bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of adjuvant therapy in T4 non‐small cell lung cancer: An inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Song Ya‐ting , Yang Sheng‐li , Fu Zhen , Liu Xue‐han , Yan Si‐yu , Wang Zhi‐hui , Qin Ting‐ting , Jiang Hong‐wei , Jin Yang , Yin Ping 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundAccording to the current clinical guidelines, chemoradiotherapy is considered the standard treatment for locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the prognostic effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in resected patients using the new eighth tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging systems based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database.MethodsWe identified 3008 patients with stage IIIA NSCLC (T4N0M0) who underwent sublobar resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Covariates affecting treatment selection or survival were included as part of propensity score models for matching and weighting. The effect of ACT on survival was assessed, stratified by postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) use, tumor size, and age.ResultsAnalyses of 2016 patients were conducted with standardized differences in covariates < 10% after matching. ACT was associated with significantly improved five‐year overall survival (51.1% vs. 39.7%; P = 0.0260) in patients aged 21–65 with > 7 cm tumors, even after adjusting for the presence or absence of the superior sulcus (P = 0.0003). No significant outcomes were observed using other stratifications in the matched analysis. Moreover, ACT with PORT conferred a potential survival benefit in 21–65‐year‐old patients with 0–7 cm tumors (for all causes of death: hazard ratio 0.414, 95% confidence interval 0.251–0.684).ConclusionIn this population‐based cohort, ACT prolonged the survival of patients aged 21–65 with a tumor > 7 cm, with or without PORT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting can estimate the treatment effect and is suitable for use with survival data.
The influence of self‐efficacy beliefs and prior learning on performance
Authors: Beatson Nicola J. , Berg David A. G. , Smith Jeffrey K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis research examines self‐efficacy beliefs and prior learning of accounting students to determine how useful these variables are for predicting academic success in accounting courses. Self‐efficacy beliefs are the confidence one has in the ability to perform certain tasks or skills (Bandura, 1997). As Bandura (1977) argued, the results here showed that confidence in one's ability to succeed is the most powerful predictor of academic success. This research provides pathways for increased student success by indicating that a focus on enhancing student self‐efficacy will lead to higher achievement. The implications of this research for accounting education practice is discussed.
The Robson 10‐group classification in Iceland: Obstetric interventions and outcomes
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Sigurðardóttir Hekla , Ingibjörg Bjarnadóttir Ragnheiður , Steingrímsdóttir Þóra , Smárason Alexander K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundRising cesarean rates call for studies on which subgroups of women contribute to the rising rates, both in countries with high and low rates. This study investigated the cesarean rates and contributing groups in Iceland using the Robson 10‐group classification system.MethodsThis study included all births in Iceland from 1997 to 2015, identified from the Icelandic Medical Birth Registry (81 839). The Robson distribution, cesarean rate, and contribution of each Robson group were analyzed for each year, and the distribution of other outcomes was calculated for each Robson group.ResultsThe overall cesarean rate in the population was 16.4%. Robson groups 1 (28.7%) and 3 (38.0%) (spontaneous term births) were the largest groups, and groups 2b (0.4%) and 4b (0.7%) (prelabor cesareans) were small. The cesarean rate in group 5 (prior cesarean) was 55.5%. Group 5 was the largest contributing group to the overall cesarean rate (31.2%), followed by groups 1 (17.1%) and 2a (11.0%). The size of groups 2a (RR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01‐1.08]) and 4a (RR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01‐1.07]) (induced labors) increased over time, whereas their cesarean rates were stable (group 2a: P = 0.08) or decreased (group 4a: RR 0.95 [95% CI 0.91‐0.98]).ConclusionsIn comparison with countries with high cesarean rates, the prelabor cesarean groups (singleton term pregnancies) in Iceland were small, and in women with a previous cesarean, the cesarean rate was low. The size of the labor induction group increased, yet the cesarean rate in this group did not increase.
