bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sickness absence diagnoses among abstainers, low‐risk drinkers and at‐risk drinkers: consideration of the U‐shaped association between alcohol use and sickness absence in four cohort studies
Authors: Ervasti Jenni , Kivimäki Mika , Head Jenny , Goldberg Marcel , Airagnes Guillaume , Pentti Jaana , Oksanen Tuula , Salo Paula , Suominen Sakari , Jokela Markus , Vahtera Jussi , Zins Marie , Virtanen Marianna
Published: June 2018

Aims

To estimate differences in the strength and shape of associations between alcohol use and diagnosis‐specific sickness absence.

Design

A multi‐cohort study. Participants (n = 47 520) responded to a survey on alcohol use at two time‐points, and were linked to records of sickness absence. Diagnosis‐specific sickness absence was followed for 4–7 years from the latter survey.

Setting and participants

From Finland, we had population cohort survey data from 1998 and 2003 and employee cohort survey data from 2000–02 and 2004. From France and the United Kingdom, we had employee cohort survey data from 1993 and 1997, and 1985–88 and 1991–94, respectively.

Measurements

We used standard questionnaires to assess alcohol intake categorized into 0, 1–11 and > 11 units per week in women and 0, 1–34 and > 34 units per week in men. We identified groups with stable and changing alcohol use over time. We linked participants to records from sickness absence registers. Diagnoses of sickness absence were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases. Estimates were adjusted for sex, age, socio‐economic status, smoking and body mass index.

Findings

Women who reported drinking 1–11 units and men who reported drinking 1–34 units of alcohol per week in both surveys were the reference group. Compared with them, women and men who reported no alcohol use in either survey had a higher risk of sickness absence due to mental disorders [rate ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–1.88], musculoskeletal disorders (1.22, 95% CI = 1.06–1.41), diseases of the digestive system (1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.77) and diseases of the respiratory system (1.49, 95% CI = 1.29–1.72). Women who reported alcohol consumption of > 11 weekly units and men who reported alcohol consumption of > 34 units per week in both surveys were at increased risk of absence due to injury or poisoning (1.44, 95% CI = 1.13–1.83).

Conclusions

In Finland, France and the United Kingdom, people who report not drinking any alcohol on two occasions several years apart appear to have a higher prevalence of sickness absence from work with chronic somatic and mental illness diagnoses than those drinking below a risk threshold of 11 units per week for women and 34 units per week for men. Persistent at‐risk drinking in Finland, France and the United Kingdom appears to be related to increased absence due to injury or poisoning.
Legislative Capacity and Credit Risk
Authors: Fortunato David , Turner Ian R.
Published: June 2018

Legislatures differ in their institutional capacity to draft and enact policy. While strong legislatures can increase the congruence of policy outcomes to the electorate's preferences, they can also inject uncertainty into markets with their ability to alter the political economic landscape. We argue that this uncertainty will manifest in a state's ability to borrow and hypothesize a negative relationship between legislative capacity and creditworthiness. Using ratings of general obligation bonds issued by the American states over nearly two decades and data on the institutional capacity of state legislative assemblies, we find support for the claim that having a legislature that is better equipped to affect policy change increases credit risk evaluations. The results we present broaden our understanding of the importance of legislative institutions, the determinants of credit risk, and the economic implications of democratic responsiveness.
The role of baseline and post‐procedural frontal plane QRS‐T angles for cardiac risk assessment in patients with acute STEMI
Authors: Colluoglu Tugce , Tanriverdi Zulkif , Unal Baris , Ozcan Emin Evren , Dursun Huseyin , Kaya Dayimi
Published: June 2018

Background

To our knowledge, no study so far investigated the importance of post‐procedural frontal QRS‐T angle f(QRS‐T) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of our study was to investigate the role of baseline and post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angles for determining high risk STEMI patients, and the success of reperfusion.

Methods

A total of 248 patients with first acute STEMI that underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or thrombolytic therapy (TT) between 2013 and 2014 were included in this study. Baseline f(QRS‐T) angle was defined as the angle which measured from the first ECG at the time of hospital admission. Post‐procedural (QRS‐T) angle was defined according to the treatment strategy as follows: the angle which measured from the post‐PCI ECG in patients treated with pPCI; the angle which measured from the ECG taken 90 min after onset of therapy in patients treated with TT.

Results

The baseline (101.9° ± 48.0 vs. 72.1° ± 49.1, p = 0.014) and post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angles (95.7° ± 48.1 vs. 58.1° ± 47.1, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in patients who developed in‐hospital mortality than the patients who did not develop in‐hospital mortality. Also, f(QRS‐T) angle measured at 90 min was significantly lower in patients with successful thrombolysis group compared to failed thrombolysis group (53.2° ± 42.8 vs. 77.3° ± 52.9, p = 0.033), whereas baseline f(QRS‐T) angle was similar between two groups (78.6° ± 53.4 vs. 78.9° ± 54.0, p = 0.976). Multivariate analysis showed that post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) angle ≥89.6° (odds ratio: 3.541, 95% confidence interval: 1.235–10.154, p = 0.019), but not baseline f(QRS‐T) angle, was independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

f(QRS‐T) angle may be used as a beneficial tool for determining high risk patients in acute STEMI. Unlike previous studies, we showed for the first time that that post‐procedural f(QRS‐T) can predict in‐hospital mortality and TT failure.
Caseload distribution of general surgeons in regional Australia: is there a role for a rural surgery sub‐specialization?
Authors: Bappayya Shaneel , Chen Fiona , Alderuccio Megan , Schwalb Heinrich
Published: June 2018

