bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Blessed Are You Who Are Poor”: The Poor in Together towards Life, The Cape Town Commitment, and Evangelii Gaudium
Authors: Bargár Pavol 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe present article explores the issue of the poor in three recent major documents on mission and evangelism/evangelization – Together towards Life (TTL), The Cape Town Commitment (CCT), and Evangelii Gaudium (EG) – arguing that they have several commonalities, as well as differences, with regard to mission and the poor. In convergence, they acknowledge a central place of the poor in Christian mission; address personal and structural aspects of poverty; and perceive the poor in close relation to other disadvantaged groups. But they diverge in emphases: TTL focuses on the role of the Spirit of God in empowering the poor/marginalized, acknowledges the agency of the poor/marginalized, and sees them in close relation to the earth/creation in their cry for justice; CTC introduces the issue of poverty in the framework of the spiritual warfare discourse, addresses the challenging topic of the prosperity gospel, and reasons biblically for the cause of the poor; and EG critiques contemporary socio‐economic realities, emphasizes that the church as a whole must champion the poor, and warns against peace efforts becoming a pretext for neglecting the poor. This article argues that a “synoptic” reading of the three documents on the topic allows us to benefit from the rich ecclesial and theological traditions behind the texts, and can engender more appropriate responses for both missiology and mission on this important issue.
Missionary Discipleship as the Innovation of the Church in Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium
Authors: Auvinen‐Pöntinen Mari‐Anna 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium talks about discipleship in a framework of mission and evangelization. Rather than concentrating on the discipleship as such, it uses as a lens the spiritual commitment of conversion to missionary discipleship, challenging all Christians and the whole Church, including institutional structures, to this conversion. In common with the World Council of Churches’ document Together towards Life, Evangelii Gaudium emphasizes a need for Christians to focus on the heart of the Gospel, the love of the trinitarian God, in order to find trustful, dynamic, and transformative mission for the “changing landscapes” of today's global and local phenomena. This article deals with the concept of missionary discipleship in Evangelii Gaudium. To this end it discusses discipleship and its underlying structure of continual conversion as it is represented in both Evangelii Gaudium and the WCC's mission document Together towards Life.
The Joy of the Gospel of Life
Authors: Coorilos Geevarghese 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTogether towards Life (TTL) and Evangelii Gaudium (EG) convey a renewed and fresh understanding of mission and evangelism that speaks meaningfully to the contemporary context, reminds churches of their primary task of mission and evangelism, and challenges them to reflect on and practice mission and evangelism with joy and life. This essay strives to discuss three important aspects of mission and evangelism that TTL and EG share, albeit with their own distinct perspective. The inseparability of ecclesiology and missiology is one affirmation that is commonly shared by TTL and EG.
Yes to Mission Spirituality
Authors: Baker Jonny 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis contribution explores mission spirituality in Evangelii Gaudium, Together towards Life, and the Cape Town Commitment. The joining together of mission and spirituality is found to be an energizing and hopeful move especially in its refusal to be reduced to the private sphere and fueling of a life that participates in creation's healing. Passion is suggested as a way of reflecting theologically on a spirituality of self‐giving love that stops spirituality turning inward. The unifying vision of the new creation and the contemplative posture toward culture are both welcomed wholeheartedly but have implications and call for a radical imagination about the practice of mission spirituality.
The ecological niche of a specialized subterranean spider
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Isaia Marco 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHypogean habitats offer unique opportunities for ecological studies because they are characterized by low abundance and diversity of organisms, they receive low energy inputs, they are relatively stable from a climatic point of view, and they are quite easily modeled. However, given the harsh conditions of the working environment and difficulty of access, very few studies have investigated in detail the ecology of subterranean species directly in the field. In this study, we describe the ecological niche of the subterranean spider Troglohyphantes vignai (Araneae, Linyphiidae). We monitored the population of T. vignai in a disused graphite mine in the Western Italian Alps over 1 year, and recorded the main biotic and abiotic parameters characterizing each sampling plot (i.e., temperature, humidity, prey availability, illuminance, and structural complexity). The ecological niche of T. vignai was modeled through polynomial generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and illustrated graphically by means of three‐dimensional plots and GIS techniques. The environmental range in which the probability of presence of T. vignai was higher was consistent with a trade‐off between climatic stability and food availability. Neither temporal nor spatial variation of the niche of T. vignai was detected through the year. The methodology used here may be easily adapted to other hypogean sites, paving the way to a novel understanding of niche partitioning in subterranean ecosystems.
