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Kinds of Citations Terms modified by Citations Selected AbstractsAward Citation: The Charles H. Levine Memorial Book Prize, 2009GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2009Article first published online: 23 SEP 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Award Citation: The Charles H. Levine Memorial Book Prize, 2007GOVERNANCE, Issue 4 2007Article first published online: 10 DEC 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Citation on the presentation of the Society's Gold Medal at the Diamond Anniversary Meeting 12 November 2003INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Mr James Neville Prepared, delivered by No abstract is available for this article. [source] Impacts of alternative marketing agreement cattle procurement on packer costs, gross margins, and profits: evidence from plant-level profit and loss dataAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010Stephen R. Koontz This work measures the impact of captive supplies, or cattle procured through alternative marketing agreements (AMAs), on meatpacker costs, gross margins, and profits. Confidential profit and loss data were examined from all the individual packing plants within the four largest packing firms for a 30-month period. Alternative marketing agreement use resulted in improved beef supply chain efficiency, product demand, and plant profitability. The slaughter and processing costs were lower for plants with higher volumes of AMA cattle relative to cash market cattle. Plants that slaughter cattle from AMA sources operated at higher volumes, had less variable volumes, and had lower average total costs per head because of the substantive economies of size. Plants that slaughter cattle from AMA sources also had higher gross margins and average profits per head. The general conclusion is clear: If policies are implemented that limit AMA use then packing industry efficiency would be negatively impacted. [EconLit Citation: Q130]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Evidence of the role of marketing arrangements and valuation methods in improving beef qualityAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009Yanyan Liu Low and inconsistent beef quality has been blamed by some for the losses of beef's share of total meat consumption. Tighter vertical coordination through use of alternative marketing arrangements and more precise price signaling through use of different cattle valuation methods may help improve beef quality because these mechanisms facilitate information exchange enabling producers to respond better to consumer demand. For the congressionally mandated Livestock and Meat Marketing Study, we modeled differences in levels and variances of cattle quality associated with particular marketing arrangements and valuation methods using fed cattle purchase data from 29 large U.S. beef packing plants for October 2002 through March 2005. Results indicate fed cattle procured through marketing agreements and packer ownership had higher and more consistent quality compared to other types of arrangements. Auction market cattle quality was the most inconsistent. Fed cattle valued using carcass weight with a grid were associated with higher and more consistent quality. [EconLit Citation: Q13]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Citation for Fellow, Professor Suporn KoetsawangJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 5 2000Article first published online: 24 MAY 2010 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Meta-analysis: octreotide prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis, but only at sufficient dosesALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2009Y. ZHANG Summary Background, Effects of octreotide on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis have been studied in many clinical trials. These trials have yielded inconclusive results. Results of more recent studies using larger doses, however, seem to be more optimistic. Aim, To examine effects of octreotide at different doses on PEP. Methods, A comprehensive search of relevant databases, including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Library and Science Citation Index yielded 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Trials were divided into two groups according to the total dosage of octreotide: <0.5 mg (OCT1), ,0.5 mg (OCT2). The rate of PEP was analysed using a fixed effect model. Results, At doses of ,0.5 mg, octreotide reduced the rate of PEP. In the OCT2 group, analysis revealed a statistically significant difference on PEP between the octreotide group and the controls (3.4% vs. 7.5%, pooled OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.28,0.73; P = 0.001, NNT = 25). In the OCT1 group, the rate of PEP was similar between patients receiving octreotide and the controls (7.2% vs. 6.0%, pooled OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.80,1.91; P = 0.35). Conclusion, Octreotide is effective in preventing PEP, but only at sufficient doses (,0.5 mg). [source] Meta-analysis: the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in Crohn's diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2009L.