bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Skilled Nursing Facilities Selected to Participate in Preferred Provider Networks Have Higher Quality and Lower Costs?
Authors: Huckfeldt Peter J. , Weissblum Lianna , Escarce José J. , Karaca‐Mandic Pinar , Sood Neeraj 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo determine whether skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) chosen by health systems to participate in preferred provider networks exhibited differences in quality, costs, and patient outcomes relative to other SNFs after accounting for differences in case mix.Data SourcesMedicare provider and claims data, 2012 and 2013.Study DesignWe compared SNFs included in preferred networks relative to other SNFs in the same market, prior to the establishment of preferred provider networks.Data Extraction MethodsWe linked the SNFs in our sample to facility characteristics and quality data. We identified SNF admissions and hospitalizations in claims data and limited the analysis to patients discharged from the hospitals in our sample. We obtained patient characteristics from Medicare summary files and the preceding hospital stay.Principal FindingsPreferred SNFs exhibited better performance across publicly reported quality measures. Patients admitted to preferred SNFs exhibited shorter stays, lower Medicare payments, and lower probability of SNF readmission relative to nonpreferred SNFs.ConclusionsOur results imply that health systems selected SNFs with lower resource use and better performance on quality measures. Thus, the trend toward preferred provider networks could have implications for Medicare spending and patient health.
Metaphyseal burst sign: A secondary sign on MRI of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee
Authors: Vidoni Alessandro , Shah Rachit , Mak Davina , Beale David , Beale Sioned , James Steven , Botchu Rajesh 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionTo describe a novel secondary sign of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee, metaphyseal burst sign (soft tissue oedema in the meta‐epiphyseal region of the affected condyle).MethodsAn electronic database research of 7926 knee MRI examinations was performed. Forty‐eight scans were included in the study. The diagnosis of subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) was confirmed in a consensus review by one fellowship trained musculoskeletal (MSK) radiologist and one radiology fellow. The presence of metaphyseal burst sign was evaluated in the cohort.ResultsForty‐one patients were included in the study (21 males, 20 females). The mean age was 61.5 years (range 41–80 years). The anatomical location was medial femoral condyle (n = 28), the lateral femoral condyle (n = 5) and medial tibial condyle (n = 8).The metaphyseal burst sign was present in 45 of the 48 scans reviewed. The average craniocaudal length of the soft tissue oedema defined as metaphyseal burst sign was 7 cm (range 10.5 to 4.5).ConclusionThe metaphyseal burst sign is an early, indirect sign of SIF.
NLMR and landscapetools: An integrated environment for simulating and modifying neutral landscape models in R
Authors: Sciaini Marco , Fritsch Matthias , Scherer Cédric , Simpkins Craig Eric 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Neutral landscape models (NLMs) simulate landscape patterns based on theoretical distributions and can be used to systematically study the effect of landscape structure on ecological processes. NLMs are commonly used in landscape ecology to enhance the findings of field studies as well as in simulation studies to provide an underlying landscape. However, their creation so far has been limited to software that is platform dependent, does not allow a reproducible workflow or is not embedded in R, the prevailing programming language used by ecologists.

Here, we present two complementary R packages NLMR and landscapetools, that allow users to generate and manipulate NLMs in a single environment. They grant the simulation of the widest collection of NLMs found in any single piece of software thus far while allowing for easy manipulation in a self‐contained and reproducible workflow. The combination of both packages should stimulate a wider usage of NLMs in ecology. NLMR is a comprehensive collection of algorithms with which to simulate NLMs. landscapetools provides a utility toolbox which facilitates an easy workflow with simulated neutral landscapes and other raster data.

We show two example applications that illustrate potential use cases for NLMR and landscapetools: First, an agent‐based simulation study in which the effect of spatial structure on disease persistence was studied. The second example shows how increases in spatial scaling can introduce biases in calculated landscape metrics.

Simplifying the workflow around generating and handling NLMs should encourage an uptake in the usage of NLMs. NLMR and landscapetools are both generic frameworks that can be used in a variety of applications and are a further step to having a unified simulation environment in R for answering spatial research questions.
Accounting for financial instruments with characteristics of debt and equity: finding a way forward
Authors: Fargher Neil , Sidhu Baljit K. , Tarca Ann , van Zyl Warrick 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccounting for compound financial instruments, that is those with characteristics of both debt and equity, has challenged accounting standard setters for decades. The principles developed to distinguish liabilities and equity and the application of these principles in IAS 32 have been widely criticised. In 2016–2017, the IASB was engaged in a project to improve IAS 32. Our study presents research that is relevant to the issues faced by standard setters, related to improving the definitions and enhancing presentation and disclosure of liabilities and equity. We discuss studies investigating the effects of the accounting classification requirements on firms’ financing choices and on users’ decision‐making, to examine the question, ‘Does the distinction matter?’ We then explore various approaches that may be pursued by the standard setters to improve accounting in this area and identify areas for future research.