Transboundary mammals in the Americas: Asymmetries in protection challenge climate change resilience
Authors: Thornton Daniel H. , Branch Lyn C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimTransboundary conservation is key to addressing poleward range shifts that will result from climate change. At a species level, transboundary coordination may be hindered by inter‐country differences in protection of species. We explored how commonly mammal ranges in the Americas were transboundary, identified transboundary mammals whose poleward versus equatorial range limits fell in different countries and examined asymmetries in listing status of mammals.LocationThe Americas.MethodsWe intersected mammal ranges with country boundaries to identify transboundary species. We then determined the conservation status of mammals at the national level by compiling a database of all national‐level listing status documents across the Americas and at the global level through use of the IUCN Red List database.ResultsOver 62% (1,114 species) of mammals were transboundary in any cardinal direction, and over 50% (850 species) had poleward and equatorial range limits in different countries. Of those 850, 26% experienced asymmetric listing, with one range limit designated at a higher listing status than the other at the national level. Mismatches between national and global listing also were apparent at equatorial and poleward range edges. These same general patterns held when our analyses were restricted to globally at‐risk mammals.Main ConclusionsAlthough listing status of a species does not necessarily equate to actual level of protection, these results demonstrate that formal listings of species vary substantially across country boundaries, and in particular at the latitudinal range extremes. Asymmetries in listing could indicate that species are under less threat in one country compared to another or could reflect different levels of concern in the two countries although population status is similar. Regardless, asymmetries in listing could challenge cross‐border connectivity and climate change resilience in the face of species range shifts and indicate the need for greater transboundary coordination in species management.
Recurrent ischaemic cerebrovascular events as presenting manifestations of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Stefanou M. I. , Richter H. , Härtig F. , Wang Y. , Örgel A. , Bender B. , Mengel A. , Ziemann U. , Poli S. 
Published: January 2019

Background and purposeMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) – polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis – are associated with increased risk for ischaemic cerebrovascular events (ICVEs). Due to their low prevalence, MPNs often remain undiagnosed as the cause of ICVEs.MethodsCase records at the University of Tübingen between 2014 and 2017 were screened to identify patients with MPN‐related ICVEs. Clinical features, brain imaging, laboratory findings, applied treatments and neurological outcomes were assessed.ResultsIn all, 3318 patients with ICVEs were identified, and amongst them 17 patients with MPN‐related ICVEs were included in a retrospective study. In 58% of these patients, ICVEs were the first manifestation of the underlying MPN; 24% presented with transient ischaemic attack and 76% with ischaemic stroke. Potentially concurrent ICVE etiologies were noted in 70% of the patients. The majority (94%) of patients were positive for the JAK2 V617F mutation, whilst in 29% recurrent ICVEs (range two to three) were noted prior to MPN diagnosis. Early MPN diagnosis and management was the only significant prognostic factor for ICVE recurrence (P < 0.001).DiscussionEvidence is provided that, although rare, MPNs represent an underdiagnosed cause of recurrent ICVEs. High clinical awareness is warranted to identify an underlying MPN in patients presenting with sustained, abnormal blood count findings. Clinical algorithms for prompt MPN diagnosis and initiation of MPN treatment (e.g. cytoreductive therapy, phlebotomy) are required. As MPN management comprises a significant protective factor against ICVE recurrence, induction of MPN treatment should be regarded as an integral component of secondary stroke prevention in MPN‐associated ICVEs.
