bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The direct and indirect costs of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in Singapore
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Kwoh Shi Yun , Phang Jie Kie , Cheen Mcvin Hua Heng , Lim Ka Keat , Wang Charmaine Tze May , Leung Ying Ying , Koh Hwee‐Ling , Ostbye Truls , Thumboo Julian , Fong Warren 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the economic annual direct and indirect costs of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in Singapore, and to identify factors associated with these costs.MethodsA retrospective, cross‐sectional, Institutional Review Board‐approved study was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to the patients between 2013 and 2016 from the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) spondyloarthritis registry. Direct medical costs and indirect costs were estimated using the SGH database and the human capital approach respectively. Multivariate analyses using generalized linear model with gamma distribution and a log‐linked function was conducted to identify factors associated with these total, direct and indirect costs. All costs were adjusted to 2017 using the Singapore Consumer Price Index and converted to 2017 US dollars (USD) by purchasing power parity.ResultsA total of 135 consecutive patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 40.4 ± 13.2 years. The overall annual total economic cost to society was around USD 74 790 820, with annual direct cost being the main component of total cost (90.8%). Annual direct cost was around USD 67 931 457, while annual indirect cost was around USD 6 855 951. Presence of extra‐spinal symptoms (ever) was associated with an increase in total and direct costs. Higher education level and Patient Global Assessment were associated with an increase in indirect costs. Lack of employment was associated with a decrease in indirect costs.ConclusionThe disease burden of axSpA in Singapore is not trivial given that the disease is relatively common. This highlights the need for measures to accommodate patients with axSpA economically in Singapore.
Acarbose improved survival for Apc+/Min mice
Authors: Dodds Sherry G. , Parihar Manish , Javors Martin , Nie Jia , Musi Nicolas , Dave Sharp Zelton , Hasty Paul 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAcarbose blocks the digestion of complex carbohydrates, and the NIA Intervention Testing Program (ITP) found that it improved survival when fed to mice. Yet, we do not know if lifespan extension was caused by its effect on metabolism with regard to the soma or cancer suppression. Cancer caused death for ~80% of ITP mice. The ITP found rapamycin, an inhibitor to the pro‐growth mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) pathway, improved survival and it suppressed tumors in Apc+/Min mice providing a plausible rationale to ask if acarbose had a similar effect. Apc+/Min is a mouse model prone to intestinal polyposis and a mimic of familial adenomatous polyposis in people. Polyp‐associated anemia contributed to their death. To address this knowledge gap, we fed two doses of acarbose to Apc+/Min mice. Acarbose improved median survival at both doses. A cross‐sectional analysis was performed next. At both doses, ACA fed mice exhibited reduced intestinal crypt depth, weight loss despite increased food consumption and reduced postprandial blood glucose and plasma insulin, indicative of improved insulin sensitivity. Dose‐independent and dose‐dependent compensatory liver responses were observed for AMPK and mTORC1 activities, respectively. Only mice fed the high dose diet exhibited reductions in tumor number with higher hematocrits. Because low‐dose acarbose improved lifespan but failed to reduced tumors, its effects seem to be independent of cancer. These data implicate the importance of improved carbohydrate metabolism on survival.