Quantitative analysis of apically extruded bacteria following preparation of curved canals with three systems
Authors: Cabreira Laura J. , Gominho Luciana F. , Rôças Isabela N. , Dessaune‐Neto Nilton , Siqueira José F. , Alves Flávio R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study compared the amount of apically extruded bacteria following preparation of curved root canals using two continuously rotating multifile and one reciprocating single‐file systems. Mesiobuccal canals from maxillary molars were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into three groups according to the instrumentation system: Reciproc (R25 instrument, 25/.08), BT‐RaCe (10/.06, 35/.00 and 35/.04), and Mtwo (25/.06, 30/.05 and 35/.04). Apically extruded material was collected by a customized apparatus with 1.5% agarose gel covering the root apex to simulate the periradicular tissues. The extruded material was extracted from the gel and subjected to bacteriological culture for bacterial quantification. The three systems showed a high frequency of bacterial extrusion (>70%). There were no statistically significant differences in the counts of extruded bacteria between groups (P > 0.05). The incidence and amount of apical bacterial extrusion were similar between the three systems. The customized apparatus was effective in collecting apically extruded bacteria.
External invasive resorption: Case report of a rapidly progressive process in an impacted maxillary canine during orthodontic treatment
Authors: Shemesh Avi , Birnboim‐Blau Galit , Zoizner Ronen , Itzhak Joe Ben , Solomonov Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractExternal invasive resorption (EIR) is a type of external resorption that can involve the coronal, middle and apical parts of the root in its advanced stages and results in progressive loss of tooth structure. Common potential predisposing factors for EIR are orthodontic treatment and trauma. The EIR progression rate has not been described previously. This case report describes rapidly progressive EIR in an impacted maxillary canine after surgical exposure and application of directional orthodontic traction over 8 months. The article discusses the etiologies of EIR, the possible reasons for EIR and its rapid progression in the presented case and proposes a new theory of the connection between EIR and tooth impaction.
What do we know about the pharmacotheraputic management of insomnia in cannabis withdrawal: A systematic review
Authors: Zhand Naista , Milin Robert 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesSleep disturbance is one of the hallmarks of cannabis withdrawal. Studies have indicated that treatment of this key symptom may facilitate abstinence. In the present paper we aim to provide a systematic review of the extant literature on pharmacological management of sleep disturbance associated with cannabis withdrawal.MethodWe conducted a systematic literature search across five electronic databases including PubMed, Psycinfo, MEDLINE, Cochrane review and Embase. Human studies using a pharmacological treatment for sleep disturbances associated with cannabis withdrawal were included. Review articles, case‐series, open trials, posters, and editorials were excluded.ResultsSeventeen publications, involving 562 participants, were included in this review. Major limitations involved small sample size, high dropout rate, methodological limitations, and heterogeneity of participants. Most of the studies were at high risk of bias, further downgrading the level of evidence. A meta‐analysis was not performed due to lack of quantitative data, marked heterogeneity and low quality of the included studies.ConclusionThere is not sufficient evidence for any of the reviewed treatment options. Methodological limitations in a majority of the studies rendered their findings preliminary. Of the twelve investigated pharmacological agents, Gabapentin, Lofexidine, Mirtazapine, Quetiapine, and Zolpidem showed some primary benefits for treatment of sleep difficulties associated with cannabis withdrawal; however, future prospective studies are required to confirm such results.Scientific SignificanceThis review examines the current evidence for potential pharmacological options for treatment of cannabis withdrawal and associated sleep disturbance. It furthers our knowledge and provides groundwork for future research. (Am J Addict 2018;27:453–464)
Anogenital distance and reproductive outcomes in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old boys: the INMA‐Granada cohort study
Authors: Freire C. , Ocón‐Hernández O. , Dávila‐Arias C. , Pérez‐Lobato R. , Calvente I. , Ramos R. , Olea N. , Fernández M. F. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundStudies examining the association of anogenital distance (AGD), a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, with sexual development in children are lacking.ObjectiveTo assess the association between AGD measures and reproductive outcomes, including puberty onset, testicular volume, reproductive hormone levels, and urogenital malformations in boys aged 9–11 years.Materials and methodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among children belonging to the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, a population‐based birth cohort study. The present sample included 279 boys for whom data were available on AGD, pubertal stage, testicular volume, and relevant covariates. Out of the boys with AGD data, 187 provided a blood sample for hormone analysis. AGD was measured from the center of the anus to the base of the scrotum. Pubertal development was assessed according to Tanner stage of genital development (G1–G5), and testicular volume was measured with an orchidometer.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that AGD was positively associated with testicular volume but not with Tanner stage (>G1 vs. G1), serum hormone levels, or undescended testis. Regardless of their age, body mass index, and Tanner stage (G1 or >G1), boys with longer AGD showed increased odds of a testicular volume >3 mL (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00–1.19 per 10% increment in AGD; and OR = 3.14, 95%CI = 0.99–9.94 for AGD >42 mm vs. <33 mm).DiscussionLonger AGD was associated with testicular growth, an indicator of gonadarche, but not with other reproductive outcomes.ConclusionsAlthough AGD was positively associated with testicular volume, it remains unclear whether AGD predicts testis size at puberty or is related to puberty onset.
