bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the dose of methadone among patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan
Authors: Li Dian‐Jeng , Chung Kuan‐Shang , Wu Hung‐Chi , Hsu Chih‐Yao , Yen Cheng‐Fang 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundMethadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for opioid users. This study aimed to investigate the predictive effect of clinically predominant sleep disturbance (CPSD) on the dose of methadone among opiate users receiving MMT during a follow‐up period of 6 years in Taiwan.MethodsThis retrospective study included 1,290 individuals with opioid dependence who visited our MMT clinic for the first time. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effect of CPSD on the daily dose of methadone by controlling for the effects of demographic and MMT characteristics.ResultsA total of 469 (36.4%) participants were comorbid with CPSD. After controlling for the effects of demographic and MMT characteristics, the participants comorbid with CPSD had a higher dose of daily methadone than those without CPSD (estimate: 7.03, p < .001). Furthermore, younger age (estimate: −1.22, p < .001), older age at initial MMT (estimate: .44, p < .001), lower educational level (estimate: −.90, p = .003) and lower attendance rates (estimate: −.14, p = .033) are significantly related to higher doses of daily methadone.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceOur study provided a naturalistic observation of the cohort for long period, along with a large sample size which could reflect clinical practice in the real world. We reported that a higher daily dose of methadone was significantly associated with CPSD after controlling for the effects of other factors. CPSD should be routinely surveyed among heroin users receiving MMT. (Am J Addict 2018;27:225–230)
Generalizability of the findings from a randomized controlled trial of a web‐based substance use disorder intervention
Authors: Susukida Ryoko , Crum Rosa M. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Mojtabai Ramin 
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesThere is growing concern regarding the generalizability of findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs). This study used a selection model approach to assess and improve the generalizability of an evaluation for a web‐based SUD intervention by making the trial sample resemble the target population.MethodsThe sample of the web‐based SUD intervention (Therapeutic Education System vs. Treatment‐as‐usual; n = 507) was compared with the target population of SUD treatment‐seeking individuals from the Treatment Episodes Data Set‐Admissions (TEDS‐A). Using weights based on the probabilities of RCT participation, we computed weighted treatment effects on retention and abstinence.ResultsSubstantial differences between the RCT sample and the target population was demonstrated in significant difference in the mean propensity scores (1.62 standard deviations at p < .001). The population effect on abstinence (12 weeks and 6 months) was statistically insignificant after weighting the data with the generalizability weight.Discussions and ConclusionsGeneralizability of the findings from the RCT could be limited when the RCT sample does not well represent the target population.Scientific SignificanceApplication of generalizability weights can be a potentially useful tool to improve generalizability of RCT findings. (Am J Addict 2018;27:231–237)
Allied health weekend service provision in Australian rehabilitation units
Authors: Caruana Erin L , Kuys Suzanne S , Brauer Sandra G 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo determine current Australian allied health rehabilitation weekend service provision and to identify perceived barriers to and facilitators of weekend service provision.MethodsSenior physiotherapists from Australian rehabilitation units completed an online cross‐sectional survey exploring current service provision, staffing, perceived outcomes, and barriers and facilitators to weekend service provision.ResultsA total of 179 (83%) eligible units responded, with 94 facilities (53%) providing weekend therapy. A Saturday service was the most common (97%) with the most frequent service providers being physiotherapists (90%). Rehabilitation weekend service was perceived to increase patient/family satisfaction (66%) and achieve faster goal attainment (55%). Common barriers were budgetary restraints (66%) and staffing availability (54%), with facilitators including organisational support (76%), staff availability (62%) and staff support (61%).ConclusionDespite increasing evidence of effectiveness, only half of Australian rehabilitation facilities provide weekend services. Further efforts are required to translate evidence from clinical trials into feasible service delivery models.
