bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers from a Political Realism Perspective
Authors: Muharremi Robert 
Published: January 2019

Abstract∞
This article complements current legal research on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office – the ‘Special Court’ – by tracing the political process and the interests which influenced the court’s establishment. A key question is why the Special Court was established at all and why it was established as a national court, despite being under full international control. Political realism provides a useful theoretical framework to discuss these questions since it claims that international criminal tribunals are established to serve the interests of powerful states and not necessarily to provide international justice. The article’s main hypothesis is that the Special Court was created as a national court not only to address war crimes and prosecute the perpetrators of those crimes, but also to protect international actors from possible legal exposure in connection with their involvement in Kosovo during the time when the alleged crimes were committed.
Optimal investment and consumption problems under correlation ambiguity
Authors: Han Bingyan , Wong Hoi Ying 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Consider an economy with $d$ stochastic factors that have an ambiguous variance–covariance matrix. An ambiguity- and risk-averse agent seeks to determine the optimal investment and consumption strategy that is robust to the uncertainty in the covariances. We formulate the robust decision rule as an expected utility maximization over the worst-case scenario with respect to all possible covariances. As this variance–covariance ambiguity leads to robust optimal decisions over a set of non-equivalent probability measures, the $G$-expectation framework is adopted to characterize the problem as a maximin optimization. Our problem formulation can be applied to finite and infinite horizon investment–consumption problems with or without a subsistence consumption constraint. We demonstrate our models using two examples including the defined contribution pension problem and lifetime optimal investment–consumption problems.
Spaces of Low-Degree Rational Curves on Fano Complete Intersections
Authors: Pan Xuanyu 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we prove that the moduli space of low degree rational curves on a low-degree complete intersection passing several suitable points is a complete intersection. The proof involves some relationships among some divisors on the Kontsevich spaces, advanced techniques of deformations of rational curves, and classical projective geometry.
The Influence of Adjuvant Systemic Regimens on Contralateral Breast Cancer Risk and Receptor Subtype
Authors: Kramer Iris , Schaapveld Michael , Oldenburg Hester S A , Sonke Gabe S , McCool Danielle , van Leeuwen Flora E , Van de Vijver Koen K , Russell Nicola S , Linn Sabine C , Siesling Sabine , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt C Willemien , Schmidt Marjanka K 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundAn increasing number of breast cancer (BC) survivors are at risk of developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC). We aimed to investigate the influence of various adjuvant systemic regimens on, subtype-specific, risk of CBC.MethodsThis population-based cohort study included female patients diagnosed with first invasive BC between 2003 and 2010; follow-up was complete until 2016. Clinico-pathological data were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and additional data on receptor status through linkage with PALGA: the Dutch Pathology Registry. Cumulative incidences (death and distant metastases as competing risk) and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for all invasive metachronous CBC and CBC subtypes.ResultsOf 83 144 BC patients, 2816 developed a CBC; the 10-year cumulative incidence was 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.7% to 4.0%). Overall, adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.80), endocrine therapy (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.52), and trastuzumab with chemotherapy (HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.73) were strongly associated with a reduced CBC risk. Specifically, taxane-containing chemotherapy (HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.62) and aromatase inhibitors (HR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.44) were associated with a large CBC risk reduction. More detailed analyses showed that endocrine therapy statistically significantly decreased the risk of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive CBC (HR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.47) but not ER-negative CBC (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.93) compared with no endocrine therapy. Patients receiving chemotherapy for ER-negative first BC had a higher risk of ER-negative CBC from 5 years of follow-up (HR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.62 to 4.99) compared with patients not receiving chemotherapy for ER-negative first BC.ConclusionEndocrine therapy, chemotherapy, as well as trastuzumab with chemotherapy reduce CBC risk. However, each adjuvant therapy regimen had a different impact on the CBC subtype distribution. Taxane-containing chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitors were associated with the largest CBC risk reduction.
Randomized Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jaser Sarah S , Whittemore Robin , Choi Leena , Nwosu Samuel , Russell William E 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the effects of a positive psychology intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on adherence, glycemic control, and quality of life.

Methods
Adolescents with T1D (n = 120) and their caregivers were randomized to either an Education (EDU) (n = 60) or Positive Affect (PA) intervention (n = 60). Adolescents in the PA group received the intervention reminders (gratitude, self-affirmation, parental affirmation, and small gifts) via text messages or phone calls over 8 weeks. Questionnaires were completed by adolescents and caregivers and clinical data (glucometer and HbA1c) were collected at baseline 3 and 6 months. Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling.