Ageing attenuates muscarinic‐mediated sweating differently in men and women with no effect on nicotinic‐mediated sweating
Authors: Fujii Naoto , McGarr Gregory W. , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Sigal Ronald J. , Boulay Pierre , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAgeing attenuates muscarinic‐mediated sweating. However, whether ageing also impairs nicotinic‐mediated sweating remains unclear. Further, despite the known sex‐related differences in peripheral sweat gland function, it remains unclear whether age‐related modifications of muscarinic and nicotinic‐mediated sweating, if any, are similar between men and women. We assessed local sweating in young and older healthy men and women (n = 11, each group) at two dorsal forearm skin sites receiving either: (a) methacholine (muscarinic receptor agonist, 5 doses: 0.0125, 0.25, 5, 100, 2000 mmol/L) or (b) nicotine (nicotinic receptor agonist, 5 doses: 1.2, 3.6, 11, 33, 100 mmol/L) via intradermal microdialysis. Age‐related reductions in methacholine‐induced sweating were observed at low‐to‐moderate doses (0.0125‐5 mmol/L; all P ≤ 0.05) in men, whereas a reduction was only evident at the highest methacholine dose (2000 mmol/L; P ≤ 0.05) in women. No effect of ageing was observed for nicotine‐induced sweating (all P > 0.26 for main effects of age, dose and all interactions). We showed that while healthy ageing attenuates low‐to‐moderate levels of muscarinic‐mediated sweating in men, reductions are only observed at high levels of muscarinic‐mediated sweating in women. However, healthy ageing does not modulate nicotinic‐mediated sweating in either men or women.
Effects of changes in family social capital on the self‐rated health and family life satisfaction of older adults in Taiwan: A longitudinal study
Authors: Jhang Fang‐Hua 
Published: January 2019

AimThe present study assessed the effect of family social capital on self‐rated health and family life satisfaction among older adults aged ≥50 years.MethodsA logistic regression model was used to analyze the longitudinal data of 1243 older adults from the Panel Study of Family Dynamics in Taiwan.ResultsThe findings show that, compared with having a poor relationship with parents, respondents who were getting along with their parents have a higher likelihood of reporting good health. Frequent interaction with kin significantly promotes respondents’ family life satisfaction. With regard to parental control, there is no evidence of its effect on either health or family life satisfaction.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the quality of relationships has limited effect on the health of older adults, whereas frequent interaction with kin contributes to the promotion of their family life satisfaction. Policies aiming to improve health‐related quality of life should take into account the importance of a reciprocal relationships and the need to maintain family‐focused networks in Chinese culture. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 228–232.
Influence of renal dysfunction on dose reduction and virologic efficacy of regimens combining ribavirin and all‐oral direct acting antivirals in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Nakashima Megumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Mizuno Kazuyuki , Iio Etsuko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Sugiyama Tadashi , Yoshimura Tomoaki , Kumada Takashi 
Published: January 2019

AimSeveral interferon (IFN)‐free, all‐oral regimens with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection also include ribavirin (RBV). We investigated the influence of renal dysfunction on virologic efficacy and adverse effects in 189 patients with HCV genotype 2 infection who received combination RBV–DAA regimens.MethodsThe incidence of RBV‐induced anemia, RBV dose reduction, and virologic efficacy were compared according to baseline renal function as defined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).ResultsPatients with renal dysfunction (eGFR = 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2) had higher rate of RBV dose reduction and more marked decreases in hemoglobin levels. These findings were more pronounced in patients with the ITPA CC genotype, who are more sensitive to RBV‐induced anemia. Although there were no statistically significant differences in sustained virologic response (SVR) rates according to renal function overall (P = 0.1650), the SVR rate was significantly lower in patients who required RBV dose reduction than in those who did not (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsBaseline renal dysfunction could unfavorably affect the outcomes of RBV–DAA in patients with chronic HCV infection due to the increased risk of RBV dose reduction, even in the era of IFN‐free DAA regimens.
Effects of tracking devices on individual birds – a review of the evidence
Authors: Geen Graham R. , Robinson Robert A. , Baillie Stephen R. 