Corporate Social Performance, Competitive Advantage, Earnings Persistence and Firm Value
Authors: Gregory Alan , Whittaker Julie , Yan Xiaojuan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this paper, using a generalised valuation framework inspired by Ohlson, we show that corporate social performance (CSP) is value relevant and that, in particular, it appears to be associated with a higher coefficient on earnings. This could be attributable to either a lower cost of equity for these firms, or greater earnings persistence. We show that, once industry membership is controlled for, any cost of capital effect is minimal. Regression tests based on realised earnings confirm that the valuation effect is attributable mainly to greater earnings persistence in firms with higher levels of CSP. These outcomes are consistent with higher CSP conferring a competitive advantage on firms.
Interleukin‐1B 31 C>T polymorphism combined with Helicobacter pylori‐modified gastric cancer susceptibility: evidence from 37 studies
Authors: Ying Hua‐Yong , Yu Bei‐Wei , Yang Zong , Yang Shan‐Shan , Bo Li‐Hong , Shan Xiao‐Yun , Wang Hui‐Jiao , Zhu Yi‐Jun , Wu Xue‐Song 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Interleukin‐1‐beta (IL‐1β) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine and potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Some studies provided evidence of the association between IL‐1B 31 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk while other studies did not. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis to reassess the association. A systematic literature search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases identified 37 studies with 6108 cases and 8980 controls for this meta‐analysis. The crude odd ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association. Meta‐regression was used to determine the major source of heterogeneity across the studies. The pooled analysis did not suggest the significant association of IL‐1B 31 C>T polymorphism with gastric cancer risk. Stratified analysis was performed by ethnicity, source of control, genotype method, and indicated a significantly increased gastric cancer risk associated with IL‐1B 31T variant in the population‐based subgroup (heterozygous model: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03–1.45). Moreover, stratified analysis by Helicobacter pylori infection status indicated that IL‐1B 31 polymorphism increased gastric cancer risk in infection‐positive subgroup (homozygous model: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.78; heterozygous model: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.66; recessive model: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.61). The study suggested that IL‐1B 31 polymorphism might confer susceptibility to gastric cancer in the presence of H. pylori infection, indicating a gene–environment interaction in gastric carcinogenesis.
Telocytes in ileum of the Chinese giant salamander: ultrastructural evidence
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhong Shengwei , Ge Tingting , Peng Shasha , Yu Pengcheng , Zhou Zuohong , Guo Xiaoquan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) and their telopodes (Tps) have been found in various organs of many mammals, including in lower animals. However, knowledge of TCs in lower animals is still very limited. This study identified TCs and their Tps in the ileum of the Chinese giant salamander, Andrias davidianus (Amphibia: Caudata), by transmission electron microscopy. The TCs/Tps were found near epithelial cells, glandular cells and unmyelinated nerve fibres. Moreover, exosomes were also found to be present in between TCs/Tps and these cells.
Sensitive skin
Authors: Misery L. , Loser K. , Ständer S. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSensitive skin is a clinical condition defined by the self‐reported facial presence of different sensory perceptions, including tightness, stinging, burning, tingling, pain and pruritus. Sensitive skin may occur in individuals with normal skin, with skin barrier disturbance, or as a part of the symptoms associated with facial dermatoses such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Although experimental studies are still pending, the symptoms of sensitive skin suggest the involvement of cutaneous nerve fibres and neuronal, as well as epidermal, thermochannels. Many individuals with sensitive skin report worsening symptoms due to environmental factors. It is thought that this might be attributed to the thermochannel TRPV1, as it typically responds to exogenous, endogenous, physical and chemical stimuli. Barrier disruptions and immune mechanisms may also be involved. This review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, potential mechanisms, clinics and therapy of sensitive skin.