Increasing incidence of endometrial carcinoma in a high‐risk New Zealand community
Authors: Bigby Susan M. , Tin Tin Sandar , Eva Lois J. , Shirley Phillipa , Dempster‐Rivett Kieran , Elwood Mark 
Published: January 2020

BackgroundEndometrial carcinoma (EC) is increasing in incidence, attributed largely to the obesity epidemic. Ethnic differences in New Zealand have long been recognised, with Pacific women bearing the greater burden of disease. We hypothesise that the pooled national incidence rates underestimate the true burden of EC in our high‐risk community.AimsWe aimed to: (1) determine the incidence, trends and outcome of EC in the high‐risk community served by our hospital, relative to national data; and (2) examine associated demographic, and clinicopathological features with reference to risk factors, to identify potential clinical and population intervention points.Materials and MethodsAll area‐resident women treated for EC at Middlemore Hospital from 2000 to 2014 were identified from records, and clinicopathological data obtained. Incidence and time trend analyses were performed with reference to tumour type, age and ethnicity.ResultsThe study included 588 women. Pacific, followed by Māori, women had the highest incidence of EC (relative risk = 5.11 and 2.47, respectively, relative to ‘Other’ women). The incidence increased for all ethnicities (annual percentage change (APC) of 7.3; 95% CI 3.6–11.1), most marked in women aged below 50 years (APC of 12.2; 95% CI 5.2–19.7). This occurred predominantly in Pacific women, who had a high prevalence of potentially reversible risk factors. Disease‐specific survival was worse in Pacific, and to a lesser extent, Māori women.ConclusionsPrompt investigation of symptomatic, high‐risk women regardless of age may detect endometrial abnormalities at an early, potentially reversible stage. The prevention and management of identifiable high‐risk factors would help mitigate the risk of EC and associated diseases.
Unprincipled Principals: Co‐opted Bureaucrats and Corruption in Ghana
Authors: Brierley Sarah 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn theory, granting politicians tools to oversee bureaucrats can reduce administrative malfeasance. In contrast, I argue that the political control of bureaucrats can increase corruption when politicians need money to fund election campaigns and face limited institutional constraints. In such contexts, politicians can leverage their discretionary powers to incentivize bureaucrats to extract rents from the state on politicians' behalf. Using data from an original survey of bureaucrats (N = 864) across 80 randomly sampled local governments in Ghana, I show that bureaucrats are more likely to facilitate politicians' corrupt behavior when politicians are perceived to be empowered with higher levels of discretionary control. Using qualitative data and a list experiment to demonstrate the mechanism, I show that politicians enact corruption by threatening to transfer noncompliant officers. My findings provide new evidence on the sources of public administrative deficiencies in developing countries and qualify the presumption that greater political oversight improves governance.
When Descriptive Norms Backfire: Attitudes Induce Undesirable Consequences during Disaster Preparation
Authors: Ozaki Taku , Nakayachi Kazuya 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the adverse effects of descriptive norms in the context of disaster preparation, although the cumulative evidence has demonstrated that descriptive norms desirably promote social behavior. Descriptive norms inevitably inform that some people do not prepare; therefore, the secondary meaning can be utilized to confirm the receiver's already possessed attitudes, and it results in a backfire. We conducted two preregistered experiments examining preparation behaviors for natural disasters while manipulating descriptive norms. In Study 1 (N = 262), the only promotive effect of descriptive norms was obtained among U.S. participants. In Study 2 (N = 329), when replicated with a sample of Japanese participants, participants’ attitudes moderated the effects of descriptive norms. The patterns of moderation were consistent with our prediction and suggested that descriptive norms suppressed the desirable behavior when participants held negative attitudes. The pitfalls of descriptive normative approaches are also practically important.
Ensemble cluster pruning via convex‐concave programming
Authors: Özöğür‐Akyüz Süreyya , Otar Buse Çisil , Atas Pınar Karadayı 
Published: January 2020

SummaryEnsemble learning is the process of aggregating the decisions of different learners/models. Fundamentally, the performance of the ensemble relies on the degree of accuracy in individual learner predictions and the degree of diversity among the learners. The trade‐off between accuracy and diversity within the ensemble needs to be optimized to provide the best grouping of learners as it relates to their performance. In this optimization theory article, we propose a novel ensemble selection algorithm which, focusing specifically on clustering problems, selects the optimal subset of the ensemble that has both accurate and diverse models. Those ensemble selection algorithms work for a given number of the best learners within the subset prior to their selection. The cardinality of a subset of the ensemble changes the prediction accuracy. The proposed algorithm in this study determines both the number of best learners and also the best ones. We compared our prediction results to recent ensemble clustering selection algorithms by the number of cardinalities and best predictions, finding better and approximated results to the optimum solutions.
