bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How simple is reading in Arabic? A cross‐sectional investigation of reading comprehension from first to sixth grade
Authors: Asadi Ibrahim A. , Khateb Asaid , Shany Michal 
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to examine, from a cross‐sectional perspective, the extent to which the simple view of reading (SVR) model can be adapted to the Arabic language. This was carried out by verifying, in both beginning and more skilled readers, whether the unique orthographical and morphological characteristics of Arabic contribute to reading comprehension beyond decoding and listening comprehension abilities. Reading comprehension was evaluated in a large sample of first to sixth‐grade Arabic‐speaking children. The participants' decoding and listening comprehension abilities were investigated together with their orthographic and morphological knowledge. Path analysis indicated that reading comprehension was moderately explained by the SVR (56–38%). Orthographic and morphological knowledge explained an additional 10–22% of the variance beyond that explained by the basic SVR components. These findings demonstrate that certain linguistic aspects of Arabic impact reading processes differently when compared with other languages. The psycholinguistic implications of these findings are discussed in the light of previous findings in the literature.What is already known about this topic?

The ‘simple view of reading’ model explains reading comprehension as the product of decoding and listening comprehension.
This model explains between 70% and 83% of the variance in reading comprehension in English, in which the contribution of decoding and listening comprehension varies as a function of the level of the readers.
Orthographic transparency and other unique characteristics of the languages studied might influence reading comprehension in these languages
What does this paper add?

Arabic is a diglossic language that is characterised by relatively unique orthographic and morphological features for which the validity of the simple view of reading (SVR) has not been tested.
The basic components of the SVR (decoding and listening comprehension) have explained between 56% and 38% of the variance in reading comprehension in children from the first to the sixth grade.
Decoding, as one of the basic components of the SVR, failed to contribute to reading comprehension when orthography and morphology were considered.
Implications for practice and/or policy

This large‐scale cross‐sectional study is the first of its type to assess reading comprehension in Arabic.
The study justifies the necessity to assess the suitability of the SVR in languages with very specific linguistic characteristics such as Arabic.
The results emphasise the necessity of considering the complex orthography and the rich morphology of Arabic for improving teaching, assessment and intervention.
Is the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) score associated with treatment outcome after endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding? A cohort study
Authors: Herman MC , Mak N , Geomini PM , Winkens B , Mol BW , Bongers MY ,   the International Heavy Menstrual Bleeding IPD Meta‐analysis Collaborative Group
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveThe Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBAC) is a validated tool that is used to diagnose heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Knowledge of the effect of its score and its relationship with outcome could have implications for using the PBAC as an outcome measurement in future HMB studies, and as a tool to evaluate the treatment effect in research and clinical practice. Our aim was to relate PBAC scores to other measures of success after endometrial ablation for HMB.DesignAnalysis of individual patient data (IPD) of randomised controlled trials studying women with HMB.SettingWomen with HMB consulting their gynecologists.Population or sampleIndividual patient data (IPD) of randomised controlled trials studying women with HMB.MethodsWe included studies if they had studied second‐generation endometrial ablation techniques and had collected PBAC scores for both baseline and follow‐up. The effectiveness of treatment was scored as satisfaction or re‐intervention (yes/no) 12 months after treatment. We related these outcomes to the PBAC score at 12 months after treatment, and to PBAC decrease between baseline and 12 months of follow‐up.ResultsWe studied data for 900 patients included in nine studies. The median PBAC score at 12 months was 7 (0–2500). The overall satisfaction rate was 89% and the overall re‐intervention rate was 7.2%. A clear association was found between absolute PBAC score at the 12‐month follow‐up and satisfaction (odds ratio, OR 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.11–0.24) and surgical re‐intervention (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8–2.8). A change in PBAC score was also associated with satisfaction (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7–2.3) and surgical re‐intervention (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.63–0.75). Both the absolute PBAC scores and the changes in score show high accuracy for both treatment outcomes.ConclusionsPBAC scores at 12 months after treatment are significantly associated with satisfaction and re‐intervention rates. We propose to use the PBAC in research as a primary end point in studies on HMB, and in clinical practice as a measure to assess the effectiveness of treatment.Tweetable abstractPBAC scores 12 months after treatment are significantly associated with satisfaction and reintervention rates.