Case study of evaluations that go beyond clinical outcomes to assess quality improvement diabetes programmes using the Diabetes Evaluation Framework for Innovative National Evaluations (DEFINE)
Authors: Paquette‐Warren Jann , Harris Stewart B. , Naqshbandi Hayward Mariam , Tompkins Jordan W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesInvestments in efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes on patients and health care are critical; however, more evaluation is needed to provide evidence that informs and supports future policies and programmes. The newly developed Diabetes Evaluation Framework for Innovative National Evaluations (DEFINE) incorporates the theoretical concepts needed to facilitate the capture of critical information to guide investments, policy and programmatic decision making. The aim of the study is to assess the applicability and value of DEFINE in comprehensive real‐world evaluation.MethodUsing a critical and positivist approach, this intrinsic and collective case study retrospectively examines two naturalistic evaluations to demonstrate how DEFINE could be used when conducting real‐world comprehensive evaluations in health care settings.ResultsThe variability between the cases and the evaluation designs are described and aligned to the DEFINE goals, steps and sub‐steps. The majority of the theoretical steps of DEFINE were exemplified in both cases, although limited for knowledge translation efforts. Application of DEFINE to evaluate diverse programmes that target various chronic diseases is needed to further test the inclusivity and built‐in flexibility of DEFINE and its role in encouraging more comprehensive knowledge translation.ConclusionsThis case study shows how DEFINE could be used to structure or guide comprehensive evaluations of programmes and initiatives implemented in health care settings and support scale‐up of successful innovations. Future use of the framework will continue to strengthen its value in guiding programme evaluation and informing health policy to reduce the burden of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Using data mining techniques to characterize participation in observational studies
Authors: Linden Ariel , Yarnold Paul R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractData mining techniques are gaining in popularity among health researchers for an array of purposes, such as improving diagnostic accuracy, identifying high‐risk patients and extracting concepts from unstructured data. In this paper, we describe how these techniques can be applied to another area in the health research domain: identifying characteristics of individuals who do and do not choose to participate in observational studies. In contrast to randomized studies where individuals have no control over their treatment assignment, participants in observational studies self‐select into the treatment arm and therefore have the potential to differ in their characteristics from those who elect not to participate. These differences may explain part, or all, of the difference in the observed outcome, making it crucial to assess whether there is differential participation based on observed characteristics. As compared to traditional approaches to this assessment, data mining offers a more precise understanding of these differences. To describe and illustrate the application of data mining in this domain, we use data from a primary care‐based medical home pilot programme and compare the performance of commonly used classification approaches – logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests and classification tree analysis (CTA) – in correctly classifying participants and non‐participants. We find that CTA is substantially more accurate than the other models. Moreover, unlike the other models, CTA offers transparency in its computational approach, ease of interpretation via the decision rules produced and provides statistical results familiar to health researchers. Beyond their application to research, data mining techniques could help administrators to identify new candidates for participation who may most benefit from the intervention.
Effects of a Stepwise Multidisciplinary Intervention for Challenging Behavior in Advanced Dementia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pieper Marjoleine J. C. , Francke Anneke L. , van der Steen Jenny T. , Scherder Erik J. A. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Kovach Christine R. , Achterberg Wilco P. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo assess whether implementation of a stepwise multicomponent intervention (STA OP!) is effective in reducing challenging behavior and depression in nursing home residents with advanced dementia.DesignCluster randomized controlled trial.SettingTwenty‐one clusters (single independent nursing home units) in 12 nursing homes within the Netherlands.ParticipantsResidents with advanced dementia (N = 288).InterventionStaff working on intervention units received comprehensive stepwise multidisciplinary training; the control condition received training on general nursing skills, dementia management and pain without the stepwise component.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was agitation (Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)). Secondary outcomes included psychotropic medication use, neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory—Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH)), and symptoms of depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Minimum Dataset Depression Rating Scale (MDS‐DRS)). Measurements were made at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Multilevel analysis and logistical generalized estimating equations were used to test treatment and time effects. Analysis was on an intention‐to‐treat basis.ResultsMultilevel modeling revealed an overall effect of the intervention on challenging behavior and depression; CMAI (mean difference −4.07 points, 95% confidence interval = (CI) = −7.90 to −0.24, P = .02), NPI‐NH (mean difference −3.57 points, 95% CI = −6.30 to −0.84, P = .005), CSDD (mean difference −1.59 points, 95% CI = −2.49 to −0.69, P < .001), and MDS‐DRS (mean difference −0.96 points, 95% CI = −1.40 to −0.52, P < .001) scores were significantly lower in the intervention condition than the control condition. There was a significant reduction of antidepressants (N06A) (OR = 0.32); nonsignificant reductions of antipsychotics (N05A), anxiolytics (N05B), and hypnotic–sedatives (N05C) (odds ratios = 0.69 to 0.90).ConclusionFor nursing home residents with advanced dementia and challenging behavior, providing staff with comprehensive training in behavioral management, resulted in improved behavior and less psychotropic medication use.
