bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The politics of agrarian change in Bolivia's soy complex
Authors: McKay Ben M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper analyses the politics of agrarian change in Bolivia in the context of the development and expansion of the soy complex in Santa Cruz. It attempts to contribute to a better understanding of the nature and role of the state in relation to agrarian change through what is referred to here as the state–society–capital nexus. From an “agrarian” to a “productive” revolution in the countryside, this paper situates the rise of the Movement Toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo, MAS) to state power and its ability to maintain control over the state apparatus by balancing both accumulation and legitimation interests through its neo‐extractivist development strategy. As extractivist rents fall with the commodities bust and smallholders' exclusion becomes more apparent, the MAS' overextension in facilitating capital accumulation is beginning to show signs of a legitimacy crisis. The politics of agrarian change remain as contested as the dynamics within the state–society–capital nexus.
Experiences of older people following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A phenomenological study
Authors: Rosa Francesca , Bagnasco Annamaria , Ghirotto Luca , Rocco Gennaro , Catania Gianluca , Aleo Giuseppe , Zanini Milko , Dasso Nicoletta , Hayter Mark , Sasso Loredana 
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectivesTo explore the experience of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following hospitalisation due to an acute exacerbation event.BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressively debilitating disease, often with very burdensome symptoms such as acute and chronic breathlessness and fatigue. Acute exacerbation often creates a life‐threatening event. Exacerbation can also have substantial psychological effects including anxiety and depression although this aspect is less well researched—especially amongst people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease recovering from an acute event and facing a return home.DesignA descriptive phenomenological study.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients recently recovering from an acute exacerbation of their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological framework.ResultsFour themes were identified from the data: a sense of loss and frustration, hopelessness, uncertainty about the future and fear of becoming a burden. Participants expressed quite negative views including a loss of hope, uncertainty about their future care and the burden they may become on their families. They appeared stressed and anxious as a result of the acute event they had experienced.ConclusionsThis study shows that an acute episode of illness can generate a sense of hopelessness and uncertainty about their future care in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This occurs as they recover physically and think about the future, often in quite negative terms.Relevance to clinical practiceFor healthcare professionals, it is important to take into account the potential feelings of loss, hopelessness and uncertainty that people can experience following an acute exacerbation of their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ensure that psychological care is available as physical recovery takes place. Such care to include good discharge planning, giving patients time to express concerns and referral to counselling services if appropriate.
Perceptions and experiences of nutritional care following the overwhelming experience of lower extremity amputation: A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Pia Søe , Green Sue M , Petersen Janne , Andersen Ove , Poulsen Ingrid 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionGood nutritional care of people following major lower extremity amputation is essential as poor nutritional status can lead to delayed wound healing. Working with patients to identify their perspectives on food, views on nutritional care and the need for dietary counselling enables the development of optimised nutritional care.Aims and objectivesTo explore hospital patients′ perspectives on food, dietary counselling and their experiences of nutritional care following lower extremity amputation.DesignA qualitative, explorative study design was employed.MethodAn inductive content analysis of semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 17 people over 50 years of age, who had recently undergone major lower extremity amputation, was undertaken. The study was reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guideline.FindingsThree themes emerged: responsible for own dietary intake, diet based on preferences and experiences with dietary counselling and feeling overwhelmed. The participants expressed motivation to ensure their nutritional needs were met but described feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the experience of amputation. They appeared not to expect nursing staff to focus on nutritional issues as they expressed belief that they themselves were solely responsible for their dietary intake. They described being motivated to receive nutritional counselling but indicated advice should be compatible with their lifestyle and eating habits.ConclusionLower extremity amputation can be an overwhelming experience which affects nutritional intake. People appear to consider themselves responsible for their nutritional care and describe not experiencing or expecting nursing staff to engage in this aspect of care. Dietary counselling by nurses who respect and incorporate patient preferences and experiences following amputation has the potential to enhance nutritional care.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study illustrates that nurses caring for people who undergo lower extremity amputation need to recognise that nutritional care is an essential component of nursing and should focus on working in partnership with the patient.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale of caring nurse–patient interaction competence
Authors: Chung Hui‐Chun , Hsieh Tsung‐Cheng , Chen Yueh‐Chih , Chang Shu‐Chuan , Hsu Wen‐Lin 
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale, which can be used to determine clinical nurses’ competence. The results can also serve to promote nursing competence and improve patient satisfaction.BackgroundNurse–patient interaction is critical for improving nursing care quality. However, to date, no relevant validated instrument has been proposed for assessing caring nurse–patient interaction competence in clinical practice. This study adapted and validated the Chinese version of the caring nurse–patient interaction scale.DesignA cross‐cultural adaptation and validation study.MethodsA psychometric analysis of the four major constructs of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale was conducted on a sample of 356 nurses from a medical centre in China. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis were adopted to extract the main components, both the internal consistency and correlation coefficients were used to examine reliability and a confirmatory factor analysis was adopted to verify the construct validity.ResultsThe goodness‐of‐fit results of the model were strong. The standardised factor loadings of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale ranged from 0.73–0.95, indicating that the validity and reliability of this instrument were favourable. Moreover, the 12 extracted items explained 95.9% of the measured content of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale.ConclusionsThe results serve as empirical evidence regarding the validity and reliability of the Chinese Comfort, Afford, Respect, and Expect scale.Relevance to clinical practiceHospital nurses increasingly demand help from patients and their family members in identifying health problems and assisting with medical decision‐making. Therefore, enhancing nurses’ competence in nurse–patient interactions is crucial for nursing and hospital managers to improve nursing care quality. The Chinese caring nurse–patient interaction scale can serve as an effective tool for nursing and hospital managers to evaluate the caring nurse–patient interaction confidence of nurses and improve inpatient satisfaction and quality of care.