Timing of insertion of levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: van der Heijden PAHH , Geomini PMAJ , Herman MC , Veersema S , Bongers MY 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveThe objective was to assess whether patient‐perceived pain during the insertion of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) depends on the timing during the menstrual cycle.DesignA stratified two‐armed non‐inferiority randomised controlled trial.SettingLarge teaching hospital in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.SampleFrom October 2013 to May 2014, 60 nulliparous and 60 multiparous women were randomised. Eight women withdrew after randomisation and before insertion took place: therefore, data from 112 women were collected and analysed.MethodsWomen were randomised to the groups ‘during menstruation’ (i.e. days 1–7 of menstruation) or ‘outside menstruation’ (i.e. any day of the cycle after menstruation without the presence of vaginal blood loss) in a ratio of 1 : 1.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was pain during insertion, measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–100 mm). Second, we analysed ease of insertion, bleeding pattern, satisfaction, pregnancy, and expulsion rate. The follow‐up time was 3 months.ResultsThe mean VAS score for nulliparous women was 74 mm (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 67–81) in the ‘during menstruation’ group, compared with 66 mm (95% CI 59–74) in the ‘outside menstruation’ group (P = 0.14). The mean VAS score for multiparous women was 30 mm (95% CI 20–40) in the ‘during menstruation group’, compared with 43 mm (95% CI 32–53) in the ‘outside menstruation’ group (P = 0.08). There was no difference between the stratified ‘during menstruation’ group and the ‘outside menstruation’ group with regards to ease of insertion, satisfaction, bleeding pattern, and median spotting and bleeding days for the use of the LNG‐IUS 3 months after insertion.ConclusionsAs we did not find that the level of pain perceived during insertion was higher during menstruation, compared with outside menstruation, we conclude that the LNG‐IUS can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle, especially in the case of nulliparous women.Tweetable abstractWe conducted an RCT on time of insertion of LNG‐IUS. We conclude that the LNG‐IUS can be inserted at any time.
Enhancing Loan Quality Through Transparency: Evidence from the European Central Bank Loan Level Reporting Initiative
Authors: ERTAN AYTEKIN , LOUMIOTI MARIA , WITTENBERG‐MOERMAN REGINA 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTWe explore whether transparency in banks’ securitization activities enhances loan quality. We take advantage of a novel disclosure initiative introduced by the European Central Bank, which requires, as of January 2013, banks that use their asset‐backed securities as collateral for repo financing to report securitized loan characteristics and performance in a standardized format. We find that securitized loans originated under the transparency regime are of better quality with a lower default probability, a lower delinquent amount, fewer days in delinquency, and lower losses upon default. Additionally, banks with more intensive loan level information collection and those operating under stronger market discipline experience greater improvement in their loan quality under the new reporting standards. Overall, we demonstrate that greater transparency has real effects by incentivizing banks to improve their credit practices.
Feeling the HEAT: Using Hourly Emergency Activity Tracking to demonstrate a novel method of describing activity and patient flow
Authors: Bein Kendall J , Berendsen Russell Saartje , Muscatello David , Chalkley Dane , Ivers Rebecca , Dinh Michael M 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to demonstrate a novel method of mapping ED activity to analyse patterns presentations, occupancy and performance trends.MethodsThis was a retrospective, descriptive analysis of de‐identified and linked ED presentations across NSW, Australia, over five calendar years, 2010–2014. It was undertaken as part of the Demand for Emergency Services Trend in Years 2010–2014 (DESTINY) study. The DESTINY project analysed 10.8 million presentations during 2010–2014. Hourly Emergency Activity Tracking (HEAT) maps were generated to visually represent and analyse the number of emergency arrivals to ED occupancy and proportion of patients leaving the ED within 4 h per hour of day across consecutive months of the year.Results
HEAT maps provided a means of visually representing ED activity to demonstrate hour‐to‐hour trends in presentations, occupancy and performance between 2010 and 2014. This analysis has shown that the most marked increase in presentations per hour has occurred during the 10.00–14.00 hour period, associated with an improvement in ED performance during the same period.Conclusion
HEAT maps may be used to facilitate further analyses of ED demand, patterns of patient presentations and patient flow and future health system redesign.
Tuberculosis screening using IGRA and chest computed tomography in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Song Dong Juan , Tong Jin Lu , Peng Jiang Chen , Cai Chen Wen , Xu Xi Tao , Zhu Ming Ming , Ran Zhi Hua , Zheng Qing 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and potential risk factors of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in Chinese patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to evaluate the role of chest computed tomography (CT) in the screening of LTBI.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was conducted and all IBD patients who had been screened for LTBI by T‐SPOT.TB between December 2011 and January 2016 were enrolled in the study. Both inpatient and outpatient records were collected and comprehensively reviewed.ResultsAltogether 534 IBD patients were included. The positivity rate of T‐SPOT.TB was 18.0% overall, 31.9% in IBD unclassified, 22.5% in ulcerative colitis and 13.0% in Crohn's disease patients, respectively. Age, history of TB and the administration of immunosuppressants were significantly associated with T‐SPOT.TB positivity. Among 123 patients who underwent serial testing, the conversion and reversion rate of T‐SPOT.TB was 10.2% and 42.9%, respectively. Furthermore, 102 of 447 (22.8%) patients who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) were found with abnormal CT findings suggestive of LTBI. The concordance rate was 75% between the T‐SPOT.TB and chest CT with a kappa value of 0.25 (95% CI 0.15–0.35).ConclusionsThe prevalence of LTBI in IBD patients is high in China. Chest CT is recommended as an alternative to IGRA for screening LTBI of IBD patients before commencing immunosuppressive therapy in high‐prevalence regions.