-M. SHAO Summary Background, Certolizumab pegol is the third anti-TNF-, agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. Aim, To provide a comprehensive up-to-date review of the efficacy and safety of certolizumab in Crohn's disease (CD). Methods, Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and the Science Citation Index, were searched to retrieve relevant trials. In addition, meeting abstracts and the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed for further relevant studies. Results, Three trials, enrolling a total of 1040 patients, are included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the short-term efficacy of certolizumab, which is effective for rapid induction and long-term maintenance of clinical response or remission and can improve quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease. Certolizumab is also effective for patients who have lost response to infliximab. However, its efficacy in infliximab-exposed patients is probably less than in infliximab-naive patients. Re-induction with certolizumab in patients who have flared on maintenance therapy can rescue a significant proportion of patients. There is no significant association between the efficacy of certolizumab and the baseline C-reactive protein level. In comparison with placebo, certolizumab does not increase the risk of serious adverse events. Conclusions, Certolizumab is effective and safe in treating Crohn's disease. Further studies are still required to assess its full safety profile. [source] Review article: prebiotics in the gastrointestinal tractALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2006S. MACFARLANE Summary Background Prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that alter the composition, or metabolism, of the gut microbiota in a beneficial manner. It is therefore expected that prebiotics will improve health in a way similar to probiotics, whilst at the same time being cheaper, and carrying less risk and being easier to incorporate into the diet than probiotics. Aim To review published evidence for prebiotic effects on gut function and human health. Methods We searched the Science Citation Index with the terms prebiotic, microbiota, gut bacteria, large intestine, mucosa, bowel habit, constipation, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis, calcium and cancer, focussing principally on studies in humans and reports in the English language. Search of the Cochrane Library did not identify any clinical study or meta-analysis on this topic. Results Three prebiotics, oligofructose, galacto-oligosaccharides and lactulose, clearly alter the balance of the large bowel microbiota by increasing bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus numbers. These carbohydrates are fermented and give rise to short-chain fatty acid and intestinal gas; however, effects on bowel habit are relatively small. Randomized-controlled trials of their effect in a clinical context are few, although animal studies show anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory bowel disease, while calcium absorption is increased. Conclusions It is still early days for prebiotics, but they offer the potential to modify the gut microbial balance in such a way as to bring direct health benefits cheaply and safely. [source] 2001 Leonard Medal Citation for Harry Y. McSween, Jr.METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 1 2002Michael J. Drake [source] 2001 Nier Prize Citation for Larry R. NittlerMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue S9 2001Emst Zinner [source] Award: 2000 Leonard Medal Citation for G. W. Lugmair 2000 August 30, Chicago, Illinois, USAMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 8 2001R. O. Pepin [source] 2000 Barringer Medal Citation for Ralph B. Baldwin.METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue S5 20002000 August 2, Chicago, United States of America [source] Principles for modeling propensity scores in medical research: a systematic literature review,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 12 2004Sherry Weitzen PhD Abstract Purpose To document which established criteria for logistic regression modeling researchers consider when using propensity scores in observational studies. Methods We performed a systematic review searching Medline and Science Citation to identify observational studies published in 2001 that addressed clinical questions using propensity score methods to adjust for treatment assignment. We abstracted aspects of propensity score model development (e.g. variable selection criteria, continuous variables included in correct functional form, interaction inclusion criteria), model discrimination and goodness of fit for 47 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results We found few studies reporting on the propensity score model development or evaluation of model fit. Conclusions Reporting of aspects related to propensity score model development is limited and raises questions about the value of these principles in developing propensity scores from which unbiased treatment effects are estimated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] REVIEW ARTICLE: Placental Apoptosis in Health and DiseaseAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Andrew N. Sharp Citation Sharp AN, Heazell AEP, Crocker IP, Mor G. Placental apoptosis in health and disease. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 159,169 Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is an essential feature of normal placental development but is exaggerated in association with placental disease. Placental development relies upon effective implantation and invasion of the maternal decidua by the placental trophoblast. In normal pregnancy, trophoblast apoptosis increases with placental growth and advancing gestation. However, apoptosis is notably exaggerated in the pregnancy complications, hydatidiform mole, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental apoptosis may be initiated by a variety of stimuli, including hypoxia and oxidative stress. In common with other cell-types, trophoblast apoptosis follows the extrinsic or intrinsic pathways culminating in the activation of caspases. In contrast, the formation of apoptotic bodies is less clearly identified, but postulated by some to involve the clustering of apoptotic nuclei and liberation of this material into the maternal circulation. In addition to promoting a favorable maternal immune response, the release of this placental-derived material is thought to provoke the endothelial dysfunction of pre-eclampsia. Widespread apoptosis of the syncytiotrophoblast may also impair trophoblast function leading to the reduction in nutrient transport seen in IUGR. A clearer understanding of placental apoptosis and its regulation may provide new insights into placental pathologies, potentially suggesting therapeutic targets. [source] Epidural versus Non-Epidural or No Analgesia in LabourBIRTH, Issue 1 2006Article first published online: 28 JUN 200 A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 16 August 2005. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. Abstract Background:, Epidural analgesia is a central nerve block technique achieved by injection of a local anaesthetic close to the nerves that transmit pain and is widely used as a form of pain relief in labour. However, there are concerns regarding unintended adverse effects on the mother and infant. Objectives:, To assess the effects of all modalities of epidural analgesia (including combined-spinal-epidural) on the mother and the baby, when compared with non-epidural or no pain relief during labour. Search strategy:, We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (June 2005). Selection criteria:, Randomised controlled trials comparing all modalities of epidural with any form of pain relief not involving regional blockade, or no pain relief in labour. Data collection and analysis Two of the review authors independently assessed trials for eligibility, methodological quality and extracted all data. Data were entered into RevMan and double checked. Primary analysis was by intention-to-treat; sensitivity analyses excluded trials with >30% of women receiving un-allocated treatment. Main results:, Twenty-one studies involving 6664 women were included, all but one study compared epidural analgesia with opiates. For technical reasons, data on women's perception of pain relief in labour could only be included from one study, which found epidural analgesia to offer better pain relief than non-epidural analgesia (weighted mean difference (WMD),2.60, 95% confidence interval (CI),3.82 to ,1.38, 1 trial, 105 women). However, epidural analgesia was associated with an increased risk of instrumental vaginal birth (relative risk (RR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.53, 17 trials, 6162 women). There was no evidence of a significant difference in the risk of caesarean delivery (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.23, 20 trials, 6534 women), long-term backache (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.12, 2 trials, 814 women), low neonatal Apgar scores at 5 minutes (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.10, 14 trials, 5363 women), and maternal satisfaction with pain relief (RR 1.18 95% CI 0.92 to 1.50, 5 trials, 1940 women). No studies reported on rare but potentially serious adverse effects of epidural analgesia. Authors' conclusions:, Epidural analgesia appears to be effective in reducing pain during labour. However, women who use this form of pain relief are at increased risk of having an instrumental delivery. Epidural analgesia had no statistically significant impact on the risk of caesarean section, maternal satisfaction with pain relief and long-term backache and did not appear to have an immediate effect on neonatal status as determined by Apgar scores. Further research may be helpful to evaluate rare but potentially severe adverse effects of epidural analgesia on women in labour and long-term neonatal outcomes. Citation:, Anim-Somuah M, Smyth R, Howell C. Epidural versus non-epidural or no analgesia in labour. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000331.pub2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000331.pub2. *** The preceding report is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1465,1858). Abstracts of Cochrane reviews are compiled and produced by Update Software Ltd on behalf of the publisher, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [source] Continuous Support for Women During ChildbirthBIRTH, Issue 1 2005E.D. Hodnett ABSTRACT Background:, Historically, women have been attended and supported by other women during labour. However, in recent decades in hospitals worldwide, continuous support during labour has become the exception rather than the routine. Concerns about the consequent dehumanization of women's birth experiences have led to calls for a return to continuous support by women for women during labour. Objectives:, Primary: to assess the effects, on mothers and their babies, of continuous, one-to-one intrapartum support compared with usual care. Secondary: to determine whether the effects of continuous support are influenced by: (1) routine practices and policies in the birth environment that may affect a woman's autonomy, freedom of movement, and ability to cope with labour; (2) whether the caregiver is a member of the staff of the institution; and (3) whether the continuous support begins early or later in labour. Search strategy:, We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (30 January 2003) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003). Selection criteria:, All published and unpublished randomized controlled trials comparing continuous support during labour with usual care. Data collection and analysis:, Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration Pregnancy and Childbirth Group were used. All authors participated in evaluation of methodological quality. Data extraction was undertaken independently by one author and a research assistant. Additional information was sought from the trial authors. Results are presented using relative risk for categorical data and weighted mean difference for continuous data. Main results:, Fifteen trials involving 12,791 women are included. Primary comparison: Women who had continuous intrapartum support were less likely to have intrapartum analgesia, operative birth, or to report dissatisfaction with their childbirth experiences. Subgroup analyses: In general, continuous intrapartum support was associated with greater benefits when the provider was not a member of the hospital staff, when it began early in labour, and in settings in which epidural analgesia was not routinely available. Reviewers' conclusions:, All women should have support throughout labour and