Vitamin D deficiency is common in kidney transplant recipients, but is not associated with infections after transplantation
Authors: Schreiber Peter W. , Kusejko Katharina , Bischoff‐Ferrari Heike A. , Boggian Katia , Bonani Marco , van Delden Christian , Enriquez Natalia , Fehr Thomas , Garzoni Christian , Hirsch Hans H. , Hirzel Cédric , Manuel Oriol , Meylan Pascal , Saleh Lanja , Weisser Maja , Mueller Nicolas J. ,   the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS)
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe relevance of vitamin D for infections after kidney transplantation is poorly defined. 25‐OH vitamin D (25‐OHD) levels of 135 kidney transplant recipients, enrolled in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study, were determined peri‐transplant and 6 months post‐transplant. Logistic regression was used to address the associations of 25‐OHD and overall infections and bacterial infections, respectively. For the first 6 months post‐transplant, 25‐OHD peri‐transplant, and for the second period (after 6 to 30 months post‐transplant), 25‐OHD at 6 months post‐transplant was considered. Vitamin D deficiency was common peri‐transplant and remained highly prevalent 6 months after transplantation despite frequent supplementation. Median 25‐OHD levels increased from 12.0 ng/mL (IQR 5.3‐19.5) peri‐transplant to 16.5 ng/mL (IQR 10.6‐22.6) 6 months post‐transplant (P = .005). We did not detect a significant association between 25‐OHD and overall infections (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.44‐2.51; aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.31‐1.43) or bacterial infections (aOR 0.79, 95%CI 0.32‐1.96; aOR 0.79, 95%CI 0.35‐1.75) for the first and second period. To conclude, at both time points, vitamin D deficiency was observed in more than 50% of kidney recipients, albeit an increase in 25‐OHD in the longitudinal course was observed. No significant association between 25‐OHD and infections was detected.
Efficacy of 10‐20‐30 training versus moderate‐intensity continuous training on HbA1c, body composition and maximum oxygen uptake in male patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baasch‐Skytte Thomas , Lemgart Charlotte T. , Oehlenschläger Mads H. , Petersen Pernille E. , Hostrup Morten , Bangsbo Jens , Gunnarsson Thomas P. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo compare the efficacy of 10‐20‐30 training versus moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) on HbA1c, body composition and maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) in male patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Materials and MethodsFifty‐one male participants with T2D were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 10‐20‐30 (N = 26) and a MICT (N = 25) training group. Interventions consisted of supervised cycling three times weekly for 10 weeks, lasting 29 minutes (10‐20‐30) and 50 minutes (MICT) in a local non‐clinical setting. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline to 10‐week follow‐up.ResultsOf 51 participants enrolled, 44 (mean age 61.0 ± 6.8 [mean ± SD] years, diagnosed 7.5 ± 5.8 years, baseline HbA1c 7.4% ± 1.3%) were included in the analysis. Training compliance was 84% and 86% in 10‐20‐30 and MICT, respectively. No adverse events occurred during the intervention. HbA1c decreased (P <0.001) by 0.5 (95% CI −0.72 to −0.21) percentage points with training in 10‐20‐30, with no change in MICT. The change in 10‐20‐30 was greater (P <0.05) than in MICT. Visceral fat mass decreased (P <0.05) only with 10‐20‐30 training, whereas total fat mass decreased (P <0.01) and V˙O2max increased (P <0.01) with training in both groups.ConclusionsTen weeks of 10‐20‐30 training was superior to MICT in lowering HbA1c, and only 10‐20‐30 training decreased visceral fat mass in patients with T2D. Furthermore, 10‐20‐30 training was as effective as MICT in reducing total fat mass and increasing V˙O2max, despite a 42% lower training time commitment.