School‐to‐work transition in South Korean young adults: Stratified or Individualized?
Authors: Byun Geumsun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between family background and school‐to‐work transition (STWT) patterns in South Korean young adults. The transition from school to work has been linear, a simple change in status from full‐time student to full‐time worker. In the recent past, however, segmented (unemployment) and unstable (frequent status changes) patterns (have been increasing). While individualization theorists propose that family background is no longer a strong influence on STWT, stratification theorists posit that family background still plays a key role in STWT. There are a few studies that examine these theoretical arguments using empirical data. The research question is whether nonlinear and low labor market attachment STWT patterns stem from a disadvantaged family background (i.e., parents with low levels of education or low family income). This study applies Group‐Based Trajectory Analysis (GBTA) to the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS). Results show that young adults from disadvantaged family backgrounds are more likely to have segmented and unstable STWT patterns compared to those from advantaged family backgrounds, suggesting that family background still plays a significant role as young adults prepare and enter the labor market. This study supports the use of stratification theory for understanding STWT in labor market uncertainty.
A smart algorithm for the prevention and risk management of QTc prolongation based on the optimized RISQ‐PATH model
Authors: Vandael Eline , Vandenberk Bert , Vandenberghe Joris , Van den Bosch Bart , Willems Rik , Foulon Veerle 
Published: August 2018

AimsQTc prolongation is a complex problem linked with multiple risk factors. The RISQ‐PATH score was previously developed to identify high‐risk patients for QTc prolongation. The aim of this study was to optimize and validate this risk score in a large patient cohort, and to propose an algorithm to generate smart QT signals in the electronic medical record.MethodsA retrospective study was performed in the Nexus hospital network (n = 17) in Belgium. All electrocardiograms performed in 2015 in both ambulatory and hospitalized patients were collected together with risk factors for QTc prolongation (training database). Multiple logistic regression was performed to obtain the optimal prediction (RISQ‐PATH) model. The model was tested in a validation database (electrocardiograms between January and April 2016).ResultsIn total, 60 208 patients (52.8% males, mean age 63 ± 18 years) were included; 3543 patients (5.9%) had a QTc ≥ 450(♂)/470(♀) ms and 453 (0.8%) a QTc ≥ 500 ms. The optimized RISQ‐PATH model has an area under the ROC‐curve of 0.772 [95% CI 0.763–0.780] to predict QTc ≥ 450(♂)/470(♀)ms. A predicted probability of ≥0.035 was set as cutoff for a high risk of QTc prolongation. This cutoff resulted in a sensitivity of 87.4% [95% CI 86.2–88.5] and a specificity of 46.2% [95% CI 45.8–46.6]. These results could be confirmed for QTc ≥ 500 ms and in the validation database (n = 28 400).ConclusionsThe RISQ‐PATH model, with a cutoff probability of 0.035, predicted a prolonged QTc interval ≥ 450/470 ms or ≥500 ms with a sensitivity of ±87% and a specificity of ±45%. This RISQ‐PATH model can be used in clinical decision support systems to create smart QT alerts.
Pharmacotherapy vs surgery as initial therapy for patients with moderate‐to‐severe benign prostate hyperplasia: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Erman Aysegul , Masucci Lisa , Krahn Murray D. , Elterman Dean S. 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using a surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or photoselective vaporisation of the prostate using greenlight laser (GL‐PVP), as initial treatment for men with moderate‐to‐severe benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) compared to the standard practice of using pharmacotherapy as initial treatment followed by surgery if symptoms do not resolve.Patients and MethodsWe compared a combination of eight strategies involving upfront pharmacotherapy (i.e., α‐blocker, 5α‐reductase inhibitor, or combination) followed by surgery (e.g. TURP or GL‐PVP) upon failure vs TURP or GL‐PVP as initial treatment, for a target population of men with moderate‐to‐severe BPH symptoms, with a mean age of 65 years and no contraindications for treatment. A microsimulation decision‐analytic model was developed to project the costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of the target population over the lifetime. The model was populated and validated using published literature. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were determined. Cost‐effectiveness was evaluated using a public payer perspective, a lifetime horizon, a discount rate of 1.5%, and a cost‐effectiveness threshold of $50 000 (Canadian dollars)/QALY. Sensitivity and probabilistic analyses were performed.ResultsAll options involving an upfront pharmacotherapy followed by TURP for those who fail were economically unattractive compared to strategies involving a GL‐PVP for those who fail, and compared to using either BPH surgery as initial treatment. Overall, upfront TURP was the most costly and effective option, followed closely by upfront GL‐PVP. On average, upfront TURP costs $1015 more and resulted in a small gain of 0.03 QALYs compared to upfront GL‐PVP, translating to an incremental cost per QALY gained of $29 066. Results were robust to probabilistic analysis.ConclusionsSurgery is cost‐effective as initial therapy for BPH. However, the health and economic evidence should be considered concurrently with patient preferences and risk attitudes towards different therapy options.