The feasibility of a clinical audit tool to investigate stillbirth in Australia – a single centre experience
Authors: Lehner Christoph , Harry Amanda , Pelecanos Anita , Wilson Lauren , Pink Kate , Sekar Renuka 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe stillbirth rate in Australia is 7 per 1000 births (Australia's Mothers and Babies 2014—in brief. Perinatal Statistics Series no. 32. Cat no. PER 87, Canberra, AIHW, 2016). The Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) developed guidelines to standardise the investigations into stillbirth.AimsTo identify causes of stillbirths and stillbirth care using the National Perinatal Death Clinical Audit Tool (National Perinatal Death Clinical Audit Tool, Australian and New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance [ANZSA]/Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand [PSANZ]) and compare it to the PSANZ recommendations. Documentation of examination findings and follow‐up after stillbirth were also reviewed.Materials and MethodsFrom the total of 515 registered stillbirths at a Queensland hospital, 170 stillbirths were considered unexplained after chart review between July 2004 and September 2014. The National Perinatal Death Clinical Audit Tool was applied and resulting underlying causes of stillbirths were classified using the PSANZ perinatal mortality classification system.ResultsThe stillbirth rate for this centre was 11.2 per 1000 births. A cause of fetal death was established in 55.4% (93/168) and 75 cases (44.6%) remained unexplained corresponding to 14.6% of all registered stillbirths (75/515).Over half of the women (52.7%) were nulliparous. High rates of autopsy (47.3%), bereavement support (99.4%) and placental histopathology (98.8%) were noted. The general practitioner was notified in 98.7% of cases at the time of stillbirth; 34.1% of babies were small for gestational age at birth, 18.9% were growth‐restricted at birth and 21.4% of women were current smokers.ConclusionThe National Perinatal Death Clinical Audit Tool facilitates and streamlines stillbirth investigations and thus helps to identify underlying causes of stillbirth.
Daily allergic multimorbidity in rhinitis using mobile technology: A novel concept of the MASK study
Authors: Bousquet J. , Devillier P. , Anto J. M. , Bewick M. , Haahtela T. , Arnavielhe S. , Bedbrook A. , Murray R. , van Eerd M. , Fonseca J. A. , Morais Almeida M. , Todo Bom A. , Menditto E. , Passalacqua G. , Stellato C. , Triggiani M. , Ventura M. T. , Vezzani G. , Annesi‐Maesano I. , Bourret R. , Bosse I. , Caimmi D. , Cartier C. , Demoly P. , Just J. , Portejoie F. , Siroux V. , Viart F. , Bergmann K. C. , Keil T. , Klimek L. , Mösges R. , Pfaar O. , Shamai S. , Zuberbier T. , Mullol J. , Valero A. , Spranger O. , Tomazic P. V. , Kowalski M. L. , Kuna P. , Kupczyk M. , Raciborski F. , Samolinski B. , Toppila‐Salmi S. K. , Valovirta E. , Cruz A. A. , Sarquis‐Serpa F. , da Silva J. , Stelmach R. , Larenas‐Linnemann D. , Rodriguez Gonzalez M. , Burguete Cabañas M. T. , Kvedariene V. , Valiulis A. , Chavannes N. H. , Fokkens W. J. , Ryan D. , Sheikh A. , Bachert C. , Hellings P. W. , VandenPlas O. , Ballardini N. , Kull I. , Melén E. , Westman M. , Wickman M. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Eller E. , Bosnic‐Anticevich S. , O'Hehir R. E. , Agache I. , Bieber T. , Casale T. , Gemicioğlu B. , Ivancevich J. C. , De Vries G. , Sorensen M. , Yorgancioglu A. , Laune D. ,   MACVIA working group
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundMultimorbidity in allergic airway diseases is well known, but no data exist about the daily dynamics of symptoms and their impact on work. To better understand this, we aimed to assess the presence and control of daily allergic multimorbidity (asthma, conjunctivitis, rhinitis) and its impact on work productivity using a mobile technology, the Allergy Diary.MethodsWe undertook a 1‐year prospective observational study in which 4 210 users and 32 585 days were monitored in 19 countries. Five visual analogue scales (VAS) assessed the daily burden of the disease (i.e., global evaluation, nose, eyes, asthma and work). Visual analogue scale levels <20/100 were categorized as “Low” burden and VAS levels ≥50/100 as “High” burden.ResultsVisual analogue scales global measured levels assessing the global control of the allergic disease were significantly associated with allergic multimorbidity. Eight hypothesis‐driven patterns were defined based on “Low” and “High” VAS levels. There were <0.2% days of Rhinitis Low and Asthma High or Conjunctivitis High patterns. There were 5.9% days with a Rhinitis High—Asthma Low pattern. There were 1.7% days with a Rhinitis High—Asthma High—Conjunctivitis Low pattern. A novel Rhinitis High—Asthma High—Conjunctivitis High pattern was identified in 2.9% days and had the greatest impact on uncontrolled VAS global measured and impaired work productivity. Work productivity was significantly correlated with VAS global measured levels.ConclusionsIn a novel approach examining daily symptoms with mobile technology, we found considerable intra‐individual variability of allergic multimorbidity including a previously unrecognized extreme pattern of uncontrolled multimorbidity.