In vitro spontaneous contractile activity of colonic smooth muscle in naive Lewis rats: Acute effect of gonadal hormones
Authors: Baumgartner Christine , Hubacher Thomas , Krayer Magali , Gschossmann Juergen 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveFunctional gastrointestinal disorders affect females more often. Changes in colonic motility may be etiological co‐factors for the clinical symptoms. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of gonadal hormones on colonic contractile activity.MethodsIn vitro measurements of colonic contractile activity in longitudinal smooth muscle strips of female and male Lewis rats were performed in an organ chamber experiment. After the administration of a gonadal hormone estradiol [EST], progesterone [PROG] and testosterone [TEST]) or ethanol solution as control, stimulation with acetylcholine (ACh) or inhibition with norepinephrine (NE) was performed.ResultsCompared to the smooth muscle strips of male rats, significantly higher spontaneous colonic contractile activity (SCCA) was observed in female animals. Increasing doses of ACh showed the progressive stimulation of SCCA whereas rising doses of NE resulted in a stepwise inhibition of SCCA, respectively. EST superfusion displayed an inhibitory effect on SCCA in both sexes and inhibited the ACh effect in female rats. Similarly, acute superfusion with high‐dose PROG inhibited SCCA in females. Acute TEST superfusion inhibited SCCA in males and led to significant higher colonic contractile activity in males following subsequent stimulation with ACh. In female rats, the inhibitory effect of NE was reduced by prior exposure to TEST.ConclusionIn our in vitro study the acute exposure of colonic smooth muscle tissue to gonadal hormones led to sex‐dependent changes in SCCA and translated in a modified response of smooth muscle strips to both pro‐contractile and anti‐contractile neurotransmitters.
HSP90 inhibition suppresses inflammatory response and reduces carotid atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE mice
Authors: Mu Hongmei , Wang Liyong , Zhao Lei 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAimEmerging evidences indicate that heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) is associated with atherogenesis. However, the effect of HSP90 on plaque stability is largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of HSP90 in plaque development and its regulatory mechanisms on vasculature.MethodsHeat‐shock protein90‐overexpression lentivirus (Lenti‐HSP90) was used to transfect apoE−/− mice after constrictive collars were planted at the right common carotid arteries.ResultsAs a result, HSP90 gene overexpression led to reduction in en face plaque area and increase in unstable plaque with heavier accumulation of lipids. Concomitantly, more macrophages, less smooth muscle cells, and collagen were generated, suggesting aggravated inflammation. However, inhibition of HSP90 with 17‐AAG, a HSP90‐inhibitor, induced opposing effects. Moreover, HSP90 upregulated plaque MMP‐8, which might be the underlying mechanism of the change in plaque vulnerability index. Further, the translocation of NF‐κB was promoted by HSP90, while inhibition of NF‐κB significantly reduced MMP‐8 production, which is upregulated by HSP90.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that HSP90 governs plaque development and vulnerability, as well as inflammation, at least in part via MMP‐8 and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Do more robust prescription drug monitoring programs reduce prescription opioid overdose?
Authors: Pardo Bryce 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsIn the United States, overdose deaths attributed to opioid pain relievers (OPR) have quadrupled since 1999, prompting many states to adopt Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PMP). This study aimed to: (1) estimate the relationship of PMP strength with OPR overdose deaths across states and over time; (2) measure what threshold in PMP strength is associated with the greatest reduction in OPR overdose; and (3) assess the relationship of medical marijuana dispensaries with OPR overdose deaths.DesignPanel data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Wide‐ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database (WONDER) were analyzed using fixed effects to regress state–year death rates on an index variable compiled from the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System (PDAPS) while controlling for PMP administration, demographic factors and laws that might affect OPR overdose.Setting and ParticipantsAge‐adjusted opioid overdose death rates for all 50 states and the District of Columbia between 1999 and 2014 for a total of 816 observations.MeasurementsPMP strength was calculated using legal data compiled by the Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System (PDAPS). In addition to demographic controls, other covariates included laws that regulate pain clinics, access to naloxone, use of emergency services (Good Samaritan Laws) and medical marijuana.FindingsPMP strength was associated negatively with OPR overdose deaths. Every 1‐point increase in PMP strength was associated with a 1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.2–2%] reduction in overdose deaths. When collapsed into quartiles, PMPs in the third quartile were associated with an approximately 18% (95% CI = 1.6–29%) reduction in OPR overdose death rates compared with states without a PMP. States with medical marijuana dispensaries reported a 16% (95% CI = 1–30%) reduction in OPR overdoses.ConclusionsUS states that have more robust prescription drug monitoring programs have fewer prescription opioid overdose deaths than states with weaker PMPs. States with medical marijuana dispensaries also report fewer opioid overdose deaths than states without these.