Background

Rural and regional Australia presents a unique challenge in the delivery of surgical services by virtue of its geographical vastness and low population density. While up to 33% of Australians live in rural or regional areas, only 14.8% of surgeons work in a rural or regional area. Data regarding the caseload distribution of general surgeons working in a regional setting in Australia remain scarce. In order to better examine the training needs of rural general surgeons, this study aims to examine the caseload distribution of general surgeons working in regional Australia.

Methods

A retrospective review of surgical procedures carried out by general surgeons at Albury Base Hospital between September 2006 and December 2014 was carried out. Surgical procedures were grouped according to the classifications of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Morbidity and Audit Logbook Tool.

Results

During the study period, 21 652 procedures were carried out by general surgeons. A total of 58.7% (12711) of these procedures consisted of general surgical procedures and 35.9% (7763) were endoscopic procedures. A total of 5.4% of procedures carried out by general surgeons fell outside the scope of traditional general surgery, including cardiothoracic, orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat, neurosurgical, vascular and urological procedures. All general surgeons performed operations in surgical specialities outside of general surgery.

Conclusion

This study adds weight to the value of a broad skill set in provision of surgical services in a rural setting.
Antigenic response to CT‐P13 and infliximab originator in inflammatory bowel disease patients shows similar epitope recognition
Authors: Goncalves J. , Santos M. , Acurcio R. , Iria I. , Gouveia L. , Matos Brito P. , Catarina Cunha‐Santos A. , Barbas A. , Galvão J. , Barbosa I. , Aires da Silva F. , Alcobia A. , Cavaco M. , Cardoso M. , Delgado Alves J. , Carey J. J. , Dörner T. , Eurico Fonseca J. , Palmela C. , Torres J. , Lima Vieira C. , Trabuco D. , Fiorino G. , Strik A. , Yavzori M. , Rosa I. , Correia L. , Magro F. , D'Haens G. , Ben‐Horin S. , Lakatos P. L. , Danese S.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To test the cross‐immunogenicity of anti‐CT‐P13 IBD patients’ sera to CT‐P13/infliximab originator and the comparative antigenicity evoked by CT‐P13/infliximab originator sera.

Methods

Sera of patients with IBD with measurable anti‐CT‐P13 antibodies were tested for their cross‐reactivity to 5 batches of infliximab originator and CT‐P13. Anti‐drug antibody positive sera from treated patients were used to compare antigenic epitopes.

Results

All 42 anti‐CT‐P13 and 37 anti‐infliximab originator IBD sera were cross‐reactive with infliximab originator and CT‐P13 respectively. Concentration of anti‐drug antibodies against infliximab originator or CT‐P13 were strongly correlated both for IgG1 and IgG4 (P < 0.001). Anti‐CT‐P13 sera of patients with IBD (n = 32) exerted similar functional inhibition on CT‐P13 or infliximab originator TNF binding capacity and showed reduced binding to CT‐P13 in the presence of five different batches of CT‐P13 and infliximab originator. Anti‐CT‐P13 and anti‐infliximab originator IBD sera selectively enriched phage‐peptides from the VH (CDR1 and CDR3) and VL domains (CDR2 and CDR3) of infliximab. Sera reactivity detected major infliximab epitopes in these regions of infliximab in 60%‐79% of patients, and no significant differences were identified between CT‐P13 and infliximab originator immunogenic sera. Minor epitopes were localised in framework regions of infliximab with reduced antibody reactivity shown, in 30%‐50% of patients. Monoclonal antibodies derived from naïve individuals and ADA‐positive IBD patients treated with CT‐P13 provided comparable epitope specificity to five different batches of CT‐P13 and infliximab originator.

Conclusions

These results strongly support a similar antigenic profile for infliximab originator and CT‐P13, and point toward a safe switching between the two drugs in anti‐drug antibody negative patients.
Gestational changes in buprenorphine exposure: A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongfei , Kalluri Hari V. , Bastian Jaime R. , Chen Huijun , Alshabi Ali , Caritis Steve N. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: June 2018

Aims

Buprenorphine (BUP) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid addiction. The current dosing regimen of BUP in pregnant women is based on recommendations designed for nonpregnant adults. However, physiological changes during pregnancy may alter BUP exposure and efficacy. The objectives of this study were to develop a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for BUP in pregnant women, to predict changes in BUP exposure at different stages of pregnancy, and to demonstrate the utility of PBPK modelling in optimizing BUP pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.

Methods

A full PBPK model for BUP was initially built and validated in healthy subjects. A fetoplacental compartment was included as a combined compartment in this model to simulate pregnancy induced anatomical and physiological changes. Further, gestational changes in physiological parameters were incorporated in this model. The PBPK model predictions of BUP exposure in pregnancy and during the postpartum period were compared to published data from a prospective clinical study.

