rompuy Anne-Sophie , Van den Haute Lien , Gordts Sylvie , Tomassetti Carla , Deprest Jan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundInterstitial pregnancies (IP) can be treated medically or surgically. The most common complication remains hemorrhage. The risk of that may be reduced by elective uterine artery embolization (UAE) prior to surgery, which we applied in two consecutive cases with high vascularization on ultrasound. We also reviewed larger series (n ≥ 10) on medical as well as surgical management of IP on success and complication rates and reviewed the entire literature on UAE.ResultsA gravida 5 (two ectopic pregnancies treated by salpingectomy) para 1 (cesarean section complicated by a niche, earlier repaired) presented with an asymptomatic IP. Primary treatment consisted of systemic methotrexate (MTX). Because of raising β-hCG and persisting heart activity 1 week later, she was referred for surgery (β-hCG = 59,000 IU/L; CRL = 10.5 mm). Another gravida 5 para 3 presented with an asymptomatic evolutive IP on dating ultrasound. Because of the size (CRL = 24.5 mm), thin overlaying myometrium, and high β-hCG (121,758 IU/L), we opted for primary surgery. Both IPs were highly vascularized with high flow rates. To prevent bleeding, a bilateral UAE was performed. The surgery was nearly bloodless.In the literature, a wide range of treatment regimens for IP is reported. Larger series report a success rate of 76% for primary systemic MTX, 88% for primary local medical treatment, and 94% for primary surgery. It was not possible to determine reliable hemorrhage or rupture rates following MTX administration. As to laparoscopic surgery, the blood transfusion rate for bleeding was 9% while the conversion rate for hemorrhage was 2%. The use of UAE to reduce the risk for hemorrhage before (n = 2) or after (n = 19) MTX administration was reported in 21 cases. This failed in two cases (90% success rate), and one patient required transfusion (5%). Two cases treated with UAE and primary surgery were reported, yet the exact indication for embolization was not elaborated. Alternative hemostatic techniques during surgical management have been proposed to reduce blood loss and operating time, yet individual outcomes were not identifiable.ConclusionWe report on the use of elective UAE prior to laparoscopic resection of IP, because of signs of strong vascularization on ultrasound. This strategy coincided with a nearly bloodless operation. Literature review suggests that this is one of the effective methods to reduce blood loss intra-operatively.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease: outcomes and literature analysis
Authors: Mereu Liliana , Carlin Roberta , Pellegrini Alice , Guasina Francesca , Berlanda Valeria , Tateo Saverio 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Objective
To analyze surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign disease.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of 361 consecutive cases, prospectively collected from January 2012 to June 2016, of women who underwent TLH in St. Chiara Hospital in Trento, Italy. Clinical, demographic, surgical, and intra and perioperative data were recorded. Complications were graded on the Clavien-Dindo morbidity scale. Data were compared with literature. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (SPSS Chicago, IL).

Findings
Main indication for TLH was uterine fibromatosis (78.6%). Mean uterine size was 327 ± 249 g (range 30–1800 g). Mean operating time was 115 ± 36 min. No laparotomy conversion occurred. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.6 ± 1.1 days (range 1–12 days).
Complications requiring surgical intervention in general anesthesia occurred in 3 patients (0.8%): 1 (0.3%) hydroureteronephrosis, 1 (0.3%) bowel adhesions, and 1 (0.3%) port side hernia; complication requiring surgical intervention without general anesthesia occurred in 6 patients (1.6%): 2 (0.6%) hydroureteronephrosis, 1 (0.3%) vaginal cuff dehiscence, and 3 (0.8%) vaginal cuff bleeding.

