bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Risk Scores of Veterans Receiving Community Care Purchased by the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Rosen Amy K. , Wagner Todd H. , Pettey Warren B. P. , Shwartz Michael , Chen Qi , Lo Jeanie , O'Brien William J. , Vanneman Megan E. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo assess differences in risk (measured by expected costs associated with sociodemographic and clinical profiles) between Veterans receiving outpatient services through two community care (CC) programs: the Fee program (“Fee”) and the Veterans Choice Program (“Choice”).Data Sources/Study SettingAdministrative data from VHA's Corporate Data Warehouse in fiscal years (FY) 2014–2015.Study DesignWe compared the clinical characteristics of Veterans across three groups (Fee only, Choice only, and Fee & Choice). We classified Veterans into risk groups based on Nosos risk scores and examined the relationship between type of outpatient utilization and risk within each CC group. We also examined changes in utilization of VHA and CC in FY14–FY15. We used chi‐square tests, t tests, and ANOVAs to identify significant differences between CC groups.Principal FindingsOf the 1,400,977 Veterans using CC in FY15, 91.4 percent were Fee‐only users, 4.4 percent Choice‐only users, and 4.2 percent Fee & Choice users. Mean concurrent risk scores were higher for Fee only and Fee & Choice (1.9, SD = 2.7; 1.8, SD = 2.2) compared to Choice‐only users (1.0, SD = 1.2) (p < .0001). Most CC users were “dual users” of both VHA and CC in FY14–FY15.ConclusionsAs care transitions from VHA to CC, VHA should consider how best to coordinate care with community providers to reduce duplication of efforts, improve handoffs, and achieve the best outcomes for Veterans.
Employers' organisations as social movements: Political power and identity work
Authors: Sezer Lisa A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe literature on employers' and business organisations (EOs) has failed to analyse them as contentious organisations that apply identity work as a power resource to mobilise resources and members. This article is based on a qualitative case study of Islamic EOs in Turkey. Developing a social movement model of EOs, I analyse the mechanisms through which identity work with local religious collaborators facilitated collective action and political power. I find that the role of identity work was threefold: providing internal solidarity, securing external legitimacy, and supporting contentious institutional change by developing new policy ideas. This model can be applied more widely as EOs have increasingly shifted from traditional roles to take on social movement characteristics.
All of work? All of life? Reconceptualising work‐life balance for the 21st century
Authors: Kelliher Clare , Richardson Julia , Boiarintseva Galina 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper argues that the study of work‐life balance to date has, in the main, adopted a restricted conception of both “work” and “life”, which does not take account of recent developments in life worlds, working arrangements and employment relationships. “Life” has hitherto been viewed as largely comprising caring activities for dependent children, whereas “work” has been premised largely on a traditional model of work, characterised by full‐time, permanent employment with one employer and a conventional understanding of what work involves. This means that extant research and theory only provides a partial view of the work‐life needs and experiences of the workforce. In the paper, we propose extending conceptions of both work and life to incorporate different life worlds and social groups and different working arrangements and employment relationships.
Native and exotic seed dispersal by the stone marten (Martes foina): implications for the regeneration of a relict climactic forest in central Portugal
Authors: PEREIRA Lúcia , VASQUES Ana , MAIA Paula , RAMOS PEREIRA Maria João , FONSECA Carlos , MATOS Milena 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe stone marten (Martes foina) is a carnivorous mammal that often consumes fleshy fruits, thus potentially promoting seed dispersion. The present study was developed in Bussaco National Forest, central Portugal, and aimed to assess the potential role of the stone marten in dispersing native and exotic plants in different forest landscape types. Seeds from stone marten scats and fleshy fruits were collected monthly and were thereafter identified and sowed in a nursery, following a randomized experimental setup. Plant emergence was monitored fortnightly. Generalized linear models were used to test for differences in time and success of emergence between seeds from scats and fruits of 3 native species (Rubus ulmifolius, Arbutus unedo and Celtis australis) and 1 exotic plant species with invasive behavior (Prunus laurocerasus). Fruit consumption by the stone martens significantly increased and accelerated the germination of the native R. ulmifolius but had no effect on the other 2 native species or on the invasive species. This suggested that stone martens contribute to gene flow and forest regeneration by dispersing native plant seeds. However, although the germination was not enhanced in the invasive species, the preference of stone martens for these fruits may potentially contribute to the proliferation of P. laurocerasus. Our study represents a contribution to better understanding the fauna and flora interactions, enabling for a more conscious and effective decision‐making in forest management.