Posttraumatic Stress During the Greek Economic Crisis: Is There Evidence for Mass Traumatization?
Authors: Sochos Antignonos 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate levels of posttraumatic stress due to the recent economic crisis in a Greek community sample and identify particularly vulnerable demographic groups. A sample of 1,208 residents of a western Athens borough completed the Impact of Events Scale—Revised. According to the findings, almost 60% of respondents reported severe and 28% moderate symptoms. Individuals in employment presented similar levels as the unemployed, while caring for dependants, having lower educational attainment, and being female and older were associated with greater posttraumatic stress. The present findings suggest a high prevalence of posttraumatic stress in a community sample, indicating that policymakers in Greece, Europe, and worldwide need to take very seriously the growing evidence for the detrimental effects of austerity politics on both individual and collective well‐being.
Roflumilast Usage from 2010 to 2016: A Danish Nationwide Drug Utilization Study
Authors: Salvesen Øyvind Nicolay Ulland , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Pottegård Anton , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase‐4‐inhibitor, is marketed as add‐on treatment to inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations. Although marketed since 2010, usage pattern of roflumilast for an entire nation has not previously been explored. This study aimed to estimate the total utilization of roflumilast in Denmark during 2010 to 2016, using the Danish nationwide health registers. We identified 1573 individuals (47% males) who used roflumilast during the study period, of whom 705 (45%) redeemed only one prescription. Of all patients initiating roflumilast, 67% discontinued treatment within the first year. The rate of treatment initiation decreased 73% from 2011 (7.5/100,000 person‐years) to 2016 (2.0/100,000 person‐years) concurrent with a stable prevalence of 3.0–4.0/100,000 persons throughout the study period. The median duration of roflumilast use was 76 days. Patients with severe comorbidity tended to exhibit a lower degree of early discontinuation (Charlson Comorbidity Index 3+: odds ratio [OR]: 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33–1.04), as well as patients with a COPD‐related admission within a year prior to roflumilast initiation (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.49–0.80). The decreasing incidence and high level of early roflumilast discontinuation could be due to lack of benefit, a low awareness of romiflulast's indication among physicians, secondary to a challenging prescribing procedure or to adverse effects.
Model-Averaged Confounder Adjustment for Estimating Multivariate Exposure Effects with Linear Regression
Authors: Wilson Ander , Zigler Corwin M. , Patel Chirag J. , Dominici Francesca 
Published: March 2018

Summary
In environmental and nutritional epidemiology and in many other fields, there is increasing interest in estimating the effect of simultaneous exposure to several agents (e.g., multiple nutrients, pesticides, or air pollutants) on a health outcome. We consider estimating the effect of a multivariate exposure that includes several continuous agents and their interactions—on an outcome, when the true confounding variables are an unknown subset of a potentially large (relative to sample size) set of measured covariates. Our approach is rooted in the ideas of Bayesian model averaging: the exposure effect is estimated as a weighted average of the estimated exposure effects obtained under several linear regression models that include different sets of the potential confounders. We introduce a data-driven prior that assigns to the likely confounders a higher probability of being included into the regression model. We show that our approach can also be formulated as a penalized likelihood formulation with an interpretable tuning parameter. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate that the proposed approach identifies parsimonious models that are fully adjusted for observed confounding and estimates the multivariate exposure effect with smaller mean squared error compared to several alternatives. We apply the method to an Environmental Wide Association Study using National Heath and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate the effect of mixtures of nutrients and pesticides on lipid levels.
