bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of scabies in Japan (third edition)
Authors:   Executive Committee of Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the current work, we present our new guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of scabies which we, the Executive Committee convened by the Japanese Dermatological Association, developed to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of scabies in Japan. Approval of phenothrin topical use under the National Health Insurance in August 2014 led to this action. Permethrin, a topical anti‐scabietic medication belonging to the same pyrethroid group as phenothrin, is already in use worldwide. In this guideline, we introduce criteria for a proper diagnosis of scabies, treatment algorithm for common and crusted (hyperkeratotic) scabies, and prevention. The major change from our second edition is the treatment algorithm. As phenothrin is now available, the first‐line therapy for common scabies is either topical phenothrin lotion or oral ivermectin. The second‐line option for topical treatment is sulfur‐containing ointments, crotamiton cream or benzyl benzoate lotion. γ‐Benzene hexachloride ointment is no longer provided for clinical use. In an immunosuppressed patient, the treatment option is still the same, but with close follow up. If the symptoms persist, diagnosis and treatment must be reassessed. For hyperkeratotic scabies and nail scabies, removal of thick crust, cutting of nails and occlusive dressing are additionally required. The safety and effectiveness of combined treatment with topical and oral medications are not yet confirmed. Further assessment is needed. In addition to appropriate treatment, it is essential to educate patients and health‐care workers and to conduct epidemiological studies to prevent further spread of the disease through effectively utilizing available resources including manpower, finance, logistics and time.
Spontaneous language production of Italian children with cochlear implants and their mothers in two interactive contexts
Authors: Majorano Marinella , Guidotti Laura , Guerzoni Letizia , Murri Alessandra , Morelli Marika , Cuda Domenico , Lavelli Manuela 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years many studies have shown that the use of cochlear implants (CIs) improves children's skills in processing the auditory signal and, consequently, the development of both language comprehension and production. Nevertheless, many authors have also reported that the development of language skills in children with CIs is variable and influenced by individual factors (e.g., age at CI activation) and contextual aspects (e.g., maternal linguistic input).AimsTo assess the characteristics of the spontaneous language production of Italian children with CIs, their mothers’ input and the relationship between the two during shared book reading and semi‐structured play.Methods & ProceduresTwenty preschool children with CIs and 40 typically developing children, 20 matched for chronological age (CATD group) and 20 matched for hearing age (HATD group), were observed during shared book reading and semi‐structured play with their mothers. Samples of spontaneous language were transcribed and analysed for each participant. The numbers of types, tokens, mean length of utterance (MLU) and grammatical categories were considered, and the familiarity of each mother's word was calculated.Outcomes & ResultsThe children with CIs produced shorter utterances than the children in the CATD group. Their mothers produced language with lower levels of lexical variability and grammatical complexity, and higher proportions of verbs with higher familiarity than did the mothers in the other groups during shared book reading. The children's language was more strongly related to that of their mothers in the CI group than in the other groups, and it was associated with the age at CI activation.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe findings suggest that the language of children with CIs is related both to their mothers’ input and to age at CI activation. They might prompt suggestions for intervention programs focused on shared‐book reading.
Prevalence and risk factors for Bacillus cereus in raw milk in Inner Mongolia, Northern China
Authors: Lan Xinyi , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Nan , Zhao Shengguo , Li Songli , Li Fadi 
Published: May 2017

The prevalence of Bacillus cereus in raw milk from dairy herds in Inner Mongolia and associated risk factors were determined. In total, 160 raw milk samples collected from 2014 to 2015 and examined by culture methods to isolate B. cereus. Fifty‐five samples (34.38%) were positive. The prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in winter (15%) than in summer (50%). The highest prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk was seen in samples collected from small‐ to medium‐sized dairy herds in summer. The results of this study indicated that B. cereus could be a common pathogen in Inner Mongolia because of its high prevalence. It is essential for dairy farmers and producers to strengthen hygienic practices in summer to control B. cereus contamination in raw milk. These results will be useful in establishing proper management procedures to reduce the prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk.
Payment Reform and Health Disparities: Changes in Dialysis Modality under the New Medicare Dialysis Payment System
Authors: Turenne Marc , Baker Regina , Pearson Jeffrey , Cogan Chad , Mukhopadhyay Purna , Cope Elizabeth 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the Medicare dialysis payment reform on potential disparities in the selection of peritoneal dialysis (PD) for the treatment of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).Data SourcesCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ESRD Medical Evidence Form, Medicare claims, and other CMS data for 2008–2013.Study DesignWe examined the association of patient age, race/ethnicity, urban/rural location, pre‐ESRD care, comorbidities, insurance, and other factors with the selection of PD as initial dialysis modality across prereform (2008–2009), interim (2010), and postreform (2011–2013) time periods.Principal FindingsSelection of PD increased among diverse patient subgroups following the payment reform. However, the lower PD selection observed with older age, black race, Hispanic ethnicity, less pre‐ESRD care, and Medicaid insurance before the reform largely remained in the initial postreform years.ConclusionsDespite recent growth in PD, there may be ongoing disparities in access to PD that have largely not been mitigated by the payment reform. There is potential for modifying provider financial incentives to achieve policy goals related to cost and quality of care. However, even with a substantial shift in financial incentives, separate initiatives to reduce existing disparities in care may be needed.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Dynamic Treatment Strategies Using Electronic Health Records: An Application of the Parametric g‐Formula to Anemia Management Strategies
Authors: Zhang Yi , Young Jessica G. , Thamer Mae , Hernán Miguel A. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of dynamic anemia management strategies by applying the parametric g‐formula to electronic health records.Data Source/Study SettingPatients with end‐stage renal disease from the US Renal Data System who had congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease and were undergoing hemodialysis in outpatient dialysis facilities between 2006 and 2010.Study DesignWe explicitly emulated a target trial of three ‎erythropoietin dosing strategies (aimed at achieving a low, middle, or high hematocrit) and estimated the observational analog of the per‐protocol effect.ResultsOf 156,945 eligible patients, 41,970 died during the 18‐month follow‐up. Compared to the low‐hematocrit strategy, the estimated risk of death was 4.6 (95% CI 4.4–4.9) percentage points higher under the high‐hematocrit strategy and 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.9) percentage points higher under the mid‐hematocrit strategy. The corresponding risk differences for a composite outcome of death and myocardial infarction were similar.ConclusionAn explicit emulation of a target trial using electronic health records, combined with the parametric g‐formula, allowed comparison of real‐world dynamic strategies that have not been compared in randomized trials.
Incidence of sleep disturbances in patients with familial Mediterranean fever and the relation of sleep quality with disease activity
Authors: Kucuksahin Orhan , Omma Ahmet , Ozdemirel Ali Erhan , Tecer Duygu , Ulutas Sümeyye , Maras Yüksel , Balkarlı Ayşe , Erten Şükran 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate the sleep quality and the relation of sleep quality with depression, anxiety, fatigue and disease activity in adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).MethodOne hundred and seventy‐four FMF patients and 84 age‐sex matched healthy individuals were included in this study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Index (HADS) were used to assess sleep quality, fatigue, depression and anxiety, respectively.ResultFMF patients had significantly higher depression, anxiety, fatigue and PSQI scores than healthy controls. As the severity of the disease increased, scores of total PSQI and its domains increased. Patients with total PSQI score higher than 5 had statistically significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), serum C‐reactive protein and serum amyloid levels during attacks, more attack numbers in last 3 months and worse fatigue, depression scores. Total PSQI score was positively correlated with inflammatory markers during attacks, attack numbers in the last 3 months and fatigue score. Logistic regression models identified disease duration, ESR during attacks, fatigue, attack numbers in the last 3 months as predictors of poor sleep quality.ConclusionPoor sleep quality is common in adult FMF patients. Anxiety, depression and fatigue are more frequent in FMF patients than healthy individuals. Poor sleep quality is associated with inflammatory marker levels during attacks, fatigue and attack numbers in the last 3 months.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Nursing Care Plan Applied Using NANDA, NOC, and NIC Linkages to Elderly Women with Incontinence Living in a Nursing Home: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gencbas Dercan , Bebis Hatice , Cicek Hatice 
Published: May 2017

PURPOSEEvaluate the efficiency of the nursing care plan, applied with the use of NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC (NNN) linkages, for elderly women with incontinence who live in nursing homes.METHODSA randomized controlled experimental design was applied. NNN linkages were prepared and applied for 12 weeks in an experimental group. NOC scales were evaluated again for two groups.RESULTSA 0.5 NOC point change targeted in all elderly in the experimental group were provided between pretest–posttest scores. The experimental group had higher life quality and lower incontinence severity/symptoms than the control group.CONCLUSIONIt is important that NNN linkages effective for solving the problems are used in different groups and with larger samples to create further evidence linking NNN.
Adverse events of group psychotherapy in the in‐patient setting – results of a naturalistic trial
Authors: Schneibel R. , Wilbertz G. , Scholz C. , Becker M. , Brakemeier E.‐L. , Bschor T. , Zobel I. , Schmoll D. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveAdverse events of psychotherapy have often been neglected in research. In this study, potential adverse events of group psychotherapies in a psychiatric hospital were systematically assessed, explored for predictors and linked to treatment outcome.MethodA naturalistic trial was conducted in 180 in‐patients attending different group psychotherapies. Adverse events were assessed using three different measures: (i) weekly reporting of unwanted treatment reactions, (ii) mood changes in response to every single group session and (iii) premature group termination.ResultsDifferent measures of adverse events were weakly associated. Deterioration of mood state and/or unwanted treatment reactions were experienced by 60–65% of all patients. Reports of unwanted treatment reactions decreased over time and were negatively associated with symptom improvement. However, mood state deterioration was constant and unrelated to treatment outcome. The rate of premature group termination was 34%. Significant predictors of adverse events included patient characteristics as well as disadvantageous group conditions.ConclusionsFor the majority of patients, group psychotherapy in the in‐patient setting is associated with adverse events. Changes over time and a strong correlation with general symptom severity must be considered in the assessment and interpretation of adverse events. Predictors should be considered as potential risk factors in future research.
Variable rainfall has a greater effect than fire on the demography of the dominant tree in a semi‐arid Eucalyptus savanna
Authors: Fensham Roderick J. , Freeman Michelle E. , Laffineur Boris , Macdermott Harry , Prior Lynda D. , Werner Patricia A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRainfall, fire and competition are emphasized as determinants of the density and basal area of woody vegetation in savanna. The semi‐arid savannas of Australia have substantial multi‐year rainfall deficits and insufficient grass fuel to carry annual fire in contrast to the mesic savannas in more northern regions. This study investigates the influence of rainfall deficit and excess, fire and woody competition on the population dynamics of a dominant tree in a semi‐arid savanna. All individuals of Eucalyptus melanophloia were mapped and monitored in three, 1‐ha plots over an 8.5 year period encompassing wet and dry periods. The plots were unburnt, burnt once and burnt twice. A competition index incorporating the size and distance of neighbours to target individuals was determined. Supplementary studies examined seedling recruitment and the transition of juvenile trees into the sapling layer. Mortality of burnt seedlings was related to lignotuber area but the majority of seedlings are fire resistant within 12 months of germination. Most of the juveniles (≤1 cm dbh) of E. melanophloia either died in the dry period or persisted as juveniles throughout 8.5 years of monitoring. Mortality of juveniles was positively related to woody competition and was higher in the dry period than the wet period. The transition of juveniles to a larger size class occurred at extremely low rates, and a subsidiary study along a clearing boundary suggests release from woody competition allows transition into the sapling layer. From three fires the highest proportion of saplings (1–10 cm dbh) reduced to juveniles was only 5.6% suggesting rates of ‘top‐kill’ of E. melanophloia as a result of fire are relatively low. Girth growth was enhanced in wet years, particularly for larger trees (>10 cm dbh), but all trees regardless of size or woody competition levels are vulnerable to drought‐induced mortality. Overall the results suggest that variations in rainfall, especially drought‐induced mortality, have a much stronger influence on the tree demographics of E. melanophloia in a semi‐arid savanna of north‐eastern Australia than fire.
Sublingual immunotherapy provides long‐term relief in allergic rhinitis and reduces the risk of asthma: A retrospective, real‐world database analysis
Authors: Zielen S. , Devillier P. , Heinrich J. , Richter H. , Wahn U. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAllergy immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or allergic asthma (AA) with long‐term efficacy. However, there are few real‐life data on the progression of AR and/or AA in patients receiving AIT.ObjectivesTo assess the real‐world, long‐term efficacy of grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets in AR and their impact on asthma onset and progression.MethodsIn a retrospective analysis of a German longitudinal prescription database, AR patients treated with grass pollen SLIT tablets were compared with a control group not having received AIT. Multiple regression analysis was used to compare changes over time in rescue symptomatic AR medication use after treatment cessation, asthma medication use, and the time to asthma onset in the two groups.ResultsAfter applying all selection criteria, 2851 SLIT and 71 275 control patients were selected for the study. After treatment cessation, AR medication use was 18.8 percentage points lower (after adjustment for covariates, and relative to the pretreatment period) in SLIT tablet group than in the non‐AIT group (P<.001). Asthma onset was less frequent in SLIT tablet group than in non‐AIT group (odds ratio: 0.696, P=.002), and time to asthma was significantly longer (hazard ratio: 0.523; P=.003). After SLIT cessation, asthma medication use fell by an additional 16.7 percentage points (relative to the pretreatment period) in the SLIT tablet group vs the non‐AIT group (P=.004).ConclusionsReal‐world treatment of AR patients with grass pollen SLIT tablets was associated with slower AR progression, less frequent asthma onset, and slower asthma progression.
Psychosocial factors and traumatic dental injuries among adolescents
Authors: Baxevanos Konstantinos , Topitsoglou Vasiliki , Menexes Georgios , Kalfas Sotirios 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the association of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and psychosocial factors in adolescents and to identify psychological profiles associated with TDI.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 531 students aged 13‐16 years. Data were collected through oral examination and a structured interview with the adolescents, in conjunction with a questionnaire answered by their mothers. Associations between TDI and independent variables were analysed using a model‐based approach, while an exploratory data analysis was applied to identify homogenous clusters of adolescents in relation to their sense of coherence (SoC), perception of parental support and their mothers' SoC. These clusters were examined further for associations with TDI and psychosocial variables.ResultsThe prevalence of TDI was 15.8%. Adolescents with high TDI prevalence were males, nonfirstborns, or those frequently engaging in physical activity. In addition, both their own SoC and that of their mother were low and they reported low parental support. They were also prone to complaining about the behaviour of their peer group. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) demonstrated three homogenous clusters. The cluster with the highest scores for all psychological variables included adolescents with low TDI prevalence, low paternal punishment, spacious home environment, high Family Affluence Scale (FAS) score, good school grades, few complaints about schoolmates and higher maternal education.ConclusionsPsychosocial factors appear to influence an adolescent's risk of TDI. High parental support, high own and maternal SoC and a higher socioeconomic status (SES) are typical of adolescents with low TDI experience.
Prehabilitation for kidney transplant candidates: Is it time?
Authors: Cheng Xingxing S. , Myers Jonathan N. , Chertow Glenn M. , Rabkin Ralph , Chan Khin N. , Chen Yu , Tan Jane C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany patients become frail with diminished cardiorespiratory fitness while awaiting kidney transplantation. Frailty and poor fitness powerfully predict mortality, transplant graft survival, and healthcare utilization after kidney transplantation. Efforts to intervene with post‐transplant physical therapy have been met with limited success, in large part due to high study dropout. We reviewed the literature on chronic kidney disease and exercise to propose a clinical framework for physical therapy interventions to improve fitness, scheduled for before the transplant. This framework may lead to better patient retention and compliance, and thus demonstrate better efficacy in mitigating the effects of frailty and poor fitness after kidney transplantation.
Extending utility of hierarchical models to multi‐scale habitat selection
Authors: Lipsey Marisa K. , Naugle David E. , Nowak Joshua , Lukacs Paul M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimCharacterizing animal habitat selection is central to ecology and conservation, and understanding selection across multiple spatial scales is a particular priority for research. However, the ability of selection models to capture multi‐scale response has been limited by the dual analytical hurdles of cross‐scale collinearity and overlapping landscapes. The aim of this study was to overcome these limitations using a novel, spatially hierarchical approach.LocationNorth America's northern Great Plains (U.S.A. and Canada).MethodsWe developed a novel adaptation of the occupancy modelling framework that integrates animal response conditionally across scales. We then compared outcomes to those from a traditional multi‐scale model. We illustrated our approach using the breeding distribution of two North American grassland songbirds of conservation concern, Sprague's Pipit Anthus spragueii and Chestnut‐collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus.ResultsOur model successfully captured bird response to local habitat within a broader landscape context, even when habitat associations occurred in opposite directions across scale. Probabilities of occupancy were more strongly affected by local conditions when landscape context was favourable than when it was unfavourable. The traditional multi‐scale approach extended problems of scale into spatial predictions by over‐estimating occurrence where conditions were locally favourable but regionally unsuitable.Main conclusionsThe spatially hierarchical approach provides an integrated model of habitat selection across scales by allowing broader landscape context to shape local response to conditions. For grassland songbirds, our application enabled targeting that could enhance the expected benefits of conservation when compared to the traditional approach.