Results

The predicted BUP plasma concentration–time profiles in the virtual pregnant populations are consistent with the observed data in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, and the postpartum period. The differences in the predicted means of dose normalized area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve up to 12 h, average concentration and maximum concentration were within ±25% of the corresponding observed means with the exception of average concentration in the 3rd trimester (–26.3%).

Conclusion

PBPK model‐based simulation may be a useful tool to optimize BUP pharmacotherapy during pregnancy, obviating the need to perform pharmacokinetic studies in each trimester and the postpartum period that normally require intensive blood sampling.
Super‐mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) vs retrograde intrarenal surgery for the treatment of 1–2 cm lower‐pole renal calculi: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zeng Guohua , Zhang Tao , Agrawal Madhu , He Xiang , Zhang Wei , Xiao Kefeng , Li Hulin , Li Xuedong , Xu Changbao , Yang Sixing , de la Rosette Jean J. , Fan Junhong , Zhu Wei , Sarica Kemal
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To compare the safety and effectiveness of super‐mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy (SMP) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for the treatment of 1–2 cm lower‐pole renal calculi (LPC).

Patients and Methods

An international multicentre, prospective, randomised, unblinded controlled study was conducted at 10 academic medical centres in China, India, and Turkey, between August 2015 and June 2017. In all, 160 consecutive patients with 1–2 cm LPC were randomised to receive SMP or RIRS. The primary endpoint was stone‐free rate (SFR). Stone‐free status was defined as no residual fragments of ≥0.3 cm on plain abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureters and bladder, and ultrasonography at 1‐day and on computed tomography at 3‐months after operation. Secondary endpoints included blood loss, operating time, postoperative pain scores, auxiliary procedures, complications, and hospital stay. Postoperative follow‐up was scheduled at 3 months. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat. The trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT02519634).

Results

The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. The mean (sd) stone diameters were comparable between the groups, at 1.50 (0.29) cm for the SMP group vs 1.43 (0.34) cm for the RIRS group (P = 0.214). SMP achieved a significantly better 1‐day and 3‐month SFR than RIRS (1‐day SFR 91.2% vs 71.2%, P = 0.001; 3‐months SFR 93.8% vs 82.5%, P = 0.028). The auxiliary procedure rate was lower in the SMP group. RIRS was found to be superior with lower haemoglobin drop and less postoperative pain. Blood transfusion was not required in either group. There was no significant difference in operating time, hospital stay, and complication rates, between the groups.

Conclusions

SMP was more effective than RIRS for treating 1–2 cm LPC in terms of a better SFR and lesser auxiliary procedure rate. The complications and hospital stay were comparable. RIRS has the advantage of less postoperative pain.
Both acute and chronic inflammation are associated with less perineural invasion in men with prostate cancer on repeat biopsy
Authors: Kuang Andrew G. , Nickel J. Curtis , Andriole Gerald L. , Castro‐Santamaria Ramiro , Freedland Stephen J. , Moreira Daniel M.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the association between acute and chronic inflammation with the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) in prostate biopsies positive for prostate cancer (PCa).

Material and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1 399 prostate biopsies positive for PCa in the Reduction by Dutasteride of PCa Events (REDUCE) study. PCa, acute and chronic prostate inflammation and PNI were assessed by central pathology review. The association between acute and chronic inflammation with PNI was evaluated using chi‐squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and logistic regression adjusting for clinicopathological and biochemical variables.

Results

The presence of PNI was identified in 133 biopsies (9.5%). In all, 267 biopsies (19.1%) had acute inflammation, 1 038 (74.2%) had chronic inflammation, and 255 (18.2%) had both. The presence of both acute and chronic inflammation had a mutual association (P < 0.001). Chronic inflammation was associated with a lower Gleason score (P = 0.009) and lower tumour volume (P < 0.001), while acute inflammation was associated with lower Gleason score (P = 0.04), lower tumour volume (P = 0.004) and higher prostate‐specific antigen levels (P = 0.05). In both univariable and multivariable analyses, chronic prostate inflammation was significantly associated with less PNI (univariable odds ratio [OR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.79, P = 0.001; multivariable OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43–0.99, P = 0.045). Acute prostate inflammation was associated with less PNI only in univariable analysis (univariable OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.89, P = 0.018; multivariable OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.35–1.13, P = 0.12).

Conclusion

Acute and chronic prostate inflammation were both associated with a lower prevalence of PNI in prostate biopsies positive for PCa. If confirmed, this suggests that inflammation and immunomodulation can serve as areas of potential therapeutic design to mitigate PNI in patients with PCa.
Tackling Complex Inequalities and Ecuador's Buen Vivir: Leaving No‐one Behind and Equality in Diversity
Authors: RADCLIFFE SARAH A.
Published: June 2018

Ecuador's policy of Buen Vivir seeks to reduce social inequalities and tackle complex disadvantages associated with gender, location, race‐ethnicity, and other axes of social difference. The paper analyses governmental thinking and institutional arrangements to explore Buen Vivir's interpretations of the country's constitutional commitment to equality in diversity, in light of the Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ (LNOB). Situating Ecuador's array of measures in the context of postcolonial institutionalisation, the paper examines how colonial‐modern legacies of knowledge production and governance channel state Buen Vivir into the reproduction of exclusionary configurations of power and difference.
A Soldier's Buen Vivir: Social Inclusion in the Ecuadorian Armed Forces
Authors: ZARAGOCIN SOFIA
Published: June 2018