Adolescents at risk for drug abuse: a 3‐year dual‐process analysis
Authors: Ames Susan L. , Xie Bin , Shono Yusuke , Stacy Alan W. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimsTo test longitudinal additive and synergistic dual‐process models in youth at documented risk for drug use. The specific dual‐process approach examined suggests that engaging in drug use behaviors results from a dynamic interplay between automatically activated associative memory processes and executive reflective/control processes.DesignThis 3‐year, three‐wave population‐based prospective study used mobile computer‐based assessments.SettingSelf‐directed computer assessments were completed in school settings in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, California, USA.ParticipantsSeven hundred and twenty‐five at‐risk adolescents (44% female) in continuation high schools were recruited during 9th grade (age at recruitment, 14–16).MeasurementsKey outcome measures included past year alcohol, marijuana and cigarette use at each assessment. Predictors included working memory capacity (WMC), associative memory, the interaction term WMC by associative memory, sex, age, ethnicity and acculturation.FindingsA significant cross‐sectional interaction revealed tobacco‐relevant associations were weaker predictors of cigarette use among males with higher WMC than among those with lower WMC (P < 0.004). Alternatively, drug‐relevant associations were stronger predictors of past year alcohol (P < 0.001) and marijuana use (P = 0.02) among females with higher WMC than among those with lower WMC. Longitudinal analyses revealed no significant interactions after adjusting for predictive effects of previous drug use. With respect to WMC, females with higher WMC were less likely to use marijuana at 2‐year follow‐up (P = 0.03). First‐order effects of drug‐related associations predicted greater alcohol and marijuana use prospectively in males at 1‐ and 2‐year follow up (P ≤ 0.03), and greater past year alcohol and marijuana use in females at 1‐year follow up (P ≤ 0.03).ConclusionsDrug‐relevant memory associations play a key role in drug use behavior in at‐risk youth.
Racial Inequality in Democratic Accountability: Evidence from Retrospective Voting in Local Elections
Authors: Flavin Patrick , Hartney Michael T. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOne important and, to date, overlooked component of democratic accountability is the extent to which it might exacerbate existing societal inequalities if the outcomes for some groups of citizens are prioritized over others when voters evaluate governmental performance. We analyze a decade of California school board elections and find evidence that voters reward or punish incumbent board members based on the achievement of white students in their district, whereas outcomes for African American and Hispanic students receive comparatively little attention. We then examine public opinion data on the racial education achievement gap and report results from an original list experiment of California school board members that finds approximately 40% of incumbents detect no electoral pressure to address poor academic outcomes among racial minority students. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for several scholarly literatures, including retrospective voting, racial inequality in political influence, intergovernmental policymaking, and education politics.
Medicine information exchange networks among healthcare professionals and prescribing in geriatric medicine wards
Authors: Chan Bosco , Reeve Emily , Matthews Slade , Carroll Peter R. , Long Janet C. , Held Fabian , Latt Mark , Naganathan Vasi , Caplan Gideon A. , Hilmer Sarah N. 
Published: December 2016

AimsEffective transfer of information is vital for rational drug therapy. This is particularly important for older patients, who have a high prevalence of polypharmacy and are managed by multidisciplinary teams. We aimed to assess medicine information exchange (MIE) networks in geriatric medicine wards and whether they are associated with prescribing patterns.MethodsWe conducted network analysis in acute geriatric medicine wards from four hospitals to characterize MIE networks among multidisciplinary team members. Corresponding patient data were collected to analyze high‐risk prescribing in conjunction with network characteristics.ResultsWe found that junior doctors, senior nurses and pharmacists were central to MIE across all four hospitals. Doctors were more likely than other professions to receive medicines information in three hospitals. Reciprocity and the tendency to communicate within one's own profession also influenced network formation. No difference was observed in prescribing practice between hospitals.ConclusionsUnderstanding MIE networks can identify gaps in multidisciplinary communication that can be addressed. Networks may identify targets for dissemination of interventions to improve prescribing.