birth. Citation:, Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ,,,The preceding report is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). The Cochrane Library is designed and produced by Update Software Ltd, and published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Amniotomy for Shortening Spontaneous LabourBIRTH, Issue 2 2001W.D. Fraser A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 25 June 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. ABSTRACT Background: Early amniotomy has been advocated as a component of the active management of labour. Several randomised trials comparing routine amniotomy to an attempt to conserve the membranes have been published. Their limited sample sizes limit their ability to address the effects of amniotomy on indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity. Objectives: To study the effects of amniotomy on the rate of Cesarean delivery and on other indicators of maternal and neonatal morbidity (Apgar less than 7 at 5 minutes, admission to NICU). Search strategy: The register of clinical trials maintained and updated by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. Selection criteria: All acceptably controlled trials of amniotomy during first stage of labour were eligible. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted by two trained reviewers from published reports. Trials were assigned methodological quality scores based on a standardised rating system. Typical odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using Peto's method. Main results: Amniotomy was associated with a reduction in labour duration of between 60 and 120 minutes. There was a marked trend toward an increase in the risk of Cesarean delivery: OR = 1.26; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.96,1.66. The likelihood of a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7 was reduced in association with early amniotomy (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.30,0.96). Groups were similar with respect to other indicators of neonatal status (arterial cord pH, NICU admissions). There was a statistically significant association of amniotomy with a decrease in the use of oxytocin: OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.67,0.92. Reviewers' conclusions: Routine early amniotomy is associated with both benefits and risks. Benefits include a reduction in labour duration and a possible reduction in abnormal 5-minute Apgar scores. The meta-analysis provides no support for the hypothesis that routine early amniotomy reduces the risk of Cesarean delivery. Indeed there is a trend toward an increase in Cesarean section. An association between early amniotomy and Cesarean delivery for fetal distress is noted in one large trial. This suggests that amniotomy should be reserved for women with abnormal labour progress. Citation: Fraser WD, Turcot L, Krauss I, Brisson-Carrol G. Amniotomy for shortening spontaneous labour (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, 1, 2001. Oxford: Update Software. MeSH: Amnion/*surgery; Cesarean Section; Female; Human; *Labor; Labor Complications/*prevention & control; Pregnancy The preceding reports are abstracts of regularly updated, systematic reviews prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the reviews are available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). The Cochrane Library is prepared and published by Update Software Ltd. All rights reserved. See www.update-software.com or contact Update Software, info@update.co.uk, for information on subscribing to The Cochrane Library in your area. Update Software Ltd, Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way, Oxford OX2 7LG, United Kingdom. (Tel: +44 1865 513902; Fax: +44 1865 516918). [source] Commercial Hospital Discharge Packs for Breastfeeding WomenBIRTH, Issue 1 2001J. K. Gupta A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 23 March 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. ABSTRACT Background: For centuries, there has been controversy around whether being upright (sitting, birthing stools, chairs, squatting) or lying down has advantages for women delivering their babies. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the benefits and risks of the use of different positions during the second stage of labour (i.e., from full dilatation of the cervix). Search strategy: Relevant trials are identified from the register of trials maintained by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, and from the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Selection criteria: Trials were included which compared various positions assumed by pregnant women during the second stage of labour. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials with appropriate follow-up were included. Data collection and analysis: Trials were independently assessed for inclusion, and data extracted by the two authors. Disagreements would have been resolved by consensus with an editor. Meta-analysis of data is performed using the RevMan software. Main results: Results should be interpreted with caution as the methodological quality of the 18 trials was variable. Use of any upright or lateral position, compared with supine or lithotomy positions, was associated with: 1Reduced duration of second stage of labour (12 trials,mean 5.4 minutes, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9,6.9 minutes). This was largely due to a considerable reduction in women allocated to use of the birth cushion. 2A small reduction in assisted deliveries (17 trials,odds ratio (OR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.69,0.98). 3A reduction in episiotomies (11 trials,OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64,0.84). 4A smaller increase in second degree perineal tears (10 trials,OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09,1.54). 5Increased estimated risk of blood loss > 500ml (10 trials,OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.34,3.32). 6Reduced reporting of severe pain during second stage of labour (1 trial,OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41,0.83). 