bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A population‐based approach to the bi‐level multifollower problem: an application to the electricity retail market
Authors: Soares Inês , Alves Maria João , Henggeler Antunes Carlos 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDynamic tariffs are expected to be implemented as commercial offers of electricity retailers in smart grids, conveying price signals aimed at shaping usage patterns, with potential benefits to enhance grid efficiency and reduce end‐users’ costs. Retailers and consumers have divergent goals. While the objective of the retailer is to maximize profits, the purpose of consumers is to minimize their electricity bill. The interaction between the retailer and consumers can be modeled by means of bi‐level (BL) programming: the retailer sets the prices to be charged to consumers and these react by scheduling flexible appliances according to those prices and their comfort requirements. In this work, two hybrid BL optimization approaches are proposed to solve this problem, considering one leader (retailer) and multiple followers (consumers). Two population‐based approaches were developed, a genetic algorithm (GA) and a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, to deal with the upper level problem, both encompassing an exact mixed‐integer linear programming solver to address the lower level optimization problem. Different scenarios were generated, comprising one leader (retailer imposing different price schemes) and three followers (with different consumer profiles). Typical residential appliances were considered, with different operation cycles. Also, diverse tariff structures set by the retailer were analyzed. The performance of the two algorithms was compared. Results revealed a consistent superiority of PSO over GA.
An assessment of the efficiency of Spanish schools: evaluating the influence of the geographical, managerial, and socioeconomic features
Authors: Segovia‐Gonzalez M.M. , Dominguez C. , Contreras I. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to explore the efficiency of Spanish schools while simultaneously considering data envelopment analysis (DEA) and multivariate analysis. Test scores from the Program for International Assessment reports are used as outputs while the resources of each institution are considered as inputs to the analysis. The methodology utilized determines the DEA efficiencies under various input/output combinations and the results are interpreted through the application of factor analysis and property‐fitting techniques. The objective of the study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each type of school and the connections with the way in which the efficiency is obtained. In the light of the results, the study concludes that there exist differences related with two of the criteria considered: the type of management of the schools and the parental socioeconomic level of the students. However, no differences appear when the geographical location of the institutions is considered to characterize the entities.
Education in people with venous leg ulcers based on a brochure about compression therapy: A quasi‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Protz Kerstin , Dissemond Joachim , Seifert Myriam , Hintner Marianne , Temme Barbara , Verheyen‐Cronau Ida , Augustin Matthias , Otten Marina 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBrochures are a useful supplement to patient education. There is increasing evidence that they are an effective medium to support patient satisfaction, adherence, and empowerment. This study aims to produce reliable data on how much patients with venous leg ulcer (VLU) may profit from a brochure that focuses on VLU and on measures and aims of the related compression therapy. The evaluation took part from October 2018 until March 2019 and included 136 patients with VLU and related compression therapy. They were randomly sorted into a case group and a control group of 68 patients each. The case group received a brochure about venous disease and compression therapy and filled in a questionnaire after reading. The questions ranged from basic knowledge about VLU and compression therapy to aspects of self‐care. The control group answered the same questions without previous reading of the brochure. The results show that in almost every aspect, the patients in the case group were better informed about their diseases, the compression therapy, and how they may support the measures adequately. This study suggests that patients with VLU may profit from a brochure that explains their disease and the related compression therapy. Better knowledge and understanding may strengthen their empowerment and adherence.
Ulcerative cutaneous lesions in the plantar aspect of foot owing to Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Antony Beena , Prakash Peralam Y. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSchizophyllum commune is an emerging basidiomycetous fungus increasingly reported attributing pulmonary infections. However, the involvement of S. commune in primary cutaneous ulcerative lesions in humans has not yet been reported. The aetiology of S. commune in wound infection may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. This may be due to the atypical colony morphology, lack of sporulation, and familiarity with this fungus as well as the difficulty in accurate identification. We report here the first case of an ulcerative cutaneous infection caused by S. commune in the plantar aspect of foot in a healthy individual. Skin grafting was performed and the wound healed completely.
Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local wound infiltration anaesthesia in abdominal surgery: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Ren Yifeng , Shi Wei , Chen Chengzhe , Li Huifang , Zheng Xiaozhen , Zheng Xuemei , Niu Chenguang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo assess the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an adjuvant to local wound infiltration anaesthesia in abdominal surgery, we conducted this meta‐analysis. First, the systematic search strategy was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library and five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 294 patients were included. Then, the outcome data were extracted from the studies and their effect sizes were calculated using Review Manager 5. As a result, the addition of DEX significantly reduced visual analogy scores at 6 hours after surgery (mean difference = −0.53[−0.82, −0.25], P < .001), 12 hours after surgery (mean difference = −0.39 [−0.73, −0.05]; P = .03), and 24 hours after surgery (mean difference = −0.20 [−0.29, −0.11], P < .001) and reduced total analgesic consumption within 24 hours after surgery (mean difference = −4.92 [−9.00, −0.84]; P = .02) compared with placebo groups. However, there was no difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio = 0.68 [0.41, 1.14]; P = .14). In summary, DEX as a local anaesthetic adjuvant added for local wound infiltration anaesthesia in abdominal surgery could reduce visual analogy scores and postoperative analgesic consumption without changing incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Studying the effect of structured ostomy care training on quality of life and anxiety of patients with permanent ostomy
Authors: Khalilzadeh Ganjalikhani Mahboobeh , Tirgari Batool , Roudi Rashtabadi Omsalimeh , Shahesmaeili Armita 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPatients with ostomy are faced with several physical, psychological, and social challenges and need to be prepared to overcome these challenges. Studies have shown that training plays an important role in helping patients to adapt with ostomy, live with it, and improve their psychological well‐being and quality of life (QOL). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of structured ostomy care training on QOL and anxiety of the patients with permanent ostomy. In this randomised clinical trial study, 60 eligible participants were recruited from the only ostomy clinic in Kerman, Iran. They were selected using a purposive sampling method and randomly assigned to either a control group that received routine ostomy care or an intervention group that attended oral and practical training and a question and answer session by a trained ostomy nurse and received an ostomy information booklet besides their routine care. Outcome variables were anxiety and QOL in general and its physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions in detail. By using the anxiety subscale of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and City of Hope‐quality of life [COH‐QOL], data were collected before and 2 months after intervention in both groups. Data were analysed by SPSS version 19 using χ², analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent t, and paired t test and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the intervention group had significantly lower mean scores in anxiety (P = .001) and a higher mean score in overall QOL (P = .009) compared with the control group. The most significant increase was observed for psychological, social, and physical aspects, and the least was in the spiritual aspect, all of which improved after intervention. After controlling the effects of confounding variables such as age, ostomy period, and number of children, the structured training programme still had a positive effect on QOL. Structured ostomy care training, including face‐to‐face education and personal practice of using ostomy equipment, along with written material provided by the ostomy nurse specialist, may lead to an increase in the overall QOL and a decrease in the perceived anxiety level in patients. This type of training is not routinely delivered to ostomy patients in our health care setting, so it is feasible to prepare surgical wards and to educate nurses to work with their patients before and after ostomy creation. Furthermore, to ease patients' religious concerns, we recommend counselling, and the support of religious leaders in the Muslim community may play a key role to adaptation regarding religious matters after ostomy surgeries and alleviate patients' concerns.
Moderating role of reading comprehension in children's word learning with context versus pictures
Authors: Gruhn Sophie , Segers Eliane , Verhoeven Ludo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe investigated pictorial versus contextual support effects over and above teaching of definitions on children's word learning and retention as well as the moderating role of reading comprehension. In a between‐subject pre‐post‐retention test control group design, Dutch fourth graders learned concrete and abstract Dutch words. The context group received definitions and context sentences, the picture group received definitions and pictures, and the control group only received definitions. Children in the picture group outperformed children in the context group but not the control group on all words directly after learning. This learning gain, however, disappeared over time because participants in the context group retrieved the word meanings better than in the other groups 1 day later. Interestingly, reading comprehension moderated the forgetting effect, as low comprehenders in the experimental groups forgot less than those in the control group. Adding pictures to definitions, thus, leads to richer long‐term knowledge for low comprehenders.
The importance of supportive periodontal therapy for molars treated with furcation tunnelling
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Akcalı Aliye , Rüdiger Stefan Gunnar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and objectiveDegree III furcation involvement (FI) represents a risk of molar tooth loss. A limited number of studies have assessed the survival of molars with degree III FI treated with tunnelling procedures.AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess periodontal disease progression and tooth loss in a cohort of patients with degree III FI treated with tunnelling by two periodontists in a private practice setting in the UK and in a hospital setting in Sweden.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 102 consecutive surgically created tunnelled molars in 62 periodontitis patients and followed up at least 5 years later (average 7‐year and 9‐month follow‐up).ResultsOverall tooth loss for tunnelled molars was 29.4%. Multivariate analysis revealed statistically significant associations with tooth loss for ‘irregular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT’; p = .039) and age (p = .037). Tooth loss occurred only in the Swedish sample, not undergoing regular SPT.ConclusionA high rate of tooth loss was observed following tunnelling surgery, mainly in patients not undergoing regular supportive therapy. Clinical studies should be carried out to compare tunnelling with other treatment options for advanced furcation involvement in patients on SPT.