Published: January 2019

We review long‐term patterns of tracking device use and the reporting of the effects of such devices on individual birds. We assessed > 3400 primary references including > 1500 containing information as to whether effects were looked for and reported. Numbers of papers published increased at 4.4% yr–1. Research on foraging and energetics focussed on seabirds while work on habitat use and dispersal was focussed mainly on landbirds. Migration was the most common study topic overall and increased markedly from the turn of the century in all three bird groups.The proportion of studies reporting effects of devices on individuals declined at > 1% yr–1, while the proportion of studies providing no information on effects increased by ca 0.7% yr–1. The presence of a control group increased the likelihood of a study reporting effects, (45 vs 33%).We modelled the probability of reporting effects separately for three bird groups and two attachment durations. Occurrence of effects was significantly related to attachment method (4 models), year (4 models) and relative device mass (1 model). Invasive attachment methods were associated with a high incidence of effects while tail and leg attachments showed relatively few effects. Probabilities of reporting effects declined over time and increased with relative device mass, however there was no device mass threshold below which effects were not observed.Approaches designed to minimize potential effects of devices on individual birds and to improve scientific rigour have advanced substantially. Nevertheless ca 55% of studies contained no information on potential effects and in many more documentation was inadequate. We call for more systematic documentation of potential effects in peer‐reviewed publications to support more rigorous science and to further improve bird welfare.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: Knowledge, practice and attitudes of Australian paediatricians
Authors: Heinsch Milena L , Nightingale Scott 
Published: January 2019

AimTo investigate paediatricians' understanding of, and approaches to, the diagnosis and treatment of functional abdominal pain (FAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children.MethodsThis study used an electronic survey of doctors subscribing to a popular Australian‐based paediatrics email forum. Responses about investigation and management in two clinical vignettes were correlated with respondent demographic data, practice setting, attitudes and knowledge.ResultsThe 327 respondents were mostly female (60.3%), aged <45 years (54.5%), general paediatricians (53.5%), working in public outpatient clinics (50.5%). Awareness of Rome III diagnostic criteria was low (37.2%) but associated with confidence in diagnosing FAP/IBS in the vignettes. Respondents who lacked confidence in diagnosing FAP/IBS requested more investigations (P < 0.05), although most acknowledged they would not be helpful. Most (70.5%) believed that families are unlikely to accept an FAP diagnosis without investigations requested. Fewer than 1 of 3 were aware of clear evidence for the effective therapy of FAP or IBS, although awareness did not influence management options selected. Two‐thirds of respondents believe that FAP is a psychological rather than a medical problem, while few (8.8%) believe the same about IBS (P < 0.001). Parental pressure to find an immediate cure was cited as the most frequent challenge to successful management in both FAP (86.6%) and IBS (75.9%).ConclusionsAwareness of the Rome criteria was associated with greater confidence in diagnosing FAP and IBS. Attitudes to FAP and IBS being diagnoses of exclusion are prevalent among paediatricians and associated with more investigations requested. There is a lack of awareness of evidence‐based therapies for FAP and IBS.
HCV genotype 6 prevalence, spontaneous clearance and diversity among elderly members of the Li ethnic minority in Baisha County, China
Authors: Xu Ru , Yu Yongjuan , Leitch E. Carol McWilliam , Wang Min , Huang Ke , Huang Jieting , Tang Xi , Liao Qiao , Song Dandan , Shan Zhengang , Li Chengyao , Mclauchlan John , Rong Xia 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe epidemiology of hepatitis C virus varies widely across geographical regions and ethnic groups. Our previous study showed that 6 strains isolated from Baisha County, Hainan Island, China, were all new genotype 6 (gt6) subtypes which differed significantly from subtypes of other regions. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive epidemiological survey of HCV in the Li ethnic group, native to Baisha County. Anti‐HCV antibodies were detected by 2 independent ELISAs in all participants, and positive results confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and HCV RNA viral loads were measured. Univariate chi‐square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for HCV infection and spontaneous clearance rates. Indeterminate RIBA results were excluded or included in analyses; consequently, findings were expressed as a range. Direct sequencing of partial regions within NS5B and E1 was employed for genotyping. Among 1682 participants, 117 to 153 were anti‐HCV positive (7.0%‐9.1%), with 42.7%‐52.6% confirmed to have cleared infection. Anti‐HCV positivity was associated with older age (≥60 years) (OR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01‐0.05, P < 0.01) and surgery (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 1.36‐5.57, P < 0.01), with no significant difference found between the HCV infection group and the HCV spontaneous clearance group. The gt6 subtype distribution characteristics of Baisha County were unique, complex and diverse. The sequences did not cluster with known gt6 subtypes but formed 4 Baisha community‐specific groups. HCV infection in members of the Li minority ethnic group is characterized by high prevalence rates in the elderly, high spontaneous clearance rates and broad gt6 diversity.