This article examines the connections between Buen Vivir, a radical approach to socially inclusive development in Latin America, and equality policies developed by the Ministry of Defence for the Ecuadorian armed forces. Drawing on extensive qualitative research on the Ecuadorian military, this article explores and compares the implementation of policies on crosscutting themes such as gender, interculturality and class. This article adds to the existing literature on the question of whether Buen Vivir has fostered equality, taking a closer look at specific Ecuadorian national policies of social inclusion. The research suggests that for the Ecuadorian military, this entails a militarisation of equality through gender equity policies and an intercultural focus.
Characterization of cyclic Cushing's disease using late night salivary cortisol testing
Authors: Jahandideh Dariush , Swearingen Brooke , Nachtigall Lisa B. , Klibanski Anne , Biller Beverly M. K. , Tritos Nicholas A.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To characterize a cohort of patients with cyclic Cushing's disease (CD) in comparison with noncyclic CD using late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) and examine the diagnostic sensitivity of LNSC in comparison with that of 24‐hour urine‐free cortisol (UFC) in this population.

Design

Retrospective study of patients with CD seen in our institution between 2008 and 2017.

Patients

A total of 205 patients, including 17 (8%) with cyclic CD (based on a minimum of 3 peaks and 2 troughs in cortisol levels). In a secondary analysis, 38 patients (19%) with cyclic CD were identified (based on a criterion of at least 2 peaks and 1 trough).

Measurements

Data on presentation, laboratory tests and outcomes were extracted. The diagnostic sensitivity of LNSC vs UFC in establishing cyclic CD was calculated. Kaplan‐Meier analyses of recurrence after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (TSS) were performed.

Results

The interval between presentation and TSS was significantly longer in patients with cyclic CD (P < .0001) in comparison with those with noncyclic CD. The sensitivity of LNSC in establishing cyclic CD was 88% and was higher than that of UFC (12%, P = .007). There were no differences in remission and recurrence rates between patients with cyclic CD and those with noncyclic CD.

Conclusions

Patients with cyclic CD account only for a minority of those with CD, but may require a lengthier diagnostic evaluation. The use of LNSC on multiple occasions provides a more sensitive method of detecting cyclic CD than UFC. Outcomes of TSS in cyclic CD are comparable to those with noncyclic disease.
Modeling the Covariance Structure of Complex Datasets Using Cognitive Models: An Application to Individual Differences and the Heritability of Cognitive Ability
Authors: Evans Nathan J. , Steyvers Mark , Brown Scott D.
Published: June 2018

Understanding individual differences in cognitive performance is an important part of understanding how variations in underlying cognitive processes can result in variations in task performance. However, the exploration of individual differences in the components of the decision process—such as cognitive processing speed, response caution, and motor execution speed—in previous research has been limited. Here, we assess the heritability of the components of the decision process, with heritability having been a common aspect of individual differences research within other areas of cognition. Importantly, a limitation of previous work on cognitive heritability is the underlying assumption that variability in response times solely reflects variability in the speed of cognitive processing. This assumption has been problematic in other domains, due to the confounding effects of caution and motor execution speed on observed response times. We extend a cognitive model of decision‐making to account for relatedness structure in a twin study paradigm. This approach can separately quantify different contributions to the heritability of response time. Using data from the Human Connectome Project, we find strong evidence for the heritability of response caution, and more ambiguous evidence for the heritability of cognitive processing speed and motor execution speed. Our study suggests that the assumption made in previous studies—that the heritability of cognitive ability is based on cognitive processing speed—may be incorrect. More generally, our methodology provides a useful avenue for future research in complex data that aims to analyze cognitive traits across different sources of related data, whether the relation is between people, tasks, experimental phases, or methods of measurement.
Surgical management of skin cancer and trauma involving the middle third of the auricle
Authors: Crisan Diana , Schneider Lars Alexander , Kastler Sabine , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Crisan Maria , Veit Johannes Alexander
Published: June 2018

The main causes of acquired auricular defects are surgical treatment of skin tumors and trauma. Due to the complex anatomy of the external ear, surgical reconstruction of defects in this area is challenging for surgeons, especially in case of midhelix‐antihelix involvement with significant loss of soft tissue and cartilage.

Our purpose is to illustrate the main reconstructive techniques of large midhelix and antihelix defects, as well as the advantages or disadvantages associated with each surgical procedure. Primary closure/wedge technique is mainly used in elderly, multimorbid subjects where single‐stage procedures are desirable, but several complex chondrocutaneous, retroauricular, temporoparietal full‐thickness flap procedures can also be used to recreate an ear with normal appearance.

Auricular reconstruction of large midhelix‐antihelix defects requires a good knowledge of auricular anatomy and the various surgical procedures available for such defects.
Chirurgische Versorgung von Hautkrebs und Trauma im mittleren Drittel der Ohrmuschel
Authors: Crisan Diana , Schneider Lars Alexander , Kastler Sabine , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Crisan Maria , Veit Johannes Alexander
Published: June 2018

Die Hauptursachen erworbener Ohrmuscheldefekte sind chirurgische Behandlung von Hauttumoren und Traumata. Wegen der komplexen Anatomie des Außenohrs ist die chirurgische Rekonstruktion von Defekten in dieser Region für Operateure herausfordernd, insbesondere wenn die mittlere Helix und Anthelix von größeren Weichteil– und Knorpelverlusten betroffen sind.