Protocol for the development of core set of domains of the core outcome set for patients with congenital melanocytic naevi (OCOMEN project)
Authors: Oei W. , Fledderus A.C. , Korfage I. , Eggen C.A.M. , van der Horst C.M.A.M. , Spuls P.I. , Brinkmann S.J.H. , Wolkerstorfer A. , van Kessel M. , Pasmans S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHaving large congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) is associated with a psychosocial burden on patients and their parents because of its remarkable appearance and the extra care it may require. Large CMN also pose an increased risk of malignant melanoma or neurocutaneous melanosis. There is a lack of international consensus on what important outcome domains to measure in relation to treatment. This makes it difficult to compare options, to properly inform patients and their parents, and to set up treatment policy for CMN. Therefore, we aim to develop a core outcome set (COS), i.e. the minimum set of outcomes that are recommended to be measured and reported in all clinical trials of a specific health condition. This COS can be used in the follow‐up of CMN patients with or without treatment, in clinical research and practice.MethodsIn the Outcomes for Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (OCOMEN) projects, we follow the recommendations from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative and the Cochrane Skin Core Outcomes Set Initiative (CS‐COUSIN). This project entails the following: (i) a systematic review to identify the previous reported outcomes in literature; (ii) focus groups with national and international patients and parents to identify patient‐important outcomes; (iii) classification of outcomes into outcome domains; (iv) e‐Delphi surveys in which stakeholders (patients/parents and professionals) can rate the importance of domains and outcomes; and (v) an online consensus meeting to finalize the core outcome domains of the COS.ResultsThe results will be disseminated by means of publication in a leading journal and presentations in international meetings or conferences. We engage international experts in CMN, both patients and professionals, to ensure the international utility and applicability of the COS.
Biologic therapies targeting the interleukin (IL)‐23/IL‐17 immune axis for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Erichsen C.Y. , Jensen P. , Kofoed K. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere are a rapidly increasing number of novel biologic therapies for psoriasis targeting interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17). This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of induction therapy (12–16 weeks) with biologic therapies targeting the IL‐23/IL‐17 immune axis for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Twenty‐seven randomized controlled trials met the specified inclusion criteria. The results showed that ixekizumab q2w had the greatest efficacy in terms of achieving 90% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index when compared to placebo [risk ratio (RR): 65.01, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 13.97–302.56, P < 0.00001], etanercept (RR: 3.14, 95% CI: 2.22–4.45) and ustekinumab (RR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.41–2.12). The IL‐17 inhibitors were overall shown to have a higher efficacy than the IL‐23 inhibitors during induction therapy. However, the IL‐17 inhibitors had an increased risk of adverse events when compared to placebo, while there was no increased risk with any of the IL‐23 inhibitors. In conclusion, induction therapy with IL‐17 inhibitors is highly efficacious but carries a higher risk of adverse events than induction therapy with IL‐23 inhibitors.
Basal cell carcinoma genetic susceptibility increases the rate of skin ageing: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: van der Poort E.K.J. , Gunn D.A. , Beekman M. , Griffiths C.E.M. , Slagboom P.E. , van Heemst D. , Noordam R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundOnset of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is connected to skin ageing, but it is unclear whether higher BCC genetic susceptibility drives skin ageing.ObjectivesTo investigate whether loci increasing genetic susceptibility to BCC also drive multiple features of skin ageing, independently of confounding factors, using Mendelian randomization.MethodsA Mendelian randomization study was conducted in older adults from the Leiden Longevity Study (N = 604). A total of 25 BCC loci, selected based on a published genome‐wide association study on BCC (P‐value < 5 × 10−8), were used as genetic instruments for the calculation of a standardized (mean = 0, SD = 1) weighted BCC genetic risk score. Based on facial photographs, we determined perceived age, and skin wrinkling and pigmented spot grading.ResultsA higher BCC genetic risk score was associated with a higher perceived age (adjusted for chronological age and sex) of 0.88 years (95% CI: 0.44, 1.31; P‐value = 7.1e−5), greater wrinkling by 0.14 grades (95% CI: 0.05, 0.23; P‐value = 2.3e−3), and greater pigmented spots by 0.17 grades (95% CI: 0.08, 0.25; P‐value = 1.1e−4). These findings were weakened but still present after exclusion of gene variants in MC1R and IRF4 which have potential pleiotropic effects.ConclusionsMechanisms influenced by genetic loci increasing susceptibility to BCC also drive skin ageing suggesting shared biology and shared targets for interventions.
Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid as a protective factor against childhood dermatitis and skin rash‐related hospitalization in the offspring – a population‐based cohort analysis
Authors: Krieger Y. , Horev A. , Wainstock T. , Sheiner E. , Walfisch A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundGut microbiome influences cutaneous diseases including atopic dermatitis. Possible impact of intrauterine exposure to meconium on the occurrence of dermatitis and skin rash was proposed.ObjectiveWe investigated the possible influence of intrauterine exposure to meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) on the occurrence of dermatitis and skin rash‐related hospitalizations throughout childhood.MethodsSingleton deliveries occurring between 1991 and 2014 at a single medical centre were divided into two study groups based on presence or lack of MSAF during delivery. Population‐based cohort analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to study the association between MSAF and cutaneous morbidity‐related hospitalizations.ResultsA lower rate of the total dermatitis or skin eruption‐related hospitalization was documented in the MSAF‐exposed group; 0.78 per 1000‐person years (0.9%, n = 312), as compared to 0.98 per 1000‐person years in the unexposed group (1.0%, n = 1992) with a hazard ratio of 0.86 (95% CI 0.76‐0.96, P = 0.011). The survival curve showed lower cumulative hospitalization rate in the MSAF‐exposed group as compared to the unexposed group (log rank P = 0.01). The Cox analysis, controlled for confounders, demonstrated MSAF exposure to be an independent protective factor for dermatitis and skin rash‐related hospitalizations during childhood (adjusted HR 0.878 (95% CI 0.779‐0.990, P = 0.034).ConclusionFetal exposure to MSAF appears to be an independent protective factor for dermatitis and skin rash‐related hospitalizations in the offspring throughout childhood and adolescence.
Morphology, Morphogenesis, and Phylogeny of Urosoma caudata (Ehrenberg, 1833) Berger, 1999 (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) based on a Chinese Population
Authors: Xu Wenxin , Zhao Yan , Pan Bo , Liu Yongqiang , Li Yuan , Bourland William A. , Luo Xiaotian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe report the morphology and morphogenesis of Urosoma caudata (Ehrenberg, 1833) Berger, 1999 based on in vivo observation and protargol impregnation and provide an improved diagnosis of U. caudata based on previous and current work. Urosoma caudata differs from its congeners mainly by the combination of the following features: tail‐like posterior end, colorless cortical granules, and two macronuclear nodules. Urosoma caudata shares most of the ontogenetic features with its congeners: the oral primordium of the opisthe develops apokinetally, and the frontal‐ventral‐transverse cirral anlagen develop in five streaks. However, a unique morphogenetic characteristic is recognizable: the anlagen of three dorsal kineties occur de novo to the left of the parental structures differing from their intrakinetal origin in other Urosoma species. The first record of the 18S rRNA gene sequence for the species is also provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequence data suggest that the genus Urosoma is a nonmonophyletic group.
Heritable morphological differentiation in salmonids from two distinct stream types
Authors: Dermond Philip , Sperlich Nicola , Brodersen Jakob 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe tested for phenotype‐to‐habitat associations in brown troutSalmo truttapopulations from two ecologically different habitat types;i.e., groundwater and surface‐water‐fed streams. Additionally, we raised captive offspring from two such populations under standardised conditions to test whether potential phenotypic differentiation would be passed on to offspring. We found analogous differentiation by habitat in multiple wild populations. Some of these morphological differences were at least partially inherited by offspring. We suggest that this could have implications for both scientists and fisheries authorities studying or managing trout populations.
Genetic and historical evidence of common sawsharks Pristiophorus cirratus in the waters of southern Queensland
Authors: Nevatte Ryan J. , Wueringer Barbara E. , Gillings Michael R. , Williamson Jane E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn 2011, a male pristiophorid was caught by a prawn trawler north east of Cape Moreton, Queensland, Australia. Molecular analyses confirmed the specimen to be the common sawshark Pristiophorus cirratus. Historical catch data indicate the occurrence of the species in the region but this is the first verified record of P. cirratus occurring in the waters of southern Queensland. Together, these records extend the recognised northern limit of P. cirratus by c. 500 km, which suggests that further investigation of its distribution is warranted.