Development of Personalized Health Messages to Promote Engagement in Advance Care Planning
Authors: Fried Terri R. , Redding Colleen A. , Robbins Mark L. , Paiva Andrea L. , O'Leary John R. , Iannone Lynne 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo develop and test the acceptability of personalized intervention materials to promote advance care planning (ACP) based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), in which readiness to change is a critical organizing construct.DesignDevelopment study creating an expert system delivering TTM‐personalized feedback reports and stage‐matched brochures with more‐general information on ACP and modifications based on participant reviews.SettingSenior centers.ParticipantsCommunity‐living persons aged 65 and older (N = 77).MeasurementsParticipant ratings of length, attractiveness, and trustworthiness of and reactions to reports and brochures.ResultsThe expert system assessed participants’ readiness to engage in each of four ACP behaviors: completion of a living will, naming a health care proxy, communication with loved ones about quality vs quantity of life, and communication with clinicians about quality vs quantity of life. The system also assessed pros and cons of engagement and values and beliefs that influence engagement. The system provided individualized feedback based on the assessment, with brochures providing additional general information. Initial participant review indicating unacceptable length led to revision of feedback reports from full‐sentence paragraph format to bulleted format. After review, the majority of participants rated the materials as easy to read, trustworthy, providing new information, making them more comfortable reading about ACP, and increasing interest in participating in ACP.ConclusionOlder adults found an expert system individualized feedback report and accompanying brochure to promote ACP engagement to highly acceptable and engaging. Additional research is necessary to examine the effects of these materials on behavior change.
Comorbidity in Drivers with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ranchet Maud , Tant Mark , Akinwuntan Abiodun Emmanuel , Neal Erin , Devos Hannes 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of comorbidity on fitness‐to‐drive recommendations that physicians and on‐road driving assessors make and to investigate the agreement in fitness‐to‐drive recommendations between physicians and on‐road driving assessors.DesignRetrospective.SettingData on comorbidities associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and fitness‐to‐drive recommendations were investigated.ParticipantsIndividuals with PD who underwent an official on‐road test in Belgium (N = 72).MeasurementsCorrelations between comorbidity and fitness‐to‐drive recommendations were calculated. Stepwise logistic regression models were used to investigate whether comorbidity was an independent predictor of fitness‐to‐drive recommendations (pass/fail) that the physicians or the on‐road assessors made. The percentage of agreement and the prevalence and bias‐adjusted kappa (PABAK) were used to investigate agreement between the physicians and the on‐road assessors.ResultsModerate correlations were found between comorbidity and fitness‐to‐drive recommendations that the physicians (ρ = 0.34, P = .004) and the on‐road assessors (ρ = 0.30, P = .01) made. Comorbidity was the most important determinant (coefficient of determination = 0.16, P = .005) of the physicians fitness‐to‐drive recommendations. No significant effect of comorbidity on the on‐road recommendations was found. The physicians and the on‐road assessors agreed in 46 (64%) of the cases (PABAK = 0.46, P < .001).ConclusionComorbidity plays a role in physicians' recommendations of fitness to drive that may explain, in part, inconsistencies between physicians and on‐road assessors' fitness‐to‐drive recommendations. This study indicates the need for an interdisciplinary dialogue between physicians and on‐road assessors to reach a comprehensive fitness‐to‐drive decision.
Emergency Care Use and the Medicare Hospice Benefit for Individuals with Cancer with a Poor Prognosis
Authors: Obermeyer Ziad , Clarke Alissa C. , Makar Maggie , Schuur Jeremiah D. , Cutler David M. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo compare patterns of emergency department (ED) use and inpatient admission rates for elderly adults with cancer with a poor prognosis who enrolled in hospice to those of similar individuals who did not.DesignMatched case–control study.SettingNationally representative sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries with cancer with a poor prognosis who died in 2011.ParticipantsBeneficiaries in hospice matched to individuals not in hospice on time from diagnosis of cancer with a poor prognosis to death, region, age, and sex.MeasurementsComparison ofEDuse and inpatient admission rates before and after hospice enrollment for beneficiaries in hospice and controls.ResultsOf 272,832 matched beneficiaries, 81% visited theEDin the last 6 months of life. At baseline, dailyEDuse and admission rates were not significantly different between beneficiaries in and not in hospice. By the week before death, nonhospice controls averaged 69.6EDvisits/1,000 beneficiary‐days, versus 7.6 for beneficiaries in hospice (rate ratio (RR) = 9.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.3–10.0). Inpatient admission rates in the last week of life were 63% for nonhospice controls and 42% for beneficiaries in hospice (RR= 1.51, 95%CI= 1.45–1.57). Of all beneficiaries in hospice, 28% enrolled during inpatient stays originating inEDs; they accounted for 35.7% (95%CI= 35.4–36.0%) of all hospice stays of less than 1 month and 13.9% (95%CI= 13.6–14.2%) of stays longer than 1 month.ConclusionMost Medicare beneficiaries with cancer with a poor prognosis visitedEDs at the end of life. Hospice enrollment was associated with lowerEDuse and admission rates. Many individuals enrolled in hospice during inpatient stays that followedEDvisits, a phenomenon linked to shorter hospice stays. These findings must be interpreted carefully given potential unmeasured confounders in matching.