Results
After adjusting for covariates, adolescents in the PA group demonstrated significant improvement in quality of life at 3 months, compared to the EDU group, but this was not sustained at 6 months. Similarly, the PA group showed a significant decrease in disengagement coping at 3 months but not at 6 months. There was no significant intervention effect on blood glucose monitoring, but the odds of clinically significantly improvement (checking at least one more time/day) were about twice as high in the PA group as the EDU group. No significant effects were found for glycemic control.

Conclusions
A positive psychology intervention had initial significant, positive effects on coping and quality of life in adolescents with T1D. A more intensive or longer-lasting intervention may be needed to sustain these effects and to improve adherence and glycemic control.
Endogenous Pain Inhibitory Function: Endurance-Trained Athletes vs Active Controls
Authors: Peterson Jessica A , Schubert Daniel J , Campbell Jason , Bemben Michael G , Black Christopher D 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
Athletes are at risk for developing chronic pain conditions, but the role of exercise in the modulation of pain in athletes has not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) responses between 13 endurance-trained athletes and 13 normally active controls.

Methods
In a cross-sectional, nonrandomized study with two independent groups of college-aged males and females, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed in the vastus lateralis (VL) and brachioradialis (BR) using a pressure algometer before and after a conditioning stimulus, an isometric hand grip exercise to failure, and a 30-minute run.

Results
PPTs increased following the conditioning stimulus, indicating a CPM response, to a similar degree in the BR (19.3% ± 26.5% vs 18.6% ± 16.2%, P = 0.93) and VL (18.9% ± 25.9% vs 28.7% ± 27.4%, P = 0.73) in the athletes and controls. PPTs increased following isometric exercise to a similar extent in athletes and controls in the BR (23.9% ± 22.8% vs 28.2% ± 24.0%, P = 0.75) and VL (15.8% ± 14.8% vs 15.5% ± 11.6%, P = 0.94). Following 30 minutes of running, EIH was similar between athletes and controls in the VL (21.2% ± 17.2% vs 13.8% ± 13.3%, P = 0.23) but was attenuated in the BR of the athletes (6.1% ± 16.9% vs 20.9% ± 20%, P = 0.047).

Conclusions
Athletes and controls exhibited similar endogenous pain inhibitory function both locally and systemically following CPM and isometric, upper body exercise. After the 30-minute run, BR EIH was reduced in the athletes compared with controls, suggesting a reduced systemic response following familiar exercise—perhaps due to the exercise being perceived as less painful and/or effortful.
Learning across the UK: a review of public health systems and policy approaches to early child development since political devolution
Authors: Black Michelle , Barnes Amy , Baxter Susan , Beynon Claire , Clowes Mark , Dallat Mary , Davies Alisha R , Furber Andrew , Goyder Elizabeth , Jeffery Catherine , Kritsotakis Evangelos I , Strong Mark 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Giving children the best start in life is critical for their future health and wellbeing. Political devolution in the UK provides a natural experiment to explore how public health systems contribute to children’s early developmental outcomes across four countries.

Method
A systematic literature review and input from a stakeholder group was used to develop a public health systems framework. This framework then informed analysis of public health policy approaches to early child development.

Results
A total of 118 studies met the inclusion criteria. All national policies championed a ‘prevention approach’ to early child development. Political factors shaped divergence, with variation in national conceptualizations of child development (‘preparing for life’ versus ‘preparing for school’) and pre-school provision (‘universal entitlement’ or ‘earned benefit’). Poverty and resourcing were identified as key system factors that influenced outcomes. Scotland and Wales have enacted distinctive legislation focusing on wider determinants. However, this is limited by the extent of devolved powers.

Conclusion
The systems framework clarifies policy complexity relating to early child development. The divergence of child development policies in the four countries and, particularly, the explicit recognition in Scottish and Welsh policy of wider determinants, creates scope for this topic to be a tracer area to compare UK public health systems longer term.
Immunogenicity of biologic agents in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Doeleman Martijn J H , van Maarseveen Erik M , Swart Joost F 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
The clinical impact of anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) in paediatric patients with JIA remains unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the prevalence of ADAbs in JIA studies; investigate the effect of ADAbs on treatment efficacy and adverse events; and explore the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on antibody formation.

Methods
PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify relevant clinical trials and observational studies that reported prevalence of ADAbs. Studies were systematically reviewed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses and appropriate proportional and pairwise meta-analyses were performed.