Wir stellen hier die wichtigsten Techniken zur Rekonstruktion großer Defekte der mittleren Helix und Anthelix sowie die Vor– und Nachteile jedes chirurgischen Verfahrens vor. Bei älteren, multimorbiden Patienten werden meist einstufige Verfahren mit primärem Verschluss/Keilexzision angewandt; es können aber auch mehrere komplexe chondrokutane, retroaurikuläre, temporoparietale Vollhautlappen–Verfahren durchgeführt werden, um ein normal aussehendes Ohr zu rekonstruieren.

Die aurikuläre Rekonstruktion großer Defekte der mittleren Helix‐Anthelix Region erfordert gute Kenntnisse der Ohrmuschel–Anatomie und der verschiedenen chirurgischen Verfahren zur Korrektur solcher Defekte.
Einfluss von Rot‐ versus Blaulicht auf Verträglichkeit und Wirksamkeit der PDT: eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie
Authors: Gholam Patrick , Bosselmann Ina , Enk Alexander , Fink Christine
Published: June 2018

Für die photodynamische Therapie aktinischer Keratosen können verschiedene Lichtquellen eingesetzt werden, da die Photosensibilisatoren durch unterschiedliche Wellenlängen aktiviert werden. Allerdings wird der relative Einfluss der Bestrahlung mit Rot‐ und Blaulicht auf die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der Therapie kontrovers diskutiert.

Ziel

Das Ziel dieser Studie ist es die Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der Therapie mit roten und blauen Lichtquellen sowie die Beurteilung der Patienten hinsichtlich der kosmetischen Ergebnisse, des klinischen Ansprechens, der Schmerzhaftigkeit und der bevorzugten Lichtquelle bei zukünftigen photodynamischen Behandlungen zu vergleichen.

Methoden

Es handelt sich um eine prospektive, monozentrische, randomisierte, kontrollierte, offene Studie mit 28 Patienten, bei denen eine elektive photodynamische Therapie durchgeführt wurde.

Ergebnisse

Sowohl die rote als auch die blaue Lichtquelle erzielten mit Ansprechraten von 84 % beziehungsweise 85 % sehr gute Ergebnisse. Während der photodynamischen Therapie betrugen die Schmerzen auf der visuellen Analogskala 6,1 vs. 5,4 (und acht Stunden nach der Therapie 2,1 vs. 1,5). Diese Unterschiede waren zwar statistisch signifikant, ihre klinische Relevanz war jedoch gering, da die Anzahl der Therapieunterbrechungen bei beiden Gruppen gleich verteilt war und sich aus der subjektiven Bewertung der Therapie durch die Patienten keine persönliche Präferenz für eine der Lichtquellen ergab.

Schlussfolgerungen

Beide Lichtquellen zeigten in dieser Studie sehr gute klinische Ergebnisse und eine zufriedenstellende Verträglichkeit.
Scalp tumors
Authors: Prodinger Christine Maria , Koller Josef , Laimer Martin
Published: June 2018

Tumors of the scalp are characterized by an impressively broad and heterogeneous clinical spectrum. They frequently exhibit site‐specific features distinguishing them from their counterparts elsewhere on the skin. Although mostly benign, diagnosis and treatment of these lesions may pose a significant challenge due to impaired visibility (and thus delayed detection), anatomical circumstances, exposure to (exogenous) noxious agents, distinct histological features, as well as the often‐advanced age of affected individuals. This is even more true for malignant tumors of the scalp, which are uncommon but associated with a poor prognosis. Adequate patient care therefore requires interdisciplinary management. Against this background, the present article addresses general principles and distinct features of the most important tumors of the scalp.
Efficacy and safety of pancreatic juice cytology by using synthetic secretin in the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Matsumoto Kazuya , Kurumi Hiroki , Koda Hiroki , Yamashita Taro , Onoyama Takumi , Kawata Soichiro , Horie Yasushi , Isomoto Hajime
Published: June 2018

Background and Aim

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to detect in its early stages with the poorest prognosis of all cancers. To improve the prognosis, a precise diagnosis is needed when we suspect PDAC. Although endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (EUS‐FNA) is a widely accepted modality for the diagnosis of PDAC, its sensitivity is 85–89%, and approximately 10% of PDAC cases cannot be diagnosed. The main causes that interrupt the diagnosis of PDAC by using EUS‐FNA are tumor size, presence of a vessel or the main pancreatic duct along the puncture route, and difficulty in withdrawing anticoagulant. Pancreatic juice cytology (PJC), the sensitivity of which is 33.3–65.8%, is a method for the diagnosis of PDAC cases in which carrying out of EUS‐FNA is difficult. To diagnose PDAC appropriately, we need to improve the diagnostic ability of PJC.

Methods

We examined PJC using synthetic secretin for 138 cases of pancreatic tumor and pancreatic non‐cancerous diseases.