Prediction of no‐reflow and major adverse cardiovascular events with a new scoring system in STEMI patients
Authors: Bayramoğlu Adil , Taşolar Hakan , Kaya Ahmet , Tanboğa İbrahim Halil , Yaman Mehmet , Bektaş Osman , Günaydın Zeki Yüksel , Oduncu Vecih 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundNo‐reflow is associated with a poor prognosis in STEMI patients. There are many factors and mechanisms that contribute to the development of no‐reflow, including age, reperfusion time, a high thrombus burden, Killip class, long stent use, ejection fraction ≤40, and a high Syntax score. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the parameters associated with no‐reflow prediction by creating a new scoring system.MethodsThe study included 515 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PCI; 632 STEMI patients who had undergone PCI in another center were included in the external validation of the scoring system. The correlations between 1‐year major adverse cardiac events and low/high risk score were assessed.ResultsIn this study, seven independent variables were used to build a risk score for predicting no‐reflow. The predictors of no‐reflow are age, EF ≤40, SS ≥22, stent length ≥20, thrombus grade ≥4, Killip class ≥3, and pain‐balloon time ≥4 h. In the derivation group, the optimal threshold score for predicting no‐reflow was >10, with a 75% sensitivity and 77.7% specificity (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.809, 95%CI: 0.772‐0.842, P < 0.001). In the validation group, AUC was 0.793 (95%CI: 0.760‐0.824, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis new score, which can be calculated in STEMI patients before PCI and used to predict no‐reflow in STEMI patients, may help physicians to estimate the development of no‐reflow in the pre‐PCI period.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the combination of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Radix Paeoniae against focal cerebral ischaemia via TLR4/MyD88/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway in MCAO rats
Authors: Gu Junfei , Su Shulan , Guo Jianming , Zhu Yue , Zhao Ming , Duan Jin-ao 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Objective
This study was performed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the combination of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Radix Paeoniae (XS) on focal cerebral ischaemic stroke.

Methods
MCAO rats were used to evaluate the effect of XS on stroke. Cerebral water content was measured, and the levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12 in serum and brain were assessed by ELISA kits. Protein expressions including p-p38, p-38, TLR-4, p-ERK, ERK, TLR-5, NF-κBp65, Myd88, Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 were examined by WB and IHC. Q-PCR was applied to examine IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels in the rat brain of each group.

Key findings
XS treatment remarkedly decreased the levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12 in serum and brain tissues of MCAO rats. In the ischaemic brain, the expressions of TLR-4, TLR-5, p-p38, p-ERK, Myd88, NF-κBp65, Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 were increased significantly, while the treatment attenuated the activated expressions by MCAO. XS also downregulated Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 expressions. IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels in MCAO brain tissue were decreased by XS treatment.

Conclusions
XS could protect MCAO rats by anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis through TLR4/MyD88/MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway. Furthermore, the combination has a more meaningful improvement on focal cerebral ischaemic stroke.
Transfer rates of aflatoxins from herbal medicines to decoctions determined by an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method
Authors: Nian Yujiao , Wang Haiwei , Ying Guangyao , Yang Meihua , Wang Ze , Kong Weijun , Yang Shihai 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the transfer rates of aflatoxins from several contaminated herbal medicines by fungi to their decoctions.

Methods
Five types of commonly used herbal medicines including Lilii Bulbus, Hordei Fructus Germinatus, Nelumbinis Semen, Polygalae Radix and Bombyx Batryticatus were selected as the examples. Raw herbal medicine samples were treated by ultrasonication-assisted extraction with 70% methanol and immunoaffinity column clean-up, and the decoctions were prepared following the commonly used boiling method with water for 2 h. Then, the optimized high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method was validated for the quantitative analysis of four aflatoxins (AFG2, AFG1, AFB2 and AFB1) after postcolumn photochemical derivatization, which was proved to be reliable and sensitive.