Prostatic capsular incision during radical prostatectomy has important oncological implications: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Philippou Yiannis , Harriss Eli , Davies Lucy , Jubber Ibrahim , Leslie Tom , Bell Richard W. , Bryant Richard J. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Verrill Clare , Lamb Alastair D. 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionProstatic capsular incision (CapI) is an iatrogenic breach of the prostatic capsule during radical prostatectomy (RP) that can cause positive surgical margins (PSMs) in organ‐confined (pT2) prostate cancer, or the retention of benign prostatic tissue. We systematically interrogated the literature in order to clarify the definition of CapI, and the implications of this event for rates of PSM and biochemical recurrence (BCR).MethodsA literature search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) criteria using the search terms ‘capsular incision’ AND ‘prostatectomy’, and variations of each. In all, 18 studies were eligible for inclusion.ResultsA total of 51 057 RP specimens were included. The incidence of CapI ranged from 1.3% to 54.3%. CapI definitions varied and included a breach of the prostatic capsule ‘exposing both benign or malignant prostate cancer cells’, ‘malignant tissue only’, or ‘benign tissue only’. The incidence of PSMs due to CapI ranged from 2.8% to 71.7%. Our meta‐analysis results found that when CapI was defined as ‘exposing malignant tissue only in organ‐confined prostate cancer’ there was an increased risk of BCR compared to patients with pT2 disease and no CapI (relative risk 3.53, 95% confidence interval 2.82–4.41; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe absolute impact of CapI on oncological outcomes is currently unclear due to inconsistent definitions. However, the data imply an association between CapI and PSMs and BCR. Reporting of possible areas of CapI on the operation note, or marking areas of concern on the specimen, are critical to assist CapI recognition by the pathologist.
The rapid deglaciation of the Skagafjörður fjord, northern Iceland
Authors: Andrés Nuria , Palacios David , Sæmundsson Þorsteinn , Brynjólfsson Skafti , Fernández‐Fernández José M. 
Published: August 2018

The Skagafjörður fjord in northern Iceland is located between the Tröllaskagi Peninsula in the east and the Skagi Peninsula in the west. The tributary valleys of the fjord originate in the highland area about 15 km north of the Hofsjökull icecap. The results of this work improve the knowledge of the deglaciation pattern in Skagafjörður and explore the adequacy of the 36Cl cosmic ray exposure dating method in an Icelandic environment, where this method has rarely been applied to deglaciated surfaces. The 36Cl dating method was applied to 13 rock samples taken on a transect from the coastal areas towards the highlands. All samples were obtained from rock outcrops with glacier‐polished surfaces from the Last Glaciation and from one of the few well‐preserved erratic boulders. The cosmogenic results, combined with previous radiocarbon results, indicate that the ice margin was situated in the outermost sector of Skagafjörður at approximately 17–15 ka BP. Subsequently, it retreated and occupied the central part of the fjord between 15 and 12 ka BP and then the innermost sector of the fjord about 11 ka BP. The samples collected between this position and the highlands show an average age of approximately 11 ka, indicating rapid deglaciation after the early Preboreal. These results agree with earlier studies of the deglaciation history of northern Iceland, reinforce previous deglaciation models in the area and enable a better understanding of glacial evolution in the North Atlantic from the Late Pleistocene to Holocene transition.
Pathogens and autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Christen U , Hintermann E 
Published: August 2018

Summary
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a severe form of hepatitis resulting in the autoimmune-mediated destruction of the liver parenchyma. Whereas many of the immunopathogenic events have been elucidated and some of the drivers of the disease have been identified, little is known about the aetiology of the disease. There are certain risk factors, such as particular human leucocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes, that enhance the susceptibility for AIH or influence the severity of the disease. However, as for many other autoimmune diseases, the mere presence of such risk factors does not warrant the occurrence of the disease. Not all individuals carrying risk factors develop AIH, and not all patients with AIH are carriers of high-risk alleles. Thus, additional environmental factors need to be considered as triggers for AIH. Environmental factors include diet, sunlight exposure, stress, medication and hygiene, as well as pathogen infections and vaccinations. This review discusses if pathogens should be considered as triggers for the initiation and/or propagation of AIH.