Results
A total of 5183 references were screened; 28 articles, involving 26 studies and 2354 JIA patients, met eligibility criteria. Prevalence of ADAbs ranged from 0% to 82% across nine biologic agents. Overall pooled prevalence of ADAbs was 16.9% (95% CI, 9.5, 25.9). Qualitative analysis of included studies indicated that antibodies to infliximab, adalimumab, anakinra and tocilizumab were associated with treatment failure and/or hypersensitivity reactions. Concomitant MTX uniformly reduced the risk of antibody formation during adalimumab treatment (risk ratio 0.33; 95% CI 0.21, 0.52).

Conclusion
The association of ADAbs with treatment failure and hypersensitivity reactions indicates their clinical relevance in paediatric patients with JIA. Based on our findings, we recommend a preliminary course of action regarding immunogenicity of biologic agents in patients with JIA. Further strategies to predict, prevent, detect and manage immunogenicity could optimize treatment outcomes and personalize treatment with biologic therapies.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Rubric to Assess Basic Performance During Simulation in Nursing
Authors: Bernat-Adell María Desamparados , Moles-Julio Pilar , Esteve-Clavero Aurora , Collado-Boira Eladio Joaquín 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

AIM
This study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of a rubric to assess nursing student performance in medium- and low-fidelity simulation.

METHOD
A psychometric study was carried out. Content validity was explored by a group of experts. Internal consistency was determined by means of Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Interrater agreement and the level of concordance were established by the kappa coefficient and intraclass correlation index.

RESULTS
The relevance of the dimensions and the definition of each category scored higher than 3.25 on a Likert-type scale (maximum value of 4); content validity ratio values were close to +1. The kappa index was above 0.61 (p < .001) in all dimensions, thereby indicating a good level of interrater agreement; the intraclass correlation index showed values above .82 (p < .001).

CONCLUSION
The rubric appears to be psychometrically sound, thus supporting its reliability.
Does the Infant-Driven Feeding Method Positively Impact Preterm Infant Feeding Outcomes?
Authors: Settle Margaret , Francis Kim 
Published: January 2019

Background:
Achievement of independent oral feeding is a major determinant of discharge and contributes to long lengths of stay. Accumulating evidence suggests that there is great variation between and within newborn intensive care units in the initiation and advancement of oral feeding. The Infant-Driven Feeding (IDF) method is composed of 3 behavioral assessments including feeding readiness, quality of feeding, and caregiver support. Each assessment includes 5 categories and is intended as a method of communication among caregivers regarding the infant's readiness and progression toward independent oral feeding.

Purpose:
To identify and summarize the available evidence on the use of the IDF method at initiation of oral feeds, time to independent oral feedings, and length of stay in the newborn intensive care unit or level II nursery for preterm infants.

Methods/Search Strategy:
Four databases including CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, Ovid Nursing, and Embase were searched for “infant guided feedings,” “infant driven feeding,” “cue-based feeding,” and “co regulated feeding.” The full text of 32 articles was reviewed to identify experimental, quasiexperimental, or retrospective design to assess the evidence related to cue-based feeding.

Findings:
There were no randomized control, quasi-experimental, or retrospective studies utilizing the IDF method. There were 3 quality improvement projects utilizing the IDF method. The findings were conflicting: 1 project found the IDF method favorable in the achievement of full oral feedings, 2 projects found the IDF method favorable for reducing length of stay, and 1 project did not find differences in initiation, achievement of oral feedings, or length of stay.

Implications for Practice:
There is scant evidence limited to quality improvement projects to support the use of the IDF method.

Implications for Research:
Research is needed to empirically validate the IDF method and to inform practice related to the initiation and advancement of oral feeding for preterm infants.
Measuring outcomes in ankylosing spondylitis: pearls and pitfalls
Authors: Magrey Marina , Ritchlin Christopher 
Published: January 2019

Purpose of review
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) warrant a comprehensive clinical assessment because of the lack of biomarkers of disease activity, prognosis and response to biologic therapy. Multiple AS-related questionnaires have been developed to assess the disease status accurately, but feasibility remains a problem in clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to assess the pearls and pitfalls of AS-related outcome measures.

Recent findings
Single-item questionnaires to measure pain, stiffness and fatigue in patients with AS are easily administrable but may lack a sufficient degree of responsiveness on an individual patient level. The Bath Ankylosing Disease Activity Index remains the gold standard for assessing disease activity in a routine practice, despite poor correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and MRI inflammation. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, a validated and highly discriminatory tool for assessing disease activity in AS, has been developed but lacks feasibility as erythrocytic sedimentation rate and CRP values are often not available during a clinic visit. RAPID-3 appears feasible to assess patients with AS quantitatively over time in busy clinical settings.