Comparison between real‐time 3‐dimensional and 2‐dimensional biplane echocardiographic assessment of left atrial volumes in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Tidholm Anna , Bodegård‐Westling Anna , Höglund Katja , Häggström Jens , Ljungvall Ingrid 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundAssessment of left atrial (LA) size is important in medical decision making and prognostication in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Real‐time 3‐dimensional (RT3DE) and 2‐dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) methods may be used to assess LA size.ObjectivesTo compare measured LA volumes obtained by RT3DE with those calculated by biplane Simpson's modified method of discs (SMOD) and the area‐length method (ALM) using the same RT3DE acquisition with the same timing.AnimalsOne hundred twenty‐one privately owned dogs with naturally occurring MMVD.MethodsProspective observational study comparing LA volumes indexed to body weight using RT3DE and 2DE‐based biplane SMOD and ALM. Agreement between methods was evaluated using Bland‐Altman plots and linear regression analyses.ResultsEstimations of LA volume using SMOD or ALM did not show good agreement with RT3DE‐derived measurements. Absolute differences between methods increased with increasing LA volume, but SMOD underestimated whereas ALM overestimated calculated volumes compared to RT3DE‐derived measurements. The difference in LA volume between RT3DE and the biplane methods showed a systematic underestimation of 7% for SMOD and a systematic overestimation of 24% for ALM. Comparison of LA volumes obtained by SMOD and ALM did not show good agreement. The ALM yielded 30% larger LA volumes compared to SMOD.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceIn comparison with RT3DE, SMOD systematically underestimated whereas ALM systematically overestimated LA volumes in dogs with MMVD. Because the systematic difference between RT3DE and SMOD was only 7%, SMOD might be considered the method of choice.
Susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes to microbial larvicides in diverse ecological settings in western Kenya
Authors: Derua Y. A. , Kahindi S. C. , Mosha F. W. , Kweka E. J. , Atieli H. E. , Zhou G. , Lee M.‐C. , Githeko A. K. , Yan G. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe microbial larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs) (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) are well known for their efficacy and safety in mosquito control. In order to assess their potential value in future mosquito control strategies in western Kenya, the current study tested the susceptibility of five populations of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), collected from five diverse ecological sites in this area, to Bti and Bs under laboratory conditions. In each population, bioassays were conducted with eight concentrations of larvicide (Bti/Bs) in four replicates and were repeated on three separate days. Larval mortality was recorded at 24 h or 48 h after the application of larvicide and subjected to probit analysis. A total of 2400 An. gambiae complex larvae from each population were tested for their susceptibility to Bti and Bs. The mean (± standard error of the mean, SEM) lethal concentration values of Bti required to achieve 50% and 95% larval mortality (LC50 and LC95) across the five populations were 0.062  (± 0.005) mg/L and 0.797 (± 0.087) mg/L, respectively. Corresponding mean  (± SEM) values for Bs were 0.058 (± 0.005) mg/L and 0.451 (± 0.053) mg/L, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that the five populations of An. gambiae complex mosquitoes tested were fully susceptible to Bti and Bs, and there was no significant variation in susceptibility among the tested populations.