Conclusions
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a procedure with a low incidence of complications. Our data compare favorably with the data of the other listed studies.
Διορθώσεις και νέες αναγνώσεις κτητορικών επιγραφών σε ναούς του εργαστηρίου του κρητικού ζωγράφου Ιωάννου Παγωμένου (πρώτο μισό του 14ου αιώνα)
Authors: ΙΩΑΝΝΙΔΟΥ (Theodora IOANNIDOU) Θεοδώρα 
Published: November 2018

Στο άρθρο επιχειρείται η διόρθωση και η εκ νέου ανάγνωση γνωστών, ή μη, κτητορικών επιγραφών στους εξής ναούς των επαρχιών Σελίνου και Κισσάμου: Αγίου Δημητρίου Λειβαδά (1315/16, όνομα αγνώστου ζωγράφου, υπό τον οποίον εργάζεται ο Παγωμένος), Αγίου Ιωάννου Θεολόγου Τραχινιάκου Καντάνου (1329, αποσαφήνιση των δύο φάσεων της επιγραφής), Αγίου Γεωργίου Τσάρκου στο Προδρόμι (1337/38), Παναγίας στο Κάδρος (1338/39, χρονολόγηση ναού), ΑγίουΙωάννου Θεολόγου Καλάμου (1340, χρονολόγηση ναού), Αρχαγγέλου Μιχαήλ στη Βάθη (Κούνενι) (1336/ 37, χρονολόγηση και ανάγνωση υπογραφών «Παγωμένου καὶ τοῦ υἰοῦ αὐτοῦ Νικολάου»).
Acceptance of kangaroo mother care by mothers of premature babies
Authors: Kampekete Gertrude Sibuchi M , Ngoma Catherine , Masumo Maureen 
Published: November 2018

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a low-cost method of care for premature infants in areas with inadequate incubators and/or power outages. Assessing mothers' acceptance of KMC will help in the scale-up of interventions. Aims: To investigate factors that influence the acceptance of KMC in the care of premature babies at University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical design using a mixed approach, conducted at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia. A total of 60 mothers and 5 key informants made up the participants. Findings: Overall, 60% of women found KMC acceptable and were able to practise continuously, in spite of not having prior knowledge of KMC. The longest-serving key informant at the KMC unit had served for 2 years, and 3 of the 5 informants had not received any training on KMC. Conclusions: Mothers accepted KMC after they were given information and education through good communication.
Board Independence of Listed Companies in the US and China
Authors: Wang Wenge 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article explores the board independence of listed companies in the US and China – an ongoing and important issue of corporate governance concerning the true independence of independent directors from management in both countries. It aims to identify what elements have an impact on board independence and examine how these influence the independence of independent directors. Four elements, independence from management; dependence on shareholders; access to information; and incentive to monitor, may have a substantial influence on board independence and align with the in-fact independence of independent directors. This article examines how and why these four elements have an impact on the effectiveness of the role of independent directors in monitoring top management and lead to independent directors failing to be truly independent of management. To support this argument, this article also investigates the efficiency and effectiveness of independent directors serving as a governance mechanism in terms of board independence in Chinese listed companies. The aim was therefore to scrutinise whether independent directors in Chinese listed companies are truly independent from management. Based on statistics calculated on data collected from CSMAR, there appears to be little evidence that independent directors serve as a governance mechanism in monitoring top management in Chinese listed companies, which thus shows that independent directors are not independent in China. The implications arising from this article are that solutions addressing the four elements that have an impact on board independence will enable independent directors to become truly independent.
W-semisymmetric generalized Sasakian-space-forms
Authors: Chaubey Sudhakar Kumar , Yadav Sunil Kumar 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe set a definition of a{(0,2)}-type tensor on the generalized Sasakian-space-forms. The necessary and sufficient conditions forW-semisymmetric generalized Sasakian-space forms are studied. Certain results of the Ricci solitons, the Killing vector fields and the closed 1-form on the generalized Sasakian-space-forms are derived. We also verify our results by taking non-trivial examples of the generalized Sasakian-space-forms.
The emergence and early utilization of domestic sheep in Xinjiang
Authors: You Yue , Lü Peng , Wang Jianxin , Ma Jian , Ren Meng 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This paper summarizes current zooarchaeological research on the origin of domestic sheep and early sheep exploitation strategies in Xinjiang. The researchers analyze sheep bones excavated from the Shirenzigou ( 石人子沟, lit. Stone Human Statue Gully) Site using zooarchaeological methods, including using pelvises to identify sex, and confirm that the sheep at Shirenzigou were domesticated sheep. Previous discoveries and archaeological research in Xinjiang provide background for the researchers’ arguments that the main ways ancient people exploited domestic sheep during the Bronze Age to early Iron Age included: consuming and producing meat, wool, hide and milk; using sheep in rituals such as funerary practices; and making bone artifacts out of sheep bones.