Summary
The assessment of disease status in AS is complex and is impacted by multiple factors. The biggest challenge in AS is to incorporate the disease-specific indices into a routine practice.

Video abstract

http://links.lww.com/COR/A42.
The Reliability of Intraoperative Crossbar Technique in Determining the Upper Instrumented Vertebra (UIV) Tilt Angle for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion
Authors: Kwan Mun Keong , Chiu Chee Kidd , Goh Saw Huan , Ng Sherwin Johan , Tan Pheng Hian , Chian Xue Han , Ng Yun Hui , Ler Xin Yi , Bashir Elrofai Suliman , Chan Chris Yin Wei 
Published: January 2019

Study Design:
Retrospective study.

Objective:
This study looked into whether crossbar can reliably measure Upper Instrumend Vertebra (UIV) tilt angle intraoperatively and accurately predict the UIV tilt angle postoperatively and at final follow-up.

Summary of Background Data:
Postoperative shoulder imbalance is a common cause of poor cosmetic appearance leading to patient dissatisfaction. There were no reports describing the technique or method in measuring the UIV tilt angle intraoperatively. Therefore, this study was designed to look into the reliability and accuracy of the usage of intraoperative crossbar in measuring the UIV tilt angle intraoperatively.

Methods:
Lenke 1 and 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis patients who underwent instrumented Posterior Spinal Fusion using pedicle screw constructs with minimum follow-up of 24 months were recruited for this study. After surgical correction, intraoperative UIV tilt angle was measured using a crossbar. Immediate postoperative and final follow up UIV tilt angle was measured on the standing anteroposterior radiographs.

Results:
A total of 100 patients were included into this study. The reliability of the intraoperative crossbar to measure the optimal UIV tilt angle intraoperatively was determined by repeated measurements by assessors and measurement by different assessors. We found that the intra observer and inter observer reliability was very good with intraclass correlation coefficient values of >0.9. The accuracy of the intraoperative crossbar to measure the optimal UIV tilt angle intraoperatively was determined by comparing this measurement with the postoperative UIV tilt angle. We found that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between intraoperative, immediate postoperative, and follow-up UIV tilt angle.

Conclusions:
The crossbar can be used to measure the intraoperative UIV tilt angle consistently and was able to predict the postoperative UIV tilt angle. It was a cheap, simple, reliable, and accurate instrument to measure the intraoperative UIV tilt angle.
Does Prophylactic Administration of TXA Reduce Mean Operative Time and Postoperative Blood Loss in Posterior Approach Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed for Degenerative Spinal Disease?
Authors: Larson Evan , Evans Tyler , Long Jake , Gannon Emmett , Lyden Elizabeth , Cornett Chris 
Published: January 2019

Study Design:
This is a level III retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
To investigate association between prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA) administration before 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion operations and perioperative blood loss (including intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drain output), mean operative time, postoperative transfusion, and postoperative venous thromboembolic events.

Summary of Background Data:
TXA is a systemic antifibrinolytic that competitively inhibits lysine binding sites on plasminogen, reversibly blocking its binding to fibrin and impeding fibrinolysis and clot degradation. TXA’s role in routine spinal surgery remains poorly described. Most spinal literature on perioperative TXA administration has considered operations performed for major adult and pediatric spinal deformity.

Methods:
Two groups, a study group composed of 75 patients who underwent 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion operations for degenerative indications who received TXA before the start of the procedure, and a control group composed of 75 patients who underwent similar surgeries for the same indications and did not receive TXA preoperatively, were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic, laboratory, and surgical data were collected and analyzed.

Results:
No statistically significant differences were found between groups with respect to surgery type, home anticoagulation, postoperative anticoagulation, preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative day 2 drain output, postoperative day 3 drain output, rate of postoperative transfusion, and rate of postoperative thromboembolic events. Statistically significant reductions were noted in the TXA group with regards to postoperative day 1 drain output (P<0.0041), total postoperative drain output (P=0.027), and mean surgical time (P<0.0001).

Conclusions:
In the present study, perioperative TXA administration was associated with reduced postoperative drain output and surgical time. Further higher-level studies are required to investigate the safety and utility of TXA’s routine use in 1 and 2-level posterior lumbar fusion operations performed for degenerative indications.