A Statistical Model for Helices with Applications
Authors: Mardia Kanti V. , Sriram Karthik , Deane Charlotte M. 
Published: March 2018

Summary
Motivated by a cutting edge problem related to the shape of -helices in proteins, we formulate a parametric statistical model, which incorporates the cylindrical nature of the helix. Our focus is to detect a “kink,” which is a drastic change in the axial direction of the helix. We propose a statistical model for the straight -helix and derive the maximum likelihood estimation procedure. The cylinder is an accepted geometric model for -helices, but our statistical formulation, for the first time, quantifies the uncertainty in atom positions around the cylinder. We propose a change point technique “Kink-Detector” to detect a kink location along the helix. Unlike classical change point problems, the change in direction of a helix depends on a simultaneous shift of multiple data points rather than a single data point, and is less straightforward. Our biological building block is crowdsourced data on straight and kinked helices; which has set a gold standard. We use this data to identify salient features to construct Kink-detector, test its performance and gain some insights. We find the performance of Kink-detector comparable to its computational competitor called “Kink-Finder.” We highlight that identification of kinks by visual assessment can have limitations and Kink-detector may help in such cases. Further, an analysis of crowdsourced curved -helices finds that Kink-detector is also effective in detecting moderate changes in axial directions.
How the source of the entrant's advantage limits entry‐deterring tying
Authors: Corts Kenneth S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractI revisit a simple model of entry‐deterring tying—example 1 from Whinston's (1990) seminal paper—but allow the potential entrant to have either a cost advantage or a willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) advantage relative to the incumbent. I show that, compared to the usual case in which the potential entrant is cost‐advantaged, tying is less effective against an entrant with a WTP advantage because an entrant with a large WTP advantage may be able to induce the buyer to buy both the tied bundle and the entrant's product. I also show that tying but failing to deter entry can be less costly when facing an entrant with a WTP advantage than when facing an entrant with a cost advantage. For a firm facing uncertainty about, for example, the entrant's entry costs, this makes tying a more attractive entry deterrence strategy against a WTP‐advantaged entrant. These results shed light on the important policy question of which markets are most likely to be susceptible to entry‐deterring tying.
Downregulation of miR‐491‐5p promotes gastric cancer metastasis by regulating SNAIL and FGFR4
Authors: Yu Ting , Wang Li‐na , Li Wei , Zuo Qian‐fei , Li Meng‐meng , Zou Quan‐ming , Xiao Bin 
Published: March 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most fatal cancers in China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators during GC development and progression. miR‐491‐5p has been demonstrated to act as a tumor suppressor in several types of cancer. However, the role of miR‐491‐5p in GC metastasis remains unknown. Here, we found that miR‐491‐5p was significantly decreased in GC tissues compared with adjacent non‐cancerous tissues, and low miR‐491‐5p level was associated with large tumor size. Overexpression of miR‐491‐5p significantly suppressed GC cell epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SNAIL was identified as a direct target of miR‐491‐5p. The silencing of SNAIL phenocopied the tumor suppressive function of miR‐491‐5p, whereas re‐expression of SNAIL in GC cells rescued the EMT markers and cell migratory ability that were inhibited by miR‐491‐5p. In addition, miR‐491‐5p inhibited FGFR4 indirectly. Inhibition of FGFR4 also decreased the SNAIL level and impaired EMT and cell migration. Taken together, these findings indicate that downregulation of miR‐491‐5p promoted GC metastasis by inducing EMT via regulation of SNAIL and FGFR4.