7Fewer abnormal fetal heart rate patterns (1 trial,OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11,0.91). Reviewers' conclusions: The tentative findings of this review suggest several possible benefits for upright posture, with the possibility of increased risk of blood loss > 500 mL. Women should be encouraged to give birth in the position they find most comfortable. Until such time the benefits and risks of various delivery positions are estimated with greater certainty when methodologically stringent trials data are available, then women should be allowed to make informed choices about the birth positions in which they might wish to assume for delivery of their babies. Citation: Gupta JK, Nikodem VC. Women's position during second stage of labour (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2000. Oxford: Update Software. [source] Continuity of Caregivers for Care During Pregnancy and ChildbirthBIRTH, Issue 3 2000E.D. Hodnett A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 17 May 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. ABSTRACT Background: Social support may include advice or information, tangible assistance, and emotional support. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of continuous support during labour (provided by health care workers or lay people) on mothers and babies. Search strategy: I searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of last search: April 1999. Selection criteria: Randomised trials comparing continuous support during labour with usual care. Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Main results: Fourteen trials, involving more than 5000 women, are included in the Review. The continuous presence of a support person reduced the likelihood of medication for pain relief, operative vaginal delivery, Caesarean delivery, and a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7. Continuous support was also associated with a slight reduction in the length of labour. Six trials evaluated the effects of support on mothers' views of their childbirth experiences; while the trials used different measures (overall satisfaction, failure to cope well during labour, finding labour to be worse than expected, and level of personal control during childbirth), in each trial the results favoured the group who had received continuous support. Reviewers' conclusions: Continuous support during labour from caregivers (nurses, midwives, or lay people) appears to have a number of benefits for mothers and their babies and there do not appear to be any harmful effects. Citation: Hodnett ED. Caregiver support for women during childbirth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2000. Oxford: Update Software. [source] Continuity of Caregivers for Care During Pregnancy and ChildbirthBIRTH, Issue 3 2000E.D. Hodnett A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 04 March 1998. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. ABSTRACT Background: Care is often provided by multiple caregivers, many of whom work only in the antenatal clinic, labour ward, or postnatal unit. However, continuity of care is provided by the same caregiver or a small group from pregnancy through the postnatal period. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess continuity of care during pregnancy and childbirth and the puerperium with usual care by multiple caregivers. Search strategy: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched. Selection criteria: Controlled trials comparing continuity of care with usual care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Main results: Two studies involving 1815 women were included. Both trials compared continuity of care by midwives with non-continuity of care by a combination of physicians and midwives. The trials were of good quality. Compared to usual care, women who had continuity of care from a team of midwives were less likely to be admitted to hospital antenatally (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.64,0.97) and more likely to attend antenatal education programs (odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.41,0.81). They were also less likely to have drugs for pain relief during labour (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.44,0.64), and their newborns were less likely to require resuscitation (odds ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.52,0.83). No differences were detected in Apgar scores, low birthweight, and stillbirths or neonatal deaths. While they were less likely to have an episiotomy (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.60,0.94), women receiving continuity of care were more likely to have either a vaginal or perineal tear (odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.05, 1.56). They were more likely to be pleased with their antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. Reviewers' conclusions: Studies of continuity of care show beneficial effects. It is not clear whether these are due to greater continuity of care, or to midwifery care. Citation: Hodnett ED. Continuity of caregivers for care during pregnancy and childbirth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2000. Oxford: Update Software. The preceding reports are abstracts of regularly updated, systematic reviews prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full texts of the reviews are available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). Seehttp://www.update-software.com/cochrane.htmor contact Update Software,info@update.co.uk, for information on subscribing to The Cochrane Library in your area. Update Software Ltd, Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way, Oxford OX2 7LG, United Kingdom (Tel.: +44 1865 513902; Fax: +44 1865 516918). [source] SELECTED COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS Absorbable Synthetic Versus Catgut Suture Material for Perineal RepairBIRTH, Issue 2 2000C. Kettle A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 19 May 1999. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary. ABSTRACT Background and objectives: Approximately 70% of women will experience some degree of perineal trauma following vaginal delivery and will require stitches. This may result in perineal pain and superficial dyspareunia. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of absorbable synthetic suture material as compared with catgut on the amount of short- and long-term pain experienced by mothers following perineal repair. Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. Selection criteria: Randomised trials comparing absorbable synthetic (polyglycolic acid and polyglactin) with plain or chromic catgut suture for perineal repair in mothers after vaginal delivery. Data collection and analysis: Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by the second reviewer. Main results: Eight trials were included. Compared with catgut, the polyglycolic acid and polyglactin groups were associated with less pain in first three days (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.54,0.71). There was also less need for analgesia (odds ratio 0,63, 95% confidence interval 0.52,0.77) and less suture dehiscence (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29,0.70). There was no significant difference in long-term pain (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.61,1.08). Removal of suture material was significantly more common in the polyglycolic acid and polyglactin groups (odds ratio 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.56,2.58). There was no difference in the amount of dyspareunia experienced by women. Reviewers' conclusions: Absorbable synthetic suture material (in the form of polyglycolic acid and polyglactin sutures) for perineal repair following childbirth appears to decrease women's experience of short-term pain. The length of time taken for the synthetic material to be absorbed is of concern. A trial addressing the use of polyglactin has recently been completed and this has been included in this updated review. Citation: Kettle C, Johanson RB. Absorbable synthetic versus catgut suture material for perineal repair (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 1999, Oxford: Update Software. ,,, The preceding report is an abstract of regularly updated, systematic reviews prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full texts of the reviews are available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). Seehttp://www.update-software.com/cochrane.htmor contact Update Software,info@update.co.uk, for information on subscribing to The Cochrane Library in your area. Update Software Ltd, Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way, Oxford OX2 7LG, United Kingdom (Tel.: +44 1865 513902; Fax: +44 1865 516918). [source] An analysis of transaction costs of Islamic banks in rural IranAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009S. Safdar Hosseini This study measures transaction costs of obtaining credit from Islamic banks. Data were collected from rural households in Iran. The factors affecting transaction costs and the probability of accessing Islamic financial markets are investigated. Similar to conventional financial institutions found in other developing countries, Iranian banks impose high transaction costs that limit poor rural household access to credit. The results reveal that the transaction costs of gaining credit are on average equivalent to an additional 13.8% annual interest cost. The contractual form, the size of credit, the borrower distance from a financial center, and the experience and education level of the borrower are important determinants of the transactions costs. [EconLit Citations: D230, R510, G210]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] The Monday effect in U.S. cotton pricesAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Stephen P. Keef There is an extensive literature on the Monday effect with stock indices. It is regularly reported that the return on Monday is correlated with the return on the prior Friday. The bad Monday effect occurs when the return on the preceding Friday is negative. Cotton is an economically important commodity in the United States and around the world. This investigation into the daily price seasonality in the U.S. cotton market is based on spot prices from Memphis and futures prices from the New York Cotton Exchange. The regression methodologies employ adjustments to control for undesirable properties in the error terms. There are three main conclusions. First, the close-to-close changes in the futures price and in the spot price exhibit a negative Monday effect. Second, a negative bad Monday effect is observed on Mondays using close-to-close prices. The effect is present during the weekend nontrading period and continues into trading on Mondays. Third, the negative bad Monday effect does not appear to weaken in close-to-close prices and during the weekend over the period examined (1987,2003). However, there is weak evidence of a temporal decline during trading on Mondays. [EconLit Citations: G12, G14, Q14]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Does altruism play a role in determining U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for natural and regionally produced beef?AGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009Wendy J. Umberger An area of increasing differentiation among meat products relates to the source-of-origin and types of production methods used to raise the animals. Consumer data collected from a U.S. national online survey was used to estimate the factors helping explain consumers' willingness to purchase and pay a higher premium for two natural and regionally produced beef products: ground beef and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Choice rib eye steaks. Consumer preferences for natural and regionally produced beef are shown to be motivated by a combination of perceptions of personal benefits and altruistic factors. Additionally, the results of probit models indicate