Results

Sensitivity of PJC improved from 50.9% to 74.0% as a result of synthetic secretin loading, and 13 PDAC cases that had not been able to be diagnosed with EUS‐FNA could be diagnosed pathologically by PJC. Although there were 12 patients with mild pancreatitis (8.7%) as a complication, all were relieved with conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Adding synthetic secretin to PJC is useful for cases in which it is difficult to carry out EUS‐FNA for PDAC.
Calcium signalling and related ion channels in neutrophil recruitment and function
Authors: Immler Roland , Simon Scott I. , Sperandio Markus
Published: June 2018

The recruitment of neutrophils to sites of inflammation, their battle against invading microorganisms through phagocytosis and the release of antimicrobial agents is a highly coordinated and tightly regulated process that involves the interplay of many different receptors, ion channels and signalling pathways. Changes in intracellular calcium levels, caused by cytosolic Ca2+ store depletion and the influx of extracellular Ca2+ via ion channels, play a critical role in synchronizing neutrophil activation and function. In this review, we provide an overview of how Ca2+ signalling is initiated in neutrophils and how changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels modulate neutrophil function.
Wearable devices for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy prevention
Authors: Ryvlin Philippe , Ciumas Carolina , Wisniewski Ilona , Beniczky Sandor
Published: June 2018

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is most often associated with the occurrence of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), a seizure type that can now be detected with high sensitivity and specificity by wearable or bed devices. The recent development in such devices and their performance offer multiple opportunities to tackle SUDEP and its prevention. Reliable GTCS detection might help physicians optimize antiepileptic treatment, which could in turn reduce the risk of SUDEP. GTCS‐triggered alarms can lead to immediate intervention by caregivers that are also likely to decrease the odd of SUDEP. The biosignals used to detect GTCS might provide novel SUDEP biomarkers, in particular, by informing on several important characteristics of the ictal and postictal periods (type of GTCS, duration of tonic phase, rotation in the prone position, presence and duration of postictal immobility and bradycardia, rise in electrodermal activity). Other biosensors not yet used for detecting GTCS might provide complementary information, such as the presence and intensity of ictal/postictal hypoxemia. The above biomarkers, if strongly predictive, could help identify patients at very high risk of SUDEP, enabling better assessment of individual risk, as well as selection of appropriate patients for clinical studies aiming at preventing SUDEP. The same biosignals could also be used as ancillary biomarkers to test the impact of various interventions before moving to highly challenging randomized controlled trials with SUDEP as a primary outcome.
Risk of seizures and status epilepticus in older patients with liver disease
Authors: Alkhachroum Ayham M. , Rubinos Clio , Kummer Benjamin R. , Parikh Neal S. , Chen Monica , Chatterjee Abhinaba , Reynolds Alexandra , Merkler Alexander E. , Claassen Jan , Kamel Hooman
Published: June 2018

Objective

Seizures can be provoked by systemic diseases associated with metabolic derangements, but the association between liver disease and seizures remains unclear.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using inpatient and outpatient claims between 2008 and 2015 from a nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries. The primary exposure variable was cirrhosis, and the secondary exposure was mild, noncirrhotic liver disease. The primary outcome was seizure, and the secondary outcome was status epilepticus. Diagnoses were ascertained using validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes. Survival statistics were used to calculate incidence rates, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between exposures and outcomes while adjusting for seizure risk factors.

Results

Among 1 782 402 beneficiaries, we identified 10 393 (0.6%) beneficiaries with cirrhosis and 19 557 (1.1%) with mild, noncirrhotic liver disease. Individuals with liver disease were older and had more seizure risk factors than those without liver disease. Over 4.6 ± 2.2 years of follow‐up, 49 843 (2.8%) individuals were diagnosed with seizures and 25 patients (0.001%) were diagnosed with status epilepticus. Cirrhosis was not associated with seizures (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0‐1.3), but there was an association with status epilepticus (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.3‐2.8). Mild liver disease was not associated with a higher risk of seizures (HR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.6‐0.9) or status epilepticus (HR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.7‐1.5).

Significance

In a large, population‐based cohort, we found an association between cirrhosis and status epilepticus, but no overall association between liver disease and seizures.
National social spaces as adjustment variables in the EMU: A critical legal appraisal
Authors: Costamagna Francesco
Published: June 2018

The article critically engages with the reconfiguration of the role and status of national social spaces within the EU constitutional fabric after the reform of European economic governance. Its main contention is that these reforms have converted national social spaces into adjustment variables whose main function is to contribute to the pursuit of EMU‐related objectives. This transformation alters the balance between the economic and the social dimension in the EU legal order, deforming one of the defining traits of its constitutional identity.
Competition mechanisms of fatigue crack growth behavior in lath martensitic steel
Authors: Yang M. , Zhong Y. , Liang Y.‐l.
Published: June 2018