SCN1A/NaV1.1 channelopathies: Mechanisms in expression systems, animal models, and human iPSC models
Authors: Mantegazza Massimo , Broccoli Vania 
Published: January 2020

SummaryPathogenic SCN1A/NaV1.1 mutations cause well‐defined epilepsies, including genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and the severe epileptic encephalopathy Dravet syndrome. In addition, they cause a severe form of migraine with aura, familial hemiplegic migraine. Moreover, SCN1A/NaV1.1 variants have been inferred as risk factors in other types of epilepsy. We review here the advancements obtained studying pathologic mechanisms of SCN1A/NaV1.1 mutations with experimental systems. We present results gained with in vitro expression systems, gene‐targeted animal models, and the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, highlighting advantages, limits, and pitfalls for each of these systems. Overall, the results obtained in the last two decades confirm that the initial pathologic mechanism of epileptogenic SCN1A/NaV1.1 mutations is loss‐of‐function of NaV1.1 leading to hypoexcitability of at least some types of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons (including cortical and hippocampal parvalbumin‐positive and somatostatin‐positive ones). Conversely, more limited results point to NaV1.1 gain‐of‐function for familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) mutations. Behind these relatively simple pathologic mechanisms, an unexpected complexity has been observed, in part generated by technical issues in experimental studies and in part related to intrinsically complex pathophysiologic responses and remodeling, which yet remain to be fully disentangled.
SCN2A channelopathies: Mechanisms and models
Authors: Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Lauxmann Stephan , Lerche Holger 
Published: January 2020

SummaryVariants in the SCN2A gene, encoding the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.2, cause a variety of neuropsychiatric syndromes with different severity ranging from self‐limiting epilepsies with early onset to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with early or late onset and intellectual disability (ID), as well as ID or autism without seizures. Functional analysis of channel defects demonstrated a genotype‐phenotype correlation and suggested effective treatment options for one group of affected patients carrying gain‐of‐function variants. Here, we sum up the functional mechanisms underlying different phenotypes of patients with SCN2A channelopathies and present currently available models that can help in understanding SCN2A‐related disorders.
Dravet syndrome: Early electroclinical findings and long‐term outcome in adolescents and adults
Authors: Darra Francesca , Battaglia Domenica , Dravet Charlotte , Patrini Mara , Offredi Francesca , Chieffo Daniela , Piazza Elena , Fontana Elena , Olivieri Giorgia , Turrini Ida , Dalla Bernardina Bernardo , Granata Tiziana , Ragona Francesca 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo describe the outcome of Dravet syndrome (DS) in adolescents and adults we conducted a longitudinal retrospective study of two independent cohorts of 34 adolescents (group 1) and 50 adults (group 2). In both cohorts, we collected information about genetic mutation, and semiology of seizures at onset and during disease course. At the last evaluation, we considered the following features: epilepsy (distinguishing myoclonic/complete and nonmyoclonic/incomplete phenotype), neurologic signs, intellectual disability (ID), and behavioral disorders. Moreover, in both cohorts, we performed a correlation analysis between early characteristics of the disease and the outcome of DS with regard to seizure persistence, ID, behavioral disorder, and neurologic impairment at last evaluation. Group 1 includes 22 adolescents with complete form of DS and 12 with incomplete form; group 2 includes 35 adults with complete form and 15 with incomplete form. The seizures persisted in 73.6% of adolescents and in 80% of adults, but epilepsy severity progressively decreased through age. Seizure persistence correlated with the complete phenotype and with the occurrence of reflex seizures. At last evaluation, ID was moderate or severe in 70.5% of adolescents and in 80% of adults. The most severe cognitive and motor impairment was observed in patients with persisting seizures. The severity of cognition, language, and neurologic impairment at last evaluation correlated statistically with the complete phenotype. The study confirms that the global outcome of DS is poor in most cases, albeit epilepsy severity decreases throughout adulthood. The improvement of epilepsy throughout ages is not associated with improvement in intellectual abilities and motor skills; this confirms that the unfavorable outcome is not a pure consequence of epilepsy.