Main factors affecting lacertid lizard thermal ecology
Authors: ORTEGA Zaida , MARTÍN‐VALLEJO Francisco Javier 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe thermal ecology of ectotherms has been studied for almost 2 centuries, but additional attention is currently being paid to it, to understand how organisms deal with the environment in a climate change context. A consensus is still far away due to the large number of factors involved and their complex interactions. In this context, 3 analyses in lacertid lizards were carried out: (i) a meta‐analysis, to test for differences between body and air temperatures from 71 populations; (ii) a meta‐analysis concerning correlations between body and air temperatures from 60 populations; and (iii) a multimodel inference of thermoregulation effectiveness indices from 45 populations. The importance of different factors, including body size, habitat, insularity, altitude, climate and season, was evaluated in all analyses to model the response variables. A strong seasonality effect was observed, with a consistent pattern of less effective thermoregulation in summer compared to other seasons. Altitude was the second most important factor, with a consistent higher thermoregulation effort in populations occurring at high elevations (>1000 m above sea level). Other factors, such as insularity or body size, can also be important, but did not exhibit a clear pattern. Finally, thermoregulation was less affected by climate and habitat type.
Risk of ischemic stroke after third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Park Sang Jun , Yang Hee Kyung , Byun Seong Jun , Park Kyu Hyung , Hwang Jeong‐Min 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to define the risk of ischemic stroke among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients who developed ocular motor cranial nerve (CN) palsies.MethodsFrom the National Health Insurance Service – National Sample Cohort database (2002‐2013) of a random sample of 1 025 340 Koreans, patients with newly diagnosed T2D aged ≥20 years were included in the study. The incidence of ocular motor CN palsies was identified using diagnostic codes for third, fourth, and sixth CN palsies. To determine the effect of incident ocular motor CN palsy on subsequent ischemic stroke, covariate Cox regression was used (Model 1 included only ocular motor CN palsy as a time‐varying covariate; Model 2 included ocular motor CN palsy and demographic information; Model 3 included all variables in Model 2 as well as comorbidity, concomitant medication, and the Charlson comorbidity index score).ResultsOf 45 820 T2D patients, 75 developed ocular motor CN palsy and 1411 had ischemic stroke. Four patients experienced ischemic stroke after the development of ocular motor CN palsy. Incident ocular motor CN palsy was associated with the subsequent risk of ischemic stroke in Models 1, 2 and 3 (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] 3.74 [1.40‐9.98], 3.33 [1.25‐8.89], and 2.96 [1.11‐7.92], respectively). Male sex, older age, and lower income were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Among confounders, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure were associated with the risk of ischemic stroke.ConclusionsPhysicians should pay more attention to manageable risk factors of ischemic stroke when diabetic patients suffer from ocular motor CN palsies.
Real‐world EGFR testing in patients with stage IIIB/IV non‐small‐cell lung cancer in North China: A multicenter, non‐interventional study
Authors: Cheng Ying , Wang Yan , Zhao Jun , Liu Yunpeng , Gao Hongjun , Ma Kewei , Zhang Shucai , Xin Hua , Liu Jiwei , Han Chengbo , Zhu Zhitu , Wang Yan , Chen Jun , Wen Fugang , Li Junling , Zhang Jie , Zheng Zhendong , Dai Zhaoxia , Piao Hongmei , Li Xiaoling , Li Yinyin , Zhong Min , Ma Rui , Zhuang Yongzhi , Xu Yuqing , Qu Zhuohui , Yang Haibo , Pan Chunxia , Yang Fan , Zhang Daxin , Li Bing 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundBefore tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy can be administered in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), EGFR mutation testing is required. However, few studies have evaluated the extent of EGFR testing in real‐world practice in China.MethodsA multicenter, observational study of EGFR testing in NSCLC patients in North China was conducted. Treatment‐naïve patients or those with postoperative recurrent stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were enrolled. The primary objective was EGFR testing rate. Secondary objectives included EGFR mutation status, EGFR testing methods and specimens, factors associated with EGFR testing, and overall survival with or without EGFR testing.ResultsOverall, 2809 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were enrolled; 90.78% had adenocarcinoma. The EGFR screening rate was 42.54%. EGFR testing rates were higher in tumor samples obtained by lymph node puncture, and in patients with urban medical insurance, adenocarcinoma, non‐smokers, or those located in developed cities (all P < 0.001). The EGFR mutation rate was 46.44%. The most commonly used specimens for EGFR testing were biopsy tumor samples (67.53%). PCR‐based methods (72.05%), Sanger sequencing (5.36%), and Luminex liquid chip (5.10%) were the most frequently used testing platforms. Similar positive EGFR mutation rates were achieved with different platforms. TKI therapy was the first‐line treatment administered to most EGFR‐positive patients (56.22%), and chemotherapy in EGFR‐negative patients (84.88%). Overall survival was higher in EGFR‐tested than in untested patients (27.50 vs. 19.73 months; P = 0.007).ConclusionReal‐world EGFR testing rates for NSCLC in North China were relatively low because of clinical and social factors, including medical insurance coverage.