Key findings
Aflatoxins were detected to be transferred from the herbal medicines to decoctions with significantly different transfer rates in the five types of herbal medicines. Quietly high transfer rates of 7.26–115.36% for AFG2, 4.37–26.37% for AFB1 and 9.64–47.68% for AFB2 were obtained. AFB1 as the most toxic aflatoxin expressed the lowest transfer rate, but still exhibited high amount in the samples.

Conclusions
Therefore, the monitoring of aflatoxins in herbal medicines and their decoctions is in great urgency to ensure the security of consumers taking decoctions.
Distribution of ABO/Rh blood groups and their association with hepatitis B virus infection in 3.8 million Chinese adults: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu J. , Zhang S. , Liu M. , Wang Q. , Shen H. , Zhang Y. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryABO and Rh blood groups play a vital role in blood transfusion safety and clinical practice and are thought to be linked with disease susceptibility. The results from previous studies that focused on the association between blood groups and HBV infection remain controversial. China has the world's largest burden of HBV infection. We assessed the distribution of ABO/Rh blood groups in Chinese adults and examined the association between these groups and HBV infection. We did a nationwide cross‐sectional study using data from a physical check‐up programme from 31 provinces examined between 2010 and 2012. ELISA was used to test for HBsAg in serologic samples. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate aOR of the association between ABO and Rh blood groups and HBV infection. Among 3 827 125 participants, the proportion of participants with blood group A was highest (30.54%), followed by O (30.37%), B (29.42%) and AB (9.66%). A total of 38 907 (1.02%) were Rh‐D negative. The prevalence of HBsAg in blood groups O, A, B and AB were 6.34%, 5.55%, 5.18% and 5.06%, respectively. HBsAg prevalence was 5.65% in Rh‐D‐positive and 3.96% in Rh‐D‐negative participants. After controlling for other potential risk factors, multivariate models showed that participants with blood group O (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.25) were at higher risk of HBV infection compared with group AB. Rh‐D‐positive participants (adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.37‐1.52) were at higher risk of HBV infection than Rh‐D‐negative participants. The associations between ABO/Rh blood groups and HBV infection were similar in subgroup analysis. The proportions of O, A, B and AB blood groups were approximately 3:3:3:1, and nearly 1 in 100 people was Rh‐D negative among Chinese adults. Blood group O and Rh‐D positivity were both associated with increased HBV infection. The risk of HBV infection and blood safety should be taken into consideration in clinical practice, especially when transfusing those with blood group O. Awareness and prevention of HBV infection is of particular importance for individuals with blood group O.
Temporal trend and risk determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients on entecavir or tenofovir
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Chun , Ho Hsiu‐J. , Lee Teng‐Yu , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wu Chun‐Ying , El‐Serag Hashem B. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to elucidate the temporal change and determinants for the risk of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B continuously receiving NUC. Through analysis of the national healthcare database in Taiwan, we screened a total of 65 426 infected patients receiving entecavir or tenofovir for at least 3 months and excluded those with lamivudine, adefovir or telbivudine exposure, malignancy, end‐stage renal failure or a diagnosis of HCC within 3 months of starting treatment. Eligible patients (N = 27 820) were followed until HCC occurrence, completion of the allowed 3‐year regimen or 31 December 2013. During a median follow‐up of 25.1 (12.1‐35.6) months, 802 patients developed HCC, with 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year cumulative incidence of 1.82% (95% CI, 1.66‐1.99%), 3.05% (95% CI, 2.82‐3.28%) and 4.06% (95% CI, 3.77‐4.36%), respectively. HCC annual incidence decreased with an adjusted IRR of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.66‐0.80) per yearly interval and was associated with cirrhosis (IRR, 10.07; 95% CI, 6.00‐16.90 in age <40 years; 4.69; 95% CI, 3.94‐5.59 in age ≧40 years), age (IRR, 3.38; 95% CI, 2.10‐5.47 for 40‐50 years; 6.92; 95% CI, 4.27‐11.21 for 50‐60 years; 12.50; 95% CI, 7.71‐20.25 for ≧60 years; <40 years as reference), male sex (IRR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.44‐2.04), HCV coinfection (IRR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.58) and diabetes (IRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.45). In conclusion, the risk of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving entecavir or tenofovir declines over time and is determined by cirrhosis, age, male sex, HCV coinfection and diabetes.