Associations between milk fat content and obesity, 1999 to 2016
Authors: White Michelle J. , Armstrong Sarah C. , Kay Melissa C. , Perrin Eliana M. , Skinner Asheley 
Published: January 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe relationship between milk fat content and body mass index (BMI) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if milk fat content is associated with obesity in children, adolescents and young adults.MethodsWe used repeated cross sections of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999 to 2016. Using logistic regression, we measured associations between first milk consumed after formula/breast milk (whole, 2%, 1%, or fat‐free) and weight status (≥85th to <95th BMI percentile, overweight; ≥95th BMI percentile, obesity) among children 2 to 6 years (n = 8367). We also assessed associations between current milk type and weight status among those 2 to 20 years of age (n = 26 750).ResultsChildren 2 to 6 years with obesity were less likely to have been weaned to whole milk versus healthy weight children (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60‐0.98; P = .031). Individuals 2 to 20 years with overweight or obesity were less likely to drink whole milk as their current milk and more likely to drink fat‐free or 1% milk compared with healthy weight children.ConclusionsWhole milk consumers are less likely to have obesity. It is unclear whether this relationship is causal or a reflection of United States Department of Agriculture recommendations. Further examination of the factors that influence milk choice among diverse cohorts would lend clarity to this important issue.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Pakistan
Authors: Siddique Saulat 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHypertension has reached epidemic proportions in Pakistan, and cardiovascular disease accounts for half of all non‐communicable diseases in the country. Although home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is being used in Pakistan, it is not routine practice, and cost is a major barrier to uptake. Other barriers include a lack of awareness of the utility of HBPM among patients and physicians, low education literacy levels in the general population, variability of results obtained using HBPM due to the presence of a large number of non‐validated monitors on the market, and a lack of awareness among physicians about the correct methodology for using HBPM. The Pakistan Hypertension League (PHL) does recommend use of a validated digital HBPM device for BP measurement. Recent data suggest that calcium channel blockers are the most commonly used antihypertensive agents, with ß‐blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers also widely used. Traditional medicine remains popular in Pakistan because it is more accessible, especially in rural areas, and is less expensive than conventional antihypertensives. The growing burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Pakistan is compounded by the poor socioeconomic status of a fairly large proportion of the population, and lack of literacy and education. There is also a shortage of adequately trained medical personnel to take care of the increasing number of patients. The PHL and Pakistan Cardiac Society are working to increase awareness of hypertension at both the population and government levels.
Assessment of flash flood susceptibility potential in Moldavian Plain (Romania)
Authors: Iosub Marina , Minea Ionuţ , Chelariu Oana E. , Ursu Adrian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractConcentration of time (Tc) is a frequently used parameter in the evaluation of the hydrological response of different sizes hydrographic basin in case of rainfall events. The present study is innovative, because it has created an index that identifies the small‐sized hydrographic basins that are exposed to the risk of flooding. The Moldavian Plain is an area located in the northeast of Romania where the local population is frequently affected by floods and flash floods caused by heavy rainfall events. The main purpose of the current study is to identify the settlements located in the small‐sized hydrographic basins, which are associated with low concentration times and powerful surface runoff. The empirical method was applied in order to calculate the Tc for rainfall water, for each drainage basin, for a time class less than 6 hr. Calculations of the runoff water were also done for a theoretical extreme precipitation event, corresponding to the 1% occurrence probability. A total number of 312 basins were identified that are smaller than 30 km2, out of which 112 have Tc of less than 6 hr. These basins, in particular, pose flood risk for 12.4% of the villages and towns in the study area.
The effects of nanoemulsions based on citrus essential oils on the formation of biogenic amines in trout fillets stored at 4 ± 2°C
Authors: Kosker Ali Rıza 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe influences of nanoemulsions based on citrus peel (orange, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit) essential oils on the biogenic amine (BA) formation in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets stored 4 ± 2°C were investigated. The results demonstrated that main BAs in the trout fillets were putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, serotonin, tyramine, dopamine, and agmatine. It was determined that nanoemulsion application had generally suppressive effect on the formation of BAs during storage. It was also found that especially orange and lemon nanoemulsion groups were effective on histamine formation. Histamine values ranged from 0.00 to 4.08 in all groups during storage and the levels were below the limit values of FDA and EU throughout the storage period for all treatment groups. Similarly, Quality Index (QI) values of BAs were found to be below legal limits in all groups. Consequently, it was found that nanoemulsions prepared from essential oils kept the BA formation at a lower level during storage.