The fatigue crack growth behavior in 20CrMnTi lath martensitic steel with a hierarchical structure was investigated at room temperature. The microstructure was quantitatively characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattering diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Crack growth tests were performed at a stress ratio of 0.1 under the control of a stress intensity factor range using compact tension specimens. The results show that the lath martensite with medium grain size quenched in ice salt water possessed the highest fatigue crack propagation resistance, which was attributed to the relatively high intrinsic propagation resistance and extrinsic propagation resistance. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the intrinsic propagation resistance increased with the grain size, while the extrinsic propagation resistance showed an inverse tendency. In addition, the effect of substructure on the fatigue propagation properties is discussed. The deflection angle of block interfaces in the crack growth path indicated the block unit had a significant effect on the fatigue crack propagation behavior of lath martensitic steel. Based on the Taylor model, the block size (db) was considered to be the effective grain size for controlling the crack growth threshold value (∆Kth).
Gendered work culture in free/libre open source software development
Authors: Lin Yu‐Wei , den Besten Matthijs
Published: June 2018

This article adopts a feminist perspective to examine masculine work culture in the development of free/libre open source software. The authors draw on a case study of the ‘Heidi bug’ discovered during the development of the Mozilla Firefox web browser to examine how ‘gendered talk’ was (en)‐acted to facilitate ‘bricolage’ in an online work environment. Such gendered talks contain cultural references familiar to male developers. Though seemingly innocuous, such acts could be seen as a performance of gender that simply reflects the hegemonic heterosexual masculine culture manifested in an online virtual work space. The virtual work space therefore can be exclusive to those who shared the cultural references. Although it may not necessarily be ignorance or insensitivity of male developers, a more gender‐balanced, women‐friendly and inclusive workplace certainly would benefit from a more diverse environment. This article highlights the gendered aspect of software development through examining the language use and mainstream ‘bricolage’ practice, and establishes a compelling ground for enlarging the talent pool to include more women and integrating gender ethics (e.g., raising awareness of sensitive language and design approaches) into computer ethics education.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Vonoprazan, a potent acid blocker, is superior to proton‐pump inhibitors for eradication of clarithromycin‐resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Li Min , Oshima Tadayuki , Horikawa Tomoki , Tozawa Katsuyuki , Tomita Toshihiko , Fukui Hirokazu , Watari Jiro , Miwa Hiroto
Published: June 2018

Background

Vonoprazan is a novel gastric acid suppressant that is applied in Japan to treat gastric diseases including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This meta‐analysis aimed to summarize the ability of vonoprazan to eradicate clarithromycin‐susceptible and clarithromycin‐resistant H. pylori strains.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they evaluated eradication rates of vonoprazan‐based and conventional PPI‐based triple therapies and checked for clarithromycin susceptibility of H. pylori.

Results

We identified 5 studies including a total of 1599 patients containing data regarding H. pylori with clarithromycin susceptibility. Among those infected with clarithromycin‐susceptible H. pylori, eradication rates for vonoprazan‐based and conventional PPI‐based therapies did not significantly differ in either the randomized (RCT; pooled eradication rates, 95.4% vs 92.8%; pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.74‐3.61; P = .225) and nonrandomized (NRCT; pooled eradication rates, 92.9% vs 86.2%; OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 0.67‐31.45; P = .122) controlled trials. However, vonoprazan‐based triple therapy was significantly superiority to PPI‐based therapy for patients with clarithromycin‐resistant strains in both RCT (pooled eradication rates, 82.0% vs 40.0%; OR, 6.83; 95% CI, 3.63‐12.86; P < .0001) and NRCT (pooled eradication rates, 80.8% vs 41.8%; OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 2.47‐10.03; P < .0001).

Conclusions

Vonoprazan‐based and conventional PPI‐based therapies are similarly effective for the eradication of clarithromycin‐susceptible H. pylori strains. Vonoprazan is superior to conventional PPI‐based therapy for the eradication of clarithromycin‐resistant H. pylori strains. However, clarithromycin was misused because the combination of vonoprazan and amoxicillin cures approximately 80% of infections without clarithromycin.
Opportunities for faculty‐librarian collaboration in an expanded dentistry curriculum
Authors: Stone Sean , Quirke Michelle , Lowe M. Sara
Published: June 2018

With the increased emphasis on evidence based practice, developing information literacy skills earlier in health care education programmes is widely accepted. However finding opportunities for relevant teaching can present challenges, often leading to a lack of integration. In this paper, guest writers Sean Stone and colleagues from Indiana University discuss their involvement with an expanded dental hygiene curriculum in the University School of Dentistry. This expansion has provided the opportunity to plan integration of information and oral health literacy instruction and evidence based practice across the new curriculum, and provide transferable skills for any major. In particular, the paper addresses the developmental work the health librarian team engaged in from course design, delivery and assessment to improve student preparedness for evidence based practice.