Safety and efficacy of telbivudine in late pregnancy to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Y. , Xu C. , Xu B. , Hu L. , Liu Q. , Chen J. , Liu J. , Liu L. , Yang J. , Chen T. , Wen J. , Jiang N. , Zhang Y. , Cao M. , Feng J. , Lin X. , Wang Z. , Xu B. , Zhou Y. ‐H. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryInfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs in ~10% of infants of HBV‐infected mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) after immunoprophylaxis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of telbivudine used during late pregnancy for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV. We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study in 5 hospitals from 2012 to 2014, which enrolled HBV‐infected singleton pregnant women with positive HBeAg. By their choice, women were divided into therapy (telbivudine 600 mg/day, from gestation 28‐32 weeks to 3‐4 weeks postpartum) and control (no antiviral agent) groups. Infants received passive‐active immunoprophylaxis and follow‐up at the age of 7‐14 months. Totally, 328 pregnant women were included: 149 in the telbivudine group and 179 in the control group. Baseline HBV DNA levels were similar in the 2 groups (7.43 vs 7.37 log10 IU/mL, P = .711). At delivery, HBV DNA levels in the telbivudine and control groups were 3.80 and 7.26 log10 IU/mL, respectively (P < .0001). Of the infants, 128 (85.9%) in the telbivudine group and 156 (87.2%) in the control group were followed up. No infant in the telbivudine group had chronic infection, while 2 (1.28%) infants in the control group did (P = .503). Three (2.34%) infants in the telbivudine group, but none in the control group, had severe congenital or developmental abnormalities (P = .090). The data indicate that telbivudine may block perinatal HBV transmission. However, larger studies are required to clarify whether anti‐HBV therapy in pregnancy is associated with severe adverse effects in the foetuses and infants.
Are the big and beautiful less bold? Differences in avian fearfulness between the sexes in relation to body size and colour
Authors: Guay P.‐J. , Leppitt R. , Weston M. A. , Yeager T. R. , van Dongen W. F. D. , Symonds M. R. E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConspicuousness towards predators may influence escape behaviour (or ‘fearfulness’) among animals, with more conspicuous species initiating escape behaviour earlier. Among birds, for example, body size and colour may influence differences in escape behaviour between species, and possibly between the sexes of dimorphic species. We examined 19 bird species with varying degrees of body size and colour dimorphism (including individually marked and sexed monomorphic species), to examine whether these two potential measures of conspicuousness influence sex differences in flight‐initiation distance (FID). Starting Distance (the distance at which an observer commenced approaching a bird, which is an artefact of investigator behaviour; SD) was not correlated with dimorphism, so we used phylogenetically controlled models which explored the correlation between dimorphism and FID. Modelling indicated that only sex differences in SD correlated with sex differences in FID in these birds, and that dimorphism in either plumage or body size does not apparently correlate with sex differences in FID. These results suggest that, among the 19 bird species investigated, apparent differences in the conspicuousness to predators between the sexes do not influence escape behaviour. This suggests that either conspicuousness to predators does not influence escape distances in these species, or that sex differences in conspicuousness were too subtle to result in variation in FIDs.
Testing for Statistical Discrimination Based on Gender
Authors: Lesner Rune V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGender wage gaps are a prevailing feature of the labour market. Statistical discrimination has been highlighted as a potential source. However, the evidence is scarce. The employer learning literature provides a testable framework. This paper develops an employer learning model which incorporates screening discrimination, stereotyping and prejudiced beliefs. Implications of screening discrimination are found not to be consistent with wage dynamics in the Danish labour market. Stereotyping with prejudiced beliefs is argued to be a more plausible candidate. Workplace characteristics, such as the fraction of women in high‐ranking positions, do not affect the level of screening discrimination by gender.
Efficient Infrastructure Restoration Strategies Using the Recovery Operator
Authors: González Andrés D. , Chapman Airlie , Dueñas‐Osorio Leonardo , Mesbahi Mehran , D'Souza Raissa M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInfrastructure systems are critical for society's resilience, government operation, and overall defense. Thereby, it is imperative to develop informative and computationally efficient analysis methods for infrastructure systems, which reveal system vulnerabilities and recoverability. To capture practical constraints in systems analyses, various layers of complexity play a role, including limited element capacities, restoration resources, and the presence of interdependence among systems. High‐fidelity modeling such as mixed integer programming and physics‐based modeling can often be computationally expensive, making time‐sensitive analyses challenging. Furthermore, the complexity of recovery solutions can reduce analysis transparency. An alternative, presented in this work, is a reduced‐order representation, dubbed a recovery operator, of a high‐fidelity time‐dependent recovery model of a system of interdependent networks. The form of the operator is assumed to be a time‐invariant linear dynamic model apt for infrastructure restoration. The recovery operator is generated by applying system identification techniques to numerous disaster and recovery scenarios. The proposed compact representation provides simple yet powerful information regarding systemic recovery dynamics, and enables generating fast suboptimal recovery policies in time‐critical applications.