that the probability a consumer will pay more or less of a premium depends on purchase behavior and shopping location, stated importance of production attributes, awareness and interest in private and civic agricultural issues, in addition to some typical demographic variables such as income. [EconLit Citations: Q130, M130, Q180]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Game theory application to Fed Cattle procurement in an experimental marketAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Jared G. Carlberg Consolidation in meatpacking has elicited many market power concerns and studies. A noncooperative, infinitely repeated game theory model was developed and an empirical model estimated to measure beef packing firm behavior in cattle procurement. Experimental market data from three semester-long classes using the Fed Cattle Market Simulator (FCMS) were used. Collusive behavior was found for all three data periods though the extent of collusion varied across semester-long data periods. Results may have been influenced by market conditions imposed on the experimental market in two of the three semesters. One was a marketing agreement between the largest packer and two feedlots and the other involved limiting the amount and type of public market information available to participants. Findings underscore the need for applying game theory to real-world transaction-level, fed cattle market data. [EconLit Citations: C730, L100]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Mergers and acquisitions, employment, wages, and plant closures in the U.S. meat product industries,AGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Sang V. Nguyen The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on wages, employment, and plant closures in the meat packing, prepared meat products, and poultry slaughter and processing industries during two merger periods, 1977,1987 and 1982,1992. The analysis relies on two balanced panel datasets of all plants owned by meat and poultry firms that existed in the 1977 Census of Manufacturing and survived until 1987 and another dataset of plants that existed in 1982 and survived until 1992. We find that (a) M&As are positively associated with wages in the meat packing and prepared meat products industries during 1977,1987, but not during 1982,1992; (b) changes in employment are positively related to M&As in all three meat and poultry industries during 1977,1987, but only in the poultry industry during 1982,1992; and (c) M&As are generally negatively associated with plant closures [EconLit. Citations: J630]. © 2009 wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Understanding heterogeneous preferences of cooperative membersAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Nikos Kalogeras We study the heterogeneity in the preference structure of cooperative members. Using conjoint analysis the utility that members attach to intra-organizational and strategic attributes of their cooperative is elicited. Recognizing that members are not homogenous, a concomitant finite-mixture regression model is employed to allow preferences to vary across different member segments. With data from 120 cooperative members, we find that most members demonstrate rather similar preferences for strategic attributes but differ with respect to the intra-organizational attributes of control and management. Members' preference structures are affected by business size and attitudes towards risk. [EconLit Citations: Q130; M000, C400]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Economic analysis of Campylobacter control in the dutch broiler meat chainAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Marie-Josée J. Mangen The goal of the CARMA (Campylobacter risk management and assessment) project was to advise the Dutch government on the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions aimed at reducing campylobacteriosis cases in the Netherlands. The burden of disease, expressed in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and the corresponding cost-of-illness, were estimated using data from epidemiological studies. With the help of a risk assessment model, the reduction in the incidence of Campylobacter infections due to a set of possible interventions in the broiler meat (chicken) chain was modeled. Separately, costs related to the implementation of these interventions in the broiler meat chain were estimated. For each intervention to be modeled, the net costs of an intervention,additional costs in the broiler meat chain minus reduced cost-of-illness,were related to the reduced burden of disease. This resulted in a cost-utility ratio, expressing the relative efficiency of several policy options to reduce Campylobacter infections. [EconLit Citations: Q180, I180] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 173,192, 2007. [source] Food safety approaches to examining HACCP costs and performance and technologiesAGRIBUSINESS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007Michael Ollinger In this article, the authors describe the survey methodology needed to obtain data to support several empirical analyses dealing with food safety issues. The most striking finding about the survey methodology was the much higher response rate due to the use of priority mail and an incentive payment of $5 versus priority mail only or first-class mail only. Letters of support from the major meat and poultry trade associations and the up to five contacts of potential survey respondents by the surveying organization also appear to have improved the response rate. Overall, the survey methodology yielded nearly 1,000 responses from 1,705 possible meat and poultry plants on their costs of compliance with the Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point rule of 1996, plant characteristics, and use of food safety technologies and practices. [EconLit Citations: L250, L510, L150] © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 23: 193,210, 2007. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||