Marginal bone loss at implants with different surface characteristics ‐ A 20‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Donati Mauro , Ekestubbe Annika , Lindhe Jan , Wennström Jan L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis report is a 20‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the potential long‐term effect of a modified implant surface on the preservation of the peri‐implant marginal bone level.Material & MethodsIn each of 51 patients and for each fixed partial denture (FPD), by randomization at least one implant installed had a non‐modified turned surface and one a modified and roughened surface (TiOblast®). Clinical and radiological examinations were performed at various follow‐up intervals. Primary outcome variables were peri‐implant marginal bone level change from time of loading and proportion of implants with no bone loss at 20 years. Multilevel analysis followed by nonparametric and Pearson's Chi‐Square tests were applied for statistical analysis.ResultsAt the 20‐year follow‐up, 25 patients carrying 64 implants were available for evaluation. Turned and TiOblast implants presented with a mean bone level change from the time of FDP delivery amounting to −0.41 mm (95% CI −0.84/0.02) and −0.83 mm (95% CI −1.38/−0.28) respectively (inter‐group comparison p > .05). 47% of the Turned and 34% TiOblast implants (p > .05) showed no bone loss. All but one of these implants were free of bacterial plaque and inflammation as well as presented with probing pocket depths ≤5 mm at both the 5‐ and 20‐year follow‐up examinations.ConclusionIt is suggested that a moderate increase of implant surface roughness has no beneficial effect on long‐term preservation of the peri‐implant marginal bone level.
Use of genetic, climatic, and microbiological data to inform reintroduction of a regionally extinct butterfly
Authors: Dincă Vlad , Bálint Zsolt , Vodă Raluca , Dapporto Leonardo , Hebert Paul D. N. , Vila Roger 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSpecies reintroductions are increasingly used as means of mitigating biodiversity loss. Besides habitat quality at the site targeted for reintroduction, the choice of source population can be critical for success. The butterfly Melanargia russiae (Esper´s marbled white) was extirpated from Hungary over 100 years ago, and a reintroduction program has recently been approved. We used museum specimens of this butterfly, mitochondrial DNA data (mtDNA), endosymbiont screening, and climatic‐similarity analyses to determine which extant populations should be used for its reintroduction. The species displayed 2 main mtDNA lineages across its range: 1 restricted to Iberia and southern France (Iberian lineage) and another found throughout the rest of its range (Eurasian lineage). These 2 lineages possessed highly divergent wsp alleles of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. The century‐old Hungarian specimens represented an endemic haplotype belonging to the Eurasian lineage, differing by one mutation from the Balkan and eastern European populations. The Hungarian populations of M. russiae occurred in areas with a colder and drier climate relative to most sites with extant known populations. Our results suggest the populations used for reintroduction to Hungary should belong to the Eurasian lineage, preferably from eastern Ukraine (genetically close and living in areas with the highest climatic similarity). Materials stored in museum collections can provide unique opportunities to document historical genetic diversity and help direct conservation.
The influence of board chairs on director engagement: A case‐based exploration of boardroom decision‐making
Authors: Bezemer Pieter‐Jan , Nicholson Gavin , Pugliese Amedeo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractManuscript typeEmpiricalResearch question/issueThis study seeks to better understand how board chairs, as leaders and equals, shape the context for other directors to engage in their governance roles.Research findings/insightsUsing a combination of video‐taped board meetings and semi‐structured interviews with directors at three corporations, we found a generalized and negative association between chair involvement and directors' engagement during board meetings.Theoretical/academic implicationsOur empirical results suggest that the chair's role can be viewed as a paradox, requiring both (i) strong leadership to counter managerial power, and (ii) a more subtle orientation as peer to fellow directors that enables other board members to contribute to boardroom decision‐making. Moreover, our study revealed the transitory nature of both chair contributions and directors' engagement during meetings, highlighting the potential and need for further unpacking of the temporal dimensions of boardroom decision‐making processes.Practitioner/policy implicationsOur analysis suggests a revision of the implicit prescription in the literature for board chairs to be active leaders who lead from the front. Given that chair involvement appears to reduce director engagement during meetings, our research hints at the need for a more supportive role of the chair during boardroom decision‐making that is in line with non‐traditional leadership models https://youtu.be/urcJHJHRXwc.