H.S.
VALUE OF THE STATUS QUO AND EFFICIENT PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTION
Authors: Agastya Murali , Birulin Oleksii
Published: June 2018

Allowing the value of an asset to depend on the ownership structure, we study ex post efficient (EPEF) dissolution of a partnership in a multidimensional independent private value (IPV) environment. The status‐quo may now be an EPEF outcome. Under mild support restrictions, we show that no partnership can be dissolved. Moreover, when the restrictions fail, one can dissolve a highly skewed partnership but not the equal partnership. These results are in stark contrast to the literature that follows Cramton et al. (Econometrica 55 (1987), 615–32) where an even allocation of initial property rights ensures efficient dissolution.
Extensive phenotypic diversification coexists with little genetic divergence and a lack of population structure in the White Wagtail subspecies complex (Motacilla alba)
Authors: Semenov Georgy A. , Koblik Evgeniy A. , Red'kin Yaroslav A. , Badyaev Alexander V.
Published: June 2018

Geographically clustered phenotypes often demonstrate consistent patterns in molecular markers, particularly mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) traditionally used in phylogeographic studies. However, distinct evolutionary trajectories among traits and markers can lead to their discordance. First, geographic structure in phenotypic traits and nuclear molecular markers can be co‐aligned but inconsistent with mtDNA (mito‐nuclear discordance). Alternatively, phenotypic variation can have little to do with patterns in neither mtDNA nor nuclear markers. Disentangling between these distinct patterns can provide insight into the role of selection, demography and gene flow in population divergence. Here, we examined a previously reported case of strong inconsistency between geographic structure in mtDNA and plumage traits in a widespread polytypic bird species, the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba). We tested whether this pattern is due to mito‐nuclear discordance or discrepancy between morphological evolution and both nuclear and mtDNA markers. We analysed population differentiation and structure across six out of nine commonly recognized subspecies using 17 microsatellite loci and a combination of microsatellites and plumage indices in a comprehensively sampled region of a contact between two subspecies. We did not find support for the mito‐nuclear discordance hypothesis: nuclear markers indicated a subtle signal of genetic clustering only partially consistent with plumage groups, similar to previous findings that relied on mtDNA. We discuss evolutionary factors that could have shaped the intricate patterns of phenotypic diversification in the White wagtail and the role that repeated selection on plumage ‘hotspots’ and hybridization may have played.
INFORMED OPTIONS TRADING BEFORE AUDITOR CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Authors: Zhang Jun
Published: June 2018

In this article I examine the information content of options trading before auditor change announcements. Preannouncement abnormal implied volatility (IV) skew is negatively and significantly related to cumulative abnormal returns around auditor change announcements. The predictive power of abnormal IV skew is stronger for announcements of negative auditor changes and when the options market is more liquid, and is weaker when information has already been incorporated in the stock market. The results are robust to a placebo test and an alternative measure of informed options trading. Overall results suggest that informed options trading predicts auditor change announcement returns.
Association Between Daily Sleep Duration and Risk of Dementia and Mortality in a Japanese Community
Authors: Ohara Tomoyuki , Honda Takanori , Hata Jun , Yoshida Daigo , Mukai Naoko , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Shibata Mao , Kishimoto Hiro , Kitazono Takanari , Kanba Shigenobu , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To investigate the association between daily sleep duration and risk of dementia and death in a Japanese elderly population.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Hisayama Study, Japan.

Participants

Community‐dwelling Japanese individuals aged 60 and older without dementia.

Measurements

Self‐reported daily sleep duration was grouped into 5 categories (<5.0, 5.0–6.9, 7.0–7.9, 8.0–9.9, ≥10.0 hours). The association between daily sleep duration and risk of dementia and death was determined using a Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During follow‐up, 294 participants developed dementia, and 282 died. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rates of dementia and all‐cause mortality were significantly greater in subjects with daily sleep duration of less than 5.0 hours and 10.0 hours and more than in those with daily sleep duration of 5.0 to 6.9 hours. These associations remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounding factors (<5.0 hours: hazard ratio (HR)=2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.38–5.05 for dementia; HR=2.29, 95% CI=1.15–4.56 for death; ≥10.0 hours: HR=2.23, 95% CI=1.42–3.49 for dementia; HR=1.67, 95% CI=1.07–2.60 for death). Similar U‐shaped associations were observed for Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. With regard to the influence of hypnotic use on risk of dementia and death, subjects who used hypnotics and had any sleep duration had a risk of dementia that was 1.66 times as great and a risk of death that was 1.83 times as great as those who did not use hypnotics and had a daily sleep duration of 5.0 to 6.9 hours.

Conclusion

Short and long daily sleep duration and hypnotic use are risk factors for dementia and death in Japanese elderly adults.
Effects of oral health education in Myanmar preschool children and guardians
Authors: Thwin Kaung Myat , Zaitsu Takashi , Ueno Masayuki , Kawaguchi Yoko
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oral health education on preschool children’s oral health status and habits, and their guardian’s oral health knowledge.

Methods

A 1‐year interventional study was conducted for 201 preschool children from January 2016 to January 2017. A questionnaire survey and clinical oral examination were performed at baseline and at 1‐year follow up. A 30‐min oral health education session was given to children and their teachers and guardians separately by a dentist every 6 months. The impact of health education was evaluated by assessing the changes in guardians’ questionnaires and children’s oral health status during the 1‐year period.

Results

The mean oral health knowledge scores of guardians significantly increased from 8.0 ± 2.0 at baseline to 9.0 ± 2.5 at 1‐year follow up (P < .001). Most oral health habits, except drinking water after eating, significantly improved at 1‐year follow up. Significant decreases in debris score (P = .008) and gingival score (P < .001) were found.

Conclusion

Comprehensive oral health education was shown to improve guardians’ knowledge of oral hygiene, and oral health habits and status of their children. It is necessary to adopt a comprehensive oral health‐promotion program involving oral health‐care professionals, parents, and teachers.