Quantitative profiling of cytokines and chemokines in DOCK8‐deficient and atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Jacob Minnie , Bin Khalaf Duaa , Alhissi Safa , Arnout Rand , Alsaud Bander , Al‐Mousa Hamoud , Lopata Andreas L. , Alazami Anas M. , Dasouki Majed , Abdel Rahman Anas M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHyper‐IgE syndromes (HIES) are a clinically overlapping, heterogeneous group of inborn errors of immunity characterized by elevated serum IgE level, eosinophilia, atopy, and immune dysregulation. Deficiency of DOCK8 protein is potentially a life‐threatening autosomal recessive HIES and only curable with bone marrow transplantation. Hence, the diagnosis of DOCK8 deficiency is critical and should be sought at an early stage to initiate definitive therapy.MethodsSerum samples from patients with DOCK8 deficiency and atopic dermatitis were profiled on a cytokine/chemokine panel for potential differential expression.ResultsCXCL10 and TNF‐A were upregulated in DOCK8 patients when compared to AD, possibly contributing toward increased susceptibility to infections and cancer. In contrast, epidermal growth factor (EGF) was significantly downregulated in a subgroup of DOCK8‐deficient and AD patients, while IL‐31 expression was comparable between both DOCK8‐deficient and AD cohorts, possibly contributing toward pruritus seen in both groups.ConclusionThis comprehensive cytokine profile in HIES patients reveals distinctive biomarkers that differentiate between the DOCK8‐deficient and AD patients. The unique expression profile of various inflammatory cytokines in patients with DOCK8 deficiency vs atopic dermatitis likely reflects disease‐specific perturbations in multiple cellular processes and pathways leading to a predisposition to infections and allergies seen in these patients. These data agree with the role for EGF replacement therapy in EGF‐deficient individuals with AD as well as DOCK8 deficiency through a potential shared pathway. In addition, these novel biomarkers may be potentially useful in distinguishing DOCK8 deficiency from AD allowing early‐targeted treatment options.
Surgical treatment of early stage breast cancer in the Auckland and Waikato regions of New Zealand
Authors: Campbell Ian , Lao Chunhuan , Blackmore Tania , Edwards Melissa , Hayes Louise , Ng Alex , Lawrenson Ross 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to understand the factors influencing the use of surgical options by New Zealand women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.MethodsUsing data from the Auckland and Waikato breast cancer registers, we included 11 798 women diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer from June 2000 to May 2013. The characteristics of women receiving different surgical treatments and having immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy were examined. A logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio of having breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy and immediate post‐mastectomy reconstruction. Bilateral breast cancer cases and women with unilateral breast cancer, but who had bilateral surgery, were also identified.ResultsFifty‐two percent of women received BCS and 44% had mastectomy over the study period. Key influences associated with BCS were age, mode of diagnosis, socio‐economic status and public or private treatment. Just under half of the women who underwent bilateral surgery did not have bilateral cancer. Nineteen percent of women undergoing mastectomy underwent immediate reconstruction. Implant use increased slightly over the study period but there was a decrease in the use of autologous flap procedures.ConclusionSurgical management of women with localized breast cancer was generally in line with guidelines, but with potential to further increase the use of breast conservation and immediate reconstruction in suitable cases.
Use of hormonal contraceptives among immigrant women and their daughters in Norway: Data from the Norwegian Prescription Database
Authors: Diaz Esperanza , Omland Gry , Hannestad Yngvild , Ruths Sabine 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionImmigrants and their offspring constitute 16.3% of the population in Norway. Knowledge about their contraceptive use is important in order to inform adequate family planning services. Prior research has shown less use of contraception among first‐generation immigrants than among non‐immigrant women. Our aim is to compare the use of hormonal contraceptives between immigrants and their adult daughters.Material and methodsInformation from the Norwegian Prescription Database on all hormonal contraceptives dispensed at all pharmacies in Norway in 2008 was merged with demographic, socioeconomic and immigration data from the National Population Register and information from the Regular General Practitioner Database and the Medical Birth Registry Norway. A total of 10 451 women aged 16‐30 from five countries with relatively large numbers of immigrants and adult daughters living in Norway in 2008 were included in the study. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The main outcome measure was use of any hormonal contraceptive.ResultsMore daughters of immigrants from Vietnam compared with immigrant women from these countries (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8‐2.8) and Poland (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6‐3.3) used hormonal contraceptives. However, no adjusted differences between generations were detected for immigrants from Pakistan (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0‐1.4), Morocco (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7‐1.4) or Chile (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8‐1.9).ConclusionsFurther research should explore the reasons for heterogeneity in use of contraception among daughters of immigrants from different origins and explore whether daughters of immigrant mothers from some areas have unmet needs of contraception.
Midtrimester isolated short femur and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: D'Ambrosio Valentina , Vena Flaminia , Marchetti Claudia , Di Mascio Daniele , Perrone Seila , Boccherini Chiara , Pizzuti Antonio , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Giancotti Antonella 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionFetal femur length below the expected value has been described as a marker of aneuploidy, skeletal dysplasia, intrauterine growth restriction and small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the strength of association between isolated short femur length and intrauterine growth restriction or small‐for‐gestational‐age, and perinatal adverse outcomes.Material and methodsPubMed, EMBASE and Medline were searched from the inception of each database to May 2018. Selection criteria included prospective and retrospective cohort studies of singleton pregnancies between 18 and 28 weeks of gestation, with sonographic finding of isolated short femur length, without any structural chromosomal abnormality. The meta‐analysis was performed by computing odds ratios using both fixed and random‐effects models. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.ResultsSix studies including 3078 cases of isolated short femur length (study group) and 222 303 normal femur length (control group) were included. The prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction or small‐for‐gestational‐age in the study group was 14.2%, compared with 5.2% in the control group (odds ratio of 4.04, 95% confidence interval 3.63‐4.50). Isolated short femur length was associated with a higher incidence of low birthweight (study group: 22.10% vs control group: 8.57%, odds ratio 3.24, 95% confidence interval 2.34‐4.48), Apgar <7 at 5 minutes (study group: 3.98% vs control group: 1.79%, odds ratio 3.56, 95% confidence interval 1.87‐6.77), preterm birth (study group: 12.16% vs control group: 8.16%, odds ratio 3.09, 95% confidence interval 1.57‐6.08), fetal death (study group: 1.83% vs control group: 0.44%, odds ratio 6.48, 95% confidence interval 3.70‐11.35) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (study group: 15.34% vs control group: 14.81%, odds ratio 2.11, 95% confidence interval 0.56‐7.93).ConclusionsThere is a significant association between isolated short femur length and intrauterine growth restriction or small‐for‐gestational‐age and poor perinatal outcome.
Modulation of the inflammatory response after sclerotherapy for hydrocoele/spermatocoele
Authors: Jahnson Staffan , Rosell Johan , Aljabery Firas 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the modulation of the inflammatory response after sclerotherapy for hydrocoele/spermatocoele.Patients and MethodsAll patients with hydrocoele or spermatocoele presenting at the Department of Urology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, from 2006 to 2012, were included in this prospective observational study of sclerotherapy for hydrocoele/spermatocoele using polidocanol as a sclerosing agent and adjuvant antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory medication (AAAM) for modulation of the inflammatory response. Patients were clinically evaluated within 24–48 h after a complication or adverse event possibly related to sclerotherapy. Evaluation of cure was scheduled after 3 months and re‐treatment, if necessary was carried out in the same manner as the first treatment. Groups of patients were compared using the chi‐squared test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsFrom a total of 191 patients, AAAM was given to 126, of whom 5% had subclinical epididymitis/swelling (SES) compared to 26% of the patients without AAAM (P < 0.001). No other complication was observed. The rate of cure for the whole group of patients was 93% after one or two treatments and significantly higher in the group with AAAM than in the group without AAAM (96% vs 88%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsModulation of the inflammatory response after sclerotherapy resulted in a lower incidence of SES and an increased cure rate.
Mortality after radical prostatectomy in a matched contemporary cohort in Sweden compared to the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group 4 (SPCG‐4) study
Authors: Cazzaniga Walter , Garmo Hans , Robinson David , Holmberg Lars , Bill‐Axelson Anna , Stattin Pär 
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate if results in terms of absolute risk in mature randomised trials are relevant for contemporary decision‐making. To do so, we compared the outcome for men in the radical prostatectomy (RP) arm of the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group Study number 4 (SPCG‐4) randomised trial with matched men treated in a contemporary era before and after compensation for the grade migration and grade inflation that have occurred since the 1980s.Patients and methodsA propensity score‐matched analysis of prostate cancer mortality and all‐cause mortality in the SPCG‐4 and matched men in the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden treated in 1998–2006 was conducted. Cumulative incidence of prostate cancer mortality and all‐cause mortality was calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for a matching on original Gleason Grade Groups (GGG) and second, matching with GGG increased one unit for men in the NPCR.ResultsMatched men in the NPCR treated in 2005–2006 had half the risk of prostate cancer mortality compared to men in the SPCG‐4 (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.19–1.14). In analysis of men matched on an upgraded GGG in the NPCR, this difference was mitigated (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.36–1.47).ConclusionsOutcomes after RP for men in the SPCG‐4 cannot be directly applied to men in the current era, mainly due to grade inflation and grade migration. However, by compensating for changes in grading, similar outcomes after RP were seen in the SPCG‐4 and NPCR. In order to compare historical trials with current treatments, data on temporal changes in detection, diagnostics, and treatment have to be accounted for.