bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Much Voice for Borrowers? Restricted Feedback and Recursivity in Microfinance
Authors: Mader Philip 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis paper studies the governance of microfinance and asks about its recursivity: whether the system is responsive to changes prompted by feedback from borrowers or not. It draws on Hirschmann's heuristic of exit and voice and the idea of participation in development, to examine three channels of feedback from borrowers to rule‐makers and ask to what extent they have facilitated or restricted recursivity in microfinance. The standardisation of microfinance along a financial template is shown to have created very open flows of financial information, useful for monitoring clients' exit, but not granting them voice. The more recent creation of systems for social performance management and pursuing ‘responsible' microfinance, however, has not resulted in similarly robust information flows, because, despite intentions to capture client satisfaction and feedback, these channels are severely restricted. They offer borrowers little chance to practically exercise voice and convey feedback which affects the rules. Recursivity studies, it is suggested, might integrate participation and exit/voice frameworks to explore the prospects of feedback from grassroots rule‐subjects and better understand the factors that can restrict it. For microfinance, it is suggested that government regulation and clients' collective action could be necessary where the sector's governance system shows itself to be unresponsive.
Introduction to the Special Section: Policy Instruments for Innovation, Investment and Global Trade
Authors: Klasen Andreas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis Special Section on policy instruments for innovation, investment and global trade presents several approaches how to foster economic growth. It deals with well‐known instruments such as guarantees and loans for trade finance as well as export credits. It also sheds light on how foreign direct investment strategies can be tremendously successful, and how governments can learn from effective policy approaches. It shows how financial instruments for investors can be used to manage and minimise risks. And, last but not least, it has a look at the government toolbox for innovation as well as the ingredients for an ecosystem combining different policy instruments.
Light therapy: is it safe for the eyes?
Authors: Brouwer A. , Nguyen H.‐T. , Snoek F. J. , van Raalte D. H. , Beekman A. T. F. , Moll A. C. , Bremmer M. A. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveLight therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment for depression and a range of other neuropsychiatric conditions. Yet, concerns have been raised about the ocular safety of light therapy.MethodWe conducted the first systematic review into the ocular safety of light therapy. A PubMed search on January 4, 2017, identified 6708 articles, of which 161 were full‐text reviewed. In total, 43 articles reporting on ocular complaints and ocular examinations were included in the analyses.ResultsOcular complaints, including ocular discomfort and vision problems, were reported in about 0% to 45% of the participants of studies involving light therapy. Based on individual studies, no evident relationship between the occurrence of complaints and light therapy dose was found. There was no evidence for ocular damage due to light therapy, with the exception of one case report that documented the development of a maculopathy in a person treated with the photosensitizing antidepressant clomipramine.ConclusionResults suggest that light therapy is safe for the eyes in physically healthy, unmedicated persons. The ocular safety of light therapy in persons with preexisting ocular abnormalities or increased photosensitivity warrants further study. However, theoretical considerations do not substantiate stringent ocular safety‐related contraindications for light therapy.
Effects of epidural volume extension by saline injection on the efficacy and safety of intrathecal local anaesthetics: systematic review with meta‐analysis, meta‐regression and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Heesen M. , Weibel S. , Klimek M. , Rossaint R. , Arends L. R. , Kranke P. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryEpidural volume extension, a modification of combined spinal–epidural anaesthesia, involves the epidural injection of saline in order to increase the spread of drugs given intrathecally. Results from individual studies have so far been contradictory and we aimed to gather the available evidence for this technique. We performed a systematic literature search for randomised, controlled trials comparing epidural volume extension after spinal injection with a control group without epidural injection in patients undergoing surgery. Conventional meta‐analyses, trial sequential analyses and meta‐regression were performed, with the Grading of Recommendations on Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach used to express reliability of outcome estimates. We included 15 studies with 1177 participants. Meta‐analyses for the primary outcomes, such as maximum sensory height (6 studies, 274 participants, mean difference (MD) (95%CI) −0.59 (−1.24 to 0.07) dermatomes, low‐quality evidence) and hypotension (10 studies, 683 participants, risk ratio (95%CI) 0.84 (0.66–1.07), low‐quality evidence), did not differ significantly between the two treatment arms, but trial sequential analysis suggested insufficient evidence to be certain of these findings. Meta‐regression suggested a volume‐dependent effect, with higher volumes causing a higher spread of intrathecal drugs and a higher incidence of hypotension. A sub‐group analysis indicated a pronounced effect on motor block recovery time when a lower anaesthetic dose plus epidural volume extension was compared with a higher anaesthetic dose without epidural volume extension, the MD (95%CI) being −66.75 (−76.0 to −57.5) min, with trial sequential analysis suggesting the evidence was sufficient to draw this conclusion. In trials using the same anaesthetic mixture in the epidural volume extension and the control groups, motor block recovery time did not differ between groups, with a MD (95%CI) of −1.06 (−5.48 to 3.36) min, although trial sequential analysis suggested insufficient evidence. In summary, there is not enough evidence to draw definite conclusions on the effect of epidural volume extension. The quality of the current evidence is low for both efficacy (maximum sensory height) and safety (hypotension). However, there may be a significantly shorter motor block recovery time when different anaesthetic mixtures are used in epidural volume extension and control groups; this warrants further investigation.
External evaluation of population pharmacokinetic models for ciclosporin in adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Mao Jun‐Jun , Jiao Zheng , Yun Hwi‐Yeol , Zhao Chen‐Yan , Chen Han‐Chao , Qiu Xiao‐Yan , Zhong Ming‐Kang 
Published: September 2017

AimsSeveral population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models for ciclosporin (CsA) in adult renal transplant recipients have been constructed to optimize the therapeutic regimen of CsA. However, little is known about their predictabilities when extrapolated to different clinical centres. Therefore, this study aimed to externally evaluate the predictive ability of CsA popPK models and determine the potential influencing factors.MethodsA literature search was conducted and the predictive performance was determined for each selected model using an independent data set of 62 patients (471 predose and 500 2‐h postdose concentrations) from our hospital. Prediction‐based diagnostics and simulation‐based normalized prediction distribution error were used to evaluate model predictability. The influence of prior information was assessed using Bayesian forecasting. Additionally, potential factors influencing model predictability were investigated.ResultsSeventeen models extracted from 17 published popPK studies were assessed. Prediction‐based diagnostics showed that ethnicity potentially influenced model transferability. Simulation‐based normalized prediction distribution error analyses indicated misspecification in most of the models, especially regarding variance. Bayesian forecasting demonstrated that the predictive performance of the models substantially improved with 2–3 prior observations. The predictability of nonlinear Michaelis–Menten models was superior to that of linear compartmental models when evaluating the impact of structural models, indicating the underlying nonlinear kinetics of CsA. Structural model, ethnicity, covariates and prior observations potentially affected model predictability.ConclusionsStructural model is the predominant factor influencing model predictability. Incorporation of nonlinear kinetics in CsA popPK modelling should be considered. Moreover, Bayesian forecasting substantially improved model predictability.
Partners of nulliparous women with severe fear of childbirth: A longitudinal study of psychological well‐being
Authors: Ryding Elsa Lena , Read Sanna , Rouhe Hanna , Halmesmäki Erja , Salmela‐Aro Katariina , Toivanen Riikka , Tokola Maiju , Saisto Terhi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the psychological status of partners of women with severe fear of childbirth (FOC). In this longitudinal study from Helsinki University Central Hospital, we investigated FOC, depression, and posttraumatic stress in the partners of women with severe FOC, and possible effects of group psychoeducation and mode of birth.Methods: During pregnancy, 250 partners of nulliparous women with severe FOC participated, 93 in the intervention group and 157 in the control group. At 3 months postpartum, 52 partners in the intervention group and 93 in the control group participated. Both the partners and the childbearing women filled in the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale mid‐pregnancy as well as 3 months postpartum, when they also filled in the Traumatic Event Scale.ResultsPartners of women with severe FOC reported less antenatal and postnatal FOC and fewer depressive symptoms than the childbearing women. No partner reached the threshold of severe FOC. No partner reported a possible posttraumatic stress disorder. Group psychoeducation with relaxation was not associated with better or worse psychological well‐being of the partners. An emergency cesarean delivery was associated with a more fearful delivery experience in the partners.ConclusionPartners of nulliparous women with severe FOC neither seem to suffer from severe FOC nor reported posttraumatic stress symptoms after childbirth. They reported better psychological well‐being than the mothers both during pregnancy and after delivery. An unexpected cesarean may be a negative experience even for partners of childbearing women.
The sleeping patterns of Head Start children and the influence on developmental outcomes
Authors: Schlieber M. , Han J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundSleep has a significant influence on children's development. The objective of this study was to investigate Head Start children's sleeping patterns and the impact on cognitive and behavioural outcomes.MethodsUsing the 2009 cohort of the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (N = 2,868), information on sleeping patterns was assessed through parent interviews. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using direct assessments (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐IV, the Expressive One‐Word Picture Vocabulary Test, and Subtests of the Woodcock–Johnson III) in addition to teacher report. Behavioural outcomes were assessed through parent and teacher reports. A multiple regression analysis was performed for each outcome variable.ResultsDescriptive findings showed that 89% of children had a regular bedtime at least 4 days per week and that the average amount of sleep per night was 10.41 hr. White mothers were more likely than other racial groups to adhere to a consistent bedtime, and maternal employment predicted less hour of sleep per night. Multiple regression analyses revealed that disrupted sleep had a negative influence on cognitive outcomes, especially in areas of mathematical problem solving, receptive language, teacher‐reported literacy behaviours, and approaches to learning. Disrupted sleep was associated with the risk of misbehaviour by increasing teacher and parent ratings on aggressive behaviours, hyperactivity, and withdrawing in addition to decreased scores on overall social skills. Having an inconsistent bedtime negatively predicted expressive vocabulary and teacher‐reported literacy behaviours.ConclusionsThe findings of this study support the influential role of sleep on children's development. Sleeping through the night and having a consistent bedtime were found to be predictive of many areas of cognitive and behavioural development. Head Start staff can provide the supports to increase parental knowledge on appropriate child sleep practices.
IL‐33 and IgE stimulate mast cell production of IL‐2 and regulatory T cell expansion in allergic dermatitis
Authors: Salamon P. , Shefler I. , Moshkovits I. , Munitz A. , Horwitz Klotzman D. , Mekori Y. A. , Hershko A. Y. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundWe have previously shown that mast cells (MCs) suppress chronic allergic dermatitis in mice. The underlying mechanism involves MC‐derived IL‐2, which supports regulatory T cell (Treg) response at the site of inflammation. However, it is not clear what are the factors that drive MCs to produce IL‐2.ObjectiveTo understand the mechanisms that lead to IL‐2 production from MCs in chronic allergic dermatitis.MethodsIsolated murine bone marrow‐derived MCs (BMMCs) were incubated with various stimulators, and IL‐2 production was assessed by RT‐PCR and ELISA. The response of signalling pathways was evaluated by MAPK inhibitors and Western blot analysis. The effect of MC‐IL‐2 on Tregs was studied by incubation of splenic T cells with conditioned media obtained from activated BMMCs. Dermatitis was elicited by repeated exposures of mouse ears to oxazolone. MCs in mouse and human skin samples were evaluated by immunostaining.ResultsBMMCs released IL‐2 in response to IL‐33, and IL‐2 production was further enhanced by concomitant FcεRI activation. The effect of IL‐33 was mediated by activation of the MAPK family members. IL‐2 in conditioned media from IL‐33 and IgE‐stimulated BMMCs led to considerable expansion of Tregs in vitro. IL‐33 levels were elevated in oxazolone‐challenged ears along with increased numbers of IL‐2‐expressing MCs. Human skin with chronic inflammation also contained IL‐2‐expressing MCs that colocalized with IL‐33 staining in the dermis.ConclusionsIL‐33, in collaboration with IgE, is critical for MC‐IL‐2 production in allergic skin disease, thus leading to Treg stimulation and suppression of allergic dermatitis.
Network meta‐analysis of lorcaserin and oral hypoglycaemics for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity
Authors: Neff L. M. , Broder M. S. , Beenhouwer D. , Chang E. , Papoyan E. , Wang Z. W. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn addition to weight loss, randomized controlled trials have shown improvement in glycaemic control in patients taking lorcaserin. The aim of this study aim was to compare adding lorcaserin or other glucose lowering medications to metformin on weight and glycaemic control. A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. Included studies (published 1990–2014) were of lorcaserin or glucose lowering medications in type 2 diabetic patients compared to placebo or different active treatments. Studies had to report ≥1 key outcome (change in weight or HbA1c, % HbA1c <7, hypoglycaemia). Direct meta‐analysis was performed using DerSimonian and Laird random effects models, and network meta‐analysis with Bayesian Markov‐chain Monte Carlo random effects models; 6552 articles were screened and 41 included. Lorcaserin reduced weight significantly more than thiazolidinediones, glinides, sulphonylureas and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, some of which may have led to weight gain. There were no significant differences in weight change between lorcaserin and alpha‐glucoside inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Network meta‐analysis showed lorcaserin was non‐inferior to all other agents on HbA1c reduction and % achieving HbA1c of <7%. The risk of hypoglycaemia was not significantly different among studied agents except that sulphonylureas were associated with higher risk of hypoglycaemia than lorcaserin. Although additional studies are needed, this analysis suggests in a population of patients with a body mas index of ≥27 who do not achieve glycaemic control on a single agent, lorcaserin may be added as an alternative to an add‐on glucose lowering medication.
funrar: An R package to characterize functional rarity
Authors: Grenié Matthias , Denelle Pierre , Tucker Caroline M. , Munoz François , Violle Cyrille 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEmphasis has been put in recent ecological research on investigating phylogenetic, functional and taxonomic facets of biological diversity. While a flourishing number of indices have been proposed for assessing functional diversity, surprisingly few options are available to characterize functional rarity. Functional rarity can play a key role in community and ecosystem dynamics. We introduce here the funrar R package to quantify functional rarity based on species trait differences and species frequencies at local and regional scales. Because of the increasing availability of big datasets in macroecology and biogeography, we optimized funrar to work with large datasets of thousands of species and sites. We illustrate the use of the package to investigate the functional rarity of North and Central American mammals.
Carpal tunnel syndrome in mucopolysaccharidosis I: a registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Viskochil David , Muenzer Joseph , Guffon Nathalie , Garin Christophe , Munoz‐Rojas M Veronica , Moy Kristin A , Hutchinson Douglas T 
Published: September 2017

AimTo characterize carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I).MethodData were included for patients with MPS I who had either nerve conduction examination that included a diagnosis of CTS or who had CTS release surgery. Although this represented a subset of patients with CTS in the MPS I Registry, the criteria were considered the most objective for data analysis.ResultsAs of March 2016, 994 patients were categorized with either severe (Hurler syndrome) or attenuated (Hurler–Scheie or Scheie syndromes) MPS I. Among these, 291 had a CTS diagnosis based on abnormal nerve conduction (n=54) or release surgery (n=237). Median ages (minimum, maximum) at first CTS diagnosis were 5 years 2 months (10mo, 16y 2mo) and 9y 11mo (1y 8mo, 44y 1mo) for patients with severe and attenuated MPS I respectively. Most patients had their first CTS diagnosis after MPS I diagnosis (94%) and treatment (hematopoietic stem cell transplant and/or enzyme replacement therapy) (74%). For 11% of patients with attenuated disease, CTS diagnosis preceded MPS I diagnosis by a mean of 7 years 6 months.InterpretationCTS is a rare complication in pediatric patients and should alert medical care providers to the potential diagnosis of MPS I. Significant delays exist between diagnosis of CTS and MPS I for patients with attenuated disease.What this paper adds

There are significant delays in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I).

Enzyme replacement therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant do not prevent the development of CTS.

Testing for CTS in patients with MPS I is recommended to prevent irreparable damage.

CTS in pediatric patients should alert physicians to potential diagnosis of MPS I.
Social dimensions of land rights reform in Liberia: Some unresolved issues and policy dilemmas
Authors: Brown David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article is concerned with coherence in public policy in highly differentiated societies. It explores the challenges faced when seeking to develop policy in ways which both respond to progressive thinking and protect the interests of the poor. Land policy in Liberia illustrates the theme, specifically the 2013 ‘Land Rights Policy.’ The article shows how pressures for reform of customary governance and gender relations may undermine the institutions of local land management, and threaten the ability of the rural poor to defend their interests. This is of particular concern at the present time, given the appetite of external capital for land acquisition in Liberia, and the close alliances which it is forging with the Liberian elite.
Ungulates increase forest plant species richness to the benefit of non‐forest specialists
Authors: Boulanger Vincent , Dupouey Jean‐Luc , Archaux Frédéric , Badeau Vincent , Baltzinger Christophe , Chevalier Richard , Corcket Emmanuel , Dumas Yann , Forgeard Françoise , Mårell Anders , Montpied Pierre , Paillet Yoan , Picard Jean‐François , Saïd Sonia , Ulrich Erwin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLarge wild ungulates are a major biotic factor shaping plant communities. They influence species abundance and occurrence directly by herbivory and plant dispersal, or indirectly by modifying plant‐plant interactions and through soil disturbance. In forest ecosystems, researchers’ attention has been mainly focused on deer overabundance. Far less is known about the effects on understory plant dynamics and diversity of wild ungulates where their abundance is maintained at lower levels to mitigate impacts on tree regeneration. We used vegetation data collected over 10 years on 82 pairs of exclosure (excluding ungulates) and control plots located in a nation‐wide forest monitoring network (Renecofor). We report the effects of ungulate exclusion on (i) plant species richness and ecological characteristics, (ii) and cover percentage of herbaceous and shrub layers. We also analyzed the response of these variables along gradients of ungulate abundance, based on hunting statistics, for wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Outside the exclosures, forest ungulates maintained higher species richness in the herbaceous layer (+15%), while the shrub layer was 17% less rich, and the plant communities became more light‐demanding. Inside the exclosures, shrub cover increased, often to the benefit of bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Ungulates tend to favour ruderal, hemerobic, epizoochorous and non‐forest species. Among plots, the magnitude of vegetation changes was proportional to deer abundance. We conclude that ungulates, through the control of the shrub layer, indirectly increase herbaceous plant species richness by increasing light reaching the ground. However, this increase is detrimental to the peculiarity of forest plant communities and contributes to a landscape‐level biotic homogenization. Even at population density levels considered to be harmless for overall plant species richness, ungulates